Ok I finally got the pontoon boat. I have always liked the driftmaster rod holders for previous boats I have had. The boats were always a bit closer to the water than the pontoon rail so I notice when pulling crank style baits they are not running as deep. Run redfin/bucktail combos alot where I live. Im sure I can put the holder in a vise and bend it so the tip points down some. But just wondering what other folks run for rod holders,I dont see an adjustable driftmaster on their site.
just run out more line. or you can use other deep alternatives like running lead core or install a couple mounts for downriggers.
If I’m posting, its because I’m sitting here at work, dreaming about fishing.
These Scotties will do what you need. And they lock in place so you don’t have to worry about one twisting loose when pulling and a fish hits on the port side
They adjust vertically and will rotate 360
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
DF90 Suzuki
I’ve got 8 of those Scotty’s on my Lund & have had some issues with them slipping out of the mount when I grab a rod. It seems like the splines are getting play or slop in them. I’ve had thoughts about getting Driftmasters.
Bob Van Gundy
803-727-4069
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
Cisco fishing systems. That’s the best I’ve ever come across.
I run Driftmasters. But if money were no object, Cannon makes a REALLY nice rod holder system.
http://store.cannondownriggers.com/products/325071/Dual_Axis
-The size of a fish is directly proportional to the time between when it’s lost and the story is told. - Me
-What’s the best eating fish, you ask? I’ve found that for a lot people, its the ones that they happen to be able to catch, clean, and cook. - My Dad (1/13/37 - 9/27/16 I love you Pops)
-Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. Anatole France (paraphrased)
-RIP my “Puppy Dog” 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013. I’ll never forget him. What a special friend he was.
-Team Gonna Fish
My vote goes to drift masters you can lift the rod up instead of out over the water, better leverage . My 2 cents .
TOM GITTO
Team Keepn It Reel
Is this really happening, they were here yesterday.
20ft Sea Hunt cc Blue T Top
Cabelas quick draw. Have 6 on my boat, work great and no issues in over 10 years.
'06 Mckee Craft
184 Marathon
DF140 Suzuki
I also run the cabelas quick draw, got 12 on my boat. the only issue i have is the new gimbal on the new shakespeare striper rods dont fit without modifying the rod.
The only rod I’ve come across that won’t fit in mine is the Berkley glow sticks. The butt is too big to fit in the rod holder, but I usually put them in my gunnel holders if I ever do use them.
'06 Mckee Craft
184 Marathon
DF140 Suzuki
Cisco rod holders will do what you want. Granted they are high but will last a lifetime and won’t break. You can point them straight in the water.
I have 20 Driftmasters on my Xpress; however, I do enjoy the Cabelas Quickdraws on Rick K’s Tidewater. I am just not a fan of tube style rod holders that require you to take the rod out and up. Especially with down rod fishing, that can cause slack and therefore a spit hook. My .02.
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
quote:
Originally posted by FogmanI have 20 Driftmasters on my Xpress; however, I do enjoy the Cabelas Quickdraws on Rick K’s Tidewater. I am just not a fan of tube style rod holders that require you to take the rod out and up. Especially with down rod fishing, that can cause slack and therefore a spit hook. My .02.
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
Ha … We have 35 tournament style (gimbal tubes) on our boat …
Admittedly when big fish hit they can be challenging for some to get the rods out …
The trick to using them with down rods is to NOT take them out immediately …
When the fish gets hooked LEAVE THE ROD IN THE HOLDER and reel down on the fish THEN take the rod out and use the rod to bring the fish in …
Really effective when you have kids on the boat … They like fighting fish “wicked tuna” style … 
… it’s my Wife’s fault we HAVE to fish !!!
2005 Sea Pro 2100cc / Yamaha 150hp 4-Stroke
Whatever works for ya man! Y’all have certainly been boating better fish than us in tournaments this year; so what you’re doing is effective. However, I’ll stand by my preference for Driftmasters.
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
But mine’s bigger…too funny:wink:
quote:
Originally posted by LoonBut mine’s bigger…too funny:wink:
I can promise you two things …
(1) Rod Holders do not determine what size fish you can catch, and
(2) There are ppl out there with more rod holders on their boats that are fishing for smaller fish … 
Don’t be a bait hater, Loon … We can put rod holders on your LoonyToon and you’ll catch bunches of fish w/out throwing your shoulder out in an hour … LOL
But in all seriousness … The real reason why I don’t run Driftmasters is because I don’t want to spend that kind of money and I don’t want to drill a bunch of holes in my boat …
I have rails that I can mount my rod holders to …
The Driftmaster Duos cost $22.00 each and the rail mounts cost another $13.00 each for a total of $35.00 per rod holder (not including taxes and shipping) …
If I put 10 rod holders then I’m spending $350 + T&S …
I can get the Amarine-made Stainless Tournament Style Clamp on Rod Holders from Amazon for $45 a PAIR (that’s $22.50 each) and with Prime pay no taxes or shipping and get them in 2 days … So if I buy 10 of them (5 pairs) then that’s $225 shipped to my front door which saves me a minimum of $125 …
Now add to that the fact that they are fully adjustable (which was the concern of jsadler) with a single allen wrench and it’s kind of a no brainer …
Unless you DON’T have a rail to mount them on … in which case, I’ve got nothing …
quote:Not a hater at all, just reminds me of crickets under a cork with my 6 year old. I actually enjoy
Originally posted by Lawcrusherquote:
Originally posted by LoonBut mine’s bigger…too funny:wink:
I can promise you two things …
(1) Rod Holders do not determine what size fish you can catch, and
(2) There are ppl out there with more rod holders on their boats that are fishing for smaller fish …
Don’t be a bait hater, Loon … We can put rod holders on your LoonyToon and you’ll catch bunches of fish w/out throwing your shoulder out in an hour … LOL
But in all seriousness … The real reason why I don’t run Driftmasters is because I don’t want to spend that kind of money and I don’t want to drill a bunch of holes in my boat …
I have rails that I can mount my rod holders to …
The Driftmaster Duos cost $22.00 each and the rail mounts cost another $13.00 each for a total of $35.00 per rod holder (not including taxes and shipping) …
If I put 10 rod holders then I’m spending $350 + T&S …
I can get the Amarine-made Stainless Tournament Style Clamp on Rod Holders from Amazon for $45 a PAIR (that’s $22.50 each) and with Prime pay no taxes or shipping and get them in 2 days … So if I buy 10 of them (5 pairs) then that’s $225 shipped to my front door which saves me a minimum of $125 …
Now add to that the fact that they are fully adjustable (which was the concern of jsadler) with a single allen wrench and it’s kind of a no brainer …
Unless you DON’T have a rail to mount them on … in which case, I’ve got nothing …
LC. I agree on all points; however, I will have to add that poor rod holder setup is a reason some struggle with downrod fishing. Whatever holders you use for dr’s, they need to position the rod parallel or slightly below to the water surface. More often than not, a fish will spit the hook on a downrods angled too high. Just whatever rod holder you use, it needs to be angled properly for what you’re doing.
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
Thanks for all the input and will check some of the options
Are there any horizontal rod holders that can be inserted into flush mounted rod holders that you’ve used and liked? The only one I know of is the CE Smith stainless outrigger rod holder that West Marine offers for $139 each. That seems like crazy too much money. I’d like to have a couple of horizontal rod holders for bait fishing without drilling holes and I don’t have a rail that I think will work.