MyFishFinder Forum

MFF US Northeast => Maine => Topic started by: CF on Apr 11, 2021, 05:43 AM

Title: Down-East Rod Holders Have Arrived! Can’t Wait To set Them Up!
Post by: CF on Apr 11, 2021, 05:43 AM
Hunh! Went looking for these last year. Didn’t know what they were called. They just popped up first thing yesterday. Couldn’t find them after a couple different searches last year.Thought they might be discontinued.  Found them yesterday and bought a couple. Good rigs! I bought some plastic junk I suppose I’ll put in good will.... :thumbup_smilie:

(https://i.imgur.com/sBnepD8.jpg)
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: woodchip1 on Apr 11, 2021, 06:18 AM
Now i Know what C F stands for ( Can't Find )
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: CF on Apr 11, 2021, 06:28 AM
Now i Know what C F stands for ( Can't Find )
Can Fish  ;)  It was funny that typed in the same search as last year with success this time... I an looking forward to putting them on the boat!
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: woodchip1 on Apr 11, 2021, 06:54 AM
Ive  got one hanging in my shed broken  needs parts.
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: CF on Apr 11, 2021, 07:09 AM
Ive  got one hanging in my shed broken  needs parts.
Buy a new one and take the parts off that.  ;D
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: stguy on Apr 11, 2021, 08:18 AM
They're made right in Lewiston by Down East Sportcraft, one of the longest running family businesses in the state.

Smear a little Chapstick on the mating surfaces once a year and they will work smoother and last forever
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: CF on Apr 11, 2021, 12:58 PM
They're made right in Lewiston by Down East Sportcraft, one of the longest running family businesses in the state.

Smear a little Chapstick on the mating surfaces once a year and they will work smoother and last forever
Cool! Thank you!!!
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: hardwatergrampa on Apr 11, 2021, 06:02 PM
They're made right in Lewiston by Down East Sportcraft, one of the longest running family businesses in the state.

Smear a little Chapstick on the mating surfaces once a year and they will work smoother and last forever
ill have to try the chapstik
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: Baydog on Apr 11, 2021, 07:03 PM
Ive  got one hanging in my shed broken  needs parts.
Parts are available from manufacturer........
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: Baydog on Apr 11, 2021, 07:04 PM
ill have to try the chapstik
Vaseline is a bit less sticky and works as well.......
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: hardwatergrampa on Apr 12, 2021, 08:26 AM
Vaseline is a bit less sticky and works as well.......
yup have used it in the past
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: fishlessman on Apr 12, 2021, 09:25 AM
make sure to lube the clamp thread, pretty much the only thing ive had major problems with. i just keep the wd handy and if one gets cranky i hit them all
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: MarkNFish on Apr 12, 2021, 10:03 AM
And based on a friend's experience, it's best to put them on the boat while standing on dry land.  I was in the bow seat and heard "clank, splash, @#&k!" 8)
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: gamefisher on Apr 12, 2021, 10:14 AM
And based on a friend's experience, it's best to put them on the boat while standing on dry land.  I was in the bow seat and heard "clank, splash, @#&k!" 8)

Ummmm, let me guess.  ;D
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: MarkNFish on Apr 12, 2021, 11:02 AM
Ummmm, let me guess.  ;D
You would think, but actually no. 
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: CF on Apr 12, 2021, 01:36 PM
Vaseline is a bit less sticky and works as well.......
What would you all think about using lanolin? It’s extreme sticky and tough to wash off or remove.

Thanks MUCH for the input and info!

Hopefully NO "clank, splash, @#&k!"
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: hardwatergrampa on Apr 12, 2021, 02:09 PM
And based on a friend's experience, it's best to put them on the boat while standing on dry land.  I was in the bow seat and heard "clank, splash, @#&k!" 8)
e ya same goes for down riggers
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: CF on Apr 12, 2021, 02:20 PM
e ya same goes for down riggers

Make sure your out board is screwed on tight too! Long ago I had one jump off the stern in my hand returning form clamming, at about half throttle. That was a few seconds of fun! Still have that motor!
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: joefishmore on Apr 12, 2021, 04:32 PM
The little circular thing on the end of the screw part always comes off and is lost.
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: krispcritter on Apr 12, 2021, 06:08 PM
A little bit goes a LONG ways. I have used Vaseline too but only coated the first 2 or 3 threads and have not had any problems with mine.
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: fish wayniac on Apr 13, 2021, 05:37 AM
Tried and true! Good rod holders for sure. I started out with the clamp on for my canoe. When I got my boat I bought a base to mount on the boat rail. The holder is now interchangeable for each water craft I choose to use. I originally purchased at Cabelas but I also saw them at Hamilton’s marine .
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: Smallmouth Squarepants on Apr 13, 2021, 07:25 AM
Make sure your out board is screwed on tight too! Long ago I had one jump off the stern in my hand returning form clamming, at about half throttle. That was a few seconds of fun! Still have that motor!
The trolling motor I use to power my canoe did that as well while I was powering thru a turn, trying to start circling around a snag I was caught on in the river. Thankfully I was able to kick the neg connector to the battery free so it stopped thrashing around.
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: swnoel on Apr 13, 2021, 04:00 PM
I have a pair of them I bought since the mid 80's... I don't believe they've changed since they were invented!
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: SilverSides on Apr 14, 2021, 12:34 PM
Anybody ever seen one made of Brass? A friend bought a camp that came with a bunch of tackle that belonged to the previous owner, who had passed. Most of it was brand new. Included was one or two brand new Brass Downeasters. He wasn't interested in selling them :(
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: fishlessman on Apr 14, 2021, 01:29 PM
Anybody ever seen one made of Brass? A friend bought a camp that came with a bunch of tackle that belonged to the previous owner, who had passed. Most of it was brand new. Included was one or two brand new Brass Downeasters. He wasn't interested in selling them :(

i have a fiftieth anniversary that is metallic silver and i think they had a few colors. the black ones discontinued on their site would be the 75th anniversary i believe but could be wrong. the timing is about there
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: SilverSides on Apr 14, 2021, 01:58 PM
I will have to see if I can get another look at his. It may be just plated, but I seem to remember it was pretty heavy which led me to believe it was Brass.
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: swnoel on Apr 15, 2021, 06:32 AM
Anybody ever seen one made of Brass? A friend bought a camp that came with a bunch of tackle that belonged to the previous owner, who had passed. Most of it was brand new. Included was one or two brand new Brass Downeasters. He wasn't interested in selling them :(

Did it look like these? I've seen this color before , I'm not sure if it was a special coating that was put on. You can still get the powder coated salty today, but they're going to be gone soon.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vintage-Deluxe-Down-Easter-D-10-Fishing-Rod-Holder-w-Box-Down-East-Sportscraft/184750890703?hash=item2b0402decf:g:Z6MAAOSwjYtgbQVn
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: SilverSides on Apr 15, 2021, 09:22 AM
Did it look like these? I've seen this color before , I'm not sure if it was a special coating that was put on. You can still get the powder coated salty today, but they're going to be gone soon.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vintage-Deluxe-Down-Easter-D-10-Fishing-Rod-Holder-w-Box-Down-East-Sportscraft/184750890703?hash=item2b0402decf:g:Z6MAAOSwjYtgbQVn
Not at all......the one's I'm talking about were very yellow/brass colored.
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: fishlessman on Apr 15, 2021, 10:32 AM
Not at all......the one's I'm talking about were very yellow/brass colored.

brass ages dark, especially out in the weather, mostly brown to brown/red
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: woodchip1 on Apr 15, 2021, 06:51 PM
The rod holder that had the braket break looked like cast metal,not Brass. if they were Brass the price would be much higher.
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: Scalloper on Apr 17, 2021, 04:54 AM
They're made right in Lewiston by Down East Sportcraft, one of the longest running family businesses in the state.

Smear a little Chapstick on the mating surfaces once a year and they will work smoother and last forever
I have two on my boat. I like them but one is very difficult to open
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders
Post by: CF on Apr 17, 2021, 05:23 AM
I have two on my boat. I like them but one is very difficult to open

Mine Arrived! I think I am going to try using lanolin on the moving parts including the clamp. The stuff is nearly impossible to remove w/o HOT water. Comes from washing sheeps wool, sticky lubricant and sheds water as well as a duck!

 (https://i.imgur.com/REGFKpE.jpg)
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders Have Arrived! Can’t Wait To set Them Up!
Post by: joefishmore on May 02, 2021, 04:20 PM
Yesterday picked up 2 at a garage sale for $10.
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders Have Arrived! Can’t Wait To set Them Up!
Post by: Jethro on May 03, 2021, 07:26 AM
I have a bunch of these, I use them on my smaller tin boat. Prefer the "Salty" version even when using them freshwater with trolling rods.
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders Have Arrived! Can’t Wait To set Them Up!
Post by: taxid on May 03, 2021, 07:31 AM
I have a couple of vinyl versions of that made by Scotty where the mounts are permanently mounted on the boat but the rod holders come off. Just lift the rod and the rod hold pivots to pull it right out. They also make them where the mount slides down into oar locks. Mine are white.

(https://i.imgur.com/q9ZfQogm.png)
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders Have Arrived! Can’t Wait To set Them Up!
Post by: Steve H. on May 03, 2021, 12:33 PM
Prefer the "Salty" version even when using them freshwater with trolling rods.

Agreed.  I have the Salty (two clamp) version for trolling leadcore out of my small Lund.  Bulletproof.
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders Have Arrived! Can’t Wait To set Them Up!
Post by: fishlessman on May 03, 2021, 02:41 PM
Agreed.  I have the Salty (two clamp) version for trolling leadcore out of my small Lund.  Bulletproof.

thats all i have are the salty version now, some of my rod handles are too big for the other styles and i believe the looseness helps with the rod release
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders Have Arrived! Can’t Wait To set Them Up!
Post by: Jethro on May 04, 2021, 07:00 AM
thats all i have are the salty version now, some of my rod handles are too big for the other styles and i believe the looseness helps with the rod release

Yeah, that's what made me switch to the Saltys. When you've got a fish on and you have to almost pull the rod holder off the gunwale to get it out of the holder it's not a good thing.

Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders Have Arrived! Can’t Wait To set Them Up!
Post by: Steve H. on May 04, 2021, 07:31 AM
Good video on maintaining your Down-Easter rod holders:

Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders Have Arrived! Can’t Wait To set Them Up!
Post by: gamefisher on May 04, 2021, 11:08 AM
For anyone that owns both, is the two clamp on the Salty (s-10) the same size as he single clamp on th d - 10? 
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders Have Arrived! Can’t Wait To set Them Up!
Post by: fishlessman on May 04, 2021, 12:32 PM
never noticed a size difference between the two clamp size. my only real complaint with the single clamp design is the clamp thread seizing with salt water use. i used to only take the holders off end of season and broke a few clamps. most of my saltys are permanent mounted now, no clamps. have two for use on other boats where i kept the clamps on. my transom is 1.75 thick and both style clamps fit
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders Have Arrived! Can’t Wait To set Them Up!
Post by: Jethro on May 04, 2021, 01:08 PM
For anyone that owns both, is the two clamp on the Salty (s-10) the same size as he single clamp on th d - 10?

I own both, the clamps are the same size.

And if anyone is interested, I fish the salt a lot, my boat lives outside... for maintaining these things look up Ballistol. Stuff is amazing.
Title: Re: Down-East Rod Holders Have Arrived! Can’t Wait To set Them Up!
Post by: gamefisher on May 04, 2021, 03:02 PM
Thanks guys.  My d-10's are permanently mounted as well and unfortunately the. New starfire rods with plastic handles no longer fit them like the old foam versions did, looking to upgrade to the Salty's, 1 3/8" vs 1 1/8"