While I can make do holding my rod with my legs & knees. A rod holder is a nice luxury. I prefer Berkley's Quick-Set model. Tried others too.

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Zski.........all this talk of rod holders has me feeling a bit wistful I must admit. It is funny how trips gain in pleasure over the course of time when one looks back on them. My next Basswood trip will definitely be a circumnavigation style trip. Just me, my trusty rod holder and a few plastic lipped volunteers, should be a riot. 

One safety related item must be made known. I REALLY like having my rod up off the gunnels. I also like long rods while trolling, usually between 7 and 9 ft. Couple that with some heavy braid however and there is some extreme potential for leverage should you encounter a snag. Fortunately the thought had certainly crossed my mind and when my dipsy diver hung bottom just outside of Ranger Bay this summer I was glad I had my drag set correctly. Otherwise the possibility for an upset could be in the offing especially if your braid is a bit on the heavy side. Lets just say the scenario can and will get your attention.

So yea, a rod holder anchors your rod in a fixed position to the boat. The potential is there for an unsafe position if your drag is not set correctly.

In my mind the loss of my rod holder would be a severe blow to my morale......at least initially. I can't imagine doing a canoe trip where trolling will be involved without having one.

I think camp on rod holders are great.  If you are worried about marks on the canoe, just put a block of wood or leather between the clamp and the canoe.

Westwood

The c-mount aluminum rod holder from Cabelas is the only
Really good one I've found.  Use small, thin wood or plywood blocks for a rigid mount on canoes.  Have caught more fish trolling than otherwise.