Boat Rod Holder Conversion

[Mike Tolbert]

I’m going to convert my existing boat rod holders to Fly Rod Holders.

Here’s what I currently have

Here’s kind of what I’m going for

Here’s a pic of the boat. I was fishing with the dogs here. You can see my fly rod holder I made out of PVC pipe sticking out of the livewell (in front of the center console) – looks a bit “phallicy” now that I look at the photo).

Anyone done this or have any good ideas?

I was thinking I could cut out the existing tubes with wire cutters to open it up enough for fly rods. Then,put some weather stripping at the top inside the tube to help hold the rod in place. I’d still probably want some kind of strap to ensure that it doesn’t fall out. I could use velcro tape to strap it in, but I figured I’d check to see if anyone had any better ideas.

Thanks,
Mike

[Jay Malyon]

I cant tell from the picture if your 3 rod holder is one piece or one of the mutli-piece, where you could detach the tubes and replace them with fly rod holders. I’ve got one of those, and have thought of doing the same thing. My fly rod holder is the suction cup mount from the same company, which is totally useless. I took them off after a few trips and threw the holder in a storage compartment. I am not convinced that those holders will stay in the closed position all day either. The part that twists around was kind of loose.

I have seen these in action and think they are better.
https://secure3.ntwebb.com/bluewaternet-com/index.html

You can get the yellow and green ones super cheap if you don’t care about color.

[Zach Matthews]

All you really need to do Mike is extend the slot down and then install a strap at the top, like Velcro. PVC is malleable when heated and then cools nicely. It is also paintable. What I would do is remove the holder, carve the slot longer using a Dremel tool, then sand it smooth or hit it with a heat gun and roll the newly-cut edge out so it makes a soft transition. You could do that with your hands and leather gloves (it’s how I made my pushpole holders).

One thing to consider though; fly rods are 9 feet long and flimsy at the tip. If you plan to do a lot of motoring with the rods up in the air you are going to take a risk. That’s why almost all flats boats have horizontal rod storage.

Zach

[Mike Tolbert]

Jay, I am able to detach each tube from the base. I looked at the Blue Water Designs rod holder and they look good for $15. However, I doubt they would fit into my existing unit. That’s why I was thinking about just modifying my existing tube.

I thought the same thing about the suction cup rod holders. They are damn expensive too.

[Mike Tolbert]

Zach, I was thinking the same thing but I’m pretty sure the slot needs to be bit wider for the fly rood/reel to slip down into the tube. I don’t have a Dremel tool, but I do have a multi tool that should work (or I figured I could probably just cut it real slowing with wire cutters, but I’m starting to think that might cause a crack). I’ll try it with the multi tool first, then sand it down a bit before sticking the heat gun on it.

The only motoring I would do with the rod in the holder would be when I’m on water and not fishing. I never have rods in there when I’m hauling the boat to/from my destination.

I also considered making a gimbal rod holder adapter, like this….
http://www.marlinmag.com/techniques/rigs-and-tips/make-your-boat-fly-friendly

I figured I have 6 of the regular plastic rod holders (3 on both sides of the center console) and I could modify 2 or 3 of those and still have plenty of regular rod holders. I have 2 gimbal rod holers built into the sides of the boat for trolling.

Thanks for the feedback Zach & Jay! I figured you guys would chime in considering how you like to trick out your toys. 🙂

[Alan Corbin]

Mike I have the same rod holder on my kayak crate and both my 8 weights and 5 weights fit just fine. I just have to be careful around trees on the pond. I have no issues on the ocean though : )

[Mike Tolbert]

Alan, you are correct. I was able to use them the way they are. For some reason my 6wt didn’t fit that well but if I jam it in it fits. I use some velcro straps to secure them while boating.

Thanks

[T. Wiles]

Gonna install 2 sets of these on the Hog Island this week…I’ll let you know how they work out.

[Mike Tolbert]

That’s cool Travis! Let me know how it works out for you.

[Author]

Posts