FS Digest

I've been looking for a relatively safe way to transport 15-20 fishing rods by car. I'm unwilling to pack them all inside, as many are single piece rods over 8 feet.

I've been looking for a decent car top carrier, and am hoping someone might have some suggestions, although I'll happily take any other advice!

Thanks in advance!

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by varsity14

FS Digest

Does your car have a rack on top of it? If so it would be way cheaper to head to your local hardware store and pick up a length of 6 inch PVC pipe and some end caps than it would be to purchase something with a brand name on it. Just some fuel for thought. Good luck!

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by boilermadness

FS Digest

I've considered it! I need to do some testing on how many rods will fit inside - some are spinning rods that have fairly large guides.

I'm also a little worried that the pvc by itself might damage them, especially on longer trips. I'd need to look into lining the inside with some foam or something, maybe.

Thanks for the advice!

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by varsity14

FS Digest

Wrapping the inside in foam would take away from the inside diameter of the pipe though. I don't think the PVC would damage them but I guess I never really thought of that. They sell those rod socks now so you could wrap every rod in one to protect them but that could get expensive. You've got the gears in my head turning now, so I'll let you know if I come up with any other ideas lol

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by boilermadness

FS Digest

I just stuff the inside with crumpled newspaper. Survived international shipping.

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by Bashed_to_a_pulp

FS Digest

Get 6" drain pipe. It's softer than the PVC and lighter. Also cheaper.

Get a big ubolt and mount it to the roof rack.

Or get a ski rack. I use one for surf rods more than skis. The big ones will fit quite a few rods, more if there are no reels.

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by EmbracedByLeaves

FS Digest

Are you moving or transporting them more regularly?

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by 5uper5kunk

FS Digest

Semi regular transport. I typically don't need to take that many anywhere, but I have some big fishing trips coming up

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by varsity14

FS Digest

There is the soon to be released Yakima Topwater box. It claims to fit 20ish 8’ rods. It’s also gonna be like $500. I think it’s being released in September.

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by 5uper5kunk

FS Digest

Oooof. The price tag..

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by varsity14

FS Digest

I know, but so far as I have been able to find, it’s best, safest looking car top system for that volume of rods. It claims it can fit 8 rods w/ reels, which is just amazing. I am sure eventually it will be available somewhere at a discount, even if you have to wait until a Black Friday sale.

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by 5uper5kunk

oldsalt Loc: Holland Pa

I’ve been using a 6” diameter PC tube for years. Holds half dozen rods without reels, works great. I use super long pipe clamps to mount to roof rack. One end cap is glued on, the other held with long bolt & wing nut for easy removal. Make it as long as you need. I even spray paited it to match the color of my car.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

I've been using ski racks for about 20 years for long hauls. My rods run 7 to 12 feet and I can carry 8 to 10 with reels. They also come with locks for minimal security.

Whitecat Loc: Mt Pleasant, Michigan

I'm somewhat amused here... all these folk talking about a need to carry some six, eight, or even twelve fishing rods on any given fishing trip. My brain is going WTF??? as to why would someone would need that many for a recreational fishing voyage on any given day. I do understand that those who tournament fish can have a need for multiple rods all rigged up with multiple lures... but really? A half dozen or more for a day's worth of recreational fishing??

Although carrying some many multiple rods when moving your belongings from house to house makes sense for that relocation situation... simply taking more than a couple of them on a day fishing trip seems a bit silly. My fishing education for taking a second rod comes from learning that "just in case" your primary favorite rod breaks, you still have an extra rod for the chance to keep on fishing or go home for the day.

It may be that I've misunderstood the OP's original question here, or some of the replies... however carrying more than two (or even three) rods on a day's worth of fishing is like using a nuclear weapon to kill a mosquito. :)

Best Regards and Good Luck!!!
Fred Williams

oldsalt Loc: Holland Pa

I should clarify - only use the PVC tube for multiple rods for family vacations - SUV is packed to the gills - multiple family members need multiple rods.