How do you make a homemade fishing rod holder?

Making your own fishing rod holder can be a fun and rewarding project for any angler. With some basic materials and tools, you can create a customized fishing rod holder that meets your specific needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the entire process step-by-step.

What is a Fishing Rod Holder?

A fishing rod holder, also known as a rod holder, is a device used to hold a fishing rod in place. It allows you to keep your hands free while waiting for a bite. Rod holders come in many different designs, but generally they use some method to securely grip the fishing rod handle and butt. Common types include:

• Spike/stick: A straight metal or wooden spike that you drive into the ground
• Clamp: Uses an adjustable clamp to mount to rails, furniture, docks, etc.
• Flush mount: An in-ground sleeve and cap for mounting on boats or docks
• Drift chute: Floats on the water to keep rods secure while drifting
• T-frame: A T-shaped stand that mounts multiple rods

Rod holders take the hassle out of actively holding your rod at all times. They enable setting rods out to fish multiple lines at once. Rod holders also allow hands-free trolling by securing rods at the stern while motoring.

Benefits of a Homemade Fishing Rod Holder

Constructing your own rod holder has several advantages over store-bought options:

• Customization: You can build it to perfectly fit your fishing style, rod type, and setup.
• Cost savings: homemade is cheaper than buying pre-made rod holders.
• Portability: You can make it as big/small as needed to easily move locations.
• Durability: You choose high-quality materials that will last for years.
• Fix/modify: Easy to repair, adjust, or add new features when you DIY.

While prefabricated rod holders work well, making your own allows for flexibility and functionality tailored exactly to your needs and preferences.

Rod Holder Materials

Building a fishing rod holder is relatively simple. With a few basic materials and some easy-to-use tools, you can construct a fully functional holder suited for your fishing situation.

Here are the common materials used to make homemade rod holders:

Hardware

• Thick dowel rod or wooden stake
• Metal pipe or tubing
• PVC pipe
• Wood screws, bolts, nuts, and washers
• Marine-grade adhesive

Base/Mounts

• Wood board, 2×4, or plank
• Plastic 5-gallon bucket
• Metal bracket or plate
• Cinder block or brick

Optional Accessories

• Foam tubing or pipe insulation
• Fishing rod caps/tips
• PVC fittings and connectors
• Marine sealant
• Camouflage spray paint

For basic rod holders, you likely only need 1-2 materials from each category. But having an assortment gives you more options for customization.

Tools for Building Rod Holders

You can build a fully-functional fishing rod holder using just a few standard tools:

• Hand saw or hacksaw: Cut dowels, PVC, wood, metal pipe to desired length
• Drill: Drill holes for securing parts together
• Screwdriver and wrenches: Tighten nuts, bolts, screws to connect pieces
• Sandpaper: Smooth rough edges on cut PVC or wood
• Permanent marker: Mark cuts lines and drill holes
• Square and tape measure: Ensure proper sizing and angles

A small toolbox with these basic implements are all you need to construct a fully functional rod holder. Advanced designs may require additional power tools like a circular saw, jigsaw, or rotary tool.

9 Steps to Building a Homemade Rod Holder

Follow these 9 key steps to make your own custom fishing rod holder:

1. Decide on Rod Holder Design

Consider how you primarily fish and your needs for a holder:

• Bank, pier, boat? Freestanding or mounted?
• Holding spinning rods or fly rods?
• How many rods need to be stored?
• Will rod tips be protected?

This influences if you need PVC pipe, wood, rail-mount, or flush style holder. Pick an appropriate design before starting.

2. Choose Base or Mounting Method

Determine how you will stand or mount the rod holder. Some options:

• Wood stake driven into ground
• 5-gallon bucket filled with concrete or sand
• Dock post mount
• Rail clamp bracket
• PVC cement block

The base must be sturdy enough to hold rods securely. Measure the dimensions to fit your specific fishing spot.

3. Select Materials for Rod Holder Unit

Choose your main structural materials such as:

• 1-2″ PVC pipe and fittings
• Copper, aluminum, or steel tubing
• Oak, cedar, or pressure-treated wood
• Fiberglass or graphite rods

The dimensions should fit your target rod sizes. You may need multiple materials for customized features.

4. Cut Materials to Proper Length

Measure and mark your materials, then cut to size using a hand saw, hacksaw, or pipe cutters. Remember to account for part of the material that will be in the base or mount.

5. Drill Holes for Securing Rod Holder Pieces

Drill holes in the materials to allow securing them together with screws, bolts, or adhesive. Some options:

• Parallel holes to bolt metal tube to wood base
• Perpendicular holes to run screws into PVC joints
• Holes to tie or wire parts together

Take precautions to drill straight and at proper angles to join pieces.

6. Join and Assemble Rod Holder Pieces

Use nuts/bolts, screws, adhesive, tape, wire, zip-ties to secure all pieces together. Some ideas:

• PVC cement or marine epoxy for pipe joints
• Hose clamps for connecting tubing
• Thick gauge wire to wrap and secure wood joints

Join all parts snugly so there is no looseness or wobbling.

7. Add Finishing Touches and Accessories

Optional additions like:

• Foam tubing on rods to protect rod guides
• Attach rod tips/caps to prevent scratching
• Add camouflage paint if using holder while hunting
• Marine sealant to weatherproof wood pieces

Make sure accessories don’t interfere with placing rods in the holder.

8. Mount or Install Rod Holder

Place your finished rod holder in the optimal fishing location:

• concrete base and drive wood stake into ground
• Bolt base to dock post or boardwalk railing
• Screw side brackets into tree trunk at desired height

Check that installation is stable and does not shift or loosen under load.

9. Add Rods and Go Fishing!

You’re ready to use your homemade fishing rod holder!

• Slide rods in place and make any final adjustments
• Tip: Let rods sit in holder overnight to confirm stability
• Enjoy hands-free fishing and more bites on multiple rods!

5 Helpful Tips

Use these handy tips when constructing your own custom rod holders:

1. Reinforce joints with double nuts/bolts or extra adhesive for durability.
2. Orient mounting brackets to avoid rod and line tangles when placing in holder.
3. Pad cross beams and contact points with foam or tape to protect rods.
4. Include drainage holes in outdoor holders so rainwater doesn’t pool inside.
5. Store rods upside down with tip inside holder during transport for protection.

DIY Rod Holder Ideas

Here are some unique DIY fishing rod holder designs to inspire your project:

Drift Chute Trolling Rod Holder

• Use an empty 2-liter bottle for flotation.
• Insert metal or PVC tubes in bottle caps to hold rods.
• Attach hull spacer for rod height adjustment.
• Add swivel snaps to secure lines and prevent tangling.

Inline Board Rod Holder

• Start with an old inline fishing board.
• Mount metal or PVC tubes parallel to each board edge.
• Can store 2 rods per board while trolling.
• Great for targeting walleye, pike, and other species.

Freestanding Cross-Bar Rod Holder

• Use a 5-gallon bucket filled with cement for base.
• Insert a wood cross-bar through bucket sides.
• Mount PVC tubes across bar to store 4-5 rods.
• Can be moved and adapted for shore or ice fishing.

Tree Limb Rod Holder

• Select a straight tree limb 6-8 feet off the ground.
• Screw 2 angled metal brackets into the sides of the limb.
• Rest rods across the angled brackets while fishing.
• Great portable option while hunting or hiking near trees.

Conclusion

Constructing your own fishing rod holder is simple, affordable, and allows complete customization for your needs. By following the tips and techniques above, you can create a personalized rod holder setup ready for your next big catch!

The ability to easily modify and add upgrades down the road is a bonus advantage of homemade rod holders. Consider starting with a basic design for your first DIY build. Then enhance it over time by integrating cool upgrades like PVC rod tips, hose guide protectors, or camo paint jobs.

Equipping your fishing spot with home-built rod holders saves money, stores gear efficiently, and lets you fish hands-free. Spend more time catching fish and less time actively holding rods with the help of creative, self-made fishing rod holders.