My Experimental Rod Holder for My Solo (Steelhead) Outings

[islandbass]

I made a very simple contraption that will hopefully assist me when I hook into my first steelhead. Given the rule, if I understand it correctly, that they must be kept in the water unless they are being retained when legal, I have often wondered how I could take a photo of the fish, while still holding the rod in one hand (I am not going to do the, “hold it by the teeth method,” no way), keeping it in the water, AND trying to hold a camera. The simplest way would be to have a buddy around to take the photo. Unfortunately, most of the time I go fishing, I am usually alone.

I got a small section of PVC tubing and put it together with a few other items to that should enable me to at least be able to hold the line with one hand and the camera with the other.



In descending order, a 5.5” PVC pipe (1.5” diameter), a Slide Lock, 5’ of black strapping, and a strip of Velcro.

I fed the strapping through the PVC tube and attached the ends of the strapping to the slide lock. Next, I wrapped the Velcro strip around the strapping. This Velcro strip is probably a short-term solution until I can think of a better way to hold the blank to the strap, but it seems to work.

You put it on as you would a bag with a strap, and then feed the butt of the rod through the tube. Then, you hold a section of the rod blank by the Velcro. My son was more than happy to help me by acting as a model.



This little contraption seems to hold my 8’6” rod pretty well, even with some harsh movements and jumping. Granted it has yet to be tested in the real world but I think things look promising at this point. Incidentally, the holder could also be used to allow you to retie and rebait without having to put the rod down. That should come in handy especially when wading.

My son thought it was pretty neat and wanted one for his Spiderman rod. I suppose it’s the least I can do for his willing assistance. Although I don’t know when I will get the chance go fishing, I can’t wait to test it.

-ib

[BlueDaksi]

Cool invention! Looks like it will work great so long as there aren't obstructions above you to worry about (tree branches...).

[brushhog]

I'm loving the look on your boys face... It's kinda like, "I think this is cool, but I'm not really sure. Maybe my Dad is just nuts!" Priceless...

[BigBassin144]

Nice invention there IB! But I gotta ask, baitcasting gear for steelies? I guess you guys just do it different on the west coast, lol.

BB

[WTL]

I always appreciate these type of posts IB. I'm not sure when I will need something like that, but I guarantee you somebody, somewhere doing a search on these forums is gonna see and use this.

[nofearengineer]

I love all of your contraptions, IB. Forget buying something. MAKE IT!!!

[BigBassin144]

Originally Posted by WTL

I always appreciate these type of posts IB. I'm not sure when I will need something like that, but I guarantee you somebody, somewhere doing a search on these forums is gonna see and use this.

I agree!

Infact, I was thinking of building a rod carrier/holder similar to the one you built IB, but making it hold 4 rods instead of 3 for a total of 5 (I'd carry one)

BB

[nofearengineer]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

I agree!

Infact, I was thinking of building a rod carrier/holder similar to the one you built IB, but making it hold 4 rods instead of 3 for a total of 5 (I'd carry one)

BB

I'd build something like this, but you know me...I'd just fall on them and break them LOL.

[BlueDaksi]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

Nice invention there IB! But I gotta ask, baitcasting gear for steelies? I guess you guys just do it different on the west coast, lol.

BB

A friend of mine slays the steelies on Lake Ontario tribs using a similar baitcasting setup. I'm new to steelheading and currently use a spinning setup for drift fishing on a 12 ft noodle rod, but am considering trying out a baitcaster. I can see advantages and disadvantages... Islandbass, I'm curious to hear about your take on the use of a baitcaster for steelheading if you don't mind the minor thread hijack...

[BigBassin144]

Originally Posted by nofearengineer

I'd build something like this, but you know me...I'd just fall on them and break them LOL.

When you learn to weld, make one out of sheet metal and steel tubes. It'll be heavy as heck, but you'd be able to fall on it as much as you want and you won't hurt your rods!

Originally Posted by BlueDaksi

A friend of mine slays the steelies on Lake Ontario tribs using a similar baitcasting setup. I'm new to steelheading and currently use a spinning setup for drift fishing on a 12 ft noodle rod, but am considering trying out a baitcaster. I can see advantages and disadvantages... Islandbass, I'm curious to hear about your take on the use of a baitcaster for steelheading if you don't mind the minor thread hijack...

Yeah, I guess it does depend on what kind of water you're fishing. The only place I've steelhead fished is in the small rivers in NE Ohio and NW PA. We used spinning gear, 4-6lb test, or fly rods with 4lb tippets. It was a bit more difficult on the fly gear (since I suck at fly fishing) but it was definately more fun.

BB

[islandbass]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

Nice invention there IB! But I gotta ask, baitcasting gear for steelies? I guess you guys just do it different on the west coast, lol.

BB

That's just the basser in me, (with a Rocky Balboa accent, "Ya know what I mean?)

Blue and BB,

We actually use both types of reels here. I just happen to only have a casting setup at this time. When working in rivers with current, it just seems for me more convenient to use a casting reel.


However, there are some applications where using a spinning setup is more convenient.

Sometimes we're dealing with really light floats and jigs, and a casting setup is just not going to be as helpful, especially if the casting reel to be used doesn't have a prayer of a chance of casting it.

Then you've got drift fishing with corkies, spoons, and inline spinners. If they're heavy enough, using casting gear is my preference. If you've go really slow current that needs the use of very little lead or weight, well, a casting setup is probably not going to be ideal. Just as in bass fishing. And forget about pixies. They won't have a prayer against some of the brutes you might encounter. There wouldn't be a point of being capable of tossing a 1/16 oz jig and float if the fish can spool you on its first run.

BTW, steelheading is new to me as I have only targetted them a few times but I do know that in my neck of the woods, spinning and casting gear is used and even flyfishing stuff too.

@BB,

If you're going to build a rod quiver, I think a trapezoid shape would be a great choice for its shape. Depending on the width chosen, it could potentially hold up to 6 rods. 2 on the top, 2 on the bottom and 1 on each slanted side. I reckon a pentagon would be pretty cool too. If you want to have a balanced or "even" looking pentagon, I would recommend that each interior angle be 72 degrees. Keep us posted

[BigBassin144]

Well, I was actually thinking of making a dodecagon. lol. I think a trapezoid would be cool, but harder to carry because of weird center of gravity. A pentagon would be cool. I could even make a triangle that would hold 6 rods, two on each side.

BB