Hello all,
I was curious to see how others go about keeping their rods securely on deck in rough seas?
When it gets rough on Erie I usually resort to putting them in a locker during runs however its kind of a pain and a time killer but better than losing them I guess.
As of right now I just have the boat buckle straps which are fine in anything less than 3 ft but I have to imagine somebody has a better system out there makeshift or not for really securing with minimal movement.
Any thoughts are apreciated.
Thanks
Rod locker!
There several type's of straps on the markets. That fasten to your deck. My favorite are the Velcro type. I even trailer with them.
When it is real bad I use to always rod locker and lock plus tie a marker buoy to the boat....
Also I am currently using a deal that I came up with working in the rubber industry that I use for the everyday deal on my deck....When I am able on this site I will post pics also..
Just my 2 Jay
the Velcro type ties down work but have a bad side if they get dirty or get to much link on them they will let go. I lost all but a few rods a while back do to them not holding in the drive to the lake. I go with the bungee type now, you can see they are hooked and never had them come lose.
Is the marker buoy for if the boat sinks? Never thought of that. Always be prepared for anything. Good idea.
Quote from: Team houston on August 14, 2013, 08:19:25 AM
Is the marker buoy for if the boat sinks? Never thought of that. Always be prepared for anything. Good idea.
Yep learned that from an even older dog than I .....
I use the velcro style. No issues, but I do make sure I use two straps when traveling.
I've been using the least snaggable soft bungee straps with plastic hooks I can find with a couple screwed in small o-bolts for a long, long time. My ancient Ranger has survived the Great Lakes but was born before the fancy new straps they come with or you can add on. These work well (along with avoiding spearing waves or big washovers as much as possible too).
As long as I remember to strap them, I don't lose any rods.
If the straps start appearing weak or stretchy, replace with new straps. I keep a few extra in the boat somewhere.
One of my old, old times team partner always had the policy of putting the electronics and rods away in locked compartments before heading back on a run of any length during tournament time on the Great Lakes and even some bigger northern lakes - we had some doozies on Charlevoix and Mullett.
With better connectors out nowadays I don't usually go that far but it isn't a bad habit if you value your equipment. I also don't generally fish any tournaments and do my best to avoid the big lakes when I shouldn't be out there... I still hear about unhappy losses every year including some rods going over just while fishing so maybe strapping them while fishing isn't a bad habit either.