If you spend any amount of time fishing from a boat, you will know how quickly fishing rods can take over the deck. Add a few different rod and reel setups, tackle boxes, bait, coolers and other fishing equipment and suddenly there is very little room left to move around.
Adding extra fishing rod storage is one of the simplest ways to make your boat feel more organised and give you more usable deck space.
Whether you fish from a small centre console boat, RIB or larger fishing boat, there are several ways to increase your rod storage without making major changes to your boat.
Why Add More Fishing Rod Storage?
Most anglers rarely head out with just one fishing rod.
You may have different setups ready for trolling, spinning, lure fishing or bottom fishing. Having these rods ready to use saves time, but finding somewhere safe to keep them can become a problem.
Leaving rods loose on the deck isn't ideal. They can get tangled together, become damaged or simply get in the way when you're moving around the boat.
Good rod storage helps to:
-Keep fishing rods safely off the deck
-Reduce clutter around the boat
-Make rods easier to access
-Reduce the risk of rods and reels becoming damaged
-Keep different fishing setups ready to use
-Create more usable space on board
Fortunately, adding extra rod storage doesn't necessarily mean drilling more holes into your boat.
Add Rod Holders to Your T-Top
If your fishing boat already has a T-top, this is one of the easiest places to add additional rod storage.
Clamp-on fishing rod holders can be attached directly to the tubing of the T-top, allowing rods to be stored vertically and away from the main deck.
One advantage of using the T-top is that you're making use of space that would otherwise be unused.
You can start with a single rod holder if you only need a little extra capacity or install multiple holders if you regularly carry several rods.
For keen anglers, a multi-rod holder can transform the back or side of a T-top into a dedicated rod storage area.
Single, Double or Multi-Rod Holders?
Single Rod Holders
A single holder is ideal if you just want to add one or two extra storage positions around your boat.
Because they can be positioned individually, you have more freedom when deciding where the rods should be stored.
- Double Rod Holders
A double rod holder provides additional capacity while still keeping the installation relatively compact.
These are useful if you regularly take several fishing setups with you but don't want a large rack fitted to the boat.
- Multi-Rod Holders
If you regularly carry a larger collection of rods, a multi-rod rack is usually the better option.
Instead of installing several individual holders, one unit can provide storage for multiple rods while keeping everything neat and together.
This can be particularly useful across the rear section of a T-top.
- Turn One Existing Rod Holder into Several
Another clever option is to use an adaptor that fits into an existing flush-mounted boat rod holder.
This type of system can convert one existing mounting position into several additional rod storage positions.
It is particularly useful for boats where you don't have a T-top or don't want to permanently install additional fittings.
It can also be removed when it isn't needed, giving you more flexibility depending on the type of fishing you are doing.
- Use Your Bait Board for Additional Rod Storage
A bait board can do more than simply provide somewhere to prepare bait.
Some fishing bait boards incorporate additional rod holders into the design.
This creates one central fishing station where you can prepare bait, store tools and keep your fishing rods close at hand.
For smaller fishing boats where space is limited, combining several functions into one area is an excellent way to make better use of the available deck space.
- Consider a Fishing Leaning Post
For larger centre console boats, a fishing leaning post can provide another opportunity to increase storage.
As well as creating a comfortable position when travelling or fishing, accessories and rod holders can often be mounted around the rear of the leaning post.
This creates another dedicated fishing area without taking valuable storage away from other parts of the boat.
Don't Forget to Secure Your Rods
Fishing rods and reels can represent a significant investment, so it is worth thinking about additional security when they are stored in holders.
A simple fishing rod safety tether can provide additional protection, particularly when travelling in rougher conditions.
It can also provide peace of mind when expensive rod and reel combinations are stored around the outside of the boat.
Fishing Rod Holders and Boat Fishing Accessories from Galaxy
At Galaxy Leisure & Lifestyle, we offer a range of fishing rod holders and accessories designed to help anglers make better use of the space on their boat.
From individual rod holders and multi-rod racks to bait boards and fishing boat accessories, you can build a setup to suit your boat and the way you fish.
Explore our range of fishing boat accessories and start making better use of your available deck space.