YakAttack SideStage rod holder (pair)

YakAttack SideStage Rod Rack is a side rod holder that holds up to three rods horizontally along the kayak gunwale. It's sold as a pair, so both sides are fitted at once. Horizontal storage is the main difference from vertical holders: the rods don't stick up, don't interfere with casting and don't snag on branches in narrow waters.

Key features

• Up to 3 rods in one holder, a pair in the kit
• Horizontal position - the rods don't stick up over your head and don't snag on vegetation
• 35.5 cm long strip with adjustable clamps
• Holds handles up to 3.2 cm in diameter, suits both spinning and casting rods
• Two mounting points - the holder doesn't turn in waves
• Fits GearTrac, MightyMount and factory tracks
• UV resistant polymer - doesn't corrode in salt water
• Made in the USA with the manufacturer's Built for Life warranty

Construction

Spring clamps
Each slot has a spring clamp that closes over the rod handle and holds it in place. The rod presses in from above in one motion and pulls out the same way, so you don't have to unfasten anything to take the rod. The clamp adapts to handles of different thickness up to 3.2 cm.

Two mounting points
The holder rests on the track at two points, not one. In practice this means that when going over waves or under motor thrust the holder doesn't turn and the rods stay in the same position. The mount comes off without tools when you need to transport the kayak.

Three rods on one side
Three slots let you carry different pre-rigged lures and swap them without stopping. Since the rods lie horizontally along the gunwale, they don't change places or tangle, and the reels stay on top and don't scratch the hull.

Who is the SideStage Rod Rack for?

The holder is for kayak anglers who carry several rods and change lures often. It especially suits pedal and motor kayaks, where, when moving forward, vertically standing rods create drag and snag on shoreline vegetation.

Mounting and care

The holder slides onto the track from the end and is tightened by hand, with no drilling and no tools. Before your first trip it's worth checking that both mounting points are tightened evenly: an unevenly tightened holder begins to lean to one side after a few hours of vibration.

Almost no maintenance is needed. After fishing in salt water, rinsing with fresh water is enough to stop salt building up in the clamp springs. The polymer is UV resistant, so the kayak can be stored outdoors all season, but the clamps are worth checking once a season: if a spring has stretched, the holder will hold the rod more weakly.

A track is needed for mounting. If your kayak doesn't have one or you want a different connection, the same principle is used by the LockNLoad fish finder screen mount. A pair means you get two holders, so there is room for six rods in total.