How To Build Quality Bank Rod Holders for $10 or Less!

February 24, 2018: Do you enjoy bank fishing? If you use quality equipment, you need a set of quality rod holders! Build them yourself and save money!
In this video I will show you how to build a set of quality rod holders that you can use when bank fishing. I built this set of two for under $10. Build more and the price per holder gets even cheaper!
You'll need the following materials:
12" section of 1-1/2" SCH40 PVC (per rod holder)
One 1-1/2" SCH40 PVC Cap
PVC Primer & Cement
12" section of 5/16" threaded rod
One 5/16" Acorn Nut
One 5/16" Nylon Lock Nut
(Optional) Red Loctite Thread Locker
You'll need the following tools:
Saw
Drill with 5/16" bit
1/2" wrench
1/2" socket & ratchet
I made 6 of these rod holders a little over 2 years ago and haven't broken one yet. More importantly, I haven't had a fish drag a rod and reel into the water. You can assemble one of these rod holders in about 5 minutes. They store great in a 5 gallon bucket and are easily transported.
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[@jagidius]

Thanks for the video! My boys and I will have a blast making these.

[@jamesroberts5819]

Finished two of these yesterday and love them! Great how to video!

[@PL-lt3wz]

The best video I've seen on making a sand spike. The sand spike is easy to make and carry about. Great job!!!!

[@blackdragoninnovations3563]

I would highly recommend using a couple wide washers on either side of the PVC cap, just to add a little extra strength to it. The last thing you want is for the PVC cap to crack where you secured the rod to it. ;-)

[@adamlewis4158]

I was actually going to ask why no fenders and a lock washer lol

[@jamesackermann4934]

I was thinking the same thing

[@doubled3983]

Hello from Oklahoma. It's not cheating. It's called working smarter not harder. Good luck with your fishing!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Thank you, sir. Good luck to you as well.

[@little8940]

Putting the nut on from the same end as the acorn nut would be working smarter.

[@jes587690]

Great video, making a couple three of these for my family reunion this year also.

[@charleswilliams799]

Great video! Thanks for sharing

[@randeno55]

Made four about 5 or 6 years ago just like this. Only thing different I did was sharpen the end of the all thread to drive it in the ground easier

[@aaronwilde]

Are they durable enough for sturgeon I wonder lol

[@emmaochoa1380]

Super rigid fully functional nice looking rod holders .

[@jerzcnate]

Josh, that is a great idea while I'm out today stopping at Home Depot to make me a couple. I can personalize them too thanks for the share.

[@Jay-jc5yb]

Nice, I'm going to try these, thanks for the video

[@starrstatus9341]

Nice holders. i made some before using the old style method with rebar and pipe clamps but this seems more like something I want to try out today. Thanks for the upload.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Starr Status hope they work out well for you. Thanks for stopping by.

[@nickycrea6075]

I love it. I'll definitely give it a go.

[@CC_Marauder]

Good stuff, Maynard.

[@Love2Wander]

Thanks for sharing will be making them soon

[@joebuck66]

Great video. I'll probably be making some of these in the near future. Oh, I'm a new subscriber, was watching Kris from muddy river in the diy fishing pole challenge and he mentioned you so I'm looking forward to seeing your diy rod and reels also.

[@georgiafisherman5050]

That's one of the best DIY bank rod holders ive seen.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Thank you!

[@hallieschroeder9168]

🎉🎉😮😮😮😮😮😮😢ppppp ppl❤ pppppppppppp

[@redskiclayton]

Doing these today, thanks for sharing

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Hope they turn out great for you! Thanks for watching!

[@haroldcale4767]

apartment living no boat or kayak so bank fishing is my way to fish. thank you for posting bank fishing.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

You're quite welcome. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. I appreciate the feedback.

[@FatBoyDan]

Great tips and how to

[@snerper]

Seeing the prices in your hardware store makes me realise how badly we're being ripped off here in the U.K.! Thank you for the video and the idea!

[@CC_Marauder]

P.U., errr, EU baby. Freedom/capitalism is King.

[@mohamedfaroukbalouli7809]

Great job dude

[@SarahsCarryOn]

Had to come and see y'alls pvc project can't wait to start on mine

[@TheWeekendAngler]

yakinwithsarah if you mount those on a yak I want to see it!

[@SarahsCarryOn]

Maybe modify it so it's a clamp

[@TheWeekendAngler]

yakinwithsarah shouldn't be too difficult.

[@gnarwhalsw8296]

Cool rod holders! Note - you could have just threaded that nut on there then added the cap and acorn nut instead of threading the nut all the way down the allthread. Also, when I make these im going to add some washers!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

I had a reason for doing that on the first set I made, but I can't remember what it was. When I shot the video I just repeated what I'd don't in the past. See the blooper reel from that year to see me about break my wrist with the drill. Lol.

[@royroth5310]

ALWAYS LIKE HOW TO VIDEOS!!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

They're some of my favorite to make as well. Thanks for the comment!

[@byronbishop1569]

I made some for myself and my buddies they love them

[@yindyamarra]

Simplicity at its best,

[@allkindsofoutdooractivities]

Just came across your channel. Nice build

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@jimmyreuben6919]

Nice video mate. I'll be making some of those. Will cost a bit more in NZ, our prices are not good, but those will still be cheaper than manufactured ones from the tackle shop.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Jimmy Reuben thanks for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed the video. Hope it helped you out.

[@kjfguitar184]

Thx so much dude 😉👍

[@ubreakitirepairit3569]

I was going to mention what another person said about adding some washers to strengthen the cap. That area could crack under certain circumstances. The only other thing I would have done in addition to that is, is grind the end of the threaded rod to an angle/point to make it easier to insert it into the ground.

[@dennism6405]

Put the nyloc nut on the same end before the acorn nut. Then you only have to thread it the thickness of the cap ...less than 3/8..save some time. After the all thread is inserted through the cap, then tighten the nyloc to the cap. Thanks for the build. These are very easy to use.

[@wespeacock793]

Very cool!

[@guardianangel5254]

i know old vid but just came across it. i'd add a couple small holes in the cap for water drainage. Some of us will keep fishing with mild rain.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Good idea! Thanks!

[@TeamTnA44]

I used 3/8" all thread rod with nuts and washers on both sides. I also took my holders a cut slots for the reels on my table router 👍

[@TeamTnA44]

Don't glue and you'll have better storage. Mine were prolly 3' long rods with 18" rod holders.

[@stewdy524]

awesome video

[@HGANGHONY]

Brilliant!

[@dlfdlf7446]

good video buddy!

[@terrymccorkle1674]

Looks good

[@poppagrouch4781]

Made 3 and they're pretty nice to use. Mine are little taller than 12 inches, but I use large catfish rods. One broke, but that was my fault. These things are easy and cheap to make. Only major cost is the primer and cement, but once you get them, you'll have plenty...

[@bovillacis8120]

Love it.

[@joedarden2276]

Outstanding

[@jeffmorris8768]

Think about this.You need to make an over head rod rack in a pontoon boat.Get a piece of aluminum angle or other wise the width you need it to be for over head rack.Use shorter bolt,s to attach it to the aluminum ,spaced the distance apart to accomadate your rod,s,then attach it overhead where you need it in your pontoon.Then the distance you need it to accomadate the length of your rod,s ,put another one exactly like it on the other end to hold the rod,s in place.Make the rod tip end pvc,longer than the back end pvc, and attach it the same as the back,then you simply insert the tip end in then pull it back to go in the back pvc.Then place a bungy cord or two in front of the reel,s to keep it tightly in place. I have a pontoon ,and this gave me an idea for a roof rack.Thank you.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Awesome! I'd love to see your finished product. I've been working on designing a cheap and effective roof rack for a Suburban.

[@danielforsyth1109]

Thank you..

[@bensonshen8825]

Just saw this, great idea and cost effective. What about adding some washers? I believe it will hold better.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

You definitely could add them. The caps I use are really thick and to be honest the only one I've ever broken was when I tripped over it with my big size 14 feet. Lol. But washers are cheap and wouldnt hurt a thing to install.

[@stay-focus-kj9jl]

Thank you

[@TheWeekendAngler]

You're welcome

[@EatnLunch]

Nice project. I have that drill! I wonder if a couple of fender washers would help make it even more stable? Either way, I think it would be a nice fun project to do with my nephews or something. Nice job on the video too!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

EatnLunch Fishing thanks. I bet the fender washers would definitely increase the stability. I usually sink the all thread to the pvc, so I haven't had any issues yet. Just fyi if you use the drill to wind in the nyloc nut, set your clutch. Don't ask me how I know this. But the 2018 blooper reel might show why I know this.

[@EatnLunch]

Ha ha, I can picture it in my head and it is glorious!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

EatnLunch Fishing LOL

[@ronpinkerton7012]

Awesome thanks

[@TheWeekendAngler]

You're Welcome! Thanks for Watching!

[@ralphbriseno9830]

Nice holders great video, so if I wanted to make some for Surf Fishing, just need bigger or maybe thicker all thread?

[@TheWeekendAngler]

I haven't done a lot of surf fishing, and it's been about 7 years since I've done it at all, but the guys were just using a long piece of pvc pipe cut at an angle on one end. It goes into the sand easily with a rubber mallet and holds things securely. I don't know that I'd trust a rod to all thread in sand. The sand spike rod holders were like 3 ft long.

[@ernestescamilla1557]

Thanks

[@eagle17nz]

Hi there from NZ. An absolutely simple and great idea. I'm goinng to be makinng some for sure. Did you grindd a point on it? Thanks or sharing.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

You don't necessarily have to grind a point on the end, but it definitely helps

[@chrispierce2942]

Take and cut a slot in the top about 4 inches down for your reel mounting arm to slide into.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

That's an excellent idea! I will try that on my next batch. Thank you!

[@MDangk9]

Adding 2 washers will make it rock solid

[@TheWeekendAngler]

It couldn't hurt, however to this day the only one I've ever broken was when I tripped over it with my size 14 boot. 😂

[@tombeckett4340]

Thanks 🇨🇦👍

[@eddiegross3679]

Awesome

[@kyredneckoutdoors]

Hmmm if someone had bases on there boat to screw the all thread into these might make good boat holders.

[@ChrisDavis-dt6xx]

Only thing I would suggest is making a notch for reel so it doesn’t turn

[@TheWeekendAngler]

That would be a good idea. Thanks!

[@mattbrown7483]

Just an idea, but if you were to put two caps back to back and not cement the cap to the pipe, you could flip it around and store the all thread end inside the pipe for storage when not in use.

[@floydaltonmiller]

Add a couple of y pipes and you will have a perfect rod holder

[@robinhardison5817]

For anyone who doesn't have the supplies already, don't waste money on the pvc primer. It's not needed for a project like this. Just the glue/ cement alone is enough.

[@oskee007striperlife]

Looks good I think I would feel a little better about it if it had washers.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

That's definitely an option. The caps I use in this video are a lot thicker than some of the other ones I've encountered. I have only ever had one of these break and that was when I tripped over it in the dark.

[@johnernest2321]

I made two today used washers under the nuts going to paint them and ad some reflective tape thanks for the idea

[@akloaiza]

Made some and it really needs thicker threaded rod as carp bent it !

[@TheWeekendAngler]

How tight was your drag? Carp pull HARD!

[@KooKooforCards]

Howdy That ain't cheatin honey that's called being smarter. Like my GrandPa used to say work smarter not harder. Your just smarter honey and there ain't nothing wrong with that. Hugs from Texas 💜

[@aaronwilde]

Wonder how these hold up for oversize sturgy

[@levi501ish]

I like

[@Christiones]

Thank god you “cheated” using the drill to screw on the nuts. I was about to have a heart attack watching you thread them by hand 😂

[@ratoneJR]

2" pvc, rebar and duct tape. Duct tape the rebar to the pipe, real good. leave the bottom open so it can drain in the rain. Let the rebar stick out 1" over the top so you can hammer the rebar into hard ground. Easy, fast and strong. Cheap too.

[@alfredliggins8510]

Yes! I want to be able to hammer into harder ground!!!!

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

Might be but also smart!

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

Put up some of them in use. Great vid.

[@timhalcomb4041]

Thanks for sharing have a blessed day in the name of Jesus

[@scottpetrie8707]

Not bad. Cheaper ways to do. When you add the primer and glue, way more than $10.

[@greenyonline]

Clear primer works as well but the color proves to the inspector you have used it.

[@richandkidarcheryandoutdoo4372]

I'd use washers as others have said, also probably easier to run one nut down the rod a touch then put washer, then put plastic cap, then next washer and nut. Rather than running that nut down the whole length of threaded rod

[@daved2403]

Do they make rods with threading only on one end? Seems like it might be easier to clean the dirt off of it when finished as the dirt would get embedded in the threads the way it is now. You'd have to maybe just use non lock nuts and thread the nuts from the one end, but doesn't seem like a big issue as you could always use the loc-tite if worried about the nuts loosening over time.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

You might be able to find a hex bolt about 12 inches long or so. Then you could cut the head off of it and then just use the short section of threading.

[@longhornsfan1ify]

You should have put a notch on the top where the reel handle goes but a very good idea no the less

[@TheWeekendAngler]

The handles on my catfishing rods are long enough that the reel sits above the top of the pvc anyway, but yes, a good idea especially when using shorter rods.

[@universalvisioner]

Cleverly

[@danawallace110]

Only thing I would have done different would have been to put oversized flat washers inside and out to increase the pressure point on the cap. Still, great idea.👍

[@TheWeekendAngler]

I've used these for long enough that I'm not sure they need the washer, but it also definitely wouldn't hurt anything to install them either! Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Tight lines!

[@companyadventurefiuza5440]

Top......

[@hillbillymoonshiners9353]

No boat. You need Bank holders good idea on the cordless drill. Don't spill that purple stuff. It makes a mess😎👍

[@TheWeekendAngler]

It sure does!

[@ryanfogarty4311]

I like the part where you spill primer everywhere

[@kevinb6102]

Where did you find the flat caps? I’m having some trouble

[@TheWeekendAngler]

I got mine at menards.

[@kevinb6102]

@@TheWeekendAngler thanks for getting back to me. I found some at sutherlands! They’re not as deep but they’ll work great. Thanks great video

[@greenyonline]

Primer was made for the convenience for plumbing inspectors. :)

[@TheWeekendAngler]

I'm inclined to believe that. 😂

[@Walkinboss73]

Primer is crucial when gluing PVC. It creates a stronger bond. Just using the glue only results in joint failure after a few years

[@greenyonline]

Stanley Harris “According to the manufacturer, one class requires the application of primer, such as All-Purpose cement, Regular Clear PVC cement and Medium Gray PVC cement. The other class does not require the application of primer, such as Hot Medium Blue Lava PVC cement and Rain-R-Shine® Medium Blue PVC cement.” I have pvc joints 30 years old still going strong. I would conclude that early eminent failure is not categorically true.

[@Walkinboss73]

I have seen PVC joint failure on a regular basis when amateur plumbers apply only the glue. It dries out and it all pulls apart.

[@Don-ul6rx]

Just a heads up, they make clear PVC primer.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

It used to always be clear, then the home inspectors started griping that joints weren't primed even though they were. Quick fix was to add dye to the primer. Then you can tell the inspector to sit on a flag pole. 😂

[@dougwigginton3983]

As long as the ground is soft this will work. If not, this will be worthless when bank fishing.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

It's worked in some pretty Rocky soil, my friend. I've taken a rock and beaten them into the ground before without damaging them. Too hard of soil and you're not getting anything into the ground. End of story.

[@robkelley1311]

How do you get these into dry dirt?

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Rob Kelley depending on how dry the soil is you might have trouble. I've shoved them into some pretty dry soil though by hand. Sometimes I use my foot to push down on them too.

[@TeamTnA44]

Struggle

[@kornyque8081]

Isn't it hard to stick them in the ground?

[@TheWeekendAngler]

korn yque nope. They poke right in.

[@carolinaheckard7430]

Here where i live come summer you better have a big hammer you wont push them in even if sharp as a needle.

[@celestinelyngdoh7157]

Price sir .from India 🇮🇳

[@michaelfagan1658]

Why not run the locknut down the short end first, then put the cap on, then the acorn nut? Work smarter not harder!

[@carolinaheckard7430]

Thats what i would do. What ever works i guess same resluts.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

My OCD would kick in about that lock nut being upside down in relation to the pvc cap. It would work, I have no doubt, but would bug me. If I turned it around, I'm not sure I could have gotten the lock nut to start since I'd be in the nylon part first instead of the stainless threads. Great idea though, and it would have been the easier approach. Thanks for your comment.

[@jimgeipel7820]

My thoughts exactly!!

[@kyredneckoutdoors]

It's not cheating it's being smart

[@mauriciodiaz1310]

Primer and sement is probably more then 10 dallors

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Things were cheaper 4 years ago when this video was made. Inflation has been nuts since 2021.

[@mauriciodiaz1310]

10 or less if you have the tools and the equipment this is definitely not a 10 dallor thing. I don't have the glue that alone is probably like 6 bucks. Still nice idea

[@outsidewithmike]

That looks like it will break at the cap. My friend makes them and uses very strong tape and tapes the metal part (end of an old screwdriver, anything he can find) to the side of the PVC. At least 6 - 8 inches up the outside for good strength. Tapes the crap out of it. Plumbers tape maybe. Tip: put the second nut on first so you don't have to twist it down a foot of rod from the other end. Cool.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

It looks like it will break, but I haven't had one break yet and I've been using one particular set of these for several years. Either way works. I've seen the ones done with the metal strapped to the side. I've seen folks use muffler clamps, hose clamps, gorilla tape, you name it. In the end it's what you feel comfortable with using. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

[@jaysonbrown8988]

Hey bud you know if you had just put the bottom nuts on first and then the cap then the acorn nut it would make it ALOT EASIER!!!!!! Don't cheat lol!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Yeah, I had a brain fart moment there. I've done it that way when I built more of these. LOL.

[@kevinashley6648]

It's not cheating...it's called working smart, not hard.

[@stuhoover456]

Why not just thread the nut from the sam side the cap is on? You wouldn’t have to go the whole length of the rod. Nut then cap then cap nut

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Those nyloc lock nuts are a real pain to start backwards.

[@mattc8518]

Could just have put the second nut on first and backed it down an inch or two 🤣🤦‍♂️

[@FACB25]

nice project , but walmart has rod holder around $5 bucks

[@TheWeekendAngler]

They do, but most won't hold larger catfish rods like the Tangling with Catfish Extremes that I use. The diameter is too small and the rod won't fit. That's what prompted me to build these.

[@carolinaheckard7430]

@@TheWeekendAngler you are correct.

[@TheIrishAmish]

That's not going to last but about one two pound fish,,,,,,,,

[@TheWeekendAngler]

I've caugh fish in excess of 20 pounds while using these that would disagree there, friend.

[@thewireman134]

Great video.. the weak spot i see is only the small diameter rod [bending]. Definitely not the pvc

[@chrisclayton6955]

It's only cheating if you get caught. Right😜

[@mikevasquez6284]

Those won’t handle a 10-15 lb carp it will bend d all thread n break d pvc lose d rod reel I know for a fact!!!!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

They have handled 20+ pound blues without issue. I know THAT for a fact, slick. I have broken one of these and that was from using a rock to try and beat it into Rocky ground.