Backing plate in rod holder for deep dropping

[sigfla]

Do any of you guys use a backing plate on your rod holders while deep dropping? My Regulator has some pretty stout rod mounts but I was wondering what the proper rigging technique would be since the boat is in the shop now.

[RiskTaker]

Sigfla:

Good luck on your deep dropping efforts.

The robustness of your gunwhale is a function of your boat quality and that would likely be the key to decide if you need a plate reinforcement. I don't have any advice on back plates for your specific application of supporting your deep drop rig but I have a worthwhile comment.

I have seen some shoddy rod holders over the years as well as some marginal installations, even when good materials are used.

You mentioned that you have sturdy rod holders.... Did you do a visual and/or a finger inspection of the rod holder screw downs. Some installations will simply use wood threaded screws. Some installations have used machine screws with a simple nut on the inside, but no washer.

I would suggest that if you do or do not use a backing plate, you should have at least through deck machine screws WITH washers and nylon stop nuts. (Gorilla caulking optional)

The washers are sometimes omitted because of the tight clearance between the rod tube and the through bolts. This can usually be over-come by (drilling initial screw holes slightly outward, away from tube holder) using a bench grinder to nip away a part of the washer so that it can fit on the tight clearance side, ( try to avoid break-out though).

5200 is also an excellent adhesive/sealant, fit for use below the water line and having a "Gorilla Bond". This is an excellent goo to really make things stay put, erring on the permanent side).

If you use this 5200 sealant to fill the gap in the hole, along with robust fasteners without shortcuts, you are at 100%, shy of a mounting plate.

Hope you get a Misty. RT

[jerry]

backing plates are a must. Deep drop reels are heavy and put a lot of pressure on the rodholders, not to mention too expensive to end up in the drink. I use heavy duty swivel holders from Lee's. The swivels really help reduce some of the stress off the rod holder not to mention the ease in pulling the rod to you in order to grab the mainline or leader.

[sigfla]

I was lookiing at those swivel type holders. I will order one for the boat. My next question is what angle I should get. They come in 15 and 30 degrees. I am using a bent butt crowder 80 rod.

I have no idea what angle I would need or if it would affect my straight butt rods when trolling in those holders.

[FinalPoint]

the 30 degree is standard, but on my new boat there was a spot where i needed 15s so i did that. if you have the room on the gunnel, go with the 30.

[RiskTaker]

Jerry:

What angle swivel rod holders are you using for your Deep drop rods application?

I noticed FP's comment on the 15 and 30 degree applications. I do not have any swivel rod holders and so I do not have first hand knowledge.

But I would think that if you are planning ahead specifically for one/two deep drop rod holder locations including regular use but with (ie. bent butt rods), that you may actually prefer to have a vertical mount swivel rod holder. This would give you optimal rod position no matter which way your bent-butt rod was facing as well as allowing the rod to swing inside the boat. Or in the event you stayed with fixed mount (or swivel) the angle should be pependicular to the side of the boat.

Just my thoughts after thinking about the swivel rod holders.

[jerry]

RT, I am using 30deg holders. They are mounted as far forward (towards the bow) on the gunwhale as possible and offset outboard. Same angle as you would set the outrigger rodholders outboard. This allows the natural angle of the rod to be outboard and close to paralel with the water. With the swivels all I have to do is grab the rod and pull towards me to be able to get the mainline or trap in my hand.

[Nomad]

Most of the time you can get away without a backing plate. The exception to the rule is when you hook a really big fish or simply hang up on the bottom. Older boats might have some rot around the RH opening and it can be ripped out causing a catastrophe. Last year I noticed that there was some play when I snagged the bottom, so now I will be putting in a backing plate on my own boat. (Better safe than sorry!)
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