Light pole with camera mount

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[RobChoi]

I might have posted something about this before, but there were a few people that wanted more info. 

So here it is.

I had a 20" Scotty light pole at first.  http://www.scotty.com/boating-supplies-equipment/safety-equipment/safety-lights.htm
It was alright.  But I wanted it to be higher up and brighter.  So, I took the light and rubber thing that holds the light to the pole off.  Then put a hollow mop handle over the short Scotty pole so you can still use the Scotty attachment.  The Scotty pole was just a little bit skinnier than the mop handle, so I wrapped a little gaffers tape on the scotty pole and slopped some goop on it.  Crammed it into the mop handle and now it doesn't budge.  Then, the rubber thing that held the Scotty light to the pole was flipped upside down and it fit perfectly over the mop handle top.  Get some stainless hardware to keep it in place.  Then, I found this light.
http://www.coastportland.com/displayProduct.php?prodid=280&prodnums=%BF946%A1926%A1280%BF&mastCat=5
That fit perfectly into the rubber socket and is very bright.

Light pole with camera mount

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Light pole with camera mount

Light pole with camera mount

Then, I found this.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/giftsunder50/82db/
(try ebay)
The balls of the legs pop off and you can manipulate the length of the neck.

Light pole with camera mount

Light pole with camera mount

Light pole with camera mount

Light pole with camera mount

You can set the timer on your camera and put the pole in your rod holder then pick your fish up.
I recently put a Scotty base behind my seat to hopefully shoot some video soon.

[Bishop]

Thanks for the nice write up Rob.

[haggard1]

Rob,
I was looking at that camera mount the other day... in Walmart I think. I was trying to figure out how to wrap it round my light pole.... never thought about bolting it. You've got a great idea there.

[Reel Big Fish]

This is an excellent post!!!!

Thanks much for all the detail

[RobChoi]

Glad you like it.  Nice avatar.  I finally got some decent video.  Check out the Kipto video in the saltwater reports.

[BrokenPaddle]

I bought 4 of those exact same camera tripod flex mounts a couple months ago. Radio Shack had them on clearance for $4.00 each!

[RobChoi]

Yep, try ebay too.  I think I found mine a little cheaper.  But not much.

Hi Rob,

I met you at the last Kayak Charity event for Project Healing waters last September.  I remebered seeing your mount and that that it was a great idea.  I found a gorilla mount clone on sale.  The only problem that I have is that when I took it apart, there is a flexible metal rod going though the leg that allows it to be flexible.  I not know if the original gorilla mount is like that.  If so, how did you securely bolt it to the light pole.  I know you drilled a hole through the pole and I assume you pass the flexible metal rod/spine through the hole of the light pole.  But how to do you secure it from that point?  Maybe a closer pic of the camera mount or a diagram might help clear up the question.  Thanks alot and I will see you at the next TKAA Tournament.

[RobChoi]

Sorry it took so long to get back to you.  The gorilla mount I used did not have metal rod going through the legs.  The plastic balls fit tightly into each other. 

Hi Rob,

I was more curious about how you got it to mount to the light pole.  It looks like your screwed it into the light pole some how.

[RobChoi]

Yep, I took the last ball off and drilled a hole through it.  After screwing it to the pole, I attached the rest of the leg back onto the screwed on piece.

Thanks Rob,  That explains everything that I needed to know.  Now I know that the mount that I have will not work, so I will try to get one of the original gorilla mounts, not the knock-off.  Thanks alot for your response.  On another note, way to go on the giant catfish in Richmond.

[coonago]

Rob,
just read this post so you might not see this reply but I had the same light, very bright however didn't hold up to the salt.  Case fried with the batts and had a big hole in the side.  Interestingly enough while it still was working and didn't notice it until I tried to change the batts.  Anyway I have the parts and case if you want them.  I will be at the tourney in Sep.

[RobChoi]

Thanks for the input coonago.  I have yet to have any problems with mine (and I'm on the water A LOT).  It sits pretty high up so it really doesn't get any salt on it.  But I'll make sure to clean it well if it does get salt on it.

Thanks and see you at the tourney!