Let’s Dive into Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders
The Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders is a seemingly simple, yet incredibly vital piece of equipment for serious anglers who demand rock-solid security for their prized rods. Manufactured by Lee’s Tackle, a name synonymous with quality in the fishing world, this backing plate is designed to reinforce the mounting of heavy-duty rod holders, preventing damage to your boat and ensuring your equipment stays put when battling trophy-sized fish. After years of near-disasters involving undersized backing plates, I was on a mission to find a solution that would provide unwavering confidence.
I’d been experiencing a troubling amount of flex and even slight cracking around the gunnel-mounted rod holders on my offshore boat, especially when targeting tuna. The factory-installed backing plates were clearly insufficient for the stress exerted by heavy tackle and hard-fighting fish. I considered fabricating my own, but the precision and durability required made me look for a purpose-built solution, leading me to the Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the sheer heft and quality of the stainless steel. The plate felt substantial and well-made, a far cry from the flimsy, stamped-out pieces I’d seen before. It was reassuring to see a product that felt over-engineered for its task, a characteristic I deeply appreciate in gear meant for harsh marine environments.
Compared to standard aluminum plates or thinner stainless options, the Lee’s Tackle plate stood out for its robust construction. I also looked at similar products from other manufacturers like Gemlux and Tigress, but Lee’s Tackle’s reputation and the plate’s apparent thickness swayed my decision. My initial reaction was relief and excitement; it looked like I’d finally found a solution to my rod holder woes.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders came during a week-long tuna fishing trip off the coast of North Carolina. I installed the backing plates on four of my heavy-duty rod holders used for trolling. The weather was variable, with some days calm and others bringing heavy swells and strong winds.
Even in rough conditions, the rod holders felt significantly more secure with the Lee’s Tackle plates installed. There was no noticeable flex or creaking, even when a large bluefin tuna hit one of the lines. Installation was straightforward, though aligning the holes perfectly took a bit of patience.
There were no immediate issues after the first use, but I meticulously inspected the surrounding gelcoat for any signs of stress cracking—a problem I’d encountered previously. This time, everything looked solid.
Extended Use & Reliability
After six months of regular use, including multiple offshore trips and countless hours of trolling, the Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders have performed flawlessly. There are no signs of wear or corrosion, despite constant exposure to saltwater and sun. The stainless steel has retained its luster and strength.
Maintenance is minimal; a simple rinse with freshwater after each trip is all that’s required. The plates have consistently outperformed the original backing plates, providing a level of security and peace of mind that I didn’t realize I was missing. The improvement is significant, making this an essential upgrade for any serious angler.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders
Specifications
The Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders is designed specifically for use with Lee’s Tackle 0, 15, and 30-degree heavy-duty rod holders. The backing plate is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring exceptional strength and resistance to corrosion in harsh marine environments. Its silver color provides a clean, professional look that complements most boat finishes.
The material and design choice mean increased strength and resistance to bending or cracking under heavy loads. It distributes the stress across a larger surface area, preventing damage to the boat’s gunnel. The stainless steel ensures longevity, resisting rust and corrosion that would compromise other materials.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders performs its primary function exceptionally well: providing a robust and secure mounting platform for heavy-duty rod holders. Its strength and rigidity eliminate flex and vibration, even when subjected to significant stress from large fish. The plate inspires confidence and protects the boat’s structure.
Its main strengths lie in its robust construction and ease of installation. A potential weakness is its specific compatibility with certain Lee’s Tackle rod holders; it may not be a universal fit for all brands. However, for its intended purpose, it exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional, prioritizing strength and durability over aesthetics. The plate is well-made, with clean edges and precise hole placement. The weight feels appropriate for its intended purpose, conveying a sense of quality and sturdiness.
Installation requires some basic tools and a bit of careful alignment, but it’s generally user-friendly. No specialized skills are needed.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless steel construction, the Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders is built to last. Proper maintenance involves simply rinsing with freshwater after use to remove salt and debris. The plate should withstand years of use without significant degradation.
Repair is unlikely to be necessary, as the stainless steel is highly resistant to damage. In the unlikely event of severe damage, replacement is the most practical solution.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders is primarily a functional component and does not come with any specific accessories. There are no direct customization options. However, the user can choose appropriate fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers) to suit the specific mounting application.
The plate is designed to work seamlessly with compatible Lee’s Tackle rod holders. Compatibility with rod holders from other brands may vary.
Pros and Cons of Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders
Pros
- Exceptional Strength & Durability: The stainless steel construction provides unwavering support for heavy-duty rod holders.
- Corrosion Resistance: Designed to withstand harsh marine environments.
- Easy Installation: Simple design allows for straightforward installation.
- Peace of Mind: Eliminates flex and vibration, protecting your boat and gear.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The silver finish offers a clean and professional appearance.
Cons
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for Lee’s Tackle 0, 15, and 30-degree heavy-duty rod holders, limiting universal use.
- Cost: Slightly more expensive than some generic backing plates, but the quality justifies the price.
Who Should Buy Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders?
The Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders is perfect for serious offshore anglers targeting large game fish like tuna, marlin, and wahoo. It is also well-suited for anyone using heavy tackle and needing a reliable, secure mounting solution for their rod holders.
Those using lighter tackle or smaller boats might not require the extra reinforcement provided by this backing plate. If your rod holders are already adequately supported, this might be overkill.
While not strictly necessary, upgrading to stainless steel bolts and washers is highly recommended for optimal corrosion resistance and overall performance.
Conclusion on Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders
The Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders is an outstanding product that delivers on its promise of providing a secure and durable mounting solution for heavy-duty rod holders. While it might be slightly more expensive than some alternatives, the peace of mind and protection it offers are well worth the investment.
The price is absolutely justified by the quality of materials and the robust construction. I would highly recommend it to any serious angler looking to upgrade their rod holder setup.
If you’re tired of worrying about your rod holders failing under pressure, take the plunge and invest in the Lee’s Tackle Stainless Steel Backing Plate f/Heavy Rod Holders. You won’t regret it. Secure your gear, protect your boat, and fish with confidence!