Rod holders can be made many different ways. The most cost effective way is to get some 2" PVC from home depot and cut it into 4-5ft pieces. Cut at angles to make it easier for the PVC to go into the sand. I use 1" angle iron and duct tape wrap it to the iron. I use a hammer to bang my rod holders in the ground. Vehicle mounted rod holders are also a nice option. I have a front and rear rod holders that insert into trailer hitches. My final beach set up includes a mixture of all of the above.
I prefer to use high visibility duct tape (neon yellow or neon orange) for oncoming traffic to see. I also use reflective tape on my rod holders and fishing rods. No one has smashed into my rods yet but I'm sure it will happen sooner or later.
