Float Tube Rod Holder: CastMate Systems vs. DIY

Here's my review of the most excellent CastMate Systems rod holder.

Glad to see it working out for you bob.

If anyone wants one i will sell the one i won i prefer pvc for my style i just want to carry as many rods as i can and have them out of the way

A great how to video for the Castmate Bob.

Thanks for putting this together.

After watching your video I went ahead and ordered a Castmate system for my SFC. Like you pointed out, the versatility of the system outweighs the increase in cost. Thanks.

Thanks for the comment! I'm sure you'll find it a great rod holder.

Ornery Bob wrote:Thanks for the comment! I'm sure you'll find it a great rod holder.

Since you have had it a while do you have a preference over the low or high rod holders or any draw backs with either? My plan if for one up front and three out the back, four rods total.

I use them both, but the longer ones give me more flexibility.

Got my Super Fat Cat out Wednesday for the maiden voyage on lower Otay. Really liked the Castmate system. Caught a couple nice ones and a few dinks.

Capt Ray wrote:Got my Super Fat Cat out Wednesday for the maiden voyage on lower Otay.  Really liked the Castmate system.  Caught a couple nice ones and a few dinks.

Glad to here you like you Castmate System I like mine as well.

Right on Capt. Ray! Thanks for the report!

Here’s my DIY. Love it. It is very versatile. Similar to Castmate. Made it for a lot cheaper [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Mikeemmit wrote:Here’s my DIY. Love it. It is very versatile. Similar to Castmate. Made it for a lot cheaper [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Wow very cool thanks for sharing I am sure there will be some questions coming your way soon.

Its funny I think float tubers are normally DIY'ers at heart.

JeffCPR I want one! do you have a list of materials?
Better yet can I buy one off you?

Sorry was not me Mikeemmit is the DIY'er of this bad boy. So Mike what are the list parts we all would like to know.

That looks Cool.

Need one. Been looking online but no luck. Can some ok ne point me I. The right direction or provide a list of parts for a DIY

I think that I make the best 1.5” ABS DIY 3-rod holder that others have tried to copy but can’t and have posted their own version of my DIY rod holder.
My design is a modified version of another Angler’s (LOLLY) design that I used and improved on.

Right now I have all new:
all of the 1.5” ABS cut to length, I have all the all of the SS I-Bolts & it’s hardware, the carabiners and I have the adjustable bungee cords with the plastic hooks.

This is the perfect rod holder for $100.00. We can glue it together and we can drill the holes thru the ABS pipe to match your D-rings on your FT if you decide to purchase it. I have the glue as well.
I have a used (previous generation) rod holder for $80.00.

Shop around ... you can PM me if you have any questions.
I reside in San Pedro, if you want to come by and check it out.

What make of a float tube do you own?

SP Dan       <“))>

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Made this one. Easy to install

JeffNoel welcome to the board great rod holder thanks for sharing.

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Better pic on my Fishcat

That is a great design thanks again for sharing. Can I ask what are you using the attach the rod holder themselves to. I am wondering what they 2 crossbars are between the rod holders and the tube itself.