Rear mounted AI rod holder system

Author: josh

Category: Equipment, rigging & preparation

Published on Saturday, 23 January 2010 18:25

Written by Josh

Update: Since coming up with the system described below I have come up with something a lot more effective - say hello to the Bullhorn rod holder system

Very recently I started contemplating how I might go about adjusting weight distribution on my kayak, hoping to achieve better sailing performance by removing some weight from the front end of the yak. There wasn't much available for me to shift, however, save for the sounder transducer & battery position, as well as rod holder positions. The former was a no-brainer, though the latter required some thought. Not only had I become more than comfortable with forward mounted rods, if I was to shift holder positions to the rear, I'd need a good way of doing it.

I'd also have to avoid having the reels positioned any lower than they already were and make sure that I could swing the rods at right angles either side of the yak. Initially my idea was to use RAM revolution tubes mounted to balls attached to the aka crossbar behind the seat. But not only did I soon realise that it would be a bad idea to have the balls mounted on the top of the crossbars (which would make upside-down car-topping difficult) I also realised that their effectiveness would be hampered by a side mount.

Whilst experimenting with this I quickly realised that the standard tube would do the job just as effectively, and even more effectively if mounted with an extra socket arm and ball connector. So instead of using the RAM revo tubes for mounting to the crossbar, I used RAM 2008 tubes instead. I did, however, keep a RAM revo holder for an optional middle position, where (when mounted behind the seat) makes for an excellent solution.

I attached small sized socket arms to the tubes with C-size connector balls, effectively giving me full 360 degree rotational movement, as well as an extra 6 inches of height. These allow me to swing the tube in any direction I want. In use I found it best to point the tubes out to the side and slightly forward, which keeps the rod tips well clear of each other (for trolling 2 lines) as well as keeping them both peripherally visible. With both tubes swinging out either side of the kayak they are both within easy reach and simple to put in and out.

However, past experience has taught me that of all the RAM rod holders, tubes are the ones that most require leashes. The 2008 tubes have 2 eyelets, which are ideal for mounting a short rod leash. I made leashes to a length to suit, but built them into the tube, as opposed to just attaching it afterward. I did this for a specific reason, which was to gain extra stretch without having extra length hanging down. I fed the bungee through one of the eyelets and then built the leash around it. I attached one end to the other eyelet, and the stainless clip on the other. So although there is only a few inches of leash dangling from the tube, there is in fact about 6 inches of bungee available, providing extra stretch if required. This is best explained visually, though isn't shown terribly well in the photo above so I'll update this post with a few more shots later in the week.

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