My Experimental Rod Holder for My Solo (Steelhead) Outings

I made a very simple contraption that will hopefully assist me when I hook into my first steelhead. Given the rule, if I understand it correctly, that they must be kept in the water unless they are being retained when legal, I have often wondered how I could take a photo of the fish, while still holding the rod in one hand (I am not going to do the, “hold it by the teeth method,” no way), keeping it in the water, AND trying to hold a camera. The simplest way would be to have a buddy around to take the photo. Unfortunately, most of the time I go fishing, I am usually alone.

I got a small section of PVC tubing and put it together with a few other items to that should enable me to at least be able to hold the line with one hand and the camera with the other.

In descending order, a 5.5” PVC pipe (1.5” diameter), a Slide Lock, 5’ of black strapping, and a strip of Velcro.

I fed the strapping through the PVC tube and attached the ends of the strapping to the slide lock. Next, I wrapped the Velcro strip around the strapping. This Velcro strip is probably a short-term solution until I can think of a better way to hold the blank to the strap, but it seems to work.

You put it on as you would a bag with a strap, and then feed the butt of the rod through the tube. Then, you hold a section of the rod blank by the Velcro. My son was more than happy to help me by acting as a model.

This little contraption seems to hold my 8’6” rod pretty well, even with some harsh movements and jumping. Granted it has yet to be tested in the real world but I think things look promising at this point. Incidentally, the holder could also be used to allow you to retie and re-bait without having to put the rod down. That should come in handy especially when wading.


My son thought it was pretty neat and wanted one for his Spiderman rod. I suppose it’s the least I can do for his willing assistance. Although I don’t know when I will get the chance go fishing, I can’t wait to test it.

-ib