Surface mount rod holders

[fishingdan]

I have been fortunate enough (I guess that is what I should call it) to have 3 Berkley surface mount rod holders shattered by stripers and it is only June 11. The bases simply cannot take the impact and subequent load of a keeper size striper.

As you can see in the pic below, I have 2 of these rod holders (also sold by Attwood) in the aft corners of the boat. I would like to replace them with better quality and more durable surface mount holders. Any suggestions? I want to stick with surface mounts if possible. Flush mount models will impose on the storage space in the motorwell sides.

Thanks

http://www.glen-l.com/picboards/picboard11/pic601c.jpg

[RogerStg]

You might want to try another brand, such as sold by Cabelas. I had a set on a boat for 10 years and regularly trolled wire and caught lots of keepers. Maybe they make them cheaper now though. Another option is something like this:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&classNum=12451&subdeptNum=11157&storeNum=19&productId=47652

[Jim Miller]

a number of manuf. make Stainless steel adjustable holders...
perko, tigress, taco, lees, smith. Tougher to get holders for fly rods. I used Taco big game 2 piece... see pic.
NICE skiff BTW!

[fishingdan]

Thanks guys.

[DaleH]

FishinDan:

Many options out there for "surface mount" rod holders. Dot-Line company (Mengo Enterprises) makes many styles, in aluminum or stainless steel, fixed, pivoting, and/or adjustable. Plus you can buy direct ... so you'll get them fast.

Fixed: http://www.mengo-ind.com/images/mtt_1146_01.jpg Pivot: http://www.mengo-ind.com/images/mtt_1147_01.jpg
Removeable: http://www.mengo-ind.com/images/mtt_1020_01.jpg Adjustable: http://www.mengo-ind.com/images/mtt_rc-175_01.jpg

See: http://www.mengo-ind.com/mtt_rodholders.html

[fishingdan]

Thanks for the info. Until I started to look around, I had no idea that there were so many choices. I saw that site over the weekend, but couldn't figure out how to find someone that carries them.

[FlyFishMich]

If you decide to stick w/ the plastic holder, Scotty's are hard to beat (they may be the same as the Cabelas holders). They are a little softer and certainly less brittle. If money is not an object then look at Berts Custom or Big Jon. Good luck...nice looking boat BTW!

[fishingdan]

Thank you FFM. I think that I will probably go with non-plastic this time around.

I may also put a couple somewhere near the console. For tube and worm trolling, it would be nice to watch the rods while operating the boat. Anyone does this before on a smaller boat?

Where are you in Michigan? I have family in Chippewa Lake just east of Big Rapids.

Dan

[FlyFishMich]

Near Grand Rapids...about an hour south of Big Rapids. Lots of good fishing year-round out here :) ...but no albies, bass, or blues --124-3 If you ever get out here, send me a PM and I can direct you to some good fishing ;)

Good luck with the rodholders...Cabelas or Bass Pro will have a good selection of "non-plastic" holders.

[fishingdan]

I get out there several times per year. I will PM you the next time. My parents have lived on Chippewa Lake for 25 years. We tend to stay there, but it would be nice to try something different.

Thanks