How To Install Fishing Rod Holders on A Boat?

Fishing rod holders are considered one of the most essential boating accessories. They allow anglers to have a hands-free fishing experience, help optimize fishing hours on the water, and secure fishing rods safely for storage. Multiple fishing lines can be easily managed if these rods are installed efficiently. 

This article will help you better understand how to install fishing rod holders, including the process, required tools, and rod holder types. 

Prime Fishing Rod Holder Types:

Understanding the installation process properly will be challenging unless you know the leading fishing rod holder types. The advantages of every type vary, and the proper selection depends heavily on boat types and fishing styles. 

• Clamp-On Holders: 

They are highly versatile and can be conveniently installed on railings. They are treated as a perfect fit for boats with no drilling hole option. They are pretty flexible and thus can be easily adjusted as needed.

• Adjustable Holders: 

The direction and angle of the rod can be easily adjusted here. These holders can be mounted at any part of the boat without hassle.

• Deck-Mount Holders: 

These rod holders are usually mounted on the boat transom or deck. Their angles can be easily controlled, and necessary adjustments can be made occasionally.

• Flush-Mount Holders: 

The boat's gunwale is a suitable location for installing these rod holders for fishing. Their appearance is unobtrusive and sleek. These secured and stable rod holders can conveniently handle heavy-duty fishing. 

Tools Needed for Installing Rod Holders: 

Do you want to ensure accurate and correct installation? 

In this case, you can use a few essential tools or materials. Choose the right rod holder considering the fishing style and boat type. A drilling machine with appropriate drill bits needs to be used together with bolts or screws, marine-grade sealant, measuring tape, pencil or marker, wrenches, screwdriver, and safety gear. 

Proper Location Selection to Install Rod Holders: 

Location is an important aspect to consider when you install fishing rod holders. Both the safety and functionality of the holders are directly linked with location. If you have any specific location on the boat from where you can sit and conveniently conduct your fishing for hours, then you can install the holder there to access it easily. Secured and stable mounting points like deck, transom, and gunwale must be chosen. 

Detecting the best installation location for rod holders without considering the boat type or style is challenging. Boats with a center console allow rod holder installation over the gunwale or at any convenient point around the center console. Anglers often choose the location based on their fishing style. For instance, anglers doing trolling find rod holders towards the boat’s rear to be the most suitable option. 

Steps to Install Fishing Rod Holders:

Whether you want to install pontoon rod holders for trolling or a different one, the process varies from one type to another. The installation details for three major types are discussed below. 

1. Flush-Mount Holders: 

• A marker or a measuring tape must be used to detect the ideal location for installation. 
• Make sure the location has no structural or wiring components. 
• The process is initiated by drilling a tiny pilot hole towards the marked location’s center area. This would be an excellent guide for huge drill bits, preventing unwanted splintering. 
• Holding the drill steadily will ensure an even and precise cut, allowing easy holder installation. 
• After inserting the fishing rod holder, find the right fit. The hole size can certainly be adjusted as needed. 
• You must bring a marine-grade sealer and apply it around the hole’s edge and rod holder’s base. This step is necessary to secure the rod holder and prevent water intrusion. 
• The applied sealants must be left untouched to accelerate the drying process, and excess sealants need to be wiped off to maintain a tidy look. 

If your boat has enough deck space, you can consider deck mounting rod holders on the boat. Deck-mount holders follow the same process as installing fishing rod holders for boats. These holders are immensely flexible and accommodate your usage of fishing rods. 

2. Clamp-On Holders:

These holders are easy to fix as they do not involve any drilling. Consequently, they have become the most favorable option, especially for boats with railings or aluminum boats. 

• First, an appropriate railing must be chosen to fix or install the holder rigidly and safely.
• After opening the clamp, the holder must be positioned well at the chosen location to facilitate the correct fishing angle.
• The rod holder can only be secured once the clamp is tightened. After doing so, you must examine it once to ensure firm attachment. For quick-release feature options, detailed testing is necessary to ensure error-free functionality. 
• After the process, you can put your fishing rod in the holder to check whether the installation was done correctly. 

Final Considerations: 

You must understand the basics to install fishing rod holders to enhance the fishing experience and improve rod management and convenience. If you follow the above guidelines sincerely, you will successfully finish the fishing pole holder installation yourself. After installation, the rod holders must be maintained carefully to prevent loosening, corrosion, or wear. 

Apart from the ones mentioned above, a few accessories, like gimbals, caps, and rod extenders, have also been added to boost the overall functionality. These accessories are used for customizing rod holders, and you can also find them with a DIY fishing pole holder. If you are not confident enough to deal with the installation, hiring a skilled and experienced professional would be the right choice. 

Looking to purchase high-quality fishing gear? 

Check out the best fishing gear and accessories at Deep Blue Outdoors. We have everything you need for your fishing adventures.

Contact us today to explore more fishing accessories.