Hey Amigos
I suppose there is an infinite number of ways to hold a fish rod and I have probably used most of them......forked stick, pvc, clamp ons etc.

I have found true love at long last.
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Tough as nails and lightweight. Totally adjustable. The rod is easy in and easy out. Quick safety latch if so desired. It's quiet. What makes it better than the rest however (if what I've stated isn't enough) is how it pops your rod off your gunnels a good 8 inches or so. This allows for extra clearance for paddling....very nice. (I can have it a smidge closer for easier access than I would with a different model.) Plus an extra added adjustment option......not only can I have the rod angled back I can also have it angled slightly down if I wish.

I use the sidemount and have a mounting bracket on each side of my boat. The only negative is you must drill 2 holes into the gunnel to mount the bases. No bigey.....

Kenny,
There is no need to "feel" a bite when you are trolling. In fact if you have the "trap" set right there is no need to react quickly at all. I often watch a hooked fish for several seconds to size him up. We can talk about "setting the trap" next week.