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Simple rod holder system for Hobie Trax Wheel cart

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Tuesday, 10 July 2007

Inexpensive, low-tech fishing rod holders, no screws required!

Viagra enhanced Hobie Trax Wheel Cart

I've been thinking of how best to fit out the Hobie Revolution, including where and how to accomodate extra rod holders as well as fish finder. I haven't yet solved the fish finder situation and will raise that topic again when I do.

Initially I had planned to incorporate 3 extra rod holders, liking the look of the RAM mount tube style holders above all. The plan was to put 2 up front and one in the rear well, right behind the seat. Since then, however, I've come up with what I think is an equally good solution for that centrally positioned rear holder I wanted. I will still install 2 up front, but I think this concept solves the rear rod holder issue nicely, so I won't be needing a 3rd.

As all Hobie kayak owners would know, they come complete with an invaluable wheel cart device that assists in transporting the yak from car to waters edge. On almost all models (except for the tandem ones I believe), the wheel cart is stored upside down behind the seat, using the same scupper holes that they plug into when carting the kayak. It's positioned right where I figured an added rod holder or two might come in handy. The concept is so simple I'm surprised Hobie haven't done it themselves yet. :-)

What I've done here is attached 2 lengths of PVC pipe to the wheel cart unit, effectively adding 2 basic upright rod holders. They are attached to the cross bars of the cart frame with multiple cable ties through holes drilled into each end of the pipe lengths. These are absolutely rock solid and are pretty much perfect for storage of rods that aren't being used. Combined with the 2 rear moulded-in rod holders on the Revolution, this arrangement gives me 4 rod holding positions on the rear (one of which would typically be used for holding a net). I won't be at all surprised if I start a bit of a trend with this. As Scott Lovig said when I ran it by him, it's just so simple, it's staring you in the face!' I'll report on this design as soon as I've tried it out.