I've used RTIC chillers for years, and incorporating an rtic cooler rod holder to my kit was possibly the smartest twenty-something bucks I've spent on fishing equipment recently. If you're like me, you most likely spent a great chunk of transformation on your own rods and reels, and the last thing you need is to see them sliding around the particular bed of the truck or inclined precariously against a salty pier railing. It's one of those simple accessories that you don't realize you're missing until you lastly clip one upon and realize just how much easier life gets when your fingers are free.
The beauty of these owners is how they will turn an item of equipment you were already carrying—your cooler—into a multi-functional base train station. Whether you're angling from a small boat where space are at a premium or you're setting up up shop on a sandy beach, having a dedicated spot to drop your rod while you're rigging the line or breaking open a chilly drink is the game changer. It's not merely about storage space; it's about safeguarding your gear from the elements and accidental steps.
Why You Actually Need One of These types of
Let's end up being honest, we've almost all been there. You're trying to untangle a bird's nest or swap away a lure, and you try to stick your rod under your arm or even balance it against the cooler cover. Then, the vessel rocks, or the particular wind picks up, and suddenly your own expensive setup is clattering throughout the porch. When you possess an rtic cooler rod holder firmly attached to the side of your box, that issue just disappears. It offers you a steady, upright position intended for your rod that will keeps the reel out of the sand and dust.
If you're a kayak angler, this becomes even more important. Area is basically non-existent on a kayak, each inch of real estate matters. Many RTIC hard coolers fit perfectly behind it of a fishing kayak, and by adding the rod holder to the side, you're essentially developing an extra rod rack without getting to drill holes into the hull of your boat. This keeps everything inside arm's reach but taken care of of your paddle stroke.
How the Connection System Works
One of the things I value about the style is that it doesn't need a toolbox in order to install. RTIC designed their hard coolers with built-in tie-down slots on the particular corners. The rtic cooler rod holder is specifically molded to slide right into those slot machine games. It's a friction-fit system that remains remarkably snug also when you're jumping over choppy water or driving down a washboard grime road.
What's cool is usually that the holder doesn't interfere with the lid's operation. You can nevertheless open and close the cooler in order to grab a sub or a clean bait without getting to remove the particular rods. I've noticed some DIY variations where people consider to bolt PVC pipe aside of their coolers, yet those usually turn out to be a headache. These people either leak or they get within the way of the latches. The official accessory seems like it goes there, which is definitely a big in addition if you care about your setup looking clean.
Toughness and Real-World Use
You may imagine a plastic tube can really handle the weight associated with a heavy offshore setup. From exactly what I've seen, the heavy-duty polypropylene each uses is pretty tough. It's built to endure UV rays, which is usually huge because cheap plastic becomes frail and snaps after a few weeks in the sunshine. I've left mine out in the heat of a Florida summer as well as the freezing rain of the late-fall trip, and it also hasn't warped or even cracked yet.
The holder generally features a flared top, which makes it a lot easier shed the rod handle in without looking. This also has the slot for the particular reel foot in order to sit in, which usually prevents the rod from spinning close to while you're shifting. This is the small detail, yet if you've ever had your line get tangled since the rod was revolving in the holder, you'll know exactly why it matters. There's also usually the drain hole with the bottom which means you don't end up with a swimming pool of stagnant saltwater sitting inside right after a long time.
Choosing the Right Spot for It
Many people have a tendency to stick their rtic cooler rod holder on the side closest to where they're sitting, yet I've found it's worth experimenting a little. If you're on a boat, putting this on the "stern" side of the cooler keeps the particular rods out of the way associated with the walking route. If you're beach fishing, I like putting it upon the side that's shielded from the particular wind to prevent sand from coming directly into the reel's internal gears.
Because RTIC coolers have all those tie-down slots on both sides, you can actually run two holders if you want. I've seen guys go full "overland" style and have the rod on each corner. It's overkill for some, but if you want having a backup rod rigged with a different lure, it's an extremely efficient method to stay arranged. Just remember that will if you're using the tie-down slots for actual band to hold the cooler in a truck bed, you might have got to get innovative with how you space things away.
Practical Tips for Maintenance
Even though these items are low-maintenance, they aren't "no-maintenance. " When you're fishing within saltwater, you've obtained to rinse the holder out exactly like you rinse your fishing rods. Salt buildup could possibly get crusty inside the tube, and ultimately, that grit may scratch in the foam or cork deals with of your rods. A quick squirt using a hose whenever you're cleaning the boat is all it takes.
Another thing to keep in mind may be the "troll aspect. " While these holders are durable, I wouldn't always recommend using them as a major trolling rod holder for massive pelagic fish. They're ideal for holding the rod while you're stationary or moving at low speeds, but if a 40-pound Full Mackerel hits the lure while your own rod is within a cooler-mounted holder, the torque could potentially stress the particular plastic or also tip a lighter in weight, half-empty cooler. Make use of them for storage and rigging, plus stick to the particular heavy-duty gunwale supports for your actual trolling.
Why This Beats the DIY Alternatives
We know there's the whole community of "life hackers" who else love making their own own gear. I've tried the PVC pipe and zip-tie method myself. It works in a pinch, but this usually appears to be a science project eliminated wrong. The DO-IT-YOURSELF versions also are likely to wobble, and after a few kilometers on the highway, they may actually rub the finish off your own cooler.
The rtic cooler rod holder is specifically engineered to suit the measurements of the RTIC twenty, 45, 65, and 110 models. That will precision means there's no rattling. Whenever you're trying to be quiet on the water so you don't spook the fish, the last thing you need is the piece of plastic material vibrating against your own cooler every period a wave hits. Plus, for that cost, you're barely conserving any money by going to the hardware shop and buying all the parts in order to make a homemade one.
Last Thoughts for the Setup
All in all, fishing is supposed in order to be relaxing, not really a constant battle with your equipment. Adding an rtic cooler rod holder is a single of these small upgrades that pays away every single time you hit the particular water. It maintains your expensive fishing reels out of the particular dirt, gives a person a "third hand" when you're busy rigging lines, and organizes your space so you aren't tripping over gear.
If a person already own an RTIC hard cooler, it's basically the no-brainer. It's the tough, reliable accessory that does exactly what it states it's going to do. Whether you're a serious fisherman or just somebody who loves to wet a line while camping, you'll value the extra business. Just make certain you get the official one so this fits those mounting slots perfectly—your rods (and your sanity) will thank you.