Best rod holder?

[Pitch Pocket]

Running my rod straight off the back of my sled with a diver (#2 deep six or similar sized delta)using 50lb tuff line. The Scotty rod holder couldn't hold the rod up at my preferred 45 degree angle (to avoid the kicker on a right turn). It kept falling down under the pressure/weight of the diver to the horizontal. I tried 3 different Scotty rod holders and they all did the same thing. Arrrrrrrg. Obviously a weak or worn plastic cog. I normally pull lead, but the diver seems to exert more pressure. Anyone experience the same thing? Are mine just old (about 8 years)? Is there a better rod holder that has more strength?

[Dogfish]

I have had the same problem with two 13 year old "Fish On" rod holders. I ended up buying new ones, and that fixed it for me. I also have one Luhr Jensen cheapy that fits in the fish on holder, and it is a "fixed" rod holder with no adjustment at about a 45 degree angle.. It was $7.00 about 5 years ago. If you will have that rod always in the same position, because of the kicker issue, I would go with at least one fixed rod holder. You have enough things to concentrate on while steering the boat, watching your rod, and trying to help others fish. Keep it simple.

Andy

[Threemuch]

There are better rod holders, but they are all rail mount metal jobs which have a fixed angle. Perko makes good rod holders.

I am afraid any of those nylon jobs will always eventually wear out. So if you don't mind replacing every once in a while, I have had better luck with Roeberson (SP?) than Fish On!

I like having a thumbscrew to really crank (roeberson) on instead of a 1/4 turn cam job (Fish On).

If you have a rail to mount it on, you can spend 50 bucks once, or 25 bucks every season or so.

Good luck.

[finclipped]

SJP, if I understand it correctly, the new Scotty's have fixed that problem. Instead of having a " 1/4 turn clamp" it has locking teeth that absolutely prevent the rod holder from slipping down.

This doesn't apply if the rod holder is slipping on the rail. I used duct tape wrapped around the rail then put on the rail mount. This has fixed my problem with the rod holder slipping on the rail. I fish a fast idle at times and the rods aren't slipping.

[Pitch Pocket]

Thanks for your responses. I may contact Scotty before I shell out another $13-15 for another one. I'd rather spend more on a permanent solution than a "planned obsolesence".

On another note, I don't have rails on the back of the sled. I've been thinking about it, but I keep coming up with the added obstructions overshadowing the extra handhold.

[RJ]

finclipped is right the newer scotty's have a round locking teeth type pad when you want to change your angle just unscrew and mesh the teeth in another slot they are as strong as they look you can also 180 the locking tab and come up with a few degree different angle on your rod I like to do this for sturgeon another thing I like about the scotty's is the pedistal is large enough to self tap a 3/4 inch ss bolt in the bottom makes it a little tougher for some one who likes to steal rod holders

[Mr. Fisherman]

Fin Clipped,

I like the Scotty's too.

Try a strip of rubber from an inner tube to keep them from slipping. That way on a hot day the glue from the duct tape won't give out and act like a lubricant.

I've seen this done on charters and it works great.

If you have worn out rod holders and want them to stay in one place try drilling a hole through it and pinning it. Don't use wood, use a steel pin. You can get them at the hardware store or Fred Meyers.

Hope this helps, I've always had to look for cheap fixes.

Mr. F.

[Pitch Pocket]

I went to GI Joes and picked up a new Scotty for only $11.99. What surprised me was the old style was for sale at $16.99! Rack was full of the old style, just a few new ones left. What are they thinking?

I had to change the mounting bracket as the new one is not interchangeable, but the screws lined up. It looks like it should solve the problem. Thanks!

[Salmonator]

I believe I just paid 18 bucks apiece at the local GI Joes. I don't think i've ever seen the old style and i've been buying the same style for 3 years and have never had one slip. Actually the first several I bought were Scottys with the Cabelas brand on them. There was a big thread a few months back on pole holders. You could probably do a search and pick up some more info... Joe

[Pitch Pocket]

I found out that I confused Scotty rod holders with Fish On rod holders. The Fish On slipped and created my frustration. The Scotty is much more positive.