By Paul Lebowitz

Few additions to a fishing kayak are as valuable and as simple to install as after-market rod holders. Talk about bang for the buck. They not only provide a safe place to stow your gear, for trolling while the paddle is in your hands, rod holders are a must.

Most contemporary kayaks designed for fishing have plenty of flat deck space for mounting rod holders. The most common spots are on the aft deck just behind the cockpit – an out of the way storage spot – and up front on the console or gunwale.

Don’t add rod holders haphazardly. Be especially careful to keep your paddle arc clear. Five minutes of reaching over a rod holder and you’ll be ready to rip that thing out. For new kayak anglers, it’s important to put in a few trips before drilling any holes. The goal is a boat that’s set up just the way you like it.  

There are three types of rod holders. Rocket launchers are tubes that extend above the deck – good for lifting reels above the slosh zone of the deck. Flushmounts are tube-style holders permanently mounted level with the deck – nothing to break or forget. The final type is the horizontal mount typified by the Scotty Powerlock. It’s ideal for mounting up front to get your trolling line far off to the side.  

I asked Mark Ezell of Hook 1 Kayak Fishing Gear to share a few rod holder mounting tips. Ezell, the owner of an online accessory store, has rigged dozens of kayaks of all makes and models.

STEP 1, PICK YOUR SPOT – Place the rod holder base in its intended location to check for proper fit. Then mark the screw holes. PHOTO COURTESY HOOK 1 KAYAK FISHING GEAR

STEP 2, KNOW THE DRILL – For an installation that won’t leak, drill pilot holes smaller than your mounting screws. For example, when using the typical 3/16th in. bolts, use a drill bit about 1/32nd smaller. For strength, back the bolts with fender washers. PHOTO COURTESY HOOK 1 KAYAK FISHING GEAR

FLUSH MOUNT IT – For that streamlined look, opt for a flushmount rod holder. The drawback? A bigger hole in the kayak. After measuring carefully, cut away the plastic using an all-purpose circular cutting bit for a Dremel tool or power drill. Use slow speed so you won’t melt the plastic. To prevent leaks, put a bead of Marine Goop or other epoxy around the hole before installing the flushmount, and another around the outside of the finished product. PHOTOs COURTESY HOOK 1 KAYAK FISHING GEAR