We've had these REELFIN rod holders in our gear bag for months now, taken them out across multiple fishing sessions throughout Gippsland, and it's well and truly time to give you the honest verdict - the good, the bad and everything in between.
First Impressions
Straight out of the packaging these feel genuinely solid. We've owned cheap plastic rod holders before that felt flimsy the moment you picked them up - these are nothing like that. Full stainless steel construction runs through the entire design, from the dual ground spikes right through to the rod cradle and connector. There's no plastic anywhere that could crack, snap or rust over time, which immediately gave us confidence these were built to last rather than just look good in product photos.
The half-tube rod cradle design is genuinely well thought out too. You can tell whoever designed these actually fishes themselves rather than just manufacturing a generic product to sell. It's the small details - the curve of the cradle, the grip texture - that make the difference between a rod holder you trust and one you're constantly checking on.
Setting Them Up
We've tested these across several different spots now - riverbanks, lakeside camps and a couple of quieter creek locations. The 23cm dual ground spikes anchor firmly into mud and grass every single time. No wobbling, no sinking under the weight of a rod and reel, and definitely no embarrassing moments of watching your gear topple over mid-session.
One important thing worth mentioning honestly - these are not designed for loose or sandy ground. If you're predominantly a beach fisherman these probably won't anchor as securely as you'd want. They're built for firm terrain, so riverbanks, grassy lake edges and similar solid ground is where they genuinely shine.
How They Perform During a Session
The half-tube holder design makes dropping your rod in and pulling it out quick and easy - which matters more than people realise until they're fumbling with a holder while a fish is actively taking line. The anti-slip texture on the grip section keeps your rod stable even with a heavier reel attached, and even when everything's wet from spray or rain.
The genuine standout feature though is the 360° swivel connection. Being able to angle your rod upward properly stops a strong strike from yanking the entire rig forward and potentially into the water - something that's actually happened to us before with cheaper holders that didn't offer this kind of adjustability. It's a small feature on paper but makes a real difference out on the water.
What We Loved
Genuine stainless steel build with zero signs of rust after months of regular use near water
Anti-slip texture grips reliably even when everything is wet
The 360° swivel is a legitimate upgrade over basic fixed angle holders
Comes as a 2 pack, meaning you can run two rods simultaneously without buying separately
Quick and simple to set up and pack down between sessions
What Could Be Improved
Not suitable for loose or sandy ground - strictly firm terrain only
Slightly longer ground spikes would offer even more stability in soft or muddy conditions after heavy rain
Our Honest Verdict
For the price point these genuinely punch above their weight. We've previously gone through cheaper plastic rod holders that cracked or became unstable within just a few weeks of regular use. These REELFIN holders have shown absolutely no signs of wear or weakness after consistent use across an entire fishing season.
If you're a family who fishes riverbanks, lakes or any firm ground location regularly, these are a genuinely solid and reliable addition to your gear setup - one we'd happily recommend to other Aussie families heading out on their own fishing adventures.
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 🎣
We've linked the exact pair we use on every single session below.
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