Rod holders are an important tool when ice fishing. They keep the rod and reel off the ice and slush. You can also attach the holder to the rod, so they do not get dragged into the deep by a huge fish!
Last season on Canyon Ferry Lake, we were targeting the BIG BOWS that lurk under the ice. These trout average 20-30 inches long and are tough to tackle. “Meatstick” had some red metal rod holders that were lightweight and flimsy. The rod could also easily slip out. When you are legally ice fishing 6 rods, you can’t see every rod all of the time. I was sitting 20 yards away and watched his rod get dragged into the hole. A big Bow was responsible. “Handy Randy” also uses these flimsy and unreliable holders. Each year they end up costing them fish and tackle.
To solve the problem, I designed a rod holder that attaches to the rod and will not fit into the ice hole. Here are some ideas and tips.
Use plywood to cut out your holder. Regular wood can break.
Consider how high you want the rod to be. Make the legs for that height.
Drill an oversized hole that will align with the line running through the guides. A countersink bit will taper the hole nicely. Sand the line hole to avoid any burs, or places to catch your fishing line.
Use a small block of wood on top to sandwich the holder and rod together. Predrill the holes so you don’t split the wood. If the wood block is too flimsy, it will bend or break. Usually, the rod fits nicely below the largest stripper guide.
Use a rubber gasket where the rod attaches. This will allow you to secure the holder to the rod securely without damage to the rod.
One advantage to this rod holder is that you do not need to pull the rod butt out of a tube, then set the hook. Simply lift the entire rod and holder together.
You can customize this idea to make it your own. Let me know if there is a better way to attach the rod. You may need to adjust and tighten my idea to keep the rod in place.
Be Rod Ready!
Montana Grant
