Hey nice set up Moonman. I have a feeling on a portage close to a mile though your boat might grind me into the duff  ;D.

Its not that the rod holder you use didn't work for me.......it is just that I find the 2000 superior is all. I have used both. And of course  someone may try both and decide for what you are using and then I would understand the comment different strokes for different folks a bit better.

Not to belabor the point but I will expound on another aspect of the rod holder you use and why I decided against it. I have already pointed out the aspect of improved paddleability (uh, that's not a word  ;) ) that comes from popping the rod off my gunnel. But there is another facet about that holder I found displeasing.

I do a lot of trolling. I tend to follow contour lines as do probably many of you. Often that requires sharp changes in direction. I tend to like to have my rod even with the water surface, pointed rearward and/or pointed down slightly. I have many times felt vulnerable to losing my rod with that holder especially when everything "lines" up. Unlikely I know, it would have to be almost a perfect alignment. But physics being what they are I could sense the potential for it happening.

The 2000 has a "C" clip which is fairly easy to employ and I use it more often than not. There typically is no rush to grab a rod after a fish is on in a trolling scenario. I often watch the rod to ascertain just what I am dealing with before removing the rod unless of course deadfall is near.

Add in that I always have a big outfit with me. A muskie rod with large baitcaster, heavy line and big lures which demand a beefy rod holder with a safety mechanism. The 2000 can cradle a baitcaster in its upright position which certainly helps a bit.

Anyway......merely making conversation. I hope you find it interesting/informative and not argumentative. That is not my intention.

I like the big fly BTW......looks killer......

MT