Hello,

My sons and I have done plenty of trolling with our rods held by our legs, but would really like to find a rod holder setup that mounts securely and won’t damage our canoe when we snag on a stump or giant fish.

I prefer a track mount system because I have read that the gunwale clamps (which really just clamp to the Kevlar anyway right?) are known for causing damage to the hull. The thwarts aren’t great places to mount due to where they are located on our boat (Northwind 18).

The system shown here looks closest to what I want, a track that mounts underneath the gunwale lip with a couple bolts. More expense and work, but it looks like it would be more secure.

Am I fretting too much about damaging the hull? Should I just clamp on a few Scotty clamps and rod holders and call it good? I have visions of my boys dumping loosely clamped rod holders and rods in the drink in the wilderness…or tearing a hole in my canoe.

I use Brocraft rod holders with a round rail clamp. Clamp attaches to the aluminum thwarts/handles (wenonah canoes). Rod holder pops in and out, clamp is “permanent”. Available from Amazon. Link below.

Brocraft rod holder with round rail clamp

I like the option you chose, but haven’t used it.

I use the a Scotty track and track adaptor.
Scotty

I mounted it on my thwart

Thank you. Yes, I’d rather mount on the thwart, but the thwart in front of stern is a far reach forward. Which is just behind the middle seat. The forward thwart is also behind the bow paddler.

I’m not too excited to drill into gunwales but I’m not seeing many good options.

Detachable, add anything you want. Place anywhere you want.
Does not touch the hull.

When I have used clamp on rod holders, I place a piece of cedar wood against the hull on both sides. Protects the hull and spreads out the force.

I have a similar DIY setup, inspired by you and others on this forum from other threads. That’s what first hooked me on the joy of having a track mounted rod holder! Though of course I managed to dump the holder in the lake on day 1 of our trip in June!

The “command center” setup is awesome, but a bit bulkier than I’d like for a ten day trip, and I’d still need something for the bow and middle fishermen.

Pulling the trigger on the under-gunwale mount track today. I’ll report back.

plander: "I use Brocraft rod holders with a round rail clamp. Clamp attaches to the aluminum thwarts/handles (wenonah canoes). Rod holder pops in and out, clamp is “permanent”. Available from Amazon. Link below.


Brocraft rod holder with round rail clamp "

I have these as well and they work just fine without any issues. I attach the mount for the bow paddler to the thwart just behind their seat. It is far enough off to the side that it really doesn't cause any issues turning to land a fish.

Just ordered a couple. Simpler and no drilling into the canoe. Hopefully they are the solution!

YardstickAngler: "Thank you. Yes, I’d rather mount on the thwart, but the thwart in front of stern is a far reach forward. Which is just behind the middle seat. The forward thwart is also behind the bow paddler.


I’m not too excited to drill into gunwales but I’m not seeing many good options. "

I was a nervous wreck drilling into my brand new Carbon Fiber Thwart :) So I know the feeling.

I must be cheap. I lashed an 8 inch piece of 1 inch pvc to the thwart and have trolled all over Quetico catching everything that swims. If you need I'll take pictures

I also put in an extra crossmember a foot in front of the bow paddler

Timatkn,

What model Scotty Rod Holder do you use with your Scotty Track and Scotty Adapter?

Lots of good options here.

As my favorite are Tite Loc holders I simply add a 4x4 piece of plywood between the c-clamp and the kevlar side of the canoe. The pressure is spread out and holds tightly enough that I've never seen more than a couple fraction of an inch slip no matter the fish/snag size. A six inch piece of webbing stapled onto the plywood pieces makes it hang easily over the gunwale. Cheap and effective.

Essentially the same idea as AmarilloJim mentioned (missed his comment earlier).

Bout any of these options are better than using your feet though. Happy fishing!