Sooo, you got a two pole stamp... Rod holders... and now you can't catch fish!?!

I usually fish two rods, but if I am getting hung up too much or missing fish then I will switch to one rod.

I like fishing on the move so I almost always fish 2 rods on freshwater unless I am working cover or structure. Don't miss too many bites either. A limber rod, loose drag and sharp hooks improve hookups. I only fish lures and flies but if I were to soak bait, I would use 2 rods. Peddle drives and sails allow you to hold one of the rods while trolling which I often do but the forward movement of the boat and the drag set the hook in most cases.

On saltwater I use 4-5 rods all in rod holders for WSB, 1-2 rods in rod holders for YT, 1 rod in a rod holder or under thigh for halibut and salmon trolling. Jigging and mooching I always hold the rod unless I am trooching.

I generally troll with one rod in hand for control because I like to work tight breaks. I'm probably heading toward buying one rod holder for the boat for the more open water type applications (scattered trout/crappie etc.). The two rod trolling method can work against you if your offerings aren't really compatible, you have hook set issues, or you're simply missing the best presentation to avoid overall problems/tangles with your set. The two rod method can help with the initial solving of the lure or depth of the day issues though.

Two rods works great for still fishing when tied off to trees or anchored in wood etc. One or both rods with live bait and/or one for tossing lures etc.

When I troll Berry or Folsom I use two rods. One on the DR for Kokes or Salmon, and one up towards the top for trout. Both in the holder like Scott says. Lightweight rods so I can see what is going on. If the rod is in your hand it is too easy to get trigger happy and try to set too soon. Light or ultra light rods set the hook for you. I never set the hook while trolling. I almost never miss fish while trolling. I also use different baits till I find what is working and then switch both rods to that bait if both rods are for the same species.

When I troll Berry or Folsom I use two rods. One on the DR for Kokes or Salmon, and one up towards the top for trout. Both in the holder like Scott says. Lightweight rods so I can see what is going on. If the rod is in your hand it is too easy to get trigger happy and try to set too soon. Light or ultra light rods set the hook for you. I never set the hook while trolling. I almost never miss fish while trolling. I also use different baits till I find what is working and then switch both rods to that bait if both rods are for the same species.

+1 to all of this.