West Coast Rod Holder: FAQ's

What exactly is the West Coast Rod Holder, and how is it modular?

Answer: The West Coast Rod Holder is a universal rod holder system comprising a body, fork, and hoop. It’s “modular” because you choose your pivot option (Non-Pivoting, Single Pivot, or Double Pivot), rotation style (e.g., Non-Rotating, Fixed, 45° Adjustable, 360° Lift & Turn, or Through-Gunwale), and mounting method (Track, Rail, T-Bolt, Through-Gunwale). You end up with one rod holder tailored to your boat and fishing style—no need to buy multiple separate holders.

Do I have to purchase different rod holders for different pivot or rotation options?

Answer: No. Every West Coast Rod Holder uses the same core (body-fork-hoop). Once you pick how you want it to pivot, rotate, and mount, we assemble the rod holder accordingly. The system is designed so you only buy one holder that meets all your needs, rather than juggling multiple models.

Is this rod holder made for saltwater or freshwater?

Answer: Both. The West Coast Rod Holder uses marine-grade anodized aluminum (6061 or 7000 series) and 316 stainless steel hardware, so it’s highly resistant to salt corrosion. It’s equally at home in freshwater lakes or saltwater offshore environments.

Can I remove the rod holder from my boat when not in use?

Answer: Yes, especially if you choose a Track Mount (Traxstech) or a Rail Mount. You can simply loosen the thumb screws and slide or unclamp the holder, leaving the deck clear. With T-Bolt or Through-Gunwale systems, removal may be quick as well, depending on how your boat’s channels or flush mounts are designed.

Are West Coast Rod Holders made in the USA?

Answer: Yes. They are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA, with an affiliation to Traxstech Corporation, known for precision track systems and downrigger setups. This partnership ensures American-made quality and proven manufacturing expertise.

If I order online, how do I specify my pivot, rotation, and mounting choices?

Answer: Typically, you’ll see a “build your rod holder” or “select your options” section on our website. You choose:

Pivot: Non-Pivoting, Single, or Double (10″, 14″, or 18″).

Rotation: Non-Rotating, 40° Fixed, 45° Adjustable, 360° Lift & Turn, or Through-Gunwale.

Mount: Track (Traxstech), Rail, T-Bolt, or Through-Gunwale adapter.
Our team then assembles the rod holder according to those specs. If any part is unclear, contact us, and we’ll guide you to the perfect configuration.

What are the main differences between Non-Pivoting, Single Pivoting, and Double Pivoting?

Answer:

Non-Pivoting: The vertical angle is set at installation; it never tilts. Great for anglers who don’t adjust rod height.

Single Pivoting: A single pivot point with a 5-inch arm offering 15° increments—ideal if you occasionally need to tilt your rod up or down without taking up more deck space.

Double Pivoting: Two pivot points in 10″, 14″, or 18″ arms for maximum vertical adjustability—ideal for clearing rails, outboards, or running multiple lines.

How do I know which pivot arm length (10″, 14″, or 18″) to choose for Double Pivoting?

Answer:

10″ Arm: Good if you want extra tilt compared to Single Pivoting but don’t need max clearance.

14″ Arm: A middle ground for anglers wanting moderate extension over rails or outboards.

18″ Arm: The longest option for maximum outboard clearance—great if you have high rails, an outboard that needs to be cleared, or run multi-line setups that require serious spacing.

Will I need special tools to change pivot or rotation options later?

Answer: You won’t typically change pivot or rotation on the fly, as each rod holder is assembled with those features in place. If you decide later to upgrade from Single Pivoting to Double Pivoting or from Non-Rotating to 360°, you may need additional components (or to return the holder for reconfiguration). It’s easier to select the perfect setup from the start.

Is there a difference in how Single Pivoting or Double Pivoting handle heavy fish?

Answer: Both are built with heavy-duty materials that handle large game fish. The difference is strictly in how much vertical tilt you can achieve. Single Pivoting has fewer tilt increments and a 5″ arm, while Double Pivoting offers two pivot points and longer arms. In terms of load capacity, both are solidly engineered for demanding saltwater or freshwater species.

Which rotation options are available, and do I need full 360°?

Answer: We offer Non-Rotating, 40° Fixed, 45° Adjustable, 360° Lift & Turn (Traxstech), and the ability to adapt to existing through-gunwale mounts.

If you rarely shift rods side-to-side, Non-Rotating is simplest.

If you want a moderate outward angle, 40° Fixed or 45° Adjustable might suffice.

360° Lift & Turn (Traxstech) is best for serious anglers who reposition rods often, especially if combined with a Traxstech track.

A Through-Gunwale setup depends on your existing flush mount—it can support 360° if that mount design allows (similar to Burnewiin brand).

Why would I want a Traxstech track mount versus other mounts?

Answer: A Traxstech track mount adds ultimate versatility. You can slide rod holders anywhere along the track, remove them entirely for a clear deck, or reposition them quickly for different line spreads. If you’re fishing multiple species or constantly changing tactics, a track mount makes on-the-fly reconfiguration easy.

How does the rail mount work, and do I have to drill my boat?

Answer: The Rail Mount uses a clamp-on approach—no drilling needed. You simply open the clamp, fit it around your boat’s existing rail (¾” to 2″ diameter), and tighten. It’s perfect if you want a temporary or easily movable setup, or if you don’t want to put any holes in your boat’s hull.

My boat has angled channels in the gunnel—do you offer a T-Bolt solution?

Answer: Yes. The T-Bolt Mount is specifically designed for those factory or aftermarket angled channels (45°, 50°, 58°, 90°, etc.). You drop the T-bolt into the channel, lock it down from above, and the rod holder stays securely in place with a very low-profile footprint.

Can I use a Through-Gunwale mount if my boat already has a Burnewiin brand or other flush mounted system?

Answer: Absolutely. We can adapt the West Coast Rod Holder to any through-gunwale or flush receiver by providing an adapter plate or a specialized base. The actual rotation or tilt depends on what the existing mount design offers (some may allow 360°, others partial).

What’s the difference between cradled and offset reel positions?

Answer:

Cradled: The reel is fully nestled between the fork and hoop. This keeps the reel more inboard and offers a tight, secure fit.

Offset: The rod butt still sits in the holder, but the reel extends slightly to the outside of the fork, giving you more spacing from other lines or gear. Both positions are possible with the same West Coast Rod Holder design.

Can I swap between cradled and offset reel positions quickly?

Answer: Yes. Both cradled and offset positions are inherent to the same rod holder. If you want to offset the reel, you simply place the rod so the reel sits outside the fork. If you want it cradled, place it between the fork and hoop. There’s no extra hardware needed to switch between the two.

Is there a cord or latch system to secure my rod?

Answer: Yes. We include a bungee rod keeper to hold your rod in place, especially useful during rough waters or when trailering. It helps ensure rods don’t bounce out of the holder unexpectedly.