Video · Rigging & Gear

How to Install a Fishing Rod Holder on a Cheap Kayak

I add a Railblaza rod holder to a used Sun Dolphin Phoenix 10.4 so a $60 recreational kayak can work as a fishing rental.

Published February 10, 2020 · 6:33 · Watch on YouTube

What’s in this video

Fishing kayaks cost a lot of money, but a recreational kayak plus a little time and money can get you a good deal. I found this Sun Dolphin Phoenix 10.4 for $60 on Facebook Marketplace. My plan is to rent it out weekly to vacationers in Florida so they can explore the mangroves. A lot of people want to fish, so adding a rod holder opens up my rental market, all for less than $100 total.

I used a Railblaza mount. You can run it stacked, or use one piece as a backing plate inside the kayak for a very rigid mount. I kept it stacked to raise the rod holder up a bit. Separate the mount and use it as your drill template, then drill with a 1/4 inch bit. They give you both standard and metric sizes. Put the mount back together, run the bolts through, and on the inside go washers first, then nuts. Tighten it down with a Phillips driver and pliers.

Pull the rubber grommet, slide the rod holder in and push the slide lock, and the rod is secure. I like that this mount takes other accessories too, like a camera mount, and that it came with all the hardware. No hunting for stainless fasteners at a hardware store that’s always sold out.

Key moments

Quick takeaways

  • Split the mount and use it as your drill template, then drill with a 1/4 inch bit.
  • Inside the hull, put the washers on before the nuts. You can also use one mount piece as a backing plate for a more rigid mount.
  • The same mount works with other accessories like a camera mount, and the hardware comes in the box.
  • A used recreational kayak plus a rod holder can make a basic fishing kayak for under $100.

Gear from this video

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