Side Mount Rod Holders

What Are Side Mount Rod Holders?

Side mount rod holders are among the most practical and versatile accessories an angler can add to a fishing boat. Rather than cutting into the gunwale with a flush-mount installation, side mount rod holders bolt directly onto a vertical surface — the console, cabin sidewall, transom, or bulkhead — making them a popular choice when a flush mount simply isn't feasible. They are an excellent solution for where a flush mount holder cannot be installed. Whether you're running a center console, a bay boat, or a pontoon, side mount holders let you keep rods within arm's reach, pointed safely upward and out of harm's way.

Why They Matter on the Water

A well-secured rod holder does more than tidy up the cockpit. Rod holders can increase your success in fishing while allowing an angler to multitask easily — freeing your hands to net a fish, tend the throttle, or grab a pair of pliers. Vertical rod racks can be mounted on virtually any vertical surface but are most commonly mounted on the sides of the console, on the inside or outside of the transom, or on bulkheads. The side mount style strikes a particularly useful balance: it's a permanent, rigid installation that doesn't compromise the hull's watertight integrity.

Material matters, too. Rod holders come in nylon, ABS plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, stainless steel, chrome-plated brass, or zinc; while nylon and fiberglass do not corrode, they are not as sturdy as treated metals, and stainless steel or chrome-plated brass holders are recommended for fishing in rough waters because they are rigid enough to withstand rod motion when running or trolling in a seaway. For calmer inshore or freshwater use, fiberglass and plastic are good options for budget-conscious anglers or for fishing calmer venues.

What to Look for When Shopping

• Material: Polypropylene and high-density polyurethane work well in protected waters; 316 stainless steel or marine-grade aluminum are the go-to choices for offshore or saltwater use.
• Inner Diameter: Most side mount holders are sized for standard rod grips. Common models accommodate standard rod grip sizes up to 1¾".
• Capacity: Single-tube holders maximize flexibility; multi-rod racks — holding two, three, or more rods — save space on a crowded console.
• UV Resistance: Look for UV-resistant materials to prevent cracking and fading from prolonged sun exposure.
• Mounting Hardware: Check whether fasteners are included and ensure the mounting standoffs are appropriate for your surface thickness.

Top Brands in Side Mount Rod Holders

Sea-Dog Line is one of the most recognized names in marine hardware. Sea-Dog Line is a third-generation family company with a history of satisfied customers stretching back to its start in 1933, and the company is the recipient of multiple industry awards for quality and efficiency. Their side mount rod holders span polypropylene single- and dual-tube designs as well as 316 stainless steel formed models, with some featuring a gimbal that allows you to adjust the angle of your rod and prevent it from slipping out.

Seachoice offers a broad lineup of affordably priced marine accessories, and their side mount rod holders are no exception. Built from high-density polyurethane with permanently attached mounting spacers and included fasteners, and rated as UV resistant, Seachoice side mount models deliver straightforward, no-fuss installation for everyday boaters.

Taco Metals (TACO Marine) is a go-to brand for anglers who demand premium construction. Providing superior luster with lasting protection was the goal when creating their line of aluminum rod holders — available Brite Dip anodized or raw for the ever-popular powder-coated applications. Their side mount offerings reflect the same commitment to finish quality that has made TACO a trusted name in sport-fishing hardware.

Perko has been manufacturing marine hardware for well over a century and brings that expertise to their rod holder lineup. Anglers can be particular about their rod holders, and with a wide range of mounting options and materials, Perko offers models to satisfy nearly any need and budget. Their use of proprietary Marinium alloy — an exceptionally high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy — sets them apart from brands relying solely on standard stainless or aluminum.