I have a 1989 Cajun 162ZD Adventure. 
As the name suggests, it’s not a true bass boat and only about 16’ long. 
it has quite a bit of storage for tackle and bags such things but it doesn’t have rod lockers nor is there enough room to build one in. 
I’ve been just kind of laying my rod on the side and bungee strapping them down and laying the ones I’m using down in the middle. It works but it can get a little cluttered and makes for transporting the rods securely a little bit sketchy. 
 

 

What are the red cushion used for?

The dual consul takes up a lot of space so I would consider removing the passenger side consul to extend the storage box lengthening the top surface to accommodate your rods.

Tom

For our family needs the dual console setup up has to stay. We also use the boat for pleasure use so there can be up to 3 kids in the boat if we’re just cruising around and swimming. The red cushions provide seating for the kids when we’re just cruising around.

The wife also likes to lay out on them when she needs a little break from fishing. 
 

 

I’ve considered building a locker tin between the cushioned storage spaces and cutting a hole under the middle seat or at the front to get the extra length needed but then there will be a step up/down in the middle 

 

First world problems…

Check out your local Coast Guard regulations having bow riders ( your kids).

Only other option may be using rocket launchers like the kayak anglers use.

5 people in a 16’ boat is 2 more then it’s safe.

Don’t want to sound like lecturing you but you need a longer boat.

Tom

The rod locker idea would give you good storage and a much larger fishing deck.

1 hour ago, Jig Man said:

The rod locker idea would give you good storage and a much larger fishing deck.

Should be easy to add 1 1/2” aluminum angle fastened to the sides of the existing storage boxes, to support the lid, use 5/8” marine ply wood hinged at the bow platform  and coved with carpet for a lid. Making a hole in the front deck support for the rod tips.

Add a step at the cockpit end could be a shallow cooler.

Tom

If there is room in between the gunnels and each console, you could lay them there.

 

Unfortunately, the size of the boat is inhibiting available rod storage. My boat is nearly 18 feet and has a side rod locker but I would prefer a bigger one right in the middle.

I have these two aluminum racks that slip under the rear hatches that hold four rods perpendicular to the boat centerline. They propbably aren't available anymore, but you could fab something up. 
 

 

5 hours ago, WRB said:

Check out your local Coast Guard regulations having bow riders ( your kids).

Only other option may be using rocket launchers like the kayak anglers use.

5 people in a 16’ boat is 2 more then it’s safe.

Don’t want to sound like lecturing you but you need a longer boat.

Tom

No worries about sounding like lecturing, water safety is very important. 
As far as I know, there’s nothing against bow riders here. 
The boat is rated for 4 people or 650lbs, 800lbs inc. gear. Me, the wife and 3 kids easily fit under the weight rating, but yes we’re over the people limit. We’ve only had 3 kids out once and now that they’ll all be bigger this year we won’t be doing it again.  

1 hour ago, gim said:

If there is room in between the gunnels and each console, you could lay them there.

 

Unfortunately, the size of the boat is inhibiting available rod storage. My boat is nearly 18 feet and has a side rod locker but I would prefer a bigger one right in the middle.

 This is one of the things that I do now but they don’t flat and can only be secured at the back so I really have to watch/hold them when moving

https://centralcoastbassfishing.com/collections/bac-rac

On 2/3/2025 at 6:29 PM, J Francho said:

I have these two aluminum racks that slip under the rear hatches that hold four rods perpendicular to the boat centerline. They propbably aren't available anymore, but you could fab something up. 
 

 

The bac rac is still available.  I bought one of the original models for guests and it gets used every week.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Bac_Rac_Rod_Rack/descpage-BACRACK.html

I use mine whenever I'm on someone else's boat. 

The back rack idea might be a great easy solution. I think I can build something similar at a fairly low cost. 
 

Thanks guys!