THE ADVANTAGES OF STAINLESS STEEL ROD HOLDERS AND STAINLESS MARINE HARDWARE
THE CORRECT EQUIPMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR TROLLING:
ADDING AN ADJUSTABLE ROCKET LAUNCHER AVOIDS TANGLES!
COMPASS VS. GPS: DO I REALLY NEED A COMPASS ON MY BOAT?
ROD HOLDERS ARE THE FISHERMAN'S FRIEND
WHY CHOOSE STAINLESS STEEL ROD HOLDERS
ROD HOLDERS ARE FOR 'SERIOUS FISHING
FISHING ARCH, RADAR ARCH, SKI TOW ARCH ?
HOW TO SELECT AN ARCH FOR YOUR BOAT AND INSTALL IT YOURSELF
POWDER COATING ANODIZED ALUMINUM
CAN YOU POWDER COAT ANODIZED ALUMINUM
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The Advantages of Stainless Steel Rod Holders and Stainless Marine Hardware
Rod holders are essential equipment on any fishing boat and can make a key difference in the outcome of a fishing trip. Many fishermen fail to understand the importance of stainless marine hardware as a necessary accessory on a boat and ignore quality, durability and flexibility when making a purchase.
The rod holder is important because it enables an efficient handling of bait and tackle. In addition, this allows the angler a hands-free environment and contributes to an improved fishing experience. Occasionally a break may be required from the fishing activity and rod holders will come in handy at this time.
It is important to make the right of choice of rod holders from the available options in the marketplace. As a rule of thumb, stainless marine hardware is the most durable and reliable for the challenging water based activities. Stainless marine hardware can withstand extreme temperatures and the rigors of constant exposure to water and the outdoors. Any non-stainless metal or plastic product may fail to survive in such tough conditions and contribute to a less than desirable fishing trip. Trolling in freezing temperatures while holding a rod in your hands for long periods of time can prove to be difficult and result in fatigue. The rod holder delivers relief.
Stainless marine hardware takes all the physical challenges on itself and frees you to focus on the other activities on the boat. Weaker rod holders will usually prove to be less dependable in maintaining your lines and keeping your rods organized.
Rod holders are a valuable piece of equipment that enhances your chances of having a very successful catch regardless of whether you are trolling or still fishing. In addition to stainless steel, rod holders are manufactured in aluminum and poly propylene. In the end, there is no comparison to stainless marine hardware when it comes to fishing. Rust combined with the corroding ability of salt water can lead to deteriorated equipment. Therefore the best option is stainless marine hardware since it resists corrosive elements.
It is important for a first-time buyer to understand that high priced rod holders do not guarantee good quality. There can be major price variations between different brands of rod holders and different stores selling these specialized products. The fisherman needs to focus on the material quality and integrity of the rod holder to ensure that it is dependable. Fishing activities are dependent on the type of fishing gear and equipment being used. It may not be wise to save on cost in favor of lesser quality equipment verses the more reliable stainless marine hardware.
It is also important to make the proper choice between clamp-on, flush mount, bulkhead mount, adjustable and track system rod holders. The user must evaluate his fishing needs carefully before selecting the rod holder for the task at hand. An excellent source for stainless marine hardware is our own site Rodholderdepot.com. This site is informative and offers a wide variety of rod holders and stainless marine hardware to choose from.
The Correct Equipment is Essential for Trolling:
Often the fisherman fails to correctly set the rod holders before venturing out to the fishing grounds. Overlooking this small detail can lead to disaster or worse, losing a record breaking salmon. Having rod holders on your boat allows you a hands free environment, to check lines, reset rods, grab the net etc. All are easier when you have this specialized equipment.
First and foremost check each holder to ensure it is secure to either the bulkhead, gunwale or railing. Vibrations from the boat, strain from the constant pressure while trolling and general abuse can lead to a loose mount. A large fish could easily dislodge a rod holder that is not properly secured. Stainless marine hardware is preferred for the harsh environment on the water.
What is important about the correct set up of a rod holder, Everything!! It starts with the question; where do you want your lines to run? Do you want your lines behind the boat, slightly off the side of the boat or as far as possible away from the side of the boat? For example, Muskies often chase a lure in the wash of the prop. In this situation, you will want to set your rod holders just either side of the prop wash. When Salmon fishing you want to cover as much water as possible. In this scenario, the rods are set up behind the boat, slightly to the outside and as far as possible away from the side of the boat. The point is, the type of fish you are after could influence where the rod holders are staged on your watercraft.
Next the fisherman must consider the angle. Many Muskie fishermen angle their rods down as near to the water as practical, careful not to drag a rod in the water. Typical salmon rods are angled about 15 to 30 degrees off the gunwale, pitching toward the back of the boat. Other rod holders are near level with the gunwale when trying to achieve maximum distance from the side of the boat. Dippsy rods are used in this case and the rod holders are generally pointed outward and positioned perpendicular to the gunwale.
Rod holders with a flexible design such as Whitecap 360/180 adjustable rod holder or CE Smith two-way rod holder allow significantly more options on trolling angles and mounting locations. On the other hand, the flush mount gunwale rod holders are out of the way, extremely strong and can serve as a means of transporting rods during the run to the fishing site. Bulkhead rod holders are a semi-permanent type which are fixed to a specific spot on the boat. When choosing this style give considerable thought to the location prior to mounting.
No matter which style of rod holder you choose, we recommend stainless steel rod holders. Stainless marine hardware offers strength, durability, and carefree maintenance making them the first choice of many anglers. An excellent source for rod holders and stainless marine hardware is Rodholderdepot.com. This site is informative and offers a wide variety of brands and styles to choose from.
Adding an Adjustable Rocket Launcher Avoids Tangles!
Each fishing trip begins with high hopes, fishing rods and equipment are loaded on the boat. Space is at a premium so each player is looking to find just the right spot to set down his or her equipment. There is no rocket launcher on the boat so poles are laid again the cabin doors or where ever it looks safe to stow them. As lines are put in the water each person is careful not to get tangled with one another. Talk about large fish begins.
Now the first fish of the day strikes and joyous chaos ensues. The Cap yells "Get those lines out of the way, this is a big one. He's headed under the boat move over I need room." Now all of the tedious planning is thrown out the window and rods, reels and lures are strewn about the cockpit. Panic sets in as the fish finally comes into view, "It's a whopper, get the net!"
I can't, my lure is tangled in it" screams Bill. The fish breaks free and a look of despair comes over the fishermen. "We got to be more organized shouts the Captain. The fish are here, get some lines down." Bill shouts "I can't they are still all tangled up. It will take time to unravel this mess."
"That's it," shouts Cap. "I am getting a rocket launcher put on this boat asap. It will give us so much more room. we won't have these tangle ups because we can put the rods in the launcher once they are out of the water, completely out of the way when we get a fish on. Another thing we can carry spare rods/reels all set to fish, if we do get tangled we can get another line down quickly before we are out of the action zone. And no more leaning the rods up against the cabin on the way out or coming in, we will have a place to keep them."
The Cap continues, "I don't know why I waited so long to make this decision, this isn't the first fish I have lost because of tangles and chaos. I think I might try that new website Rodholderdepot. They sell a variety of adjustable rocket launchers that fit most boats. Don't let the story you just read become a reality on your next fishing trip. Look into getting a removable or adjustable rocket launcher from Rodholderdepot.com that will keep you organized during the excitement of landing a large fish.
Compass vs. GPS: Do I Really Need A Compass On My Boat?
In recent years, since the advent of global positioning systems (GPS), there has been a debate among boaters as to whether or not the compass (what was previously the sailor's greatest navigational tool) is still of any use or necessary to install on your boat. Among boating and boating safety instructors however, there is no debate. While a GPS may be quick, easy (relatively) and handy, a compass is still an indispensable tool, and should always be one of the first things you install on your boat.
Let us take a look at each system in turn. The compass, with a history nine centuries long, is one of the oldest navigation tools still in use today. The Marine compass came into play around the 1300's in Europe, and has since always been utilized for navigation on the seas. By reading the Earth's magnetic field, a compass can tell you, virtually without fail the direction of that magnetic field. As the compass always points in the same direction (referred to as Magnetic North) regardless of where you are on the planet. It can always be used to find which direction to go in. This is regardless of what the weather may be, the condition of your boat or whether or not you have battery power available. Furthermore, due to its consistent direction finding capabilities, if used in conjunction with a sextant, it can also be used to find latitude, and in conjunction with a marine chronometer, the time. A traditional compass also has only three parts: a needle, a pin, and a compass rose, only one of which, the needle is moving. Beyond that, it requires no more internal or external components, and unless thrown off by a local magnetic field is always accurate.
A GPS on the other hand, has a plethora of moving parts, and consequently, as a result, a great deal of things that can be broken. Furthermore, a GPS unit utilizes an electric current to function, and as such, needs an external power source or battery of some kind to operate. The functional capabilities of a GPS unit can also depend on availability of a signal , which can be degraded or lost in bad weather. Furthermore, after punching in all the necessary way points, although the GPS can tell you the most direct way to go to get to a destination, that direct way may have everything from islands to sandbars in it's path, and as such, the ability to read a map and use a compass may still prove to be essential. Finally, if a compass is installed on your boat, there is no way that it can be forgotten on land, whereas a portable GPS units can.
Although GPS units are excellent navigational tools, and can make course plotting quicker, faster and easier, they have their downsides, namely the fact that they are much more fragile, susceptible to damage, and harder to repair should a problem arise. As such, a compass should always be kept on-board as well. Knowledge of maps and how to use them remains indispensable. If searching for other useful or indispensable fishing or sailing tools, websites such as Rodholderdepot.com which specializes in rod holders, marine compasses and other marine hardware and accessories is an excellent resource.
In the end it is recommended to have both a compass and a GPS. The compass can be relied on in tough situations and requires no power but the GPS can provide much more than just direction of travel. It can guide you through a maze of islands, help you avoid sandbars or hidden obstacles and tell you where the nearest port or fuel station is located. This sailor recommends both.
Rod Holders are the Fisherman's Friend
Fishing from a boat often requires great balance, often a boat can rock violently with the waves, this is when you see the value of rod holders in key places along the gunwale. In addition these devices free up your hands and the hands of your guests. While this may seem insignificant, you can be assured that it is very important as piloting a boat and ensuring the safety of your passengers requires all of your physical attributes, particularly in bad weather, or in high seas. You can look back from the cabin and see your rods are still fishing without a problem and all of your passengers and fellow fishermen are safe.
When trolling rod holders and rods are strategically positioned to get the best action on the lures and avoid tangling with other lines on the boat. Rod holders also serve as a means of transporting rods with gear attached. Leaving your rods in the holders is generally a safe way to transport them to and from the fishing grounds. Make sure your hooks and sinkers are secured when the boat is moving!
There are various types of holders that serve this purpose, flush mount styles are located in the gunwale. This type of holder comes in different angles, 0 degree, 15 degree and 30 degree are the most common. Retro fitting flush mount rod holders requires cutting a hole in the gunwale that will accept the tube on the holder, be sure to measure properly and use a template when tackling this installation, reinforcing the gunwale with wood on the underside is recommended for aluminum boats.
Other types are clamp-on, adjustable and bulkhead. The clamp-on styles are very popular with fishermen because they take advantage of the stern rails which many boats have. Simply select the angle and then secure the device to the rail with the clamping bolts and nuts. Next we have the adjustable/removable versions which are also popular because they can be re-positioned easily and can also be removed at the end of the day. Using this style rod holder will usually require adding a base unit somewhere on the gunwale, the base unit stays in place but is not obtrusive, the rod holder either slides into the base or is attached with a quick connect pin. A great example is the Whitecap 7007Blue. Lastly there is the bulkhead style. These are usually permanently affixed to inside the boat on the vertical or rear gunwale with screws, it is important that the screws are secured to wood members because of the severe stress that in incurred when trolling. Take a tour of the different types of rod holders at Rodholderdepot.com
WHY CHOOSE STAINLESS STEEL or ALUMINUM ROD HOLDERS ?
It's no secret that plastic gets brittle after a few summers of hot sun and a few cold winters. The color fades and now the rod holders you thought were a buy are really not much to get excited about, in fact they begin to look shabby. You already have enough work keeping your boat clean and polished. Stainless steel offers significant strength advantages as well as a great look. Choose stainless steel or high strength aluminum when you have a choice, both are the boaters choice over plastic. Rodholderdepot.com offers a wide variety of rodholders and marine grade equipment in stainless steel and aluminum, stop by our site and see our selection.
Fishing for salmon in Lake Michigan is a treat for any avid angler. On a hot August morning when you fire up the engines and head down the Manistee at 5:00 a.m. there couldn't be a better feeling. The night before you made sure all your gear is functional, rods, reels, rod holders, down-riggers, GPS, fish-finder and rocket launchers. The ride takes about 15 minutes depending on the height of the seas. Lake Michigan can be like the ocean when the wind kicks up, a bit scary for the novice and no joke for the experienced seaman.
Once you reach the target the fish-finder identifies salmon in the area and the down-riggers are lowered and the action begins. Just before daylight arrives you get the first call "Fish-On", oh boy it's a double! Get the other lines and down-riggers up and out of the way this is going to be fun, but before they can be hauled up another fish is on the line, now it is getting hairy in the cockpit. Are we going to be able to get these fish in the boat, we still need the other lines cleared.
The lines are pulled and the rods are stuck in the rocket launcher, we have plenty of room now, get the net ready. Good thing we have a long handle this guy doesn't want to get near the boat and he still has a lot of fight left. Move him up slowly so we can get the net in behind him, OK he's in. What about the other fish, he is still jumping but I think he is hooked solid. Keep the boat on a straight path we don't want him to get under it. Now the net goes down and the fish comes in, another 17lb Salmon.
This is the best, we have only been fishing for 20 minutes and have two very nice salmon in the cooler. The rocket launcher came in handy and the adjustable rod holders from Rodholderdepot.com helped make it a successful run. Now lets get the lines down and see if we can limit out.
Maximizing the use of space on vessel is essential. Adding an arch can be part of the solution and bring with it additional benefits, such as rod storage, a place for mounting radar, lighting, grab bars, outriggers and speakers, as well as a tow boss for towing skiers..
The first step is to determine which of the functions listed in the previous paragraph are right for you. Below are descriptions of the types of arches available for.
FISHING ARCHES can hold up to 12 rod holders which gives you significant storage for the trips to and from the fishing grounds. Generally with fishing arches the captain will add lighting brackets, lights and possibly a radar mounting pad.
SKI ARCHES require different engineering to absorb the heavy stresses presented when pulling a skier. The towing boss is mounted in the center of the arch well above the deck so passengers can move freely about the deck without hitting their heads on the arch.
CROSSOVER ARCHES - This type of arch is designed to meet the needs the requirements of fishing, skiing and wake boarding. These arches can hold key items such as rods/reels, flood lights, beverage holders, net holders radar units and speakers,
What you need to decide and measure before you order.1. Will it be a gunwale mount or a side mount?
2. What is the center to center distance between the gunwale or cabin sides where you want to mount the arch? Measure twice and write down the measurements each time to be sure you haven't misread the tape measure. Use tape to mark the locations,
3. If you have a Bimini top be sure to measure the height of with the Bimini up and add three (3)inches to ensure your Bimini will clear the arch when putting it up and down.
4. What accessories will be needed in addition to the ones that come standard? Lighting, net holders, beverage holders, rod holders, radar pad etc.
5. Only common household tools are needed.
6. Layout parts to make sure all are accounted for.
7. Read the entire installation instructions before starting
8. Do not use power tools to tighten bolts unless recommended by the manufacturer.
9. If possible assemble the arch on the ground and with a helper lift the arch on to the boat and position it as desired.
T Tops are not just for traditional center consoles, a new trend emerging is adding a T Top to your center console pontoon boat. With this addition you get relief from the sun and rain, rod storage, a place to mount your radio antenna, radar. grab bars or other accessories along with the durability of a T Top as compared to the typical canvas top that most pontoon boats have yet you still have room to move about freely. Another nice feature is that many T Tops fold down for added clearance under bridges and off season storage.
You can find the arch or T Top you need at Rodholderdepot.com where we offer a variety quality arches at affordable prices.
Designed and constructed to meet the harsh demands of the fishing and skiing environments. Made in the USA from top quality materials with precision robotic welding you can be sure your arch or T Top will meet the challenge. All arches and T tops come complete with detailed instructions, of course additional support is always just a phone call away.
You can find the arch or T Top you need at Rodholderdepot.com along with many other quality marine and fishing products. Always a great choice for top quality products and exceptional service.
