Have you been struggling to balance your fishing rod while kayaking? Well, you are not alone. Veterans paddlers around the world face the same problem and their redemption is a simple device named – Kayak Rod Holder. This is a ridiculously simple solution to such a seemingly complex problem, right? But most people tend to ignore the importance of a rod holder. Some paddlers eventually learn it the hard way.
Fishing on a kayak should be stressful and relaxing right? So, why bother about your fishing rod all the time. Just purchase a good quality kayak rod holder and enjoy the beautiful surrounding for a moment or two. Basically, a kayak rod holder helps you free up your hands and make you feel relieved.
Best 7 Kayak Rod Holders
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
1. Pelican Boats Kayak Swivel Fishing Rod Holder
Pelican Boats Kayak Swivel Fishing Rod Holder is a versatile and reliable fishing rod holder. At this price point, this kayak rod holder is practically a steal. The position of the rod can be adjusted at will. The position of the Pelican Boats Kayak Swivel Fishing Rod Holder can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. Once you are done with making necessary adjustments in its position, you just have to push its lever to lock it in its position. All the mounting hardware come included in the package.
This High quality swivel rod holder can accommodate spinning and bait casting. It has vertical and 360 degree horizontal adjustments for optimal rod positioning.
2. Scotty #282-BK Baitcaster Rod Holder
Scotty #282-BK Baitcaster Rod Holder is designed specifically for those paddlers who are deeply passionate about fishing. It will latch on to your fishing rod and keep it secure against all odds. You can attach a spinning reel on it and it will stay secure no matter what. The front slot of this Scotty #282-BK Baitcaster Rod Holder is designed to hold spinning reel whereas the cushioned cradle is designed for the cushioned cradle.
You can move it forward or backward depending on your exact requirements. It has got a low profile design and it is extremely easy to use. Made from high strength composite material, Scotty #282-BK Baitcaster Rod Holder can be installed really fast on a kayak or canoe without even going through the instruction manual.
3. YakAttack Omega Pro Rod Holder with LockNLoad Track Mounting Base
YakAttack Omega Pro Rod Holder works seamlessly with almost all types of fishing rods. It works flawlessly with reel rods and even with spinning fishing rods. What else you can expect from a kayak rod holder? YakAttack Omega Pro Rod Holder allows you to position the fishing rod a little higher off the water.
YakAttack Omega Pro Rod Holder sports a 360-degree rotating collar that adds to its amazing flexibility. This kayak rod holder allows the spinning reel to retain its usual downward position and thus allowing you to enjoy the joy of catching fish without worrying yourself to death about your fishing rod. YakAttack Omega Pro Rod Holder allows you to have quick access to your fishing rod.
Extreme adjustability and unparalleled track mount security are the two hallmark qualities of this YakAttack Omega Pro Rod Holder. YakAttack Omega Pro Rod Holder flaunts 3 different modes – Removal, Adjustment and Locked. If you wish, you can get the fishing rod out and away from the kayak. It can be elevated incrementally and it is spring-loaded too.
4. Attwood 3005.0185 5009-4 Heavy Duty Adjustable Rod Holder
Sturdy and stable, Attwood 3005.0185 5009-4 Heavy Duty Adjustable Rod Holder can be installed easily on a kayak. You need either some flush mount brackets or surface mount brackets to get this thing attached to your kayak. This adjustable kayak rod holder allows you to change the angle of the fishing rod either upward or downward.
Attwood 3005.0185 5009-4 Heavy Duty Adjustable Rod Holder sports a nice ergonomic design and it comes equipped with a cutting-edge rapid release latch mechanism that makes fishing all the more exciting. 180-degree vertical adjustment is probably one of its coolest features.
You get to choose from a wide range of rod tip height settings which is great. Combo mount is included which is a great relief. Be it a spinning rod or a casting rod, Attwood 3005.0185 5009-4 Heavy Duty Adjustable Rod Holder can be fitted with it without facing any hassle at all.
5. YakAttack Omega Rod Holder with LockNLoad Track Mounting Base
YakAttack Omega Rod Holder with LockNLoad Track Mounting Base is easy to install. It has got a unique design that allows paddlers to dismount the rod holder without first removing the track-mounted portion. The swivel and pivot setup adds to its bouquet of impressive features. It can be used with almost all types of fishing rods be it a traditional fishing reel, casting rod or spinning rod.
The innovative LockNLoad mounting system makes it super easy to get this YakAttack Omega Rod Holder to mount on a kayak. The collar of this kayak rod holder can be rotated in all directions. The reel gets secured by this 360-degree rotating collar. And we should not ignore the obvious fact that the LockNLoad track base is probably the most advanced track mount available in the market as we speak.
It has got three different modes – Adjustment, Locked and Removal. In the adjustment mode, the paddlers will have the option to change the direction of the mount. However, there is a catch, the mount can’t be moved in this mode. The locked mode is the default setting of this YakAttack Omega Rod Holder but you can easily switch from the Locked mode to adjustment mode by squeezing a lever.
6. Scotty #230 Powerlock Rod Holder
Scotty #230 Powerlock Rod Holder is a strong and powerful kayak rod holder. This open style kayak rod holder comes equipped with a positive locking system. To minimize the possibility of fishing rod lost in the midst of some kind of mayhem, Scotty #230 Powerlock Rod Holder has got a front locking ring. Its universal cradle allows people to attach almost any type of fishing rod.
This multi-functional rod holder is an ideal solution for all paddlers who want to enjoy fishing from their kayaks without worrying about losing their favorite fishing rod. 360 degrees of horizontal rotation is definitely one of its main features.
7. Hitorhike Fishing Rod Holder Universal Fit Kit with Mount
Hitorhike Fishing Rod Holder Universal Fit Kit with Mount is made from eco-friendly materials. So, if you are really concerned about the state of the earth and want to do something about it, you need to purchase this kayak rod holder. It can be fitted on almost all types of kayaks and the installation process is also fairly simple and straightforward.
Hitorhike Fishing Rod Holder is also CORROSION resistant and can last long, really long. The company offers a 120-day money-back guarantee. Hitorhike Fishing Rod Holde can be rotated 90 degree vertically and 360 degree horizontally.
What The Fuss Is All About Kayak Rod Holder?
You might be wondering why on earth you want to invest in other kayaking accessories as you have already spent so much on a kayak. Right you are but you are ignoring something that we are going to explain here. First, kayak rod holder is not a fancy gadget that you might have assumed it to be. It is a must-have accessory for all those paddlers who are planning to go on a fishing trip.
Without A kayak rod holder, you will have a hard time holding the fishing rod. Imagine yourself fishing for an hour or two. Now, we don’t think it is humanly possible for you to hold on to your fishing rod for that length of time. It will make you feel tired and the weight of the fishing rod will eventually start hurting your shoulders.
Now, you might feel tempted to do something stupid like wedging the kayak rod holder and using your feet to secure it. But this is not going to work as you already have guessed it. Now, even if you try to innovate your way out it, you might end up losing your fishing rod. So, better safe than sorry. Use a kayak rod holder and be happy!
Good thing is – most fishing kayaks nowadays come with a flush-mounted rod holder. So, the problem solved in you is one of those lucky kayak owners who have a fully functional fishing kayak. But don’t feel disheartened in case, your kayak does not have a built-in flush-mounted rod holder because you can easily have one without paying an astronomical amount for that.
Fishing rod holder does make kayaking enjoyable and relaxing so, why are you wasting your precious time and energy? Just get a kayak rod holder and have some serious fun. You Deserve It.
Types of Kayak Rod Holders
Kayak rod holders are broadly categorized into these following types –
Flush Mount Kayak Rod Holder
Flush Mount Rod holders are mainly used in sit-on-top kayaks. To install a Flush Mount Rod holder, you will have to drill a hole on the surface of the kayak and then place it. Use screws to secure it. Sit above is the reel and associated accessories. Flush Mount Rod holders help keep the kayak clean and they are considerably tougher and stronger than any other type of kayak rod holders available in the market.
If you are an avid angler and want to catch big fishes, you need to put your trust on Flush Mount Rod holder. Flush Mount Rod holders can handle tension with no trouble and would not snap that easily. Unlike adjustable kayak rod holders, these Flush Mount Rod holders have no weak parts and therefore, the chances of breaking apart are very minimal.
The main disadvantage of a kayak rod holder is that it sits below the water surface level. You might have to raise its height a little bit to make fishing from a kayak a little less taxing.
Adjustable Kayak Rod Holder
As the name suggests, Adjustable kayak rod holders are flexible in nature. They make fishing from a kayak a lot more exciting. To mount it on the kayak, you will have to drill into the plate. The plate of the Adjustable Kayak Rod Holder is made from reinforced nylon composite and it is either rectangle or round in shape.
Most adjustable kayak rod holders either have rotating wheels or a ball and socket that allows users to change their angle in whatever direction they like. Now, as we have already explained, these adjustable parts are probably one of its major drawbacks. These adjustable parts are not that strong and under extreme pressure, they can snap or at least, they can move out of place.
Deck Mount Kayak Rock Holders
The biggest advantage of using Deck Mount Kayak Rock Holders is they can be easily installed and taken off. They can be used interchangeably in multiple kayaks without damaging a Deck Mount Kayak Rock Holder in one way or the other. Available in different variations and configurations, these Deck Mount Kayak Rock Holders are extremely flexible. They allow users to change the direction of the fishing rod in 360 degrees. Be it a fly-fishing rod, offshore, casting or a spinning fishing rod, these Deck Mount Kayak Rock Holders work well with almost all of them. So, that we can easily call these Deck Mount Kayak Rock Holders – Versatile. Since the rod holder and the mount are separable, transporting kayak with Deck Mount Kayak Rock Holders is easy as pie. However, these Deck Mount Kayak Rock Holders have a major drawback and that is – they have multiple moving parts and that means they are not that strong and can easily be damaged.
Clamp Mount Kayak Rod Holder
Don’t want to drill holes into your beloved kayak just to get a kayak rod holder installed? Well, you are not alone. Thankfully, you don’t have to do that anymore and the credit goes to Clamp Mount Kayak Rod Holder. These Clamp Mount Kayak Rod Holder can be removed and used on another watercraft easily and effortlessly.
Crate Mount Kayak Rod Holders
Designed especially for kayak fishing crates, Crate Mount Kayak Rod Holders usually available in a set of 2 or 3-rod holders. This type of kayak rod holder can easily be mounted on a standard milk crate with the help of zip ties or with simple screws. You can use these Crate Mount Kayak Rod Holders for holding lights, nets, kayak safety flags and more.
Track Mount Kayak Rod Holders
As the name suggests, these Track Mount Kayak Rod Holders are designed to be mounted on tracks. These Track Mount Kayak Rod Holders can be slid from one position to another position. However, the only drawback of Track Mount Kayak Rod Holder is that the kayak needs to have some kind of tracking system installed before you can even think of mounting it on the kayak.
How to Mount A Rod Holder on A Kayak
Now, sadly most kayaks don’t have mounting plates attached to them. So, in such case, you have to first identify the spot where you are going to attach the mounting plate. The place has to be well within the reach of the paddler.
First thing first – Calm the F Down. Stop thinking about drilling a hole into the kayak as soon as you get hold of a rod holder; there is still plenty of time available for such thing. There are other factors that need to be carefully considered before that. Location is the key here. You need to make sure that the fishing rod when placed on the kayak rod holder is not going to clash with other accessories. Moreover, its position should no way to interfere with your paddling spirit or abilities.
And, the kayak rod holder does not have to be positioned at the center. Nope, there is no such hard and fast rule as such. It does not even have to be aligned precisely.
