Monday, March 12, 2007

Rod holders

Many jackets, vests, packs and stripping baskets offer rod holding features. In many cases these features are concealed so as not to be a distraction. Even with this feature at my disposal I find I rarely use it. What are your thoughts on rod holding features? Photo by Rene Braun.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I use them all the time.
It sure makes lighting up a stogie or taking a pull from a flask a lot easier, not to mention untying a wind knot or taking a photo when you are hip deep.

El Pescador said...

Noted. What item is the rod holder on that you most often use (vest, jkt., pack, all)?

emfink said...

I learned to use it the hard way. While wading out of a fairly swift but narrow stream, I'd stuck my rod under my arm. Naturally, I lost my balance, instinctively grabbed an overhanging tree-limb, and then gasped as my rod was swept away by the current. Fortunately, it was an inexpensive spare, so the loss was not too crushing. I only hope some lucky angler found it in reasonably useable shape.

El Pescador said...

That is a lesson learned the "hard way". Thanks for the comment eric.

Anonymous said...

I suppose that it is something you need to get used to using. There seems to be a problem getting the rod past the pockets full of fly boxes in order to use the velcro flap.

El Pescador said...

I agree. Getting used to a particular rod holding feature requires experience. How well a rod holder works with pockets loaded can make a difference. Protrusions and flaps often create a less than desirable platform for securing and holding a rod. kudos to designers who factor this in and still make it work.....in the water.

jared said...

On rare occasions, I'll use the loop at the bottom of the vest (freshwater). For salt, I sometimes use the stripping basket to hold the rod/reel off the sand -- but I either hold the rod or tuck it under my arm depending on what I'm doing.

Anonymous said...

Isn't this why God created teeth?

El Pescador said...

Teeth do come in hady don't they.

Anonymous said...

BigSkyTaku: I have rarely used the holder on my Patagonia mesh vest. I think if the lower butt loop was stiffer material (like a piece of perlon) it would be easier to use since the thin nylon tape can be a problem to get the rod butt into. Don't know what the heck to do about the velcro top strap, but it is too difficult to use. Hmmm, think about that one.

El Pescador said...

Experimentation is happening in this area (rod holders). Interesting point about the loop weight. The velcro at the shoulder is for the rod. Look for future development. Let me know if I can advise on current rod holder function. Thanks BigSkyTaku.