How to Make Your Own Kayak Fishing Rod Holders

Fishing from a kayak is a great way to get to hard-to-access fishing spots. Kayaks are lightweight, easy to maneuver and small enough to paddle in to swamps and streams much shallower than can be navigated by a john boat. Unfortunately, commercially manufactured kayaks don't usually come with equipment for fishing. Luckily, fishermen are inventive types and have solved that problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Milk or storage crate
  • 2-inch PVC pipe
  • 120-grit sandpaper
  • Zip ties
  • 2 mini bungee cords
  • plastic-adhering spray paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the PVC pipe so that it is flush with the top of the milk crate. Using the sandpaper, deburr the plastic. You can get fancy and cut some notches for helping to stabilize your fishing rod or cut your pipe with an angular bottom so that it will sit at an angle in your milk crate, but that is strictly optional.

    • 2

      Drill a set of small holes in the bottom side of your rod holders for attachment. You will need to pass the zip ties through them, so cut them wide enough to accommodate the zip ties you select.

    • 3

      Zip-tie your rod holder to the milk crate. The more you use, the more stable everything will be. Be careful about placement--an angular pipe will need more clearance than a pipe that is attached in an upright position. Corners are good attachment spots.

    • 4

      Spray-paint the crate and fishing rod holders if you wish. Be sure to use spray paint that is designed for plastic, or else it will flake off. Plastic is notoriously difficult to spray-paint.

    • 5

      Use the bungee cords to attach the crate securely to your kayak. Depending on the kayak model, there may be attachment points. If there are not, you will have to carefully drill attachment spots in the kayak itself. This milk crate rod holder will also provide you extra room to store tackle or other kayaking supplies.