What You Need to Know About Fishing Rod Holders

The 2024 iCast Sportfishing Trade Show is underway and there are a lot of exciting new products to be excited for. 

Last year’s best of show winner was the G2 Tsuka 2 Complete Carbon Handle and it’ll be interesting to see what product category takes the top prize this year. 

Apart from the main award, there were 39 other new product showcase winners from a wide range of product categories, but today we’ll want to focus on the awards showcasing fishing rods because we’ll also be looking at fishing rod holders, and breaking down the benefits you could get from using them. 

New Product Showcase Winners from Last Year’s iCast Show

• Freshwater Rod Winner: St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon
• Saltwater Rod Winner: NRX+ Inshore
• Rod & Reel Combo Winner: Abu Garcia ZATA Baitcast Combo
• Fly Fishing Rods: Hardy Marksman Z

Here are the winners in the four rod categories featured in last year’s iCast Sportfishing Trade Show. They’re the fishing rods that impressed attendees the most at last year’s show and they’re likely rods that retailers have been stocking, and if they haven’t then they’ll definitely want to look into. 

While rod holders aren’t exactly necessary, and weren’t featured in any of last year’s awards, they are something that can bring a lot of utility and convenience for anglers. 

It might not be the flashiest piece of equipment out there, but let’s go over some of the reasons why a fishing rod holder might be something anglers should put more stock into.

Benefits of Using Fishing Rod Holders

At first glance, a fishing rod holder is an unassuming piece of gear, however it’s a handy workaround, designed to keep rods in place while waiting for a bite and can bring several benefits for anglers. 

Improved Organization

Let’s step into the shoes of an angular who has meticulously prepared multiple bait setups, each suited for a specific fish and they notice a tug. But in reaching for the right rod, the line gets snagged on the line of another and knocks a third one over. 

Rod holders help avoid that by keeping fishing rods and reels neat, secured and accessible, so when opportunity strikes there aren’t any tangled lines or balancing acts involved. All setups have separate and designated spots, eliminating the bustle, frustration and frenzy of the fight.

Enhanced Safety

A layman’s idea of fishing is probably a calm, peaceful and hassle-free experience. Overall, this may be true, but unpredictable weather can change things in a flash. Come windy days or choppy waters, a loose rod quickly becomes a safety hazard – there’s the risk of damaging equipment or, even worse, someone on board. Rod holders provide that secure and stable solution to keep all rods in place in challenging conditions. 

Increased Efficiency

There’s safety in numbers. Targeting different catches at the same time leaves the potential for loose rods. Rod holders, however, make simultaneous casts a breeze. After identifying a promising spot, rods allow for multiple lines at different depths, significantly increasing chances of a catch. This can free up an angle for multitasking, baiting hooks, adjusting position, or even steering the boat, all while keeping an eye out for a tell-tale tug. 

Reduced Rod Damage

Fishing rods are generally built to last, or at least endure rough handling. But they have their limits too – leaning them against rough surfaces, accidentally dropping them, stepping on them or overwhelming them during a fight can easily lead to costly damage. Rod holders take care of this by default, cradling equipment securely, ensuring it lasts longer and performs better. 

Hands-Free Fishing

Being “in the zone” and savouring the moment is a key benefit of fishing. For some this means an ongoing and hands-on process, for others an opportunity to kick back and relax. Rod holders keep rods tight and secure, freeing the fisherman up to do whatever they like whether it's adjusting other fishing lures or simply enjoying the moment. 

Different Types of Fishing Rod Holders

Rod holders come in various shapes, sizes and mounting styles, usually optimised to fit neatly into someone’s preferred setup. From tranquil bank fishing to more dynamic angling, there’s a rod holder out there that perfectly fits everyone’s fishing style. Here are some more popular options.

Boat Rod Holders

Boat rod holders are ideal for open water. Mounted directly onto a boat, they come in multiple configurations to accommodate fishing styles and boat types. Options include gunwale rod holders, ideal for trolling or bottom fishing; transom rod holders, best used for multiple lines or keeping other rods out of the way; and flush-mount rod holders, mounted directly onto a boat and perfect for serious anglers.

Kayak Rod Holders

For a more upbeat fishing experience that brings maneuverability into the mix, kayaking rod holders are typically compact, easy to install and crucial for a safe fishing experience. Track-mounted rod holders attach to a track system installed on a kayak offer easy adjustability for optimal fishing. Flush-mounts are similar to those in boats, offering a clean and organized setup. Lastly, look into leashes to secure the rod to the kayak and prevent it going overboard.

Shore Fishing Rod Holders

Bank rod holders are sturdy and versatile options for those who prefer staying on the shore. There are spike rod holders with a pointed base that pushes into the ground and is perfect for casual trips, clamp-ons that attach to tables, chairs or dock railings, mostly intended for hard surfaces and uneven ground, along with freestanding options with a weighted base for a convenient and portable solution. 

Choosing the Right Rod Holder for Different Needs

With the basics covered, an angler will most likely want to focus on selecting the best rod holder and there’s a number of things to keep in mind. Namely, knowing the task at hand, understanding their surroundings and setting realistic expectations. Let’s see what this means.

Consider Your Fishing Style

Those trolling for big game will need heavy-duty rod holders with adjustable positions. For casting, quick rod deployment is crucial so look at flush-mount or gunwale-mounted holders with wide openings. Jigging calls for a stable holder that keeps its own while you work the jig and consider a gimbal feature to cradle the reel seat. Fly-fishing needs a lightweight, portable rod for line management and easy pickup. 

Boat/Kayak/Car Compatibility

Self-evident, but often overlooked, compatibility factors greatly, so ensuring a perfect fit is crucial for a fun and safe outing. A sturdy clamp-on rod holder doesn’t go with an inflatable kayak or sandy terrain, nor does a roof rack-mounted holder get the job done without an adequate roof rack system. Being smart about these choices can prevent damage, loss, or safety hazards. Last, but not least, think aesthetics. Visually pleasing and well-organised setups minimise clutter and keep fishing areas streamlined, greatly adding to the experience. 

Number of Rods

Anglers will also want to think about their standard setup: how many rods do they typically fish with? Solo anglers primarily fishing with one or two rods might only need a single, well-placed holder. Those looking for a challenge will want to look at holders that accommodate their strategy and style – multiple single holders or a single multi-rod holder are great options. Prioritising functionality and safety are the best pieces of advice here. 

We’ll be keeping an eye out for brands producing some of the best rods, and rod holders, out there at this year’s iCast. Keep an eye out on our community page as you never know when you’ll start seeing some familiar brands on there.