Hatch Cover meets Rod Holder

Just thought worth sharing. I mounted this rod holder using the leftover cutout from my finder unit install, as a strong backing plate under the hood and a minor trimming mod to the base of the mount itself where the anchoring bolts go through in order for it to sit flush against the hatch by cutting off 2 small footing tabs on each side. This mount is really designed to be used with Railblaza track but you’ll easily see what I mean if you were to try this out. It feels very solid and should hold up well to any aggressive fish strike. If that proves wrong I’ll fess up but Im confident its strong and worth considering in light of limited choices for mounting surfaces toward the bow.

I also used a schemer of marine goop to the bolted in backing plate as well giving it a very strong hold overall but I think thats mostly optional.

One thing yet to find out is how well the hatch stays open when flipped up on the water.... its right on the balancing edge. To overcome that issue I’m using a bungee loop as a holding strap to secure it open but thats not ideal for a quick one handed flip open type scenario. This setup requires I’ll need to schooch forward a bit to reach but for me its a small trade off that I can deal with...at least I hope. Besides Im not a fan of my finder slamming against the deck with a one handed flip open of the hatch. So for that alone I’m good with the extra step when necessary.

*Remember the approach and practice of kayak fishing is it’s own little art form To each their own but again I thought you might appreciate or be inspired since I’ve yet to see this done quite like this by others. In any case I hope all are well and remain Happy & Stealthy

Looks great.

Nice work! I was thinking about making a shim for a Railblaza sideport to get it level, but this looks about perfect.

Had a chance to try on the water. Im really happy all around. No issue with my legs or paddle while trolling a bait and to bungee open the cover was no big deal..a simple schooch forward and I could secure and release the bungee no problem. Feels very solid. I didn't get a biter however so real pressure test has to wait but Im feeling very positive it’ll hold up with no trouble. Whatever you do have fun.

On another note...Im pretty clumsy so far with rods in and out of the hold...I’ve already broken 2 guides and knocked one loose 
So, Im finally teaching myself to properly repair on my own...I figure I had better  Its really pretty simple...Im already shopping for building kits just for fun but man they can get pricey so Im working skills up before getting too deep in the weed$

I made a quick wrap station and went for it. Ive got to finish resin but
for a first try I can live with that and improve big time. I assume you guys are well ahead of me but if not its a good time and well worth learning. Especially for the quick fix situations. I rarely ever break guides but knowing how beats the crap out of having to send the rod out. With a few on hand supplies you’re back in action
in a day or two tops.

Sounds like provisions of good personal satisfactions in addition to beating the wait times. Nice work.

I like your wrapping setup.  That was a good job at improvising.

30 some years ago, when I was living week to week and couldn’t afford to buy the rods I wanted, a friend and I made a setup to build them ourselves. After a short learning curve, I was able to build rods that would catch fish. As I went along, I started weaving in chevrons, diamonds, and I even produced a weaved blue fin on a trolling stick that actually looked kinda like a tuna. I still have those rods in the rack in the garage and they would still fish if they weren’t taking a backseat to all of the stuff the wife let me buy over the years

The setup we put together used an old sewing machine motor with a foot peddle and we used wood that was lying around to make the holders for the rod to a spin on. That motor gave us variable speed when wrapping and sped things up when double wrapping the eyes. When it was time to resin the guides, an old rotisserie motor was the ticket. It would slow roll the rod all night and by morning, the resin was set up and as smooth as the factory built rods I had. I still have that stuff boxed up in the attic in the garage, and hopefully I’ll find the time to use it again when I retire in a few years.

I would suggest looking at e-bay and I’d bet you’ll find what you need pretty cheaply to build/repair/rebuild a rod.  From the pictures you posted, I’m sure you’d be able to put together a pretty sweet setup for a fraction of a kit cost.

You definitely have to be deliberate when putting rods in abd out of the hatch, bending and spinning as you go. I generally only put rods in there if sketchy launch or crab pots strapped to the boat. I do always keep my 10w 2piece fly rig in the hatch Velcro’s to the right side.

I like your wrapping setup.  That was a good job at improvising.

30 some years ago, when I was living week to week and couldn’t afford to buy the rods I wanted, a friend and I made a setup to build them ourselves. After a short learning curve, I was able to build rods that would catch fish. As I went along, I started weaving in chevrons, diamonds, and I even produced a weaved blue fin on a trolling stick that actually looked kinda like a tuna. I still have those rods in the rack in the garage and they would still fish if they weren’t taking a backseat to all of the stuff the wife let me buy over the years

The setup we put together used an old sewing machine motor with a foot peddle and we used wood that was lying around to make the holders for the rod to a spin on. That motor gave us variable speed when wrapping and sped things up when double wrapping the eyes. When it was time to resin the guides, an old rotisserie motor was the ticket. It would slow roll the rod all night and by morning, the resin was set up and as smooth as the factory built rods I had. I still have that stuff boxed up in the attic in the garage, and hopefully I’ll find the time to use it again when I retire in a few years.

I would suggest looking at e-bay and I’d bet you’ll find what you need pretty cheaply to build/repair/rebuild a rod.  From the pictures you posted, I’m sure you’d be able to put together a pretty sweet setup for a fraction of a kit cost.

Love the encouragement and ways you sorted out a good working station. I’ll bet those rods are beauties.
Im so green its ridiculous and just trying to keep a handle on costs and what I need to get it done is a “reel” challenge and doubt I’ll take it too far. The cardboard thing took 15min tops and most important is level. Its A fine down and dirty beginners type thing.  All I need is enough skill to fix the occasional mishap for now. A custom build is actually out of my league at least for a while anyway. I appreciate the ideas... I’ll for sure think about it as I get further into it. Thanks

You definitely have to be deliberate when putting rods in abd out of the hatch, bending and spinning as you go. I generally only put rods in there if sketchy launch or crab pots strapped to the boat. I do always keep my 10w 2piece fly rig in the hatch Velcro’s to the right side.

You’re spot on as Im finding out. Im sure I’ll settle into it... Im sure one more broken guide will inform my being more deliberate. My regular launch are is always subject to trouble so I stow my gear as a rule and like you doing the same thing with my fly rod keeping it to one side away from any other rods, securing them with velcro straps. Im thinking of using rod sleeves to keep the rods from becoming entangled and to protect the guides just a bit more for the old in out of the hatch One should always practice safe stowage

I like it, I went a different route.