How to Lock Fishing Rods on a Car Roof

Last Updated: May 16, 2022 References

Going fishing and looking for a convenient way to store your fishing rods while you travel? Your car roof can be the perfect spot, and there's a variety of ways to lock your fishing rods in place so that they're safe and secure. Keep reading for a breakdown of the best ways to fasten your fishing rods to your car roof. Once you're done, you’ll be ready to head out for a great day of fishing!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Bungee Cords

1
Remove any artificial lures from your fishing poles. This will help you transport your fishing poles safely and securely. If you're using fishing lures, untie them from your fishing poles and store them in a tackle box or other safe location while you travel.^{[1]
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- If you've already spooled your fishing line, weave the end of the fishing line on each pole into one of the fishing line guides. That way, the fishing line won't fly around in the air as you drive.
2
Tie your fishing rods together with a bungee cord first. If you're traveling with multiple fishing rods, wrap a bungee cord around your fishing rods beneath the reel and bind them tightly together. Using bungee cords to hold the fishing rods together will keep them more secure once you tie them to your roof rack.^{[2]
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3
Bind your fishing rods to the side of your roof rack with 2 bungees. First, set your fishing rod bundle on the side of the roof rack with the handle-end facing forward. Then, use bungee cords to tie the front and back end of the fishing pole bundle to the roof rack.^{[3]
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4
Tighten the bungee cords to keep the fishing poles in place. Make sure the bungee cords have a rigid hold, but avoid tightening the cords so tight that your fishing poles bend.^{[4]
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- Bending the fishing poles might cause them to snap or break.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

DIY Car Roof Fishing Rod Holder

1
Purchase a 10 ft (300 cm), 6 in (15 cm) PVC pipe. A PVC pipe of this size or bigger can be used to store multiple fishing rods at a time on the roof of your car. ^{[5]
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Research source} Find a PVC pipe in this size at a local home improvement store in your area, including Lowes, Home Depot, or Ace Hardware.
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Purchase a conduit carrier kit to convert the PVC pipe into a rod holder. This kit contains two end caps that you can attach to the ends of your PVC pipe to keep your fishing rods safe inside. The kit also includes 4 U-bolts, which you'll use to bolt the pipe to your roof rack. Most conduit carrier kits also contain all the necessary screws to secure the pipe in place.^{[6]
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- Opt for one that matches the dimensions of your PVC pipe. If you're using a 6 in (15 cm) PVC pipe, go for a 6 in (15 cm) carrier kit.
- One end cap will include a door that locks. This will allow you to easily open the tube and store your fishing poles securely.
3
Mark where you would like to cut the pipe. First, hold your fishing pole against the pipe to see about how long the pipe will need to be. Then, mark the pipe with a sharpie slightly past where the fishing rod hits. This will ensure that your PVC pipe is slightly longer than your fishing rod, allowing enough room for storage.^{[7]
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Cut the PVC pipe using a hack saw. First, use a vise to keep the PVC pipe in place as you cut.^{[8]
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Research source} Then, cut the PVC pipe using a hack saw at the location you marked with a pen.
- If you don't have a vise, a workbench can work well to keep the PVC pipe in place. Since PVC pipe can easily slip out of place, it's important that you use some sort of stabilizing device to keep you safe.
- Throughout this process, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.
- To customize your DIY rod holder, sand and spray paint it.^{[9]
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Secure the end caps to either end of your fishing rod holder. To attach the end caps, drill screws through the pre-made holes on the caps into the pipe. Your conduit carrier kit should include the appropriate screws.^{[10]
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- To make sure your end caps have an extra tight hold, line the inside and outside openings of the PVC pipe with silicone. Then, wait for each to dry before securing the end caps in place.^{[11]
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Screw 4 U-bolts onto your roof rack to secure the pipe in place. Put the pipe on top of your roof rack. Then, place one of the U-bolts over the pipe so that it holds the pipe against the roof rack. Keep the U-bolt in place by drawing the ends of the bolt through the U-bolt holder that came in the carrier kit. Screw the nuts that were included in your kit into the ends of the U-bolts to attach them to the U-bolt holder. This will keep the U-bolt held securely to your roof rack.^{[12]
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- Repeat this step for each U-bolt so that the pipe is securely attached to the roof rack in 4 places along its length.
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Put your fishing rods in the tube and lock the door shut. Now that you're done, your fishing rods will be safe and secure during your car ride!^{[13]
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