When it comes to kayak fishing, rod holders and mounting systems are essential for hands-free fishing and efficient rod management. Here's a breakdown of key considerations:
Rod Holders for Kayak Fishing:
Types:
- Tube-style: Simple and durable, ideal for trolling. In this style, the handle of the rod is slid into a vertical tube that holds the rod, usually in a primarily vertical position. Most manufacturer-installed, flush-mounted holders are this style.
- Trigger-style: This offers more adjustability and secure rod placement.
- Combination holders: Designed to accommodate various rod types (spinning, casting, fly).
- Horizontal: This type of holder can often hold multiple rods in a horizontal position for fishing areas with overhanging trees. Depending on your setup, horizontal holders can also be used to stack rods for storage. (Although, usually vertical setups are good for storing multiple rods.)
Key Features:
- Adjustability: Ability to change rod angle and orientation. Trigger and combination holders offer the most adjustability.
- Security: Firmly holds the rod to prevent loss. Tube style, especially those flush mounted in the kayak are often extremely secure.
- Durability: Resistance to saltwater and UV exposure. Choose materials that withstand wear, especially if you are going to encounter salt water.
- Compatibility: Works with various rod and reel sizes. Make sure that your rod holder is compatible with your rod. Nothing worse than discovering that your rod doesn’t fit in your holder.
Considerations:
- Quick release: If you have a line in the water, then you want to be sure that you can quickly access your rod if you get a bite. Make sure that your holder releases the rod quickly. (And make sure you practice with it.) You need to get a good combination of firm hold and quick release.
- Heavy-use and torque: If you’ve got a big one on your line, the last thing you want is for your rod to come loose or for the whole holder to rip out of the kayak. Make sure that you use a holder that is up to the challenge and has been installed correctly.
- Storage vs trolling vs fishing: Use the best holder for your fishing activity. If you aren’t currently fishing, use a horizontal or crate to hold your rods. Take advantage of flush-mounted holders for trolling or storage. If you are actively fishing, an adjustable, trigger style setup is helpful.
Mounting Systems for Kayaks:
Types:
- Track systems: Allow for easy installation and repositioning of rod holders and other accessories.
- Flush mounts: These are permanently installed in the kayak's hull.
- Clamp-on mounts: These provide temporary and portable mounting options.
- Ball mounts: These offer extreme adjustability as the ball pivots on all positions.
Key Features:
- Stability: Securely attaches the rod holder to the kayak. Track systems can be great for this, especially if they are installed by the manufacturer. Choose heavy-duty material over plastics.
- Versatility: Accommodates various rod holder types and accessories. You might want to combine several different mounting systems to get the most out of your kayak. Use the flush-mounted holders as well as a track-mounted one.
- Ease of installation: Simple and straightforward mounting process. Track and flush-mounted holders can hardly be beaten for their user-friendliness. Drop the rod in the holder of a flush-mounted tube style. Or attach easily to a track that will hold any number of mounts.
- Compatibility: Fits the kayak's specific design and features.
Considerations:
- Kayak type: The type of mounting system will often depend on your kayak's design. Many modern fishing kayaks come with pre-installed track systems as well as a number of flush-mounted rod holders.
- Weight and material: Consider the weight and size of your fishing gear when choosing a mounting system.
- Ease of access: Also consider where you want to mount your rod holders. Reaching them while on the water is very important. You also want to make sure they don’t impede getting in and out of the kayak.
In essence, the best rod holder and mounting system will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your fishing style, kayak design, and budget when making your selection.