Hello,

I have an alum bass boat similar to a bass tracker. I would like to install a vertical rod holder on the front of my console to hold 4 rods. I have seen pvc sleeve type. Do they work? I am concerned if enough of the rod fits in the sleeve to support the rod.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

Larry

I have one on my crestliner, it works fine unless the water is real rough or I'm running over about 35mph. If you try and fish with rods still in them you'll break something, get backlashes, and do lots of cussing. I mostly use mine for pliers,pike jaw spreaders,knife, etc.

I had one mounted on my old 17' Bass Tracker. It worked fine, but I could run at only about 35 mph. The only drawback is that the lures on the poles need to be well secured. At speed, it's very easy to end up with a couple of treble hooks swinging in your face.

might check out berkleys vertical rod holders

I've had the vertical rod holders in my salt water boats/skiffs. I figured there had to be a reason you don't see them on fresh water bass boats. After getting and fishing from a bass boat, I can give you my personal observations. There are times you will need to follow a fish around the boat. If they dive under the boat and head for the stern, you'll have your hands full trying to get your rod around those vertical rods while trying to control a fish, perhaps a fish that will your personal best, provided you can boat it.

If you're fishing close to a bank with overhanging branches you could end up with a serious ooops. Same thing for passing under bridges with little overhead clearance.

Murphy's Law seems to take over at the worst possible time. The vertical holders do get them out from under foot, but they also present a downside in that compromise.