mounting a rod holder without access to the spot within the hull

I just started kayak fishing and purchased an alternate rod holder. i am going to mount it just before the first foot insert. it will be mounted vertically (bulkhead style) and i was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions for what to use to mount the base. there is no access to put bolts and nuts and washers on so i was thinking rivets and some strong adhesive. any suggestions?

A lot of considerations here.  Stress on the gunwall being the most important.  If you are going to only be using this yak in freshwater, using light tackle, rivets may be your only option.  Be sure to use the "star rivets". You can get them online at Hook 1, Austin Canoe and Kayak.  West marine carries them too but they are overpriced there.  If you plan on trolling with heavier tackle like for salmon, you may want to rethink placement to where you can use bolts and reinforcing washers.

I recently mounted a RAM ball just ahead of the footwell in my T140. I have access to the inside  so I used SS bolts, marine goop, and a backing 1/2" plate larger than the ball base. My intent was to use this for trolling and drift fishing with squid.
The position of the rod tube is great, but the stress put on the base is much more than I anticipated, especially trolling in the ocean. I need to re-do the install and use a MUCH larger backing plate to reduce the flex in the plastic.

This is just my experience.... simple star rivets & adhesive may work for freshwater gear without deep 6 divers or lead balls, but the weight and pull of any saltwater gear would cause damage. For those applications you'll have to really beef things up.

Rivets and lots of goop. Or the new Rigging Bullets: http://kayakfishinggear.com/comingsoon-weareaddingnewproducts-1-1-2-1-3-1-1.aspx

thanks guys

Rivets and lots of goop. Or the new Rigging Bullets: http://kayakfishinggear.com/comingsoon-weareaddingnewproducts-1-1-2-1-3-1-1.aspx

Rigging bullets for high stress area.