Does anyone know if there is a car top rod carrier that you can get the complete
rod inside while the rod is assembled. thanks freddyg
Thule makes one, but for the price, …!!!
I saw clients with a home made one … PVC tubes, plywood box for the reel end, hard rubber padding, … hose clamps to secure it to the cross bars on the roof.
Why do you need to transport your rods while they’re strung up?
I do to change pools, … 'bout 1-15 km on the highway. When I do, I simply lay the rods in the roof cage and attach a loose bungy over them to keep them in line. I have a piece of inner tube on the bar to keep from scratching the rod blanks.
When JC saw me lay his rods in it he was a bit skeptical, but I’ve never lost or damaged a rod this way.
These look interesting.
http://www.feather-craft.com/wecs.php?store=feacraft&action=display&target=WR100
Lately, I’ve seen several fellas with a rod carrier on the hoods of their pickups and suv’s,
they attach with four large suction cups and appear to be intended for while traveling short hops from hole to hole. I’ve seen them along the N. Umpqua and Rogue rivers here in southern Oregon. The one man I spoke to who had one said it held his rods (2) securely at 55 mph. He bought his from the Shady Cove Fly Shop in Shady Cove Oregon. right on the Rogue River. The thing is mounted right on the hood and you can see the rods through the windshield, rods go on the rack butt forward and extend up over the windshield… ModocDan
I’ve seen the sport tubes in person and they rock! If you want the best, they are it. They are lockable and will stow a 9’ rigged rod. I was all set to get one until I saw the price. $200 for a rod tube??? I have yet to see them anywhere for less than MSRP.
Here’s the manufacturer’s website: Sportube
I’m very leary of anything on my vehicle advertising that I fish, much less fly fish. I don’t even have a “Fly Angler’s On Line” bumper sticker. For some unknown reason people think that fly fishing gear is worth a lot more than any other gear (How little they know!).
Gentleman, thanks for the information. This gives a guy something to think about. We have had some cars that have been keyed and tires cut on one of our streams last year, so it might be best to not advertise. The sports tube looks very good, but expensive. I wanted to have my rods locked on the top to prevent theft. maybe best with the bungee chord method then put the other rods inside the car. thanks again freddyg
freddyg: Give RodLoft a looksee also @ Feather-Craft. It’s an inside the truck rod mounting system for full length rods. Have had one for years and leave it up inside the truck all fishing season as it’s not in the way of anything else I have to do if not fishing. $100 or so.
This works as far as protection goes but will not prevent theft.
The primary rod case should look familiar to you and what I did was undo the end of it add a PVC coupling and add an appropriate length extension…still can use the primary case as it was intended if you want to…the price is right:D.
Now having said that…for my present needs I frequently travel with 1 to 6 fully rigged rods in my minivan…with a system that is practically free and convenient…some day I’ll take pictures.
I have this and it works very well for getting from hole to hole. Off in an instant and locked in the car till the next move.
Mine is on the left, one suction cup for the aluminum hood and one magnet for the steel rooftop. Or you could get the two magnetic ones if you have a steel hood.
Gary
I use a Yakima ski carrier (got mine for $10 shipped on ebay) in the warmer months to hop between various areas of a stream (at relatively slow speed) and RodMounts during the winter (http://www.rodmounts.com)
Guys these things are well worth the money… I’ve got three tubes on top of my rig and can haul six rigged sticks. They lock onto your rack, the hinged door locks and the whole tube is easily removable from the rack if you don’t want to keep it on there all the time. You have to purchase locks seperatley, but thats not that big of a deal. You can get sets of 5 small master padlocks on the same key. Being able to have rods rigged and ready when you arrive at the river is unbelievably nice. I hate breaking down and rigging rods now though because I’ve gotten so used to not having to do that anymore… except for my 10 foot Z Axis. Anyway… I highly recommend these.
Guys thanks for all your help. Your pictures and ideas were great. I think I am leaning toward the sports tube. I know it takes time for you to takes pictures write out your ideas and then post , for a guy you have never heard of. I hope I get to the point I can provide some help for folks. thanks “you gotta love this forum” freddyg"
I like those ideas, nice!