Ram tubes?

  Rocket launchers?  Those of you that use them, how well do they actually hold position while trolling?  I've been holding my trolling rod with my right hand/arm (steering with left hand) for as long as I've had my OB.  I don't like using the on board rod holders because they point the rods up.  Lost a rod out of the back rod holder due to a snag (and not leased, popped right out,gone)  I like to have the rod tip down some.
  To me, the whole ball & mount system seem like it might be too weak to actually stay put.  If I'm trolling leadline with a dodger or spinners, that rod has some weight/pull on it.
  I did mount a "scotty" rod holder, but was in a hurry and didn't think the mount through.  The Scotty holds the rod fine, but the rod end extends into the area where my legs are and prevents any use of the drive system   
  I guess I'm asking how strong are these things really?


Troy

You can get a riser for the scotties that might help clear your leg areas.

-Brian G

RAM tubes are plenty strong for freshwater. They are marginal for 2 lb balls in the salt.

Scott

Troy -

I use both scotty and RAM and find them strong enough for most applications. I tend to use scottys in the rear and RAMs in the front. For freshwater trolling I use PVC rocket launchers inserted into my flushmounted rod holders to provide better support for my spinning rods, particularly the ones with short rear grips. Works really well. Without the rocket launchers a big swell could easily knock the rod out of the holder.

scott

 Thanks guys,  I might install the scotty in or over the rear built-in rod holder as I know this could work, I can reach it, and my rods won't "pop" out of it when it "hooks up" (either snag or big fish) I'll spend a little more time planning out the locations next time!

Troy