How To Transport Fishing Rods? Tips for Every Vehicle Type
Transporting fishing rods can be a real hassle, especially if you want to keep your gear in perfect shape. Whether you’re just going down to the local pond or taking a long fishing trip to your favorite fishing spot, it’s important to make sure your rods are safely stored and protected.
With some simple tips and the right gear, you can avoid damage and enjoy your fishing trips even more. In this guide addresses the common challenges faced during rod transportation and provides comprehensive solutions tailored to various vehicle types and personal preferences.
Fishing Rod Transportation For Vehicle Types
1. Trucks
Trucks are a popular choice for anglers due to their spacious beds, the open space of a truck bed offers plenty of room for fishing rods, but this convenience comes with risks such as theft and potential damage from shifting gear or exposure to the elements. Let’s explore some effective solutions.
DIY PVC Pipe or Tube
One cost-effective and customizable method is using DIY PVC tubes. These tubes can be cut to fit the length and diameter of your specific rods, and you can attach end caps to prevent the rods from slipping out.
For added security, drilling holes and using locks or bungee cords can keep the tubes in place. Additionally, PVC tubes provide good protection against rain and sun, ensuring your rods stay dry and safe from UV damage.
Commercial Rod Holders
Another option for truck bed storage is commercial rod holders like the Portarod. These products are designed specifically for truck beds, offering secure and customizable storage without the need for drilling.
They can hold multiple rods and are adjustable to fit different bed sizes. Most commercial rod holders are easy to install and remove, making them a convenient option for anglers who frequently transport their gear.
To further enhance security and protection, using a tonneau cover or truck cap can be beneficial. These covers provide additional protection against theft and weather conditions, allowing you to keep your rods and other gear out of sight and secured.
Inside the Cab
For added security and protection, storing fishing rods inside the cab is a great option. Using rod socks or sleeves can prevent scratches and tangling, which is especially useful for multi-piece rods.
Additionally, wrapping rods in blankets or towels provides cushioning and prevents damage from shifting during transit. Installing rod mounts inside the cab, such as ceiling-mounted racks or floor mounts, can keep your rods organized and secure.
Storing rods inside the cab not only keeps them out of view, reducing the risk of theft, but also allows for easy access when you reach your fishing destination. This method ensures that your rods are protected from the elements and any potential damage from other gear in the truck bed.
2. SUVs
SUVs provide a high level of flexibility for transporting fishing rods, thanks to their spacious interiors and versatile storage options. Whether you’re transporting shorter rods or long ones up to 10 feet, SUVs offer several practical solutions to keep your gear secure and undamaged during transit.
Bungee Cords and Rod Holders
Inside an SUV, bungee cords and rod holders are essential tools for keeping your rods organized and stationary. Bungee cords can be stretched across the width of the vehicle, securing the rods in place and preventing them from moving around while driving.
Rod holders, which can be attached to the vehicle’s interior, provide designated spots for each rod, minimizing the risk of tangling and damage. This method not only keeps your rods secure but also ensures they are easily accessible when you arrive at your fishing destination.
Roof Racks and Rod Vaults
For longer rods or when interior space is at a premium, roof racks and rod vaults offer excellent alternatives. Roof racks, such as those designed by Thule or Yakima, can accommodate rod tubes or vaults, providing a secure external storage solution.
Rod vaults, specifically designed for fishing rods, protect your gear from the elements and potential theft. These vaults can securely hold multiple rods, keeping them in place even on bumpy roads.
However, it’s important to consider that roof-mounted storage might conflict with other equipment you might need to transport, such as kayaks or camping gear. Careful planning and arrangement of your roof storage can help mitigate this issue, ensuring that all your equipment fits securely and safely.
3. Sedans and Small Vehicles
Sedans and Small Vehicles often present space constraints, making it necessary to find creative solutions for transporting fishing rods. Despite the limited space, there are effective methods to ensure your gear is securely stored and protected.
Trunk and Backseat Storage
One of the most practical ways to transport fishing rods in a sedan or small vehicle is by utilizing the trunk and backseat. Many sedans come with folding rear seats, allowing you to extend the storage space from the trunk into the cabin. By folding down one or both rear seats, you can create a long, continuous space that can accommodate rods up to 7-8 feet in length.
To maximize this space and protect your equipment, using rod socks and reel covers is essential. Rod socks prevent the rods from getting scratched or tangled, while reel covers protect the reels from impact and dirt.
Compact Storage Solutions
For those with even tighter space constraints or who need to transport longer rods, compact storage solutions like rod bags and protective cases are highly effective.
Rod bags are designed to hold multiple rods and often come with built-in padding to protect against impacts. These bags can be placed in the trunk or across the backseat, keeping your rods organized and safe.
Protective cases, which are often made of hard plastic or metal, offer superior protection for valuable rods. These cases are ideal for long-distance travel or when transporting high-end gear. Some models come with locks for added security, ensuring that your rods are safe from both physical damage and theft.
Also, you could opt out for fishing rods that are best for frequent travelers. Here are our few recommendations:
Best Travel Fishing Rods
Best Telescopic Fishing Rods
Tips On Preparation for Transportation
Properly preparing your fishing rods before transportation is essential to prevent damage and ensure a smooth journey. Here are some tips for preparing your rods effectively:
Removing Lures and Crushing Barbs
Before transporting your fishing rods, it’s crucial to remove any lures and crush the barbs on your hooks. Removing lures prevents them from snagging on the interior of your vehicle or on other rods, which can cause tangling and potential injury.
Crushing the barbs on your hooks serves a similar purpose, reducing the risk of the hooks getting caught on fabric or other materials inside your vehicle. This step not only protects your equipment but also ensures your safety when handling the rods.
Using Rod Wraps and Ties
Keeping your rods bundled together using rod wraps or ties is another important preparation step. Rod wraps are typically made of soft, flexible materials that can secure multiple rods together without causing abrasions.
By bundling your rods, you minimize their movement during transit, which significantly reduces the risk of damage. Velcro ties or elastic bands can also be used to secure the rods, ensuring they stay together tightly. This method is especially useful for anglers who transport multiple rods and need to keep them organized.
Disassembling Multi-Piece Rods
For multi-piece rods, disassembling them before transportation is a good practice. Breaking down the rods into their individual sections makes them easier to handle and store, reducing the likelihood of them getting bent or broken.
Once disassembled, each section can be placed in a rod sock or protective sleeve to prevent scratches and other damage. After that, the sections can be bundled together with rod wraps or placed in a rod case for added protection.
Protective Gear For Fishing Rods
Various Protective Accessories are available to safeguard your fishing rods and reels during transportation. These accessories are designed to provide essential protection, preventing damage from impacts, scratches, and tangling.
Rod Socks, Reel Covers, and Rod Wraps
Rod socks, also known as rod sleeves, are flexible covers that slip over your fishing rods, protecting them from scratches and minor impacts. They are particularly useful for preventing tangling when you transport multiple rods together. Rod socks come in various sizes and materials, including mesh and neoprene, to suit different rod types and lengths.
Reel covers are padded cases that fit over your fishing reels, protecting them from dust, dirt, and physical damage. These covers are especially important for expensive reels, as they prevent the reels from getting scratched or dented during transport. Using reel covers ensures that your reels remain in top condition, ready for use whenever you need them.
Rod wraps are another essential accessory for securing multiple rods together. These wraps are usually made of Velcro or elastic materials, allowing you to bundle your rods tightly. By keeping the rods bundled, rod wraps prevent them from shifting and colliding with each other during transit, which can cause damage to the rod blanks and guides.
Hard Storage Tubes
For maximum protection, especially during long trips or air travel, hard storage tubes are an excellent choice. These tubes are typically made from durable materials like PVC, aluminum, or high-density plastic, providing a rigid shell that shields your rods from severe impacts and pressure. Hard storage tubes come with padded interiors to cushion the rods and prevent movement inside the tube.
One of the significant advantages of hard storage tubes is their ability to withstand rough handling, which is common during air travel. Airlines often subject luggage to heavy handling, and hard storage tubes ensure that your fishing rods remain intact despite the rigors of transport. Some hard tubes also come with locking mechanisms for added security, preventing unauthorized access and theft.
Security Measures While Transporting Fishing Rods
Preventing theft is a significant concern for anglers, especially when transporting valuable fishing gear. Implementing effective security measures ensures that your rods and reels are safe from theft during transit and stops.
Lockable Rod Holders and Vaults
One of the most secure methods for protecting your rods is using lockable rod holders and vaults. These products are designed to provide maximum security, preventing unauthorized access to your gear.
Lockable rod holders, like those offered by Thule and Yakima, can be mounted on the roof of your vehicle, securing your rods with sturdy locks. These holders are not only robust but also designed to withstand the elements, providing excellent protection against both theft and weather conditions.
Rod vaults, such as those made by Titan, offer an even higher level of security. These vaults are essentially heavy-duty tubes with locking mechanisms, ensuring that your rods are completely protected. They are ideal for long trips or when you need to leave your vehicle unattended for extended periods. The vaults can be mounted inside truck beds, and their durable construction makes them resistant to tampering.
Securing Rods Inside Vehicles
For added security, keeping your rods inside the vehicle is a wise choice. Storing rods inside the cabin, rather than in the open bed of a truck, significantly reduces the risk of theft. Using rod protectors, blankets, or custom interior rod holders helps keep your gear organized and secure.
Using Window Tint and Security Films
Applying window tint and security films to your vehicle’s windows can enhance security. Tinted windows obscure the view inside your car, making it difficult for potential thieves to see your fishing gear. Security films add an extra layer of protection by making it harder to break the windows. This combination of tint and film can be a deterrent, making your vehicle a less attractive target.
Portable Rod Storage Tubes
Portable rod storage tubes offer a versatile solution for protecting fishing rods during transit and storage. These tubes prevent bending, breaking, and scratching, ensuring your rods remain in top condition.
Use in Vehicles and for Air Travel: These tubes are ideal for both vehicle and air travel. In cars, they can be placed in the trunk, backseat, or roof rack, shielding rods from heavy gear or shifting items. For air travel, they meet airline specifications for checked baggage, protecting rods from rough handling and ensuring they arrive intact.
Securing Tubes: It is crucial to secure portable rod storage tubes to prevent them from rolling around in the vehicle. Placing the tubes in a padded area or using foam inserts can absorb road vibrations. Some tubes also come with locks for added security, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the tube remains closed during transit.
Customizable Truck Bed Rod Holders
Customizable truck bed rod holders offering flexibility to fit different rod lengths and quantities. These holders are a must-have for serious anglers who need a reliable way to carry their gear.
Features and Customization Options
These holders are adjustable, allowing you to fit various rod sizes by changing the height and width settings. They have individual slots or clamps that you can move around to securely hold multiple rods without them touching or tangling.
The padded or rubberized surfaces protect your rods from scratches. Many of these holders can be installed without drilling, using clamp-on systems that attach to the side rails of your truck bed. Some models even include extra storage for your tools and tackle, giving you a complete fishing gear storage solution.
Ensuring Security
These holders come with locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized removal, and some can be integrated with your vehicle’s central locking system. Made from heavy-duty materials like stainless steel or reinforced aluminum, they withstand tampering and harsh weather. Proper installation and regular checks ensure your rods stay secure, whether you’re heading to a local fishing spot or taking a long trip.
If you want to avoid all these issues, there’s another option for you—the telescopic fishing rod. Learn what a telescopic fishing rod is and check out our recommendations on best telescopic rods.
Final Advices
Experienced anglers recommend using roof-mounted rod tubes or interior roof racks to transport fishing rods securely, keeping the vehicle interior free for other gear. Adding rod socks, reel covers, and velcro straps prevents scratches and tangling. Customizable truck bed rod holders work well for long trips if securely installed. Proper preparation, such as removing lures and securing weights to avoid micro fractures, ensures rods remain in optimal condition during transit.
Also, check our recommendations on Best Fishing Rods.
