Best Crappie Rod Holder - Review & Buying Guide

The following are a few things you should keep in mind while looking for a perfect fishing rod holder. Looking for a rod rack to store your rod instead? Check out this article!

Purpose of a Crappie Rod Holder

Rod holders may seem like an unnecessary tool, but once you use it, you won’t be able to go fishing without it. These rod holders will save you from boredom and exhaustion on slow days. When you’re not tied at one place holding a fishing rod, you’ll be able to move around and do other things such as handling the ship, arranging the baits, eating a nice sandwich, or just relaxing.

These holders will save you from muscle soreness and possible frustration from standing with a rod in hand for hours to come by, and let me tell you, it’s not pretty. Fishing, especially for crappie, while no doubt rewarding, takes time and patience. These holders will help you be freehanded for a while so that you can enjoy the view and waters while the rod holders do the tedious work for you.

Check out our other article, if you are looking for the best rod for crappie fishing to put into your rod holder!

Material

Rod holders usually are made up of 4 different distinct materials,

Steel
Aluminium

Copolymer
Polypropylene

Each material has its own characteristic qualities and drawbacks. These will also have a price range difference. Which one has the best of both worlds? Well, none. Steel contributes to a more durable built and sturdy structure. But, it won’t be applicable for saltwater as it might corrode. Aluminum may be a lighter material but also tends to have the same issue.
Copolymer and polypropylene are definitely corrosion-proof, but these are less sturdy and less long-lasting than metals.

Plastic usage is also discouraged for the sake of the planet. While saying all that, it is best to do a little bit of research about where you are most likely to fish and what type of fish you are fishing for. These things will help you to choose whatever material works best for you.

If you were to ask what our recommendation would be, it would be metals. Mostly due to their sturdy and long-lasting built. As in fishing, a cheaper tool doesn’t last very long. However, a cheaper tool does not always mean inferior material. Once you handle the material and it seems cheap, chances are it is. So, it is better to opt for a safer option.

Mounting Style

Almost all rods are either clamp-on or drill mounts.

Clamp-on

Clamp-on is portable designs that are very easy to move around the boat if or when you want to move. They can easily be taken out and taken with you when you leave. This design is best suitable when you are fishing in a rental boat. They are a comfortable design that allows you to clamp it on or clamp it according to your needs.

The drawback of this design is that the clamp screw tends to get loose after a while and becomes wobbly. This can be avoided, but a few years down the road, it might become flimsy.

Drill Mounts

Drill mounts are secured in the rails of the boat or the carpet via bolts and nuts. With minimal drilling holes on the boat, your rod holder will remain in place, especially while trolling. If you have your own boat and prefer to troll, this will be the safest option for you.

The only drawback of drill mounts is that they won’t just come off when you’re done. It will be permanent, so one must give it a good thought as to exactly where they want the rod holder to be. Fishing kayaks mostly already come with drill mounts!

Adjustability

The adjustability of the rod is one more thing you should consider. You should make sure that your rod holder actually holds the fishing pole in place. A lot of rod holders claim to be universal fit, but it is better to make sure if it fits perfectly and not wobble about. It should be checked if it fits both vertically and horizontally.

Size and Fit

Rod holders are designed for certain rods. Some holders accommodate spinning reels while others accommodate casting reels. A line counter reel is often a good choice to go with rod holders. It is also advised to check if the holders can accommodate longer rods. If you’re a hardcore angler and like to go for bigger fish or rougher waters, these holders will definitely reduce your labor by a lot.

Shore Bound Fishing

If you’re bound to the shore and thinking, “what about me?”. Well, there are rod holders that anchor in the ground, and allow you to sit down in your chair and relax. Here are a few tips for you to select your favorite one.

Look for a broader base. A wider base will help to anchor the rod holder in the ground firmly so that the surf rod doesn’t wobble or come off completely. Another safe option would be to go for a long spike that can be anchored deep into the soil and held firmly.

Look for designs that have adjustability that is the designs that allow the rod to be rotated and elongated at your will. Also, a design that will enable you to remove the holder when you’re done so that you can take it home.

Keep an eye out the type of design that suits your style of fishing, whether it is casting or spinning.

Ensure the rod holder you’re buying has a locking system that helps to keep the holder anchored and not come right off when tugged at.

The Best Crappie Rod Holder – Our Top Picks

The Best All Around Crappie Rod Holder

SCOTTY ROD HOLDER WITH POWERLOCK GRIP

Pros

Sturdy and durable
Resilient
Screw-in base

Front locking ring

Cons

Only built to hold one rod

This heavy-duty rod holder offers everything and more. As the name implies, it has a power lock that allows a wide variety of rods to fit in. It also has a front locking ring that prevents the rod from falling out while trolling or when being tugged at by the fish.

The rod can be mounted either deck style or sideway. It also has the ability to rotate a full 360° to allow entire circular movement. This will enable you to access all sides while standing in one place. Due to its sturdy built, a variety of fish can be sustained without jerking the rod out of the grip.

Crappie is a rather smaller fish that doesn’t bounce a lot when caught, but having extra care is never an inconvenience. The internal diameter of this rod holder is 1.96 inches; hence, its ability to hold multiple types of fishing rods. It is made up of engineering grade nylon that gives it its durable body. It is available in 3 different colors, but black is the most sold color.

Amazon

The Best Crappie Rod Holder for Multiple Rods

MILLENNIUM MARINE OUTDOORS SPYDERLOK ROD HOLDER

Pros

4-rod holders
Sturdy material
Spyderlok technology for a firmer grip

Boat carpet lock base

Cons

Pricey

This fishing rod holder is best for those who prefer spider rigging. This rod holder has the capacity to hold 4 fishing rods at once. Each rod has its own twistable screws that can help you move and rotate the rods. Each rod holder has a full 360° rotation.

Each rod has an adjustable height option as well that will range from 12 to 20 inches. This rod holder has something called spyderlok technology that guides in pole adjustment via the presence of spyderlok teeth that allow a smooth transition in rod movements with adjustable heights of rods ranging from 12 to 20 inches.

It also comes with a flush-mount plate that screws onto the boat carpet and can easily be removed. This flush-mount plate allows a firm grip at the base that won’t budge under any tug, and also eliminates stubbed toes. The material used is anodized aluminum. This provides a sturdy and firm structure that won’t break easily.

Amazon

The Best Crappie Rod Holder for Beginners

PLUSINNO FISHING BOAT RODS HOLDER WITH LARGE CLAMP OPENING

Pros

Anti-corrosion material
Clamp-on base
Sturdy built

Cons

Prone to get flimsy over time

Out of all the other rod holders on the list, this is the one with the most effortless installation. These holders screw clamp on to the railing of the boat or the kayak and can easily be removed. But, it does require you to know the girth of the railing of your boat to ensure that it fits. Despite its easy on-hand installation, it still provides secure anchorage.

The holders also have a universal fit that accommodates spinning, casting, and spin-cast handles. It claims to be made up of eco-friendly and corrosion-resistant material, which makes it suitable for saltwater fishing. The holder allows a 360° movement of the rod. The dimensions of the rod holder are pretty standard. Stainless steel hardware is used that also ensures its durability.

Amazon

The Most Durable Crappie Rod Holder

WISE ROD HOLDER WITH TWIN PACKS AND DOUBLE SIDE MOUNTS

Pros

Twisting knob adjust
Removable holder

Sturdy built

Cons

On the more expensive side

This rod holder is a dark horse. The name of the brand may seem unfamiliar, but their rod holder is second to none. Its copolymer plastic constructed body provides strength and rigidity to the holder. It is also claimed to be high impact resistant, which means that it will take more than just a few jerks to crack or break.

It has a movable, sliding front ring that ensures the stronghold on the rod. It also has a twisting knob to the rod in the holder. This holder also accommodates for both spinning and casting rods. It does have a screw-in base but detachable holder so that it can be taken with you when you leave. A decent product at a reasonable price, cosidering its durability.

Amazon

Happy Relaxed Fishing!

Hopefully, this guide will make your shopping a bit easier and make your fishing journey a bit more relaxed and fun. Still not sure which rod holder to go for? Check out this article. And before you are going for a crappie fishing trip, make sure to check out our tips or the special article for fly fishing tips!

Happy fishing!!