Best Rod Holders for Pontoon Boats

If you like fishing and boating, you know that part of the problem is being able to hold your rod with bait for long periods of time. Often times, you would much rather keep your hands open so that you can crack a cold one, go to the bathroom, or be able to sit comfortably without weight pressing down on your arm. This is why getting one of the best rod holders for pontoon boats is important.

If you are looking to get a quality pontoon boat rod holder, we have carefully picked several options for you to consider. Each of the pontoon rod holder options below has been critically acclaimed and have received mass appeal. For your reference, we will look at each one individually before breaking down what features are most important in pontoon boat rod holders.

Scotty #229-BK Power Lock Rod Holder

This is one best rod holders for pontoon boats if you already have a mount to use with it. However, if you don’t already have a mount and would still desire to use this pontoon rod holder, all you will need to do is purchase both this product and the Scotty #243-BC Square Rail Mount which is designed to work with it perfectly. One thing that is nice about the pontoon boat rod holder itself is that it has a universal cradle which will hold just about any type of reel. The maximum diameter it can hold is 1 7/8”.

Additionally, there is a front-locking ring which will help you be able to use the rod without worrying that it will fall off at any point. However, one downside to this product and the mount is that it works best for people who have pontoon boat rails without side walls. However, due to its reasonable price and quality specifications, this is one of the best pontoon boat rod holder options.

Scotty #284-BK Baitcaster/Spinning Rod Holder w/ #243 Square Rail Mount

If you are looking for one of the best rod holders for pontoon boats and you have railings which are square-shaped, make this one of your top options. Since this mount will fit perfectly on a square railing and can spin 360 degrees, it is one of the best pontoon rod holders available for people who want these specifications. It also comes at a very affordable price, making it great for people who are on a tight budget.

If you have a trigger grip and need to have the bottom of the pontoon boat rod holder to be open, this model will suit your needs perfectly. Once you put the rod into the holder, they are secured both by the square rail mount and the latching strap which goes over the top of the rod once in position. Just keep in mind that this strap is made out of rubber, which can break increasingly easily the bigger your fishing rod is.

Eagle Claw AABRH Clamp-On Aluminum Boat Rod Holder

If you have a square rod on your pontoon boat, and a fishing rod that is at or below 1.375 inches, you might consider this to be one of the best rod holders for pontoon boats. With a nice tightening clamp that is easier to tighten and loosen than some other models, this model also allows you easily adjust the rod angle. Additionally, the rod will be able to spin around 360 degrees so that you won’t have to worry about an award-winning catch to break your rod holder off easily.

One thing to keep in mind before purchasing this product is that although it is made with corrosion-resistant material that the rod holder and the mount are made mostly with plastic materials. Of course, plastic is much easier for a fish to break than other material types, but is cheaper. If you are on a tighter budget and don’t mind keeping a close eye on the pontoon rod holder, this shouldn’t be too much a problem anyway.

PLUSINNO Fishing Rod Holder with Large Clamp Opening

If you are looking for the best pontoon rod holder, you should make this your top options. Constructed with heavy-duty ABS that is both eco-friendly and anti-corrosion, this is one of the strongest pontoon boat rod holder options you will find on the market. Additionally, the mount will be able to spin around 360 degrees, giving you plenty of space and angles to work with.

This product can come in packs of one or two. When you purchase two mounts, you will likely save a bit of money, so this is recommended if you plan on taking out two fishing poles. This is also designated to be a universal fit for fishing poles since it can fit fishing pole diameters up to 4.75 inches long.

However, keep in mind that this product will only work properly if the railings on your boat are square-shaped. Regardless, anybody wanting one of the most durable pontoon boat rod holders will prefer this product over one made with plastic.

ILOVA Fishing Boat Rods Holder 360 Degree Adjustable

If you want the most affordable pontoon rod holder which also comes with a nice balance of durability and features, you should make this your top option. Like any of the best rod holders for pontoon boats, this comes with a 360-degree adjustable angle range, which works both vertically and horizontally. This will help you to always keep your rod locked on the perfect angle without worrying that it is stressing the limits of your pontoon rod holder.

This pontoon boat rod holder is also made from ABS material, which is considerably stronger than ones made from plastic. It is also a universal fit which can fit rods up to 4.75 inches in diameter. However, like most pontoon rod holder options, you will need to have square railings or this product won’t mount properly, and will fall off easily. Regardless, since this comes with a reasonable price, exceptional durability, and 360 degrees of angle adjustment, this is hands-down one of the best rod holders for pontoon boats.

What to Look for When Buying Pontoon Rod Holders

Shopping for pontoon rod holders can either be an easy or difficult process. If you haven’t ever bought a pontoon rod holder before, there are various things that you should consider before you just whip out money on the first product that presents itself.

Just like any other product you shop for, you likely want to get the best deal possible. Regarding pontoon boat rod holders, the best way to do this is to find a balance between the price you want to pay and the features that you want. Here are all of the things you should consider before buying any sort of pontoon rod holder.

Price

Of course, the price that you pay is the most important thing on your mind. Thankfully, getting a pontoon boat rod holder won’t be too much of an investment. Since they are normally priced between $20 – 40, many people might even consider getting more than one rod holder.

Before you purchase the cheapest pontoon boat rod holder you can find, it is important that you consider other variables. Normally the cheaper the price is for something the greater the likelihood that there is a cache.

Quality and Durability

The material quality is the main factor which will determine how durable your pontoon boat rod holder is. Normally, you will find pontoon boat rod holders that say that they are “corrosion resistant” but then quickly realize that they are made from plastic. Although plastic is a reasonably tough material, you are more likely to snap your plastic rod holder than discover corrosion on it.

If you want to get the most durable quality, try to find a pontoon rod holder which is made from ABS material. These rod holders are normally not too much (or at all) more expensive than plastic ones, and are also normally corrosion resistant.

Compatibility with your Rails and Fishing Rod

Not all rod holders will be able to work for your personal needs. Before you purchase a rod holder, make sure that it will fit your rod’s diameter. In most cases, the rod holders that advertise themselves as a “universal fit” model will fit your rod, but it’s still a good idea to double-check.

Additionally, another factor to consider is whether or not the rod holder will work for your railing. Most pontoon boats have square railings, which is why most pontoon rod holder products will be designed for square railings. If you do not have a square railing, you might need to consider other options for holding your rod.

Adjustment Angle

When your rod is mounted on the rod holder, you will likely want to be able to move it around a little bit. This will allow much of the force exerted by a fish to be placed on the rod itself instead of the mount. Additionally, if you get a rod holder that goes 360 degrees both vertically and horizontally, you can ensure that any sort of angle you need for your personal needs will not be a problem. Keep in mind that not all pontoon rod holders have 360 degrees of angle adjustment.

Best Pontoon Fishing Rod Holder: Summary

Searching for the best pontoon rod holder means that you need to find a balance between the features that you want, and the price that you are willing to pay. If you consider the factors in the buying guide, you should easily pinpoint the features which matter to you most. Secondly, you shouldn’t expect to pay that much for a pontoon rod holder in the first place, and might even decide to get two or more.