I am in the market for rod holders. What are your opinions. A major consideration is being able to hold rods with Dipsys – there is alot of pressure there. Does anyone use those Steel tube type holders, or do they take up too much room?
In my opinion the best steel tubes are the Pursuit Holders. They have a track system also. I use Ram’s and have had great luck with them, no matter the application. You will be happy with either one. Although, unless you fish big water exclusively I would think twice about the Pursuit holders. All around the Rams are the best in my opinion.
I have only used one and they have performed well with no failures. Cabelas brand which is same as Scotty.
Suzuki,
Have you ever run dipsys with yours? Just don’t want to regret my purchase…
No. The heaviest pull I have put on them is planer boards. I have been running 2 rods off one holder with adapter. 1 with planer and one straight line. There’s was a good article about holders in one of the recent Bass and Walleye boat magazine. Big write up from one pro that used them and loves them. Claimed the cork came off a rod handle on a bad snag and holder stayed put. He had them all over his boat. That’s all I know.
I had the cabela’s brand before the RAMS. The Cabela’s were very strong and you will not have any trouble with them being able to pull whatever you want to pull.
I didn’t like them because the reels didn’t sit deep enough in them and unless you mounted them higher up, you rod butts would hit if you tried to tip them up high for trolling boards. This was on my last Lund.
Another vote for RAMS.
Nubby, where are you pulling dipsy divers?
-J.
Jon,
It is a secret technique I discovered on Pool 2. I’ll have to fill you in soon. 
Actually, I fish Lake Michigan a few times each year.
Just installed 2 Down east rod holders in my boat for trolling heavy tackle, can’t beat em! 
Scott brought up a good point. I almost had to patch my boat because of a misplaced 3/4 inch hole.
Make sure your (rod) butts have enough clearance from the gunalls! 
Take PVC pipe and duct tape a stick on. Tape it TIGHT. Works excelent for shore river fishing. Ill git a pic of mine up in a bit.
got to agree with hooks, down east all the way. i have them on my smaller boat and have put them to the test. rods go in easy and come out easy. nothing to slide or move to hold the rod in place. just pull up on the rod and crank’um in. picked up 2 berkley’s the other day for my bigger boat. i was in a pinch and couldn’t find any down east around mille lacs, they will work for holding a rod bobber fishing, but i don’t trust them trolling muskie. just got off the phone with thorns and they have plenty in stock, both powder coat and plain.
http://www.cabelas.com/products/Cpod0001441.jsp
Wow, these look solid. Price is good, too. Thanks, Hooks.
Yep, I picked mine up at thorne bros. too. Around twenty bucks apiece.
When I have a $300-$400 rod and reel in a rod holder I don’t want to go swimming for it because some plastic part broke off. 
When trolling baits that weigh 14-22 ounces you need something strong, and down east have a great reputation. Sound like a commercial?
The only problem I’ve found with Down east holders is when Trolling large Muskie rods (8 – 9 1/2 footers) you need to place the reel seat trigger finger just perfectly in them to get the rod to sit in place right. The trigger is wider than smaller lighter rods. After a little practice you know this and it’s not a big deal. Part of the learning curve I guess. I really got paranoid watching those plastic holders flex on those big rods.
The plastic ones will still work great for walleye trolling and of course bobber fishing!
Heres my PVC beast. Works good for river fishing for suckers or cats. I also put bells on my poles for good detection.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
