Best muskie Rod Holder

[Lund 1650]

What is the best rod holder for this fish when trolling .


thanks

[THE FERD]

Down-East S-17 bolt down model or the S-10 double clamp on model . Theres no need to look at any other rod holders for muskie fishing !

[Tom B]

I agree. If there is something better than a Down East holder, I haven't seen it.

Tom B

[Worm Drowner]

Down East: There is no other rod holder!

[Lund 1650]

I have a lund 1650. what one would work best on this boat?????

[jyoung]

I have the bolt on down easters for my Crestliner 1750 fishhawk, I just thru bolted them to the top of the gunnel and had the guy who made my boat cover put reinforcment right where the mounts are.
I just take the the rod holders off at the end of the day and throw the cover on and I'm off.
Just make sure you use stainless steel bolts.
Good hunting,Jeff<*))))><

[Worm Drowner]

Definitely go with the saltwater mounts as they're a bit more sturdy that the freshwater ones. As far as mounting goes, what are you comfortable with? They make mounts that you can permanently attach to the boat, ones that clamp on to flat surfaces and ones that clamp on to round surfaces like a rail. Take a look at their catalogue at http://www.down-east.com/ and decide how you want to set up your boat.

[desert fox]

I have four of the double C-clamp Down Easter rod holders. I speed troll all the time and have never had a problem. The price is right too.

[Musky Fever]

Lund,

You will not find a better rod holder than the Down East Salty on the market today. Hands down the best out there.

[Kingfisher]

S-10 hands down. On my SmokerCraft I had to mount stained and varnished 1 inch oak boards to the boat and then clamp the Downeasters to them. The nice thing about this method is I can remove the holders when Im covering the boat. Also by using the wood I was able to raise the height of the holders so we dont have to bend down as far to reach a rod. I have lost one 50lb class fish to a plastic rod holder and will only use Downeasters till there is something better. I Wish I would have saved the Roberts holder that was spun stripping the teeth while allowing the rod to be pulled up to the lock jamming the Rod handle and losing us a possible state record fish. What I need is that same fish to try me again LOL. Musky trolling starts with great gear. If you cut any corners you will be sorry. Cheap rods, plastic holders and buget production lures will handle most Muskies But When the King comes calling its Clobbering time. Listen to the replys to this post. Downeasters are #1 for handling the shock of BIG FISH striking at speeds of 25 plus MPH. Good luck, Kingfisher

[strike_zone]

My choice is the Scotty Striker. It is much more versatile than the Down-Easter in my opinion. It adjusts to more angles, adjusts faster, and cradles the foregrip of the rod - taking some of the strain off the reel seat area. It can be mounted on virtually any surface (clamp-on gunwhale mount, raised gunwhale mount, flush gunwhale mount, or rail mount), and the rod holder can be quickly removed from the base for transit or security. (Only the base remains attached.) The new Striker even has a stainless pin that has been added to the base for even more strength. The locking ring allows you to run the rod at any angle. This holder was designed for huge Pacific Kings and Halibut off the western coast of Canada, so it is more than strong enough to handle any muskie that swims.

A new addition to the Striker family is an extension kit, which is an 8" stainless rod that mounts in the base to allow the base of the rod holder to be lifted above obstructions such as rails, downrigger bases, etc.. I just received 2 of these from Scotty in the mail last night to try out this season; it's is an amazing idea. They appear to be very well made, and I'm looking forward to trying them out.

I've been using the Strikers now for about 17 seasons, and I have nothing but good things to say about them.

Steve Wickens

[Skyman]

Steve! I just watched you today on the Fish'n Canada Show and you were not using rod holders but the spinning reel spools.:)

[strike_zone]

That's what happens when you have to fish out of the host/sponsor's boat with the host/sponsor's equipment!!!! (But it's amazing what you can do with a little imagination... I've been doing that spinning reel trick for 15 years. You'd be surprised at how many people have come up to me and commented that they never thought of it.)

This summer, Pete is coming out on MY boat with MY equipment, and he is in for some big surprises.

Steve Wickens

[Musk Rat]

I still like metal better than plastic. I have never had a prob. with scotty rod holders but i just don`t trust them pulling the big stuff. You don`t troll parrywinkles at 7mph with the drag titenend down just to keep it from stripping for salomon or halibut. Salomon are cuaght on noodle rods with mono line and halibut are cuaght on bait with the bail open and the clicker on. I like to run some of my rods out on a 45dgr angle to increase my spread I know this puts lots of stress on the rod but thats how i do it. I also watched Fishgraf loose a fish on a broken roberts rod holder. Later i laughed my butt off when i saw a pencile pike on the surface with his lure in it`s mouth. Lucky it wasn`t a 50lber. He later admitted that metal is stronger than plastic any way you slice it.

[Frank Di.]

I have used both, the scotty and the down easter. I would say the down easter is the better rod holder for certain applications. Firstly, it adjusts much more than the scotty's, you can get alot more angles from it. Secondly, when trolling big baits....the scotty will strip. Its not going to break off, but the threads holding it in place will give, sending your rod flying backward to face the back of your boat. Save your self the headaches and get the Down easters. You will be happier in the long run. Also, look into the Pursuit line of tracking and clamps for the down easters, they are very functional and will make installation alot easier. Good luck.