If you’re an angler who likes nothing better than taking their vessel out onto the water and catching fish in an open space, you already know that a rod holder is a must-have accessory.
Having a rod holder frees up your hands for other things, makes it easier for you to have more lines in the water at once, and gives you greater success when fishing. For a fisherman, these are all things that we could certainly have more of.
With all of these benefits, it makes the task of shopping for the best rod holder seem more difficult because it’s really not a piece of gear that you want to get wrong. There are hundreds of products that claim to be the best fishing rod holders but if you’re serious about angling then you won’t just trust any old thing.
We’ve scoured the web and reviewed all kinds of accessories from the best kayak rod holders to the best trolling rod holders. With our recommendations and a detailed look at what features matter most, you’ll be well on your way to a more successful fishing trip every time and will never want to leave home without your holder.
Product Name | Our Rating |
|---|---|
Best Trolling Rod Holder | |
Best Fishing Rod Holder | |
Best Kayak Rod Holder | |
Our Recommendations
There are so many different types of holders out there depending on what you’re using it for, the type of vessel you’re fishing on, and any other specific requirements you have.
Shopping for the best rod holders for boats is usually better when you know what type of fishing you’re going to be doing. We’ve found the best in a few different categories so you can get the perfect fit.
Best Trolling Rod Holder: Millennium Outdoors Spyder LOK
If you’re after the best rod holders for trolling, you can look no further than Millennium Outdoors.
This brand has been making quality fishing gear for years and they promise their products will last you a lifetime, no matter what type of angling you enjoy.
The Millennium Outdoors Spyder LOK has been specifically made for spider rigging, allowing you to take the method to the next level. With this rod holder, you’ll be able to fit four separate rod heads on the one device and it gives you 24 inches of space on the crossbar.
This is the best way to maximize your efforts and guarantee yourself the best outcome possible when you’re on the water.
The customer reviews of this rod holder are all amazed at the quality of the build and construction so if you’re happy to spend a little extra then it’s well worth it. They promise that their products will last a lifetime so making one investment now is going to pay off for your entire fishing career. This kind of peace of mind certainly makes the purchase easier.
One slight downfall came in the installation process and there were a few customers who were annoyed at how detailed it was. You’ll need some of your own tools and some spare time to get it set up, but once it’s attached, you’ll be able to easily adjust it without tools.
This means that no matter where you’re fishing or what you need your rods to do, it won’t take long to make a quick adjustment.
The Spyder LOK from Millennium Marine is ideal for spider rigging and you can push and pull crankbaits with ease, or go fast or slow with your trolling. You’ll find it incredibly easy to use and it does most of the work for you so that you can sit back and enjoy the experience.
One of the best features of this rod holder is that they’ve designed the mounting plate to be flush with the carpet. Any fisherman knows that stubbed toes are part of the job when working with a rod holder so this seemingly minor detail is certainly well received.
The height is fully adjustable which and it’s got a 360-degree rotational crossbar so you’ll get absolute freedom in how you use it. Although expensive, the small details and solid construction make this the most obvious choice for anyone looking for the best boat rod holders for trolling.
OUR RATING
Best Fishing Rod Holder: Plusinno Fishing Boat Rod Holders
Sometimes, we don’t need anything too fancy when we’re out on the water, just somewhere reliable and simple to hold our rods.
If this sounds like your type of angling and the sort of rod holders you’ve been searching for, you’ll want to check out the Plusinno Fishing Boat Road Holders.
Plusinno is a trusted fishing brand and they’re known for making affordable products that don’t have too many bells and whistles. This rod holder might be simple but it works with many types including spin casters, casting and spinning rod handles.
Sometimes, we don’t need anything too fancy when we’re out on the water, just somewhere reliable and simple to hold our rods. If this sounds like your type of angling and the sort of rod holders you’ve been searching for, you’ll want to check out the Plusinno Fishing Boat Road Holders.
Plusinno is a trusted fishing brand and they’re known for making affordable products that don’t have too many bells and whistles. This rod holder might be simple but it works with many types including spin casters, casting and spinning rod handles. You’ll be able to change things up as you wish and use an array of rods on the water if you feel the desire.
This is one of the best clamp on rod holders on the market and it has a maximum opening of 1.97 inches to suit most types of rods.
The large clamp can fit just about anywhere you need it to on the boat and it can be surfaced or mounted to the rail, whatever you prefer. It’s fully adjustable as well, so you won’t require special tools to change it as needed and it couldn’t be easier to install.
There have been a few comments about the construction of the rod holders, with people commenting that the plastic parts would have been better if they were made from aluminum.
While it definitely would have made it stronger, keep in mind that this rod holder is made to be affordable and better suited for lighter rods, so not really something that professional level anglers would be relying on.
Plusinno has been sure to keep the environment in mind when making this rod and they’ve crafted it out of eco-friendly material and durable stainless steel. It’s been made with heavy duty ABS and they promise that it won’t corrode which is especially great to know if you’re a saltwater angler.
If you’ve never used a rod holder before and are looking to test the water, the Plussino Boat Rod Holder is the best place to start. It’s simple, affordable, but not really designed to be a lifelong companion, so it can teach you everything you need to know about shopping for this important piece of gear.
OUR RATING
Best Kayak Rod Holder: Multi Outools Plastic Rod Holder
Shopping for the best rod holders for kayak fishing means looking for a completely different set of features.
The Multi Outools Plastic Rod Holder is just this type of accessory and will perfectly suit what’s required when fishing in this unique type of vessel.
Kayaks are known for being lightweight, so choosing a lightweight rod holder seems to go hand in hand. The Multi Outools Rod Holder is made entirely of plastic which means it’s light and durable and has been made with long lasting ABS, so you can have peace of mind that it will last you for a few years.
These rod holders are cheap, and you can get a set of four for less than most brands charge for just one. Keep in mind that these are better suited to kayaks only because of their lightweight nature, so don’t attempt to use them with bigger vessels or for professional angling trips, because you’ll end up being sorely disappointed.
The Multi Outools Rod Holder is pretty easy to install, and the design features three screw holes that let you mount it to just about any flat surface. You’ll find an ideal spot on your canoe to set it up and then you can use the dangle designed head to make adjustments on the water as you need to.
Multi Outools has included a rubber gasket and cap on the design which is intended to seal the bottom and stop water from leaking in.
However, judging by some of the reviews it wasn’t as airtight as they had hoped for, and some customers had to return theirs for a replacement. Do a quick check of yours once it’s installed to ensure it’s not faulty and causing a leak.
Although this is a cheaper model, it’s really all you need for kayak fishing. Don’t be fooled by the plastic construction as it’s actually quite durable and will perform excellently in the water. Regardless of what type of fish you’re trying to catch or where you are on the water, you’ll be happy to have the Multi Outools Rod Holder by your side.
OUR RATING
What To Look For When Buying A Rod Holder
Whether you’re an expert angler or completely new to the sport, shopping for new pieces of gear can be challenging. There are so many different categories, specifications, and features you need to know about to ensure you’ve got the right product, and the search can easily become overwhelming.
When shopping for a rod holder, there are some easy questions you can ask yourself to point you in the right direction, so keep these in mind when you start your search.
What Type Of Fishing Are You Doing?
The type of fishing you do will make the biggest difference in your final product. Trolling, spider rigging, salt water, fresh water, kayak or boat are just some things to keep in mind when shopping around.
How Many Rods Can It Hold?
You might prefer to fish with just one rod or need four or more on the water. Depending on your preference, you can usually get a holder to suit just about as many as you need, provided you can keep track of them all.
What Types Of Rods Can It Hold?
Think about the types of rod you prefer to use and then shop for a holder to match. Some serious anglers have different holders to meet their rods, and the best approach is to match the measurements and styles.
How Easy It Is To Mount?
Mounting a rod holder can be as simple as clamping it on or as detailed as screwing in and using other tools for installation. What you prefer will depend on your own skills and how hard you’re willing to work in the setup phase. Also keep in mind how easy it adjusts once set up, as this will need to be done when you’re on the water.
How Durable Is It?
Durability is a big deal with fishing gear, but your budget may impact just how durable your rod holder is. If you have a lot to spend, you’re likely to find something longer lasting, compared to those with a smaller budget who need simplicity and reliability in the short term.
Conclusion
Many anglers claim that once they fished with a rod holder, they were never the same again. Having this one simple device attached to your vessel can offer so many benefits, with the most important one being a greater success rate when it comes to what you can catch.
Shopping for the best rod holder may seem daunting at first, but it’s all a matter of knowing what you’re looking for before you start the search. Using our recommendations and essential features, you can be pointed in the right direction to choose the ideal rod holder for your setup.
As anglers, anything we can do to make our time on the water more relaxing and successful we will be happy to do. By attaching a simple rod holder to your kayak or boat, you’ll notice a huge improvement in your fishing expeditions and likely wonder how you ever lived without it.
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