Save me from overthinking! - Rigging for Trolling

I'm done with RAM mounts for rod holders.  1", 1.5" doesn't matter, none of them hold strong enough for trolling.  I don't mean pulling a tiny Rapala either... I mean trolling a diver/flasher/spinner combo, or something else with lots of drag like a flasher setup, or a 1lb ball for salmon with flasher and bait.  I tried sanding the balls, cutting groves in the clamps that grip the balls, adding a patch of rubber bike tubing, nothing seems to work.  You just cant tighten them enough to make them not slip.  And if a big fish hits it, forget it, almost goes into the drink!  RAM mounts are only good for mounting electronics IMHO.

 + 1 

+1 too!

I replaced mine for a Scotty because the Dragonfly7 is a little heavy even for the 1.5inch ball.

Heres the general idea using 1/4-20 stainless machine screw.  The existing hole in the base barely nedds to be drilled out for tapping.  When I troll heavy salmon setups I use my flush mounts, but for everything else including river salmon, rams have been no problem. 

Heres the general idea using 1/4-20 stainless machine screw.  The existing hole in the base barely nedds to be drilled out for tapping.  When I troll heavy salmon setups I use my flush mounts, but for everything else including river salmon, rams have been no problem.   The pvc setup is a result of camping next to Tote at Albion.  Haven't tried it yet but I am ditching boxes and crates for GS 10 and giving this a try.

Wow, sorry to hear that Al.

I've trolled for stripers, halibut, and river salmon and never had a problem.

Like I said, mine are super old so I wonder if there was a change in production.

Years ago when I had my old 2009 Hobie Revo 13 had Ram rod holders.  I was trolling for trout.  A nice 6 lber hit my rapala.  The Ram rod holder jolted hard downwards and the fish almost pulled my gear into the water.  After that I never went back to Ram rod holders.

Heres the general idea using 1/4-20 stainless machine screw.  The existing hole in the base barely nedds to be drilled out for tapping.  When I troll heavy salmon setups I use my flush mounts, but for everything else including river salmon, rams have been no problem.

I see what you did however I'm using the ram ball on a yakattack rail. It would be nice if the t-bolt goes all the way to the top of the ball so I can put a locking nut on it or a wing nut to clamp down.

This guy on YouTube shows his experience using RAM's and what his solution ended up being.  This link jumps to 12:20 where he talks about the RAM rod holders:  https://youtu.be/tiD0vFQBL_k?list=PL3n5bSdAKmieNgCWnm-Jw5AWt-kS0Gb4a&t=739

Here's a video I made that you might find helpful:

If you like what you see in the video, I can provide links to threads describing how I put it all together.

Alex's setup looks pretty slick   

If you like what you see in the video, I can provide links to threads describing how I put it all together.

yes please nice setup

Scotty Depthmaster on Hobie Outback - Install Complete
http://norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=63218

I'll also say that I'm VERY happy with the Folbe rod holder. I like it much better than the Scotty it replaced.

thanks. Awesome setup.

Thanks! Hit me up if you have any questions about it. Happy to help.