The vertical mount from Lee's Tackle, shown above, and its horizonal version, did well in the ratings. We'd trust our best gear to them.

Almost every well-traveled tropical water sailor we've ever met has been a fisherman, with specific fishing techniques tailored to the particular nature of sailboats. Nearly all like to troll, usually with two lines, using heavy tackle and plastic lures for food fish while underway. Trolling the heavy tackle allows them to winch fish to the boat without stopping, and using plastic lures keep things simple and clean.

Since no sailboat (that we know of) comes equipped to fish, owners have to properly prepare the boat on their own. Flush-mount rod holders favored by the powerboat crowd don't really do well on sailboats; most boats just don't have the layout or the…