Fishing, while a lot of fun, does require you to have fishing rods so that you will have the best chance possible of catching fish.
Rather than trying to put your rods in your car with you, which can be dangerous and tricky to do, depending on their length and the type of vehicle that you drive, you can easily store your rods on top of your vehicle when you are on the road when you opt instead for a roof cargo box for fishing rods or rack.
This roof cargo box for fishing rods guide will not only help you make the right decision when you are looking for a way to transport your fishing rods but will also make some suggestions that will help you find the right roof cargo box or rack for your needs.
Table of Contents
Our Top 3 Best Roof Cargo Boxes For Fishing Rods
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Think About the Ease of Mounting
One thing that you will need to consider when looking for a roof cargo box for fishing rods or rack for your fishing rods is how easily you can install it on top of your vehicle.
The Rhino-Rack 574 Roof Mount is incredibly fast and easy to install, thanks to a universal mount. This means that you can put this roof mount on top of a variety of different roof racks without worrying about how difficult the installation process will be.
While this roof mount is made specifically for carrying skis, many people use it to transport their fishing rods, and for good reason. It has a liner that is made from a durable and heavy duty rubber and this liner is flexible enough to hold fishing rods in place without accidentally damaging them.
Additionally, this product holds fishing rods so securely that there isn’t any problem with wind noise or them being damaged when you are on the interstate, which allows you to travel long distances with your rods so you can find the best fishing spot.
Consider Magnets
If you are looking for a storage option for your fishing rods that doesn’t require any sort of mounting equipment, then it’s time to look for one that uses magnets to attach to ferrous metal roofs and hoods of vehicles.
The Tight Line Enterprises Fishing Rod Racks for Vehicles features incredibly strong magnets that will easily attach to your hood and roof so you can put your rods on the outside of your car when you are on the road.
This is not only fast to install and remove from your vehicle but since it isn’t a permanent option and doesn’t damage your car, you don’t have to worry about anything remaining attached to your vehicle at all times.
Additionally, this option can easily work at speeds up to 50 mph, which will give you peace of mind that your fishing rods will be perfectly safe when you are on the road. You can store and travel with up to four fishing rods with this system or even opt for larger surf rods instead of traditional rods and reels.
Think Outside the Box
One thing that you will find in this fishing rod roof box guide is options for storing and transporting your fishing rods that don’t involve putting them in an actual roof box as this can be very limiting.
One problem with fishing roof box is knowing how you are going to store them when they are not in use, which is why these Rhino Rack Multi Purpose Holders are such a popular option for many people who love to fish but don’t have a lot of space in their garages to store their fishing rod roof box when they aren’t in use.
These holders attach easily to roof bars on the top of your vehicle and have incredibly protective rubber padding that will ensure that your fishing rods aren’t damaged when they are stored in these holders.
Once you put your fishing rods inside the holders, you can easily tighten the flexible strap around them so that they will not shift out of the holders when you are on the road. They are sold in a pair to make it easy to bring your rods with you on your next trip.
Keep it All Covered
If you have your heart set on a traditional roof box for your fishing rods and other gear, then it’s a good idea to consider buying a larger option.
While these are going to weigh more, they will be larger and provide you with more room not only for your rods but also for the rest of your gear and equipment that you will need when fishing. The Yakima Skybox Carbonite Cargo Box comes in an option that is 21 cubic feet.
Thanks to the significantly larger size of this fishing roof box, not only will you be able to store fishing rods up to 215 cm long in it but you’ll also have plenty of room for the other equipment that you need to bring with you.
This means that you won’t have to worry about finding room in your vehicle for your waders, extra clothing, tackle box, and snacks. Because everything you’re bringing with you will be secured above your head in a durable and strong case, there won’t be any concern over your fishing rods being lost or damaged when you are on the road.
Consider Security
Another important thing that you will want to think about when buying a roof cargo box for fishing rods is how you are going to keep your rods safe when you are on the road.
If you are making a day trip, then chances are good that you will not run into problems with anyone trying to take your rods; however, if you are going to be away from home for days at a time, then it’s important to choose a traditional roof rack that is very secure.
The Thule Force Cargo Box is very large, which means that you can easily put your fishing rods inside, but has the added benefit of being incredibly secure. Thanks to the oversized secure lock included on this roof box, you won’t have to worry about someone trying to break into your box and stealing your fishing rods when you are out of the vehicle.
This means that you can leave your rods and all of your gear inside the box while you are sleeping, stopping in town for a bite to eat, or simply exploring the area and they will all still be there when you get back.
This additional security will ensure that you aren’t worried about someone taking your fishing rods or your gear and will really let you enjoy your trip and get the most out of your fishing experience.
Make Accessing Your Rods Easy
Depending on where you park near your fishing spot, it can be difficult to get your fishing rods out of your roof box. Many roof box for fishing rods only open on the passenger side, which will keep you safe if you are stopped on the side of the road but doesn’t make it easy to get into your box if you are parked in close proximity to a lot of trees.
Rather than worrying about how you are going to get into your fishing roof box or choosing a different parking spot based on how your box opens, when you opt for one that has dual-sided opening, you can easily access the contents of your box from either side.
The Yakima Showcase Rooftop Cargo Box offers a surprising 20 cubic feet of space and has the huge benefit of opening on both sides of the box so you can easily get out your fishing gear no matter where you are. Not only does this box make it easy for you to get out your gear but it also features durable locks to prevent theft or the box accidentally opening when you are on the road.
Choose the Right Box for Your Car
One more important thing to consider when choosing a roof box for your fishing rods is the size of your car and its style. You do not want to choose a fishing rod roof box that will impede your ability to open the hatch on the back of your vehicle or will obstruct your view when you are driving.
The SportRack RS7017 Horizon Cargo Box is not only roomy and offers plenty of room for your fishing rods but also will fit easily on most vehicles so that you don’t struggle with opening the back hatch or seeing while you are driving.
A lot goes into choosing the right roof cargo box for your next fishing trip but this roof box for fishing rods guide should help point you in the right direction when you are shopping for your next purchase.
Make sure that you take into consideration how many rods you are going to take with you, if you need additional room for other gear and tackle, and also how easily you can access your items and keep them safe from theft.
By carefully considering the available options on the market, you can choose the right box or rack for your needs so you can take your rods with you on your next trip.
