Trying to decide which bases I should order the Pro Series or the Lil'pro Series. The pro series has the 1/2" diameter thread hole and the Lil'Pro has 3/8". Looking at the star base. The rod holder I am looking at is the Li'l Flatliner which holds the rod at 25 degrees. For the Lil Pro flat liner is $24.99 per 2 pack and the Pro Flantliner is $24.99 per each. Will the Lil Pro be sufficent for drifting shad for stripers and Hybrids?

also how many rod holders would you have on a 24ft boat?

Thanks

I've got the Lil Pro holders and they did'nt bend when I was fishing offshore last year and my wifes hammer head hit. Just sayin.

Going to add that I have the stainless flush bases.

Brandon,

The lil' Pro should be sufficient as that is all I have ever used. The bigger issue is how you anchor the star base solidly. If you have a rail use the rail mount if possible. Over time the the bases tend to loosen up from the fiberglass. Careful with a light tipped rod that doesn't have a firm backbone.

On another note...A large striper or hybrid will easily run circles around all your down-lines and your boat if you can't control its direction quickly. Nothing lighter than med-heavy should be used in my opinion.

Brian

link please

Brian

I was going to attach the star bases with stainless Steel screws and apply some expoxy on the screw and bases before screwing into the boat. Would that work? I am thinking of getting 6 of these. I also will get 2 Gimble Rod holders as well. Giving me a total of 8 potential rodholders.

Personally I'd go with the Pro series, the larger size is easier to get the rod butts in and out of, they also won't bend if you bump them against the dock, trees, etc....the Lil Pros will, I've done it.

The perfect holder, in my opinion, is the Pro Duo(Stainless Steel Stem)...for downlining it has the 0 degree and for other needs such as catfishing it has the 30 degree angle. The stainless steel stems are worth it if you plan on using them at the coast.

I opted to go with the flush mount stainless steel bases. The threads on the aluminum star bases will wear out over time, eventually needing replacing. The flush mount bases are also flush when you remove the rod holder, you can keep the factory look of the boat.

As for mounting, thru bolting is best. However, most times that isn't possible. Pre drill the holes with a drill bit one size smaller and insert the screws with a liberal coating of 3M Marine 5200 and they won't back out, it will also prevent intrusion.

I'd go with a minimum of 8 rod holders, 4 on each side spaced evenly within the cockpit.

Baitfish,

Did the Stainless flush mount have a nut wlded on them? I intially thought of going with the stainless round flush.

Second the vote for the Pro Duo. Saw them on Stripaholics boat last yr and had to have them. 0 degree were great for slow drifting and when got a fish on was able to move them to the 30 degree to help the kids manage the fish easier and just reel on them.

Yes, the flush mount has a nut welded to the underside.

do you drill a hole in you boat for the nut to fit in?

Yes, you have to use a hole saw and drill a hole, about 1 inch if I remember correctly.

Ok thanks. Think I will go that route.

Put some thought into the locations of the holders, make sure they are reachable from the cockpit of the boat, don't interfere with cleats, etc.

Another thing to consider, it never hurts to have more bases than rod holders, different situations call for different setups.