Do you wish to enjoy hands-free fishing on your pontoon boat during excursions at sea? If yes, then a pontoon boat rod holder should be your ideal choice as it ensures that your fishing pole does not tangle.
They can be mounted on the square railings, installed on sidewalls, and even attached to coolers and seats, giving you the freedom to perform other tasks.
They have an innovative design and top-notch quality that guarantees their durability. Many pontoons are explicitly built for angling and feature their own fishing chairs and rod holders.
But what about the rest?
If you’re itching to catch different types of fish, you will be happy to know that it is pretty simple and quick to install rod holders on pontoon boats.
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3. Brocraft Pontoon Boat Rod Holder –
This pontoon rod holder from Brocraft has a similar side mount flange design to Scotty’s rod holder. First, you have to attach the rail mount, and then the holder slides in. But here, the rail mount is fantastic.
It is designed to fit the standard 1 1/4” square rail and 7/8″ round rail. To your surprise, it even includes the 1” rail without leaving any gaps to fill.
What’s more impressive is that it attaches four stainless steel fasteners, unlike the two on most others, which gives them the strength and firmness it needs. It is made from fiberglass injected nylon material, which makes it sturdy.
You can expect it to easily last year. It secures the rod with the plastic strap that goes over it. Even though it looks firm, it provides 360-degree adjustment, so you can keep the rod outside when fishing and rotate it inside when not.
You can also set it at any angle and height, making for a good fishing experience. This rod holder holds well, stays firm, and removes easily. The only thing I wish to change is the design, which doesn’t look as lovely as the others on the list.
Pros
- Sturdy material and stainless steel fasteners
- It fits most types of rails
- 360-degree rotation with height and angle adjustment
- Side mount flange design
Cons
- It doesn’t look that nice.
- It isn’t suitable for big fish.
- Fiber-glass Injected Nylon construction
- 360° rotation and with fully adjustable rod angle
- Turns through 12 rest position
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2. Scotty Rod Holder with Square Rail Mount –
With a square rail mount, this rod holder completely eradicates the problem we have with the clamp design. This tough rail mount perfectly fits a 1 1/4” square rail and securely holds the rod. It comes with stainless steel fasteners to attach the mount.
I like how it goes around the rail and close underneath; it just feels a lot more secure. Plus, you don’t have to do any drilling or stuff. Once the mount is installed, you can quickly attach the rod holder, and it’s ready for use.
This might seem like a lot of work, but it hardly takes two minutes. I love that I can pop out the rod holder and leave the base(mount) attached when I am not fishing. It stays firm and doesn’t hinder the installation of your mooring cover.
So, next time when you are fishing, you don’t have to fix it completely. It just gets too much convenient. Now, your rod is secured inside by the soft latching strap, which fits over your rod.
It’s pretty easy to operate, closes, removes quickly, and provides good protection. But the protection here is nowhere close to the “power lock” we saw in the Eagle Claw. The strap here is only suitable for small/medium fish species.
Of course, we can’t rely on a rubber strap to handle the pressure of big fish. Personally, I love this rod holder. It’s well built, mounts and removes quickly, provide good protection, and holds up very well.
I had a 20+ pound brown hit with the rod in this holder, and it didn’t move. Pretty impressive!
Pros
- Sturdy material and stainless steel fasteners
- It fits perfectly on a standard rail; no drilling is required.
- Set up and remove quickly
- It holds well and provides good protection
- Feels more secure than the latch mount
Cons
- Isn’t it good for big fishes
- holds a baitcaster reel in a cushioned cradle
- pistol grip rod butts easily clear the sides of the rod holder for quick rod retrieval
- rod can be secured in the holder with a soft latching strap which snaps over the top
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1. Eagle Claw Clamp-On Aluminum Boat Rod Holder –
Here is the one for those looking for an ultimate rod holder. This rod holder from Eagle Claw offers a firm hold and power lock to ensure your rod’s safety. It is made from corrosion-resistant, high-impact plastic, which is sturdy.
From my use, I think they can easily last for five years. This thing is sturdy, adjustable, secure, and bigger than most rod holders. Plus, it setups quickly thanks to the clamp-on design, so no drilling and stuff.
While it’s fantastic, some things to keep in mind when installing. Firstly, add rubber to the plastic so it won’t scratch your railing. And secondly, don’t try to tighten the clampdown too firmly, or it will dent your rail.
Keep it a bit loose, but not too loose that any decent fish pulls it off the railing. I really love how easily it adjusts to any angle or side whenever you want it to. It offers a 360-degree adjustment, which is fantastic.
The rod securing mechanism on this thing, a.k.a. “power lock,” is super secure, unlike the plastic rubber strap on most others. This thing rotates to the side, which closes the opening area of the rod.
It takes a little bit of effort to make it very secure. But that also makes it hard to secure and remove it quickly. Since it’s a clamp-on design, don’t entirely rely on it.
If you get a hold of a fish, don’t think the holder got it all, and quickly take action as it can get a bit loose from the fish pull. And if you got a big one, not being attentive may pull it off the rail into the water. Although it’s rare, there is still a chance.
Pros
- Sturdy and very secure
- Set up quick and easy
- 360-degree adjustment
- Very secure rod holder
- It holds well and provides good protection
- Bigger than other holders, so I feel much safer
Cons
- You can’t fully rely on the rod
- Crafted out of corrosion resistant, high impact plastic
- Allows for 360-degree adjustment
- Can adjust rod angle
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Important Things To Consider Before Buying –
The square railings around the pontoon deck make it possible to attach accessories such as fishing rods or poles, downriggers, etc. A rod holder guarantees your comfort and convenience during angling trips and outings at sea.
It is the perfect hunting accessory that securely holds your gear while you are engaged in fishing. Therefore, it is essential to purchasing the best rod holder made from premium quality materials that constitute an innovative design, ensuring total reliability and durability.
There are different varieties and brands of rod holders available in the market. To make the right choice, you need to consider certain essential things listed below.
1. Durability –
Durability is a crucial factor to keep in mind while purchasing tools or accessories. If a product cannot withstand wear and tear or pressure, it automatically becomes no use.
When it comes to angling, you would want a holder who can handle a robust fish’s pressure and force, especially if you plan to use the rod holder for trolling.
The last thing any of you want is to watch your holder and the rod flying into the water as you hook the hefty fish.
It would be best to invest in a holder that is capable enough to hold a 10-pound fish. Anything less would lead you to lose your expensive equipment and will also ruin your fun day in the lake.
2. Materials –
Along with durability, the material is another important thing that needs to be kept in mind before purchasing a rod holder. It is essential to buy a holder made from anti-corrosion and anti-rust materials to don’t wear down over time.
Because if they are not, then the moisture emitted from your hands and fishing poles will automatically damage your holder. The most common materials used in a rod holder are aluminum, steel, and high-strength plastic.
All of these are excellent choices, but each one of them works best in specific conditions. Steel- Steel holders are sturdier and long-lasting as compared to other cases.
They are the best choices for charter services, professional fishers, and those who angle for large fishes in rough water. Aluminum- Cases made from these materials are not as strong as steel holders, but they are still fine for efficient use.
Powder-coated aluminum holders are quite popular as they do not get hot under the sun. High-strength Plastic is the most budget-friendly rod holder that saves one time and energy.
However, they are only perfect for casual anglers and not for those working in tough conditions. Polymer (ABS)- Rod cases made from a strong polymer like ABS can be a little expensive, but they withstand years of use and thus provide longevity.
3. Adjustment Angle –
A suitable rod holder is the one that makes your angling experience smooth and efficient. It does not come loaded with flashy features of no use; instead, it comes with essential perks for easy use.
One of the nice things a rod holder should have is the ability to adjust its angle. A situation might arise where there is a need to adjust the rod case to catch a fish.
If you are not fishing with an adjustable holder, you can lose a trophy-winning catch. For this reason, you need to invest in a rod holder that offers you 360 degrees of movement.
4. Mounting And Anchoring –
Rod holders are designed in various ways so that they can be used in any fishing circumstance. We have described below some common rod holders available –
Clamp-On- These holders are ideal for anglers who fish from different boats as they can be attached easily to several places on boats. They feature a spring-loaded clamp that can be quickly and simply mounted.
Threaded- These are very secure holders that constitute a machine end that needs to be screwed into a threaded container mounted on the boat.
Track or Rail mount- Many modern pontoons come equipped with tracks or rail mounts, and some rod holders specifically come designed to be attached to them.
Flush Mount- These rod holders are designed to be permanently attached to your boats with bolts. Though you can move them, they require specific tools and some considerable effort.
5. Compatibility –
It is essential that the rod holder you purchase works well with your fishing rods and easily attaches to the rails. Therefore, it is necessary to do some research before you buy one.
Some holders work with square or round railing, while others are universal. Further, it is essential to keep in mind the width of your rod. Not all fishing rods can fit perfectly well into a rod case.
If you are angling with a thick fishing rod, you will definitely need to invest in a holder capable of holding bigger fishing rods. You need to ensure that whatever rod holder you are buying is compatible with your pontoon and fishing rods.
FAQ –
What Are The Safety Tips You Need To Keep In Mind While Using A Rod Holder?
Following are some of the things that will help you avoid stumbling and make the most of your rod holders- Keep a backup of rod holders if one breaks or malfunctions.
Some holders use quick-release mechanisms after the fish takes your line to remove the rod from the holder. Purchase a self-drain rod holder. Make sure to invest in a simple and quick holder to install and remove.
Where To Mount The Rod Holders?
Normally, you can install a rod holder anywhere on your pontoon boat. But for an incredible performance, you need to find a suitable area that doesn’t come in between when you are busy with other activities.
Therefore, it is best to place the holder at a 90-degree angle from the centreline.
Is It Easy To Mount Rod Holders On A Pontoon Boat?
If you have the proper tools and some essential knowledge of how they work, then mounting rod holders on your pontoon can become a simple and straightforward task. The significant thing to keep in mind is your safety.
Conclusion –
This article talks about the best rod holder for your pontoon. It helps you have hand-free fishing, so you can bask in the sun while this holder works for you. If you like the article, share it with your friends and family.