How To Make Your Own Rod Holder For Catfishing

So I’ve been shopping around for a good rod holder for catfishing from the bank.  I’ve checked the major outfitters like Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops, but their sand and surf rod holders just aren’t good enough. I purchased a few to field test and the results were lackluster.  The metal stake is flimsy and not positioned well to be struck with a mallet.  These rod holders are designed for the beach where the stake can easily penetrate the soil.  If you’re trying to drive one of these holders into compact clay or rocky banks, you’ll be sorely disappointed.  I’m also fairly confident a trophy-class blue cat could easily bend the ground stake in two if it pulled hard enough.  Directing our attention to the plastic body of the holder, it is painted black which is a detractor for night fishing and they didn’t hold up when struck with a rubber mallet. The ends chipped and cracked easily.

Sometimes a fisherman has to take matters into his or her own hands and make their own gear.  A short trip to the Lowe’s Home Improvement store and I had everything I needed to make my own rod holders with materials that would hold up to a lot punishment and were quite affordable.

 2″ x 24″ – PVC Tube  ($4.42  – Item #256099)

I recommend going with the 2″ pvc instead of the 1-1/2 to allow plenty of room for the rod.  If your rod is too snug in the tube you won’t be able to free it when you have a big cat loading up the rod.

1/2″ x 48″ Rebar  ($2.98 – Item #88830)

I recommend the 1/2″ over the 3/8″ for a sturdier ground stake.  The 3/8″ is a bit flimsy.

2 1/4″ to 3″ Hose Clamp – 2ea  ($2.04 – Item #62089)

2″ Reflective Mylar Decal  ($0.58 – Item #30706)

This is optional, but I wanted to have a reflective component on my rod holder for night fishing.  This also allows me to holler, “Rod 3 is taking off!”,  and a fishing buddy could easily identify which holder it was.

3lb Drilling Hammer  ($14.98 – Item #420307)

You’ll need a heavy mallet with a wide head to drive the rebar into the ground.

Align 48″ rebar ground stake with 24″ pvc tube.

All materials are used at their bought size so no cutting to size is necessary.

Allow for a strike point

Leave a 1/2″ of rebar over the lip of the pvc.  This will give you a striking point with the hammer without damaging the PVC.

Align Clamps

Use two clamps to secure the pvc to the rebar.

The tag end of the clamp will be a vicious snag if you don’t secure it or snip it off.

12 to 16″ of good ole’ Duct Tape to the rescue

Tape down the tag end to the body of the tube.

Job done!

At a total of $9.44 per holder (not counting the hammer) you have a good, durable holder that will stand up to fury of a 50 lb blue cat and can be driven into anything but solid rock.