bullbar-mounted fishing rod holders

[paceman]

looking at getting a bullbar-mounted fishing rod holder...

i have an ARB commercial bullbar and was wondering if anyone has come across any 'gotchas'?

i am thinking about getting one of these:




this is because i am not convinced the angle of the bullbar will allow for a normal mounted version...

was also thinking about using marine carpet on the U-bolt area to keep the bar from too much damage or potential rust?

also seeing if anyone has a better, more useful idea?  would need to hold at least 4 rods...

thoughts appreciated... not interested in having arguments about state transport laws regarding legal mounts... i have already checked these myself...

[AllanK]

"was also thinking about using marine carpet on the U-bolt area to keep the bar from too much damage or potential rust?"

Paceman,
I just used some strips of inner tube rubber on that U bolt area. Works well.

[paceman]

"was also thinking about using marine carpet on the U-bolt area to keep the bar from too much damage or potential rust?"

Paceman,
I just used some strips of inner tube rubber on that U bolt area. Works well.

good idea... i have plenty of that laying around... 

[GBC]

I have a commercial ARB bar and still use my original Wilson one no probs.

[muzza01]

I didn't know you could actually put fishing rods in them; I see them on 4bs every day but I have never seen one with rods stowed in it

[paceman]

I didn't know you could actually put fishing rods in them; I see them on 4bs every day but I have never seen one with rods stowed in it

LOL... hopefully, mine doesn't go the same way...

[Steffo1]

"was also thinking about using marine carpet on the U-bolt area to keep the bar from too much damage or potential rust?"

Paceman,
I just used some strips of inner tube rubber on that U bolt area. Works well.

I use old garden hose.

[Beachman]

I also use the old Wilsons which just attaches flush to the bull bar and it does me okay as it's not uncommon to have 7 rods on it.  But if I had to replace it I would buy the following as the main reason for adjustable rod holders is by raising the height of the butt, it reduces tip height/damage when driving into camp/bush.

https://www.anglerswarehouse.com.au/product_detail.asp?productnospaces=rodezi_rack_adjustable_fishing_rod_holder_for_boats_cars_2910

[paceman]

I also use the old Wilsons which just attaches flush to the bull bar and it does me okay as it's not uncommon to have 7 rods on it.  But if I had to replace it I would buy the following as the main reason for adjustable rod holders is by raising the height of the butt, it reduces tip height/damage when driving into camp/bush.

https://www.anglerswarehouse.com.au/product_detail.asp?productnospaces=rodezi_rack_adjustable_fishing_rod_holder_for_boats_cars_2910

that's an interesting take... never seen that type before...

[Steffo1]

I use this setup as well. Bolts through the aerial bracket. My ARB bar has two brackets. Had it custom made about 20 years ago for $20-$30, from memory. Broncs11 in Mackay has an adjustable set similar to in the above link. Maybe have a look.

[Rumpig]

Check the size of the tube on your bar before purchasing anything, my old rod holder doesn't fit my newish bar due to the tubing on this newer bar being a bigger size.

[Pete79]

Check the legalities of how rod holders can be mounted on bull bars these days.

My brother did his best to keep everything behind the bar, but got sick of the cops hassling him about pedestrian hazards and took the rod holders off for good.

[paceman]

I have a commercial ARB bar and still use my original Wilson one no probs.

sorry, missed your post, GBC...

i was under the impression that if i used the standard wilson holder (with two u-bolts) that the angle of the side bar would mean the rods would be pointing towards the middle of the windscreen?

is it possible to get a pic of how the rods look in the holder?

[Beachman]

On my last 4WD the rods did angle towards the middle of the windscreen seeing the bar curves at the edges. No big deal for the driver as the rods are still in front of the passenger.  On my current 4WD due to the Aerial mount I now have the rod holder in the middle section of the bar so they come up between the rear view mirror to passenger head.

Apart from legalities I take my rod holder off when not being used as I still do a lot of school pickups with kids where some kids are road trained. So a personal choice seeing the rod holders are the same height of some kids heads. If by chance I do need to drive around the city with them on, I pull out an old kids rod and zip tie it in.

[Bird]

I didn't know you could actually put fishing rods in them; I see them on 4bs every day but I have never seen one with rods stowed in it

like hi lift jacks

Check the legalities of how rod holders can be mounted on bull bars these days.

x2
i thought they got arseholed years ago

[edz]

Dont have any pics,    Used to have  a piece of 30 x 30 RHS as a base mount Clamped to the vertical post on the bullbar,  that had a removable  T piece of 25 x 25 mm with rod holders set at a nice angle bolted to it .. The T  was slid into the 30 x 30 base and pinned or bolted as needed .
On the old Rocky We just had a homemade stainless steel twin holder that bolted to the Aeriel mount on the bull bar at the air down point before we hit the beach .

[paceman]

not interested in having arguments about state transport laws regarding legal mounts... i have already checked these myself...

as previously stated, i have already checked it out...

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Vehicle-modifications/Frequently-asked-questions-vehicle-standards-and-modifications.aspx#fishing

[Beachman]

My take is if you have rods in them they are perfectly legal. Here in QLD I've also found the Police have shown common sense as there have been numerous  times on Fraser, Moreton & Stradbroke Islands I've been stopped for a Breathalyzer without rods in the bulbar mounted rod holder and the Police haven't said anything.

Sometimes going for a day trip especially with Fraser doing inland tracks it's just safer living them at camp. 

[GBC]

sorry, missed your post, GBC...

i was under the impression that if i used the standard wilson holder (with two u-bolts) that the angle of the side bar would mean the rods would be pointing towards the middle of the windscreen?

is it possible to get a pic of how the rods look in the holder?

Here's one I took last week. Rods are just little spin sticks for whiting. Rods are definitely over the middle of the windscreen. When travelling they are tied and wrangled over to the left a bit better. I'll have the surf rod in there this weekend. I'll see if I can remember to take a couple of pics.

[gronk]

as previously stated, i have already checked it out...

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Vehicle-modifications/Frequently-asked-questions-vehicle-standards-and-modifications.aspx#fishing

As usual, laws differ state to state. Just don't come into NSW !! 
Qld law says you must remove or move it behind the profile of the bullbar after use, but NSW says you must mount it behind the profile of the bar.
Reality is you will rarely ever get pinged for it, but hwy patrol cops get a bit low on quotas sometimes !!   

[driordon]

Saw these at a camping show, not cheap but looked a very good product and comes with all the adapters for different size bar work. http://rodezi.webs.com

[Chappie]

We went to a local aluminium fabricator and he made up a 6 rod version that sits higher then the bullbar for only a little more than the Wilson variety. He just used offcuts. I will take a photo later today.

[TuffBT50]

I went the rodlock path, no damage or marks to cause rust, yes it is only 2 rods but I only use one at a time. Use the bar clamp and the magnetic tip holder and the 12 and 13 footers stay locked in without straps. I run it in the middle tube so the rods run straight up and they are easily removed to avoid the police/public health issue

[JusyApples]

As usual, laws differ state to state. Just don't come into NSW !! 
Qld law says you must remove or move it behind the profile of the bullbar after use, but NSW says you must mount it behind the profile of the bar.
Reality is you will rarely ever get pinged for it, but hwy patrol cops get a bit low on quotas sometimes !!   

Ah the old quota myth

[GROB]

If you cross the boarder into NSW take them off ,  totally illegal in NSW which ever way you mount them on the spot fine of $108 no if's no buts