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The patented two position 'Duo' began as a quest to design an adjustable rod holder that could compete with the plastic ones so prevalent on the market.  I made many prototypes with various forms of adjustment; teeth, gears, pins, etc.  Some of them were nice but they all failed the 'hammer test'.  A fish isn't going to tear much up, but a 250 pound man on a rough day can do some damage.  In designing for this, I put each adjustable rod holder in a vise and beat it with a hammer.  They all failed. 

Through the course of making and testing various adjustable rod holders, it occurred to me that; of all the positions these holders could achieve, only two were functional.  Otherwise the rod would be at an angle that was of no use.  So I decided to go for just two positions.  A design with a strong rigid frame and no moving parts.  The shape of the first duo came to me while watching a "Planters Peanut" commercial.  I saw "Mr. Peanut" and thought that shape (a figure 8) would work for the rear end of the rod holder cradle.  Many months and prototypes later, what many of our Catfish anglers call the ultimate rod holder, emerged.  My mother named it the 'Duo' and here we are.

During this time, I thought if two positions are good, three might be better.  I worked on some prototypes and found the third position was much to elevated for practical fishing.   It also interfered with handle clearance needed to release the rod quickly and easily.  A simple "grab and snatch" release of the rod is important for maximizing hook sets.  The third position offered no value and simply got in the way. There are scenarios in Crappie fishing where more rod adjustment is necessary, we have trolling systems to accommodate that, but for Cat Fish, the "Duo" is the "Cat's Meow"!

Thanks

David

DESIGN CORNER

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