By Michelle Nesbit
If you like fishing, but don't want to sit for hours holding a fishing rod, there are several types of rod holders that will hold your rod securely in the event you get a bite. Rod holders can save a rod from going into the water, if you just sit the rod down for a minute to re-position the boat, or walk across the dock to get a lawn chair. Rod holders are made to attach to the side of your boat, attach to a dock, stick in the ground and give a hook-setting motion when they sense movement on the line. If you know a welder, you might find a rod holder is as simple as a metal pipe welded to a metal plate and bolted to a dock or pontoon boat floor.
Cleat Rod Holders
Cleat rod holders are designed to attach to the cleat of a boat and hold a rod securely. These are ideal for fish and ski boats that don't have a lip on them like a metal fishing boat. Their function works well for boat owners that don't want to permanently affix a rod holder to the wooden platforms in their boat.
Pontoon Rail Rod Holders
Pontoon rail rod holders are designed to be vice clamped around the upper rails of a pontoon boat. You may have seen a pontoon that has several of these around the railings of the boat, especially toward the rear when trolling. These are removable often times so that you can position them where you want.
Bow Rail Rod Holders
Bow rail rod holders are similar to pontoon rail rod holders. You can attach them to the bow rails of a fish and ski boat. Many bass boats may come with rod holders built into the sides of the boat. Open bow ski boats are often used by recreational fishermen and bow rail rod holders are a good option.
Ground Rod Holders
Ground or dock rod holders are for fishing on solid ground. The ones that are a ground rod holder model usually have a stake that is driven into the ground to hold the rod holder securely. Sometimes a fisherman will affix a bobber or bell on the line between two eyes on the rod and pull out some slack. When a fish gets on the line, it will pull the bobber up tight against the rod or ring the bell. This is one way you can visually see a fish starting to run with your bait.
Rod Mounting
Some rod holders have a tension arm that gives a hook-setting motion by giving the rod a quick upward jolt to set the hook when a fish is messing with the bait or starts to run with it. The same principle is often used with a dock rod holder that is permanently bolted to the dock flooring. There are some of these rod holders that require no drilling and no bolts to hold them on, however.
Ice Fishing Rod Holders
Of course in Northern states, ice fishing is popular and many of the ice fishing rod holders have a tip up action that works on the same principle as the jolting, hook-setting action rod holders. Most rod holders can be purchased around $30 and they are very convenient, when it comes to making sure you don't miss a bite, or lose a rod and reel.
About the Author:
Michelle Nesbit started her writing career in 1999, when she wrote "The Title Searcher's Handbook." Nesbit has written for The Chattanoogan, Healthmad and several clients who secure her services as a ghostwriter. Nesbit's background includes licenses in Insurance, certification as a Rescue and Technical Scuba Diver, Underwater Photographer, and a clinical hypnotherapist. Nesbit is currently completing studies as a clinical nutritionist.
