Tips for transporting rods in a pickup

[mr_jman]

I have a soft side rod bag that works great for about 2 - 4 two piece rods. If you have two piece rods, and have the room put them in the back of the truck. Otherwise lay the big rods in the back. I also like the idea of getting those Berkley rod holders and mounting them to a side of the truck, but the rods have to lay across in my truck bed as well. For my one piece rods I usually set the butt end on the floor in the front and they fit to the back window of the cab without having to bend or worry about them. So there inbetween the seat and the passenger door. GOT TO WATCH OUT WHEN CLOSING THE DOORS so the rod tip is inside the door and you wont hit the rod when closing the door.

I also like LMTOUT's idea of rolling them in an old blanket. Sounds like a CHEAP effective way to store them. Granted if I owned a several hundred dollar rod/reel i'd spend some money on protecting it. The $20 - $50 rods I have would be well protected by a blanket I think!

[Comit 2]

I have an Impala. One of the best fishing cars out there. Fold the backseat down and load the trunk with your gear and rods (up to 7').

You can always go with a two pc rod and put it in the cab. There are some good 2,3 and 4pc rods out there.

[SaintPaulPaul]

I just got back friday from Lake Vermilion...we had to stop 3 times to bury my friend's poles back under luggage, etc. in the back of the pickup. At 70 mph, they stand up and it looks like you're trolling...makes drivers behind you very nervous. I just had my cheapo Ugly Sticks with me, which didn't fly, but when I travel with my St. Croix musky rods, I carry them in a hard-cardboard 8' tube, available for a reasonable price at UPS stores or Pack and Mail places. They are heavy enough so that they don't fly as easy as uncased ones... I always back it up with a cheap bungee cord, though.

[Esox_Magnum]

I have slider windows in the truck and front of my topper, I carry my 9' Muskie rods with no problem and can still lock everything up.Anything under 8' will fit corner to corner on my 6'6 box.

[hamms-scooter]

if you don't have a topper you could get a sono tube for doing concrete columns and strap it down and have your rods in there.