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Greetings,
This is my first post, though I have been lurking for a couple years. For the last two years my ride has been an ODC 420, which I bought after a float tube trip at Callaway in GA (they used the Fat Cat). I am really happy with the ODC 420, and recently purchased a new Super Fat Cat in Cabelas bargain cave for 200.00 to use as a backup.
Now to my point. I have been researching rod holders on this type of tube, and I want to build one that is interchangeable between both boats. I see that many designs are simply hanging from the d rings on the side of the tube. Also I see more of an outrigger design, but attached to the d rings in the same way. I am looking for opinions on both designs, as I am concerned with wear and tear on the d ring and its stitching. I want to build a design that is as compact, easy to transport and as easy to use as possible. It would require 3 rods and a mount for either a fishing buddy (which I have) or some other finder, whichever is more compact (suggestions welcome).
I really like the designs that I have found on this forum, and how everyone shares their experience with one another.
Thanks
Rob
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The Best of the Best boards at the top of this forum have a lot of good ideas and photos. You might try looking at all the different ideas up there.
Glad you finally said Hello.
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The vertical rod rests suits shorter rods, baitfishing, casting or spinning. This has the advantage that on return to shore the rods are up out of the way from bankside snags, etc as the shore is approached.
For longer rods and fly fishing where a flyline needs "clear airspace" the balance swings in favour of the horizontal rod rest with the rod tips laid out of the way behind the seated angler.
There is a penalty with this system because the rod tips are liable to make contact with bankside rocks or vegetation upon return to the shore, or turning while inside a brushy area.
But the advantage gained for flyfishing by trouble free casting outweighs the low rod problem.
There is an in-between style which I use myself, and this is a horizontal rod rack, but angled so the rod tops are higher off the water than the reel ends fastened to the rod rack. This works well for me.
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[cool][#0000ff]Welcome aboard. You did not say where you live or fish. If you are in the Salt Lake area, I would be happy to have you bring your rides to the "Tubeshop" and I could help you work out the details. Otherwise, I can only offer some ideas to integrate with what you have already seen on the board.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I use a loop of 1/4 inch nylon rope fastened to the side D rings, and run the tubes of the rod rack down through those. Properly sized and adjusted, they are plenty sturdy and work fine. No worries about wear and tear on the D rings. Those things are permanently stitched into the cover and are not likely to EVER pull loose.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The only potential obstacle in interchanging your rod holder back and forth between tubes...using the nylon loop arrangement...is that the distances between the D rings are different on different tubes. It can be as much as three or four inches between the ODC and some Outcast models. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]When I fabricate a rod holder, using the loop method, I measure out the distances between the tubes to come out so that two of the tubes are on center for the two D rings. That is usually about 13" on center...with one other tube in the middle. I think the ODC is two or three inches wider. No Problem...just a bit more space between rod tubes.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have a suggestion. PVC is not expensive. Why not make two rod holders...one to fit each setup? I have several...3 tube, 4 tube and 4 tube with a net holder. Less than $10 worth of PVC pipe and connecters per rod rack.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Have you seen pictures of how I attach the nylon rope or should I repost them?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Should be easy enough to add a tube and use it for the Fishing Buddy. But, if not, you can mount a transducer shaft separately, depending upon the size and style of transducer, and where you want it to ride. If you get one with the "skimmer" style transducer, there are many different mounting options. We can guide you through that process too. You really NEED sonar.[/#0000ff]
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[font "Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"][black][size 1][font "Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"][black][size 1]TubeDude, thanks for the invitation and the welcome as well. I live in central Ohio north of Columbus. I fish mainly in the local gravel pits and make a trip or two to SW Pennsylvania each year to fish in the highlands for bass and northerns.
I looked but could not find a pic showing the loop method you are describing. It would be great if you could repost one. I agree pvc is cheap so I will make a rack for each, that way it is available for a loaner tube as well as a backup. I am looking at the design by [/size][/black][/font][/size][/black][/font][font "Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"][black][size 1][font "Verdana,Arial,Helvetica"][black][size 1]ATFISHING for his ODC, the mount for the fishing buddy is very interesting. I'm thinking of a similar design that but only using one half of the setup, using the loop method to attach it to my tube.
Thanks Guys
Rob
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[cool][#0000ff]Here are some pics that might help. Took these when I was rigging up a rod rack for a green Super Fat Cat.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The length of the nylon rope loops is usually about six inches. You have to experiment to get the right fit sometimes. Just be aware that the rods should tilt slightly outward before you sit back in the tube, since they will straighten up vertically when you put your weight on the seats.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Hope this helps.[/#0000ff]
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TubeDude,
Thanks for the pics, I am going to try and incorporate a form of the loop method in the design. I made some drawings today of a "prototype" rack. I decided to forego the fishfinder mount for now. PVC is inexpensive, so I can add that to following versions. The design is similar to some other designs on the forum, but I am trying to make it a little more compact.
I am posting the drawing for the ODC, so I can get feed back before I start construction. Any thoughts on the diameter? I used 1" sch. 20, which has an id of around 1-3/32". It seems that it will be a snug fit, but workable. I'll go to 1-1/4" pvc if needed, but I would like to avoid the added bulk associated with that. Thanks guys for the constructive help so far.
-Rob [inline "rod holder.bmp"]
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[cool][#0000ff]Good design. Interesting use of the 60 degree angle fitting to accomplish a "wraparound" on the air chamber. That should add to the fit and stability.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I use the 1" schedule 20 for all my rod tubes. Only some larger handled casting rods are too thick to slide easily down inside that tubing. The schedule 20 is much lighter than the schedule 40 stuff...especially if you have to go up to the 1 1/4 inch size. And, even though it is lighter, it is plenty strong for rod holder needs.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I can't see any reason why your design would not work. But, actually fishing with it will let you know whether it is best for you. I can personally testify that sometimes what looks good on paper does not work out as well on the water.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Be sure to take pictures and share them with us.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good luck.[/#0000ff]
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So where are you finding schedual 20 !! I had to go to 1 1/4" schedual 40 because no one had 20 here in Ut.Co.. Lowes, Home Despot, B.J.'s, Spinkler World, etc, all thought I was bonkers looking for Schedual 20. Who do you have under your thumb that stocks it ????
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[cool][#0000ff]Home Depot on 90th South, just off Redwood Rd. in Salt Lake. They always have a big supply. Pretty expensive though...$1.96 for a 10 foot length of 1". [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Hint...look for yourself. Half the time the sales people don't know what they have or where to look for it. At the place I go, I have to look up on a higher shelf and check the numbers on the side of the pipe. It is not labeled very well.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Want me to email some to you?[/#0000ff]
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I have bought it from both the Provo and Lindon Home Depot stores. I had to go find it myself because as you said they have no idea what it is. One person who told me they didn't have any saw me with it and said "O you wanted the thin stuff."
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[cool][#0000ff]No problem with the emailing of PVC. I still gots an old wood burning computer. Cooks the spam but don't block it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good luck in your quest for the elusive "thin stuff".[/#0000ff]
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Robzini,
I also have an ODC 420, here's some pics of what I've done.
AT
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ask for class 200 that is what the stores should carry
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What are you fishin for with lures that big[shocked]
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I'm looking at the photo too. As TD says use the side top d rings and the d rings under the tube (looks more like back straps d rings) to tie them on. How did u tie the lower part?
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I had the same thoughts "wrap around" by heating the tubes and bend it. Didn't do any good for me so I scraped it. I had it striaght up and locked it on and it looked good in my shop but on the water it was a different story. When u sit in the chair it forces the tubes towards you and the rods were at my head! As TD says have to figure out how much to tie it on top and bottom to adjust the tipping.
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AT,
Thanks, I have looked at the pictures that were posted by you when you originally built it. Did you cement the rod holders whery they connect to the T's? I was thinking of leaving at least the front holder loose so it will rotate out of the way. Any advise?
Regards,
Rob
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Robzini,
Yes the front rod holder is not cemented in and it does rotate around.
Bluegillman,
27" velcro straps I got at Lowes
[url "http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=40898-388-90441&lpage=none"]http://www.lowes.com/...90441&lpage=none[/url]
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So I treked to Home Despot on the way home last night and lo and behold, there in the rack with all the Schedual 40, was the "thin stuff'. So after proffering the required monies, I now possess 10ft. of the sought after PVC. By turkey day it will have been fabricated into the sought after piece of equipment and mounted on the MinnKota powered toon, ready for Friday AM. Still not sure where it will be launched, either Utah Lake or Deer Creek, but it will be launched. OH BOY !!!!
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