Malibu front rod holders

Just wanted to get your opinions regarding best use for the Malibu front rod holders. Being only 5'7" and having a well "rounded" frame, I find the front rod holders on my Mini-X to be a bit to far forward. By this I mean that I can reach them, but because they are angled forward, I have to reach far beyond them to feel confident when I release the rod that it will not slip and fall into the drink. Because of this I have been basically either not utilizing them or using them to store my net and gaff when applicable. So, is this pretty much the norm, or is there a trick/technique used to get to those forward rod holders?

Thanks, Mike

I have the same issue with my x13. One option I looked at was putting a Scotty Gimbal mount in the flush mount.

http://kayakfishinggear.com/rodholders.aspx

From there, you can pick and choose which extension options you want to get the actual rod holder closer to you. On the Hook1 main page it looks like Scotty is coming out with a new extension arm that swivels, looks like it would work.

If you go this route, I would get a rubber grommet or a large O ring to get a snug fit for the gimbal mount. Good luck.

Here is a picture of the Scotty rod holder on Mini-X so you have an idea what it's look like:

I have 3 Mini-X and haven't mounted front rod holders on any of them.  Mainly because I can't decide where I want to mount them. If anyone has some pics from the sitting view, please post them.

Thanks, Al

I have 3 Mini-X and haven't mounted front rod holders on any of them.  Mainly because I can't decide where I want to mount them. If anyone has some pics from the sitting view, please post them.
Thanks, Al

I have this side view picture.  Hope this helps...

On some of my yaks I just removed the front flush mount rod holders and turned them so they angled slightly back instead of forward.  I had to modify the hole shape just a little with a knife. I then redrilled the rivet holes, and gooped and reriveted the holders. Cheap, easy and problem solved. Comes out as clean and strong as a brand new flushmount install. Trolls like a dream and you can get your rod out of the holder when big Momma stops by on a tight drag.  

Yeah, i'm still undecided on my X-Factor as well.  I got the non-FND model, so no rear hatch or rod holders were installed.  I installed the rear flushmounts, but still need a front rod holder too.  I purchased two of these: But think I will only mount one of them.  Its very versital  for positioning, just trying to figure out the best place for it, and the FF.

Thanks for the replies, some good ideas, and I feel a little better now that I am not the only one who does not have the gymnastic abilities required to get to those front holders. I thought about reversing them, they probably would troll better, but still have first-hole-itis, so that probably won't happen for a while. Currently, I modified my net and gaff so that they have a rope coming straight out of the handle that attaches to one of the pad eyes as a leash. When needed I just yank on the rope and it launches the net/gaff out of the holder, this works really well but is not a "perfect fit". Besides, lets be realistic, they are called rod holders, not net holders, Rods just look cool, nets, not so much. So, that, along with sketchy weather and a not as yet in full swing fishing season, I have plenty of time to dwell on the minutia of immaterial and meaningless "imperfections" to keep me busy. I guess. I hope to hit the water tomorrow so at that time this should all be forgotten, until the next storm. 

Hey Sailfish, I notioced in the first pic, your boat looks to be sitting high enough out of the water so that the seat shouldn't get wet. As a matter of fact it looks like you have jeans on. Do you use scupper plugs, or does your Mini indeed ride high enough so that the seat stays dry? I am about 185# and with an additional 20# +/- of gear, My seat/scuppers tops end up being only about .5"-1" above the internal water, and any kind of rocking or waves does send a bit of water inside. I would love to be able to use the Mini in street clothes though, so I'm a bit curious.

Hey Sailfish, I notioced in the first pic, your boat looks to be sitting high enough out of the water so that the seat shouldn't get wet. As a matter of fact it looks like you have jeans on. Do you use scupper plugs, or does your Mini indeed ride high enough so that the seat stays dry? I am about 185# and with an additional 20# +/- of gear, My seat/scuppers tops end up being only about .5"-1" above the internal water, and any kind of rocking or waves does send a bit of water inside. I would love to be able to use the Mini in street clothes though, so I'm a bit curious.

When I fish in a lake,  I plugged all the scupper holes so I won't get any water in my yak.  Without the plugs, there will be some water around the footwell area that can get your pants' sleeves wet a little but not much.  I weight around 175lb.