Lee'S Tackle Fishing Rod Holder

Lee's Tackle Fishing Rod Holders: A Legacy of Big-Game Innovation

When serious offshore and big-game anglers talk about rod holders, Lee's Tackle is one of the first names that comes up — and for good reason. Founded in Miami, Florida in 1920, Lee's Tackle is widely recognized as the world's oldest manufacturer of quality sportfishing equipment, now operating as a fourth-generation family-owned business. Their fishing rod holders aren't just accessories — they represent nearly a century of precision marine engineering refined specifically for demanding saltwater environments.

First to Innovate, Still Setting the Standard

Lee's Tackle didn't just participate in the rod holder market — they helped create it. The company claims credit for pioneering the swivel base rod holder as well as the aluminum clamp-on rod holder, two designs so effective that they have been widely imitated throughout the industry ever since. Their rod holders are available across more than 46 distinct models, spanning flush mount, swivel base, and clamp-on styles to suit virtually any vessel or fishing application.

Rod Holder Styles & What Sets Them Apart

• Clamp-On Rod Holders: Engineered to fit a wide range of pipe outside diameters — from 1.050" up to 2.375" O.D. — Lee's clamp-on holders are offered in both vertical and horizontal mounts and finished in gold or silver aluminum, or black aluminum. They attach securely to T-tops, rocket launchers, and rail systems without drilling.
• Flush Mount Rod Holders: Available in polished and brushed stainless steel, these are built for permanent installation into gunwales and consoles. Models like the medium 30-degree and heavy-duty versions feature close-ended designs with optional hose barb drainage, keeping water out of the hull.
• Swivel Base Rod Holders: Perhaps Lee's most celebrated design, the swivel base holder allows the rod butt to rotate freely when side pressure is applied — an indispensable feature when targeting hard-running species like giant bluefin tuna, where reel drags can reach 60 pounds or more. This rotation prevents sheared rod holder pins and keeps the rod tip tracking the fish naturally.
• King Fish Rod Holders & Specialty Styles: For anglers targeting larger game, the King Fish Rod Holder line provides extra depth and reinforcement suited to heavy-duty applications.

Materials Built for the Ocean

Every Lee's Tackle rod holder is constructed from marine-grade materials — primarily polished or brushed stainless steel and high-strength aluminum. These materials resist corrosion in salt air and saltwater spray, ensuring long service life on offshore vessels. Whether mounted on a 15-foot flats skiff or a full-sized sport-fishing yacht, Lee's holders are engineered to perform in real conditions.

If you want to explore the full range of Lee's Tackle's sportfishing hardware beyond rod holders, visit the Lee's Tackle brand page, or browse all fishing rod holders across top marine brands.