Here are my newest wheels and I am serious about carrying my rods on it. I am open on suggestions as to the best way to do this. Perhaps I should invest in one of those pack rods I have been considering.
Shifters and gears are made by Shimano. They make some of the very best precision bicycle gears and shifters there are. No wonder they produce some top notch spinning and casting reels.
We have several good trout streams that are accessible from our “Rails to Trails” program here in Pennsylvania. I need to figure out a way to carry gear on the bike that will not harm either the bike or the gear.
I have biked with my Orvis fishing day pack stuffed with boots, waders, and rod tube (30") to the stream. It got a little heavy when I got tired, but it was about 20 miles round trip. Don’t forget to bring a patch kit and portable tire pump, water, and a snack.
First Aide kit for bike and rider is a must. I have a great kit given to me by the depot for the rider but must build one for the bike. Spare tubes, small pump, tools and of course duct tape! Need to get a hydration pack too. Camel Back makes some nice ones for fishing and hunting.
Interesting thought about rod lengths and tubes. I can actually carry my 3 piece, 9ft 6wt bamboo in a short tube. Also my 5ft 5wt, 2 piece bamboo and my 6ft 6inch Cabela’s 2 piece, 2wt. Guess if I can’t catch them with those I should just stick to riding, eh?
my watermark fly pack has a place for a hydration pack. I use it all the time. works great. it also has a backpack section with 3 zipper pouches. it couldn’t hold waders but prolly some extra gear or a jacket or clothes.
Yup a rack and panniers…the only thing that really makes sense.
Be sure to get a model pannier that is fairly easy to remove, most are but a few can be a tad tracky.
In addition to the bike lock get a thin cable and lock so you can thread it through the panniers and lock them on as well.
Didn’t notice if you had a quick release seat but if it does and you are anywhere even slighly risky, remove the seat, you can always stash it along the river somewhere and retrieve it later.
Cabela’s use to sell a clip system that attached to the front fork that would hold a rod tube
I haven’t seen it advertised in a while though.
As I remember, it was all one piece. There was “cup” bolted to the front hub, with a spring clip above it, to hold the bottom of the tube, then another spring clip higher up
I’m not sure if this system would fit a modern suspension fork, or even if they are still on the market
On the crowded shoreline around here, if you can find beach access, you can’t always find a legal place to park.
Bikes can come in very handy
I use to ride an old girls 3 speed 'till it rusted up from riding through too many salt creeks :sad:
No one wanted to steal it, it never needed to be locked. And the girls style frame was much easier to ride with waders on.
Quick release seat and front wheel as well. The bike will have to be locked through the front wheel and frame. I will actually buy a long enough cable to lock through both wheels and frame.
I’ll be getting mine out as soon as the weather warms up. Already has a rack on it so it’s good to go.
A Camelback Rim Runner hydration pack holds everything I need to fish, and when the weather is good enough to ride the bike to the water, I’ll be wet wading.
removing the seat will “almost” guarantee no one will take, it at least anyone sane.
the panniers essentially add a trunk to the bike and spray them with some waterproofer every month or so to keep them water resistant and you’ll be good to go.
in my opinion, a Kryptonite u-style lock is the way to go…really can’t be cut by “normal” cutters of any kind.
nice looking ride!
really do need to replace my 1988 Bianchi mountain bike!
Just an added thing to do, they sell green goo at wallmart and other fine retail establisments that goes in the tires, it stops your tire from going flat when you hit thorns. Put a tube of goo in each tire and you will have far fewer flats, which is a good thing after a day of fishing 5 miles from the truck when its geting dark fast.
Hi Eric - Too bad you can’t make the PA Fish-In! We could ride the Pine Creek rail trail in search of prime fishing spots. I think I’m going to take one of my bikes along to do that, if I can talk someone else into it. Heck, it would be fun to just ride for a half day and leave the fishing stuff behind (can’t believe I just said that!). I take my fishing stuff along with this setup, which attaches/removes in seconds :
Even if you don’t go with a rack/bag/pannier setup, I highly recommend you add a frame mounted pump, and carry a spare tube and tire pressure gauge, along with a small tool kit like this:
All the Topeak stuff I have is quick release mount, and I just carry it with me after locking the bike to something immovable. Not exactly cheap, but it is quality stuff, and makes whatever bike I put it on my “fishing ride”.
One more little tidbit: When riding on bike paths and rail trails that parallel trout streams, it is not a good idea to watch for rising fish while you ride - don’t ask me how I know this (ouch).
Oh yeah - don’t forget the most important accessory: A good quality helmet that fits properly. Your new wheels will do wonders for your blood sugar levels - just make sure you take enough water and snacks along, as cycling can drop your levels in a hurry. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your nice new ride!
Three of us bike in on a Steelhead river and have found that a square plastic milk carrier(believe thats what they are called) bolted or bungeed to a rear bike rack can provide a lot of carrying capacity.
Mike
Thanks for all of the recommendations folks. I am leaning towards the Topeak products as they seem to have the best average on reviews. Also I noted that my bike has mounting hard pints on the rear wish bone just above the wish bone cross member and below the seat.
Normand,
That is a nice ride!
Heritage Angler,
I haven’t completely given up on the Pa Fish-In just yet. I am trying like he-double-toothpicks to get an overnight up there. I could just drive back and forth but the gas prices, even at 34 MPG, means it’s cheaper to stay even if I get a local motel room. I am hoping to know for certain before the by the 23rd of May. I might only make it fro a day but that would still be better than nothing. Thanks for the info on Topeak for the bike. looks like a great company to buy from.
There is a company and I can’t recall at the moment possibly Yakima that makes a seat post mount that angles off the seat post behind the rider that will hold 2 4pc rod tubes and a bar that has 3 drilled holes with 3 carabiners to clip bags or vests to. Runs about $65.00 at the bike shop. See if I can find the link.
