Flush mount rod holders or Scotty flush bases

So I just bought a used trident prowler 15 that came with the rod pod and sonar shield but no battery bag or flush mount rod holders. So I ordered two Scotty rocket launcher and round flush mount bases. Now I have been debating weather to install flush mount rod holders or just use the Scotty mounts I ordered on the spots where the flush ones would go. Or install the Scotty stuff to the right and left of the sonar shield. So I guess my question is are the flush mount rod holders(factory style) worth putting in.

I have a Trident 13, and the flush mounted rod holders behind your hips are a good way to hold spare rods or a net, a gaff, or other equipment.  I don't use them for trolling because I can't see the tip of my rod.  The advantage of the flush mounted rod holders behind your hips over a "rocket launcher" rod holder in a flush mounted base in the same location is that the flush mounted rod holders are always there and don't stick up above the top of your kayak.  You can still install other Scotty rod holders in a flush mounted rod holder if you want to, using a Scotty 453 gimbal mount adapter and a Scotty 428 gear head.

I have mounted various rod holder bases in the area of the sonar shield of my Trident.  I'd have to see a picture of your particular model of Prowler 15 to figure out what flat spots it has in the area of the sonar shield and rod pod to mount round or square flush mount rod holder bases or deck mount rod holder bases.  In general, the disadvantage of mounting rod holder bases in front of your feet is that you have to slide forwards in your seat and lunge forward in order to get at the rod holders.  However, you may need to mount your rod holders there so they don't interfere with paddling.  If your kayak has room for a trimmed-down round flush mount rod base in the little flat areas between the sonar shield and the rod pod, that would place the rod holders closer to you.  Or depending on the year of your prowler, you may be able to mount rod holders on the rod pod.

Like Pete, I only use the flush rod holders behind the seat for storing a net and bonker. I have a rod pod also and just use a couple of the farthest forward holes for a rod holder. If you add an extension or two, you can position the rod so it doesn't block the view of the fish finder or get in the way of paddling and it remains easy to reach. That's what I do anyway.

Anyway you two and if anybody else sees this can post some pics of their tridents or prowlers. It would help a ton on where to mount the rod holders. Thanks all

Same here. I just use the 2 rod holders behind me along with a RAM mount rod holder in the middle of the mod pod. Its simple, low profile and works well for me. Makes for no interference with paddling. Although what works for me may not work for someone else. I will try and remember to post a picture of my setup this evening.

Here is how I mounted rod holders on my 13' Trident.  Overall, it's inconvenient and awkward to have the fish finder and rod holders so far forward, but you have to mount them where they won't interfere with your paddle strokes.  The deck mount in the left footwell reduces the space for my foot, but makes the rod more accessible than the flush mount which is in front of my right foot.  The left rod holder is raised on an extender to provide clearance for my foot under the butt of the left rod.  The flush mount in front of my right foot had to be placed far enough forward so the rocket launcher wouldn't interfere with the lid of the sonar shield, and the rocket launcher had to be raised on a short extender for the same reason. I suggest that you see if you can trim down a Scotty round flush mount enough to fit in in the small area between the rod pod and the sonar shield on your kayak. 



Ultimately I decided that the most convenient location for my rod holders was on a 13' Hobie Revolution.  Now I only use my Trident for rod fishing on rivers and for spearfishing.

I only have a picture of my T-11 which doesn't have  the fish finder hatch. I just stick the same set up in one of the adjacent holes to the one shown and it doesn't interfere with the view of the screen on my T-13. I have seen some pictures on this board where folks have two of these extensions put together so the rod is even higher.

Thanks you all for the pics