Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount Review

Let’s Dive into Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount

Fishing, for me, isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifeline. Years spent battling currents, outsmarting wily fish, and simply soaking in the serenity of the water have taught me the importance of reliable gear. Lately, my trusty old rod holders were starting to show their age, and I realized I needed a solution to add mounting points in specific areas of my boat. That’s when I stumbled upon the Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount.

I’d been searching for a versatile and durable mounting solution that wouldn’t break the bank. The promise of a 12-position mount, easy installation, and compatibility with my existing Fish-On! rod holders immediately piqued my interest. The Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount seemed to tick all the right boxes.

Unboxing the Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount was straightforward; it’s a simple piece of equipment. My initial impression was positive; the plastic felt sturdy and well-molded, certainly capable of withstanding the rigors of regular use on the water. It wasn’t flashy, but it looked functional and ready to get to work.

I considered other side mounts from brands like Scotty and RAM Mounts. Scotty’s mounts are generally reliable, but I wanted something that offered more adjustability without needing to buy additional adapters. RAM Mounts are incredibly robust, but their price point is significantly higher. The Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount offered a balance of adjustability, durability, and affordability that the others couldn’t match.

I was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, the design seemed promising, and Tempress has a decent reputation. I was eager to see if it would live up to its potential in the real world.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount on my 16-foot aluminum fishing boat during a weekend trip to Lake Fork, a renowned bass fishing hotspot in Texas. I mounted two of these on the side of the boat’s gunnel near the stern, using stainless steel self-tapping screws for a secure hold. The weather was typically Texan: hot and humid, with a brief but intense afternoon thunderstorm.

The installation was a breeze, taking only about 15 minutes per mount. The 12-position adjustability was immediately beneficial, allowing me to dial in the perfect angle for trolling crankbaits and setting the hook effectively. Despite the choppy water and occasional spray, the rod holders stayed securely in place.

My initial concern was whether the plastic would hold up under the stress of a large fish pulling on the rod. Thankfully, even when battling a feisty 5-pound largemouth, the Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount showed no signs of flexing or weakening. The rod stayed firmly in place, and I landed the fish without any issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mounts have proven to be surprisingly durable. They’ve endured scorching summer days, torrential downpours, and even a few frosty mornings without any noticeable degradation. I fish roughly twice a week, so these mounts have seen a considerable amount of use.

I’ve noticed minimal signs of wear and tear. The plastic hasn’t faded or become brittle, and the adjustment mechanism still operates smoothly. A quick rinse with freshwater after each trip is all it takes to keep them clean.

Compared to my previous, cheaper rod holders, the Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount is a significant upgrade. Those old holders would loosen and wobble constantly, requiring frequent adjustments. The Tempress mount is far more stable and reliable, giving me peace of mind knowing my rods are secure. The difference in quality is immediately apparent.

Breaking Down the Features of Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount

Specifications

• Mount Type: Side Mount. This allows for installation on vertical surfaces, offering flexibility in placement.
• Position Adjustment: Standard 12-position mount. The multiple positions provide customizable rod angles for various fishing techniques.
• Installation: Installs with 4 self-tapping screws. Easy installation makes it accessible to all boat owners.
• Compatibility: Works with all Fish-On! Rod Holders. This ensures seamless integration with existing fishing gear.
• Material: Durable Plastic. The plastic construction balances strength and affordability.
• Color: Black. The black color blends well with most boat interiors.
• Dimensions: 2 inch H x 4.5 inch W x 1.6 inch D. The compact size allows for installation in tight spaces.

These specifications are important because they dictate the versatility and ease of use of the mount. The 12-position adjustment allows for precise rod positioning, crucial for different fishing styles. The compatibility with existing Fish-On! rod holders saves money and ensures a cohesive setup.

Performance & Functionality

The Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount performs its job admirably. It securely holds my rods in place, allowing me to focus on fishing rather than constantly adjusting my gear. The adjustable angles are invaluable for trolling, drifting, and even just storing rods safely while moving between spots.

The mount’s strength is its simplicity and adjustability. It’s easy to install, easy to use, and provides a solid, reliable hold. One potential improvement would be to include the mounting hardware (screws) with the product, as this would save customers an extra trip to the hardware store.

It exceeds my expectations. I initially worried about the plastic construction, but it has proven to be surprisingly robust and dependable. It’s a worthwhile investment.

Design & Ergonomics

The Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount boasts a simple, functional design. The black plastic is unobtrusive and blends well with most boat interiors. While not the most aesthetically pleasing piece of equipment, it’s certainly not an eyesore.

The design is user-friendly; there’s no learning curve involved. Simply attach the mount to a flat surface, insert your rod holder, and adjust the angle as needed. It’s intuitive and straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount should last for several seasons, even with regular use. The plastic is UV-resistant and holds up well to the elements.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick rinse with freshwater after each trip is usually sufficient to remove any salt, dirt, or grime. No special cleaners or lubricants are required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount is designed to work seamlessly with all Fish-On! rod holders. This allows for a wide range of customization options, from simple baitcasting holders to more specialized fly rod holders.

While the mount itself doesn’t offer many customization options, its compatibility with the Fish-On! ecosystem opens up a world of possibilities. You can easily swap out different rod holders to suit your specific fishing needs. Third-party accessories are also available that can adapt the Fish-On! system to different rail sizes or mounting configurations.

Pros and Cons of Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount

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Who Should Buy Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount?

This mount is perfect for casual anglers, weekend warriors, and anyone looking for an affordable and reliable rod-holding solution. It’s also great for kayak anglers who need to add rod holders to their craft without adding too much weight or bulk.

Those who need extreme durability or are regularly targeting very large, powerful fish might want to consider a more heavy-duty metal mount. Also, those who prefer all-inclusive kits might be annoyed by the need to purchase screws separately.

A must-have accessory is a set of stainless-steel self-tapping screws of the appropriate length for your boat’s gunnel thickness. Consider also purchasing a variety of Fish-On! rod holders to suit your specific fishing needs.

Conclusion on Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount

The Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount is a surprisingly effective and affordable solution for adding rod-holding capacity to any boat. While it’s not the flashiest or most high-end option on the market, it delivers on its promises of easy installation, versatile adjustability, and durable performance.

The price is certainly justified. You get a lot of functionality and reliability for a relatively small investment. It represents great value.

I would definitely recommend the Tempress Fish-On! Rod Holder Side Mount to anyone looking for a reliable and budget-friendly rod-holding solution. It’s a simple, effective, and dependable piece of gear that will enhance your fishing experience. So, go ahead and upgrade your boat with these mounts – you won’t regret it!