"Goldilocks" solution for carrying surf rods outside JLU?

[ekimgnuj]

Folks, I have looked through the archives, and while there are some great solutions I can't find anything that would work for me. I am trying to find a solution to carrying surf casting (so, long poles) fishing rods, in a way that would not prevent opening the tailgate to access fishing and beach gear. Ideally, something that would attach to the spare tire or the tailgate itself. I have seen the reel rack, seems to be the closest solution but it gets horrible reviews and every single size/make is "out of stock" so I am guessing they no longer make them. I have a receiver hitch rod holder, but the rods extend down low enough to drag in the sand. I would get an adapter to raise that, but again then the whole rack needs to be removed when arriving at the beach. Would prefer not to modify the Jeep by adding a front receiver hitch but may have to take that route. The only other option I've seen is a local company called ruk-rac (or ruc-rak?) but that is a much larger, heavier and very expensive solution.
Yes, before anyone flames me, I'm picky picky picky, like I said I am looking for the Goldilocks solution. Maybe it doesn't exist, but I can't help but hope someone has found or created a quick and easy solution! TIA!

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[FloridaSon]

Had a jeep pass me yesterday with a roof rack and the long surf rods lashed to it pointing forward. The tips of the rods was almost at the front bumper. It looked kind of like

this if you imagine its a real jeep and imagine the long surf rods.

 

[dshark1]

Very interested as well!

 

[ekimgnuj]

Had a jeep pass me yesterday with a roof rack and the long surf rods lashed to it pointing forward. The tips of the rods was almost at the front bumper. It looked kind of like

this if you imagine its a real jeep and imagine the long surf rods.

Thanks, if I have to take the route of mounting on the roof I may do that, but really hoping to find a solution that attaches to the spare tire mount somehow.

 

[Matanzas]

I went down this rabbit hole - haven’t pulled the trigger, but this is what I found for tire mount:

https://www.justforjeeps.com/fishing-rod-tire-cover.html

 

[ekimgnuj]

I went down this rabbit hole - haven’t pulled the trigger, but this is what I found for tire mount:

https://www.justforjeeps.com/fishing-rod-tire-cover.html

Thanks, I was thinking about this one (it is mentioned in my post, the "reel rack." The manufacturer is out of stock in every single size, and has not answered any messages I have sent, so I almost think they stopped making them and/or went out of business. It has tons of terrible reviews, but you are right it may be the easiest solution and it isn't ungodly expensive like the rukrac.

Thanks!

 

[Matanzas]

Here are a few DIY ideas from this forum:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/options-for-carrying-7-or-8-ft-fishing-rods.33704/

 

[mwilk012]

I assume your surf rods are more like 10-14 feet than 7. Roof rack is by far the best option.

 

[ekimgnuj]

I assume your surf rods are more like 10-14 feet than 7. Roof rack is by far the best option.

Yep, 12 and 14 but a roof rack on a Wrangler is a PITA too, though I may end up having to go that route. Thanks!

 

[ekimgnuj]

Here are a few DIY ideas from this forum:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/options-for-carrying-7-or-8-ft-fishing-rods.33704/

Thanks, I read all of the messages in that thread, the home-made PVC solution seems like the best for what I am looking for, but they didn't post any instructions on how they made/attached it. I like the baskets and I have a rear cargo carrier I could attach holders to, but I already have a receiver hitch rod holder but it lets the poles drag in the sand and you have to remove it to open the gate. I may have to build something myself, but my "handy" days seem gone. Thanks!

 

[mwilk012]

Yep, 12 and 14 but a roof rack on a Wrangler is a PITA too, though I may end up having to go that route. Thanks!

Soft top or hard top? With the hard top, it’s very easy. I have no solutions for the soft top, sorry.

 

[ekimgnuj]

Soft top or hard top? With the hard top, it’s very easy. I have no solutions for the soft top, sorry.

Thanks, should have mentioned that. I have both and have always swapped them out seasonally, but for my birthday I am getting the sunrider top for the hard top, going to give that a try for a season. I know I could go with a Thule or yakima roof rack and ski holders, still hoping to find something for the rear tire. Thanks! Maybe instead of Goldilocks I should have said princess and the pea!

 

[ekimgnuj]

Folks, I have looked through the archives, and while there are some great solutions I can't find anything that would work for me. I am trying to find a solution to carrying surf casting (so, long poles) fishing rods, in a way that would not prevent opening the tailgate to access fishing and beach gear. Ideally, something that would attach to the spare tire or the tailgate itself. I have seen the reel rack, seems to be the closest solution but it gets horrible reviews and every single size/make is "out of stock" so I am guessing they no longer make them. I have a receiver hitch rod holder, but the rods extend down low enough to drag in the sand. I would get an adapter to raise that, but again then the whole rack needs to be removed when arriving at the beach. Would prefer not to modify the Jeep by adding a front receiver hitch but may have to take that route. The only other option I've seen is a local company called ruk-rac (or ruc-rak?) but that is a much larger, heavier and very expensive solution.
Yes, before anyone flames me, I'm picky picky picky, like I said I am looking for the Goldilocks solution. Maybe it doesn't exist, but I can't help but hope someone has found or created a quick and easy solution! TIA!

Seriously, I can't believe there aren't any solutions, what are other fisherman doing? Breaking down surf rods to fit inside is a pain in the arse, as is having them stick out the rear window in bad weather. I may need to get a front receiver hitch, but that is a pain to install and requires cutting a notch out of the (air dam? protective plate?) under the bumper. Which could hurt on resale, especially if trading it in.

 

[Ronwho]

Folks, I have looked through the archives, and while there are some great solutions I can't find anything that would work for me. I am trying to find a solution to carrying surf casting (so, long poles) fishing rods, in a way that would not prevent opening the tailgate to access fishing and beach gear. Ideally, something that would attach to the spare tire or the tailgate itself. I have seen the reel rack, seems to be the closest solution but it gets horrible reviews and every single size/make is "out of stock" so I am guessing they no longer make them. I have a receiver hitch rod holder, but the rods extend down low enough to drag in the sand. I would get an adapter to raise that, but again then the whole rack needs to be removed when arriving at the beach. Would prefer not to modify the Jeep by adding a front receiver hitch but may have to take that route. The only other option I've seen is a local company called ruk-rac (or ruc-rak?) but that is a much larger, heavier and very expensive solution.
Yes, before anyone flames me, I'm picky picky picky, like I said I am looking for the Goldilocks solution. Maybe it doesn't exist, but I can't help but hope someone has found or created a quick and easy solution! TIA!

 

[Ronwho]

2-2” light mount brackets and a 4 place aluminum rod holder. Stainless steel bolts and a quick and easy rod holder.

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