Bent-metal rod holders?

[zuren]

Does anyone have an opinion or experience with what I'm calling the "bent-metal" style rod holders?  Not sure is there is a better category than that.  A list of examples is below.  I have used the Scotty and Attwood plastic rod holders in the past and do not love them.  I would like to get my boat outfitted with a few better options:

Drift Master - http://www.driftmaster.com/Rodholders.html
Fish Bite Rod Holders - http://fishbiterodholders.com/index.php
Monster Rod Holders - https://monsterrodholders.com/

Thanks!

 

[MrGiggles]

I have some made by Attwood that are like that from Walmart, I think they were like $10. They work, don't really have anything bad to say. There is also an Ozark trail alternative that is half the price for the same thing, but I haven't tried those.

 

[LDUBS]

I've always admired the Driftmaster rod holders. I think it is pretty cool that they do a left-hand thread version so the left (port) side mount won't come unscrewed from rod leverage.

But (there is always a but, haha), the one thing I like about my rod holders is I can adjust the angle to where I want it. I use the Scotty combo casting/spinning rod holders with both flush and side mounts. I also use the risers to get the holders up off the gunnels.

 

[DaleH]

FWIW although the plastic types, I like the Cabelas 'Quick Draw' rod mounts as they are the EASIEST to use and FASTEST to grab the rod from and set the hook at the same time.

,,,,,

 

[gogittum]

I've used and liked the Scotty rod holders for years.....decades. Never a problem. (I also use their manual downrigger)

That said, when trolling or drifting for heavy fish with heavy tackle, I usually hook a safety line to the reel, JIC. Never have had a failure or even looked like there might be a failure, but that usage puts a tremendous torque on the stem. Guess I've got a touch of OCD....not a bad thing.

 

[jethro]

I'm a Traxstech man mostly because that is how I mounted my downriggers, but I like rocket launchers and have their lift and turn rod holders. They work as good for trolling freshwater as they do for ground fishing the saltwater.