Railing vs. Flush Rod Holders - Opinions?

[TheSt]

First let me say thank you to this community. I bought a 16' Angler about a month ago and I have really enjoyed the deep dive through C-Brats. Greatly appreciated.

I live in Northern California and will predominately be rock fishing, salmon, and crabbing. My Angler is a blank slate for rigging.

Downriggers will be bolted down.

Initially, I thought I would bore some holes and install flush mount rod holders and be done...but lately the versatility of a rail-mounted system for rod holders and fillet/crab pot table seems to sit better with me.

Any advice out there? Pics of your set-up would be great.

Thank,
-Nate[/b]

 

[DayBreak]

Nate, first off, congratulations on the purchase of your new to you C-Dory 16 Angler and being a part of C-Brats. I know you are considering a rail-mounted system for rod holders and fillet/crab pot table but you may wish to consider putting in some Burnewiin mounts on your boat. https://burnewiin.com/ We have two of these and they are used for our downrigger, crab pot davit, rod holder and to hold up the aft end of our kayak while cruising the San Juans. They can also be used for tables and cutting boards, a marine BBQ, knive holder and a number of other uses. We have photos in our album showing their use under additions to the boat.

 

[TheSt]

Thanks for the reply.

Burnewiin and Day Break's setup is impressive. I hope to duplicate much of it overtime.

There are a couple of track systems that are interesting but I have realized that any additional height/obstruction to the gunnel makes it pretty difficult to climb into the trailered boat. Although they are versatile, they take away a clear/clean gunnel, otherwise a great place to sit and for kids to jump off into the lake, etc. Not sure I want to give that up.

 

[Safetythird]

I prefer flush mount because when I'm fighting a fish and if I have to follow it, I don't want any obstacles in the way.

That and a lot of the fish fighting is done by my kids, and they have limited height still.

 

[JMacLeod]

Another vote for flush mount.

I started with the cheaper rail mount ones and they didn't hold too well and scratched/dented the railing when any big mahi or tuna hit the line.



I switched to the style on the left to avoid the scratches, but they still like to rotate a little on the rail if something big gets on.