Buiding the Perfect PVC Rod Holder

[mcgray]

I am a newbie to the forum and recent Tampa area (Ruskin) resident. I have been out to the Skyway a couple times, but aside from a few grunts, have yet to bring home meat in the cooler. I have a lot to learn ... most of my fishing has been done from a flats boat with an Uncle who "knows it all." I have been upgrading my tackle and rod and reel combos one bargain at a time. With value in mind, here is my question: I want to build the perfect skyway rod holder (up to four rods) out of simple, cheap PVC. Any advice would be appreciated. As a starting foray, does anyone know the width of the railing? I am aiming for stable but easy to assemble/disassemble (my car is on the tiny side). I am sure the past creative solutions are as broad as narrowing down the "best" types of tackle. Thanks in advance for responses ... constructive or sarcastic welcome. 

[havetofish]

There have been many posts about this in the past, but I'll be damn if I can find them. Maybe they were on the previous forum we had. I saved the info I had posted before so here it is.

I might add I do not use them much anymore and use the straight pipe shown and just drop them in the drain holes.

Not that there is not any substitute for holding your rod, but there are times when you want to put your rod down and not tear it up on the concrete. Leaning your rod on the rail will get you sooner or later, either with something yanking it off the pier, like flipper or a bird flying under the pier, or if you use braid with a loose drag then the braid will get chaffed and be a weak link ready to snap when you need it the most.
You can add an extra half a coupling to the top and notch it out if you use a spinning rod, as shown here ( this was an experiment, still a work in progress, but works really well). If so then notch it to fit the shaft of your reel. I wanted something that was a quick release from the holder. The reason you see it tilted to the right a little is to make sure the reel swings into the notch. Without the top coupling, get a dog leash that you can attach to the holder or rail and then clip it to the rod/reel. I think this is probably the best solution, just don't have a picture of one like that and make sure the leash is long enough for you to take the pole out and use the rod without having to unhook it initially.
There are many variations on the 2" 4 ft type pipe you stuff between the rails and tie down, but unless you need the height for an outliner then to me they just take up to much space.

(1) Sanitary Drain fitting PVC, 2" size
(1) 2" PVC coupling
(1) 2" PVC pipe 3 3/4"
(1) 2" PVC pipe 6 3/4"
(1) Tie down with ratchet lock.
Hacksaw to cut the PVC and the 2" couplings in half.

1/2 of an extra 2" coupling if you want to try the notch thingy with another 2-3 inches of extra pvc to connect it to the top of the T fitting.
The reason for the sanitary fitting is the curve helps take some of the stress off the tension you'll be putting on it with a tie down.
The reason for the couplings cut in half is to get even pressure around the rail and avoid cracking the PVC.
There are lots of choices for tie downs, but I had some already and used them.
These are built for the size of the rails for the Skyway and may not be the best choice for other rails.












4" x 6" I believe

[shadowxmas]

Havetofish has a good set up.  Our friend Mackeralman uses pvc pipes for rod holders and uses bungee cords to attach them to the railing.  The bungee cords make for easy and quick release when you are ready to pack up and go home.   You might also want to take a walk to get some ideas seeing what others are doing.

shadowxmas 

[mcgray]

Great idea, much more simple than the monstrosity I am building in my head. 

[mcgray]

Will be out sometime after sunset until sometime around sunrise to take the walk Thursday and/or Friday night - third shift escape from the week. Fish willing, I may even get a couple of lines wet. I am also looking for a "deal" on a reasonably stout spinner to fill with some high test braid to take a shot at the big fishes. Does not need to be "new" and shiny, just maintained and sturdy. I have an extra 11ft ugly stick (not the perfect rod) that will double as a surf setup. I know some of you "old" hats have overflow and a scent for bargains. If you are going to be out Thursday night, feel free to bring a surplus reel along and shout out to Mike in the white Chevy Spark ... he may be looking confused and cussing at his tangled lines. My eco-car gives an idea of life's current value proposition as I delve, very seriously, into becoming proficient in my new favorite hobby. Ms. Saltwater; how I have missed you so, for too many longing years!

[Deleted]

Here is How I Have My Rod Holders Set Up. They Work Perfect. Once the Rod is it in, The Rod is not going anywhere. I Strap them to the Concrete, Wood or Steel Railings where ever I am Fishing at with Bungee Straps. One Pipe for a 4.0 & 6.0 Reel & One for a Spinning Reel. I have 2 Total for Spinning Reels. 

[SkyJay]

wow there are some great minds at work here.
all great ideas.
years ago I discovered by acident that
my sandspikes I had fashioned out of 2 inch
pipe with a 45 cut on the end also doubled
as a great pole holder at the Skyway Pier.
The 2 inch pipe wedges perfectly between the conduit
that runs along the railing on most of the bridge
and the concrete railing.
The 45 on the end actually designed to dig into
sand also works great to help "wiggle"the pipe
into place firmly.
To remove you simply
"wiggle" it back out.
There are a few spots where the conduit has rotted
away the require the pipe to be tied off to the bridge.
As Mackeral man suggested bungee cords work great.
On out going tide I just use the straight pipe.
On incoming I snap on a 45% elbow to hold the rod out
some and prevent line from rubbing the concrete.
Another suggestion...
cut the pipe with 4 inch diamond blade on a grinder.
it works great!

[arrantzale]

Exactly as the others have said. I use straight pieces of pvc with the end cut to a 45. Slide it down between the conduit and the rail then tie/bungee it to the column. You can make 4 rod holders for super cheap.

[Deleted]

Sometimes when People slide the PVC Posts between the Rail and the conduit, they break or snap the conduit. Then when You Throw a net over the rail for bait, it tears the heck out if the Net or You cut Your hand or fingers pulling the Net off the Conduit. My Net & My Hands for example. Some of that conduit could also have some Live Wires running through it. The Lights on the Pier are not getting the Electric to Run from the Air. Lets All Think Smarter for those that don't.
When Fishing at the Skyway Piers, I beef Up My Equipment when Pertaining to Grouper or any Legal Shark. But in most cases in the Past We have all noticed that another Types of Fish always gets in Our Way such as Bottlenose Dolphins, Various Types of Rays, Tarpon and non Legal Catching Sharks or Goliath Grouper.
With the Way I Attach Mine, I strap to the Bottom Rail to Secure the Pole Handle Length in case I get a Good Bite. I secure to the Top Rail to not only Hold the Pole Upright but to also Hold the Pole from going Left or Right. Very seldom have I ever seen a Fish go outward at First. They Normally go to the Right or the Left to use the Current against Us. I have also seen People out there just setting their poles down & in an instant, they go over the Rail. I prevent that Mistake. Lets All Fish Smart out There ! Tight Lines & Good Luck & Fill Those Buckets !