Best Way to Transport Rods and Reels

[adclem]

I have a Jeep Liberty that we take to go fishing in.  We pack everything in the Jeep when we go, mostly do bank fishing.  I am trying to find the best method for transporting my rods and reels without having to take the reels on and off the rods every time and to not have to lay them down between the seat anymore.  Getting to dangerous.  We have 4 BC setups and 3 spinning setups.  The longest rod we currently have is 7'.

So I am looking for some very creative ideas and pictures would be awesome.

Thanks,

[coryjames]

the best way would be to just put them in your brand new ranger

im still working on that one too

[adclem]

the best way would be to just put them in your brand new ranger

im still working on that one too

I agree with that. ;D  Sure would make things a lot easier.

Later,

[Koop]

the best way would be to just put them in your brand new ranger

im still working on that one too

;D

Have you seen the ceiling mount racks? Not sure how well they work but seems it might be worth looking into.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_15989_100011007_100000000_100011000_100-11-7

This one I think would work better but would need to fit 2.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_15992_100011007_100000000_100011000_100-11-7

[adclem]

Thanks for the link headed to BPS and will check it out.

Later,

[Koop]

Let me know, I may order one myself.  

[AndyPlaysDrums]

I've been looking for something like this myself. I have a small SUV (Mazda Tribute) and windshield to back window is just about the same length as my 6' 6" rod. I like the no drill strap idea, but I don't know if it would mount well in my short SUV. Let me know how you guys make out with this if you try it.

[burleytog]

[adclem]

Yeah that is called a boat!lol  That is on my wish list.

Later,

[adclem]

A friend of mine is in the process of making me a custom rod holder and mounts which will allow me to mount my rods securely and safely to the roof rack of my Jeep Liberty.

Will post pics and more info as it gets completed.

Thanks,

[bodythief]

this probably sounds silly or maybe done before, but me and a friend was a cabelas the other day looking at those expensive rod carriers. i was think about cutting a pvc pipe to size and putting caps on the ends. if you wanted to keep the reel on. maybe you could cut a slot so the reel holder could slide in and the reel can hang outside. then buy one of those reel covers in urleybay picture. it would be a whole lot cheap and you could custom paint the pvc however you like. what do you guys think?

[nateobot]

I run bungee cords across the coat hanger thingys and just put the poles on top of those. Keeps them out of the way pretty well. I also tied rubber bands around them to keep them from sliding around on top of the bungee cords.

Edit:  It works almost identically to that BPS link, only I use shorter bungee cords so the rods are pretty tight to the roof, rather than hanging down.

[cidgrad96]

Kinda off from what you are looking for, but when carrying rods by hand, you are better holding the rear portion in your hand and having the length of the rod BEHIND you. Less likely to run into something and break a tip.

A lot of folks don't think about that and run into something and break or damage a rod.

[Lucky Craft Man]

I run bungee cords across the coat hanger thingys and just put the poles on top of those. Keeps them out of the way pretty well. I also tied rubber bands around them to keep them from sliding around on top of the bungee cords.

Edit: It works almost identically to that BPS link, only I use shorter bungee cords so the rods are pretty tight to the roof, rather than hanging down.

There's a pretty good idea.  I am going to have to do that from now on.  Thanks!

[RoLo]

I never have far to go, so I socket my rods directly into the rod-holder of the boat, which are generally pre-rigged.

Been doing this for many years with only one caveat: Do not drive under low-hanging trees

Roger

[islandbass]

this probably sounds silly or maybe done before, but me and a friend was a cabelas the other day looking at those expensive rod carriers. i was think about cutting a pvc pipe to size and putting caps on the ends. if you wanted to keep the reel on. maybe you could cut a slot so the reel holder could slide in and the reel can hang outside. then buy one of those reel covers in urleybay picture. it would be a whole lot cheap and you could custom paint the pvc however you like. what do you guys think?

I have also had thoughts along this line. I just haven't gotten around to working on it.  Cool! 8-)

[John B]

I have 3 homemade rod transporters/holders, all made out of 3" diameter PVC cut to various lengths for my poles only...Each 3" will comfortably hold 2 or 3 2-piece collapsed rods without reels on them.  I suppose a 4" diameter would fit a rod and reel combo (or probably 2 combos if you put them end to end).

3" diameter  PVC is a very tight squeeze for most rods with reels attached, but the 4" PVC starts to get a bit weighty for my taste.   You can sometimes buy the pipe in different 'schedules' (thickness) so you can kind of try out wall thickness v. weight v. durability v. price.  I think mine are schedule 80 or 60, very durable, I would have no problem with these getting banged around.

Simply cut the PVC to length of the rods, glue PVC caps to one end, on the other end glue a threaded female-to-pipe adapter and then purchase a screw in cap, stuff an old dishtowel down into the bottom of the tube to protect the rod ends, and another dish towel for the opposite end, you are all set.    All of this stuff is available at any Lowes's, Menards, etc. and i am sure if you are really baffled they can help you there finding the materials.

Each will cost you less than $10 and be about as durable as anything you can buy in a store..