Not sure exactly where this belongs, but it's a piece of tackle to me! 

 

I've always been a "car nut" and "fishing nut" so I had to be sure I had at least one car that could transport my gear. Even so, a couple of my 7 footers will reach to just about the visors. Putting the rods in or out is done carefully. I generally fish several locations a day (if I'm not in the boat), and so this process is repeated multiple times. I wanted something easier.

 

To that end, I've been using the Sumo Suction Mount rod holder. This was originally for long fly rods and the fly fisherman trust these holders with their expensive rods. So I figured they should be just fine with my bass rods. Further research confirmed this.

 

The mounting couldn't be easier. Just make sure both sides are clean. Press down and lock. Mounting done. I prefer the hood-to-windshield mount. Makes it easy to put rods in and out.

 

At first I was a bit fussy on how I'd mount the bases. But the mount is completely articulating, so I just stick it on and adjust with the knobs as needed. These can also be mounted to

 

It holds 4 spinning rods just fine. I generally only take 2 for fishing around the shorelines. I've tested it to 60mph, and all was well. I've seen videos of people doing 100+.!  The longest haul was about 45 minutes. I'm not sure I'd use these on a multiple hour journey even though I think the unit is up to the task. I think it's really made for short(ish) jaunts. And at that it excels. The rods take seconds to put in or out and they are held in place securely until your next spot.

 

I also put these on a full size luxury sedan and it was aces! 

 

If you're looking for slick and convenient way to hold some rods for your ride, I highly recommend these.

Just one look at that I think it is a traffic ticket waiting to happen. The police will pull you over for obstructing your vision while driving. 

2 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Just one look at that I think it is a traffic ticket waiting to happen. The police will pull you over for obstructing your vision while driving. 

I'm not terribly worried, here.

 

Might be an issue in other places. 

Looks scary to me, I have visions of it flying off.

Might put on the glass inside my topper.

 

 

4 minutes ago, GRiver said:

Looks scary to me, I have visions of it flying off.

Might put on the glass inside my topper.

 

 

After testing, I'm confident it's not going anywhere. There are a few caveats, of course. The instructions warn of using in extremely cold conditions as it lessens the suction power. Ditto if using on dirty, dusty vehicles.

 

I presume this product would have died a miserable death had it repeatedly ruined expensive fly fishing rods. These guys are often traveling on unimproved roads, too. In other words, far rougher conditions than I. This article, for example: https://easternguides.ca/blog/f/itinerant-angling-rodmounts-sumo-suction-rod-carrier-review

 

But yes, there was definitely some trepidation at first. But now? I find myself worrying more about the Keitech blowing around in the wind and whether there'd be adverse effects.

 

Again, I'm not sure I'd use these for a multi hour haul..even though I think you could. I don't think I'd want several hours of bug splatter or road debris on my reels/rods.

 

But for bombing around from spot to spot? They've been really great! 

 

 

1 hour ago, RRocket said:

After testing, I'm confident it's not going anywhere. There are a few caveats, of course. The instructions warn of using in extremely cold conditions as it lessens the suction power. Ditto if using on dirty, dusty vehicles.

 

I presume this product would have died a miserable death had it repeatedly ruined expensive fly fishing rods. These guys are often traveling on unimproved roads, too. In other words, far rougher conditions than I. This article, for example: https://easternguides.ca/blog/f/itinerant-angling-rodmounts-sumo-suction-rod-carrier-review

 

But yes, there was definitely some trepidation at first. But now? I find myself worrying more about the Keitech blowing around in the wind and whether there'd be adverse effects.

 

Again, I'm not sure I'd use these for a multi hour haul..even though I think you could. I don't think I'd want several hours of bug splatter or road debris on my reels/rods.

 

But for bombing around from spot to spot? They've been really great! 

 

 

 

If you have a long haul or cold weather, buy a couple rolls of painters tape.  After the mount is affixed, run a few pieces around the edges of the suction cup.  It's a great back up to never fully losing contact.  This is standard practice for the grip department on car rigs in tv/film, except they use photo black tape that costs someone twice as much.  

 

scott

14 hours ago, softwateronly said:

 

If you have a long haul or cold weather, buy a couple rolls of painters tape.  After the mount is affixed, run a few pieces around the edges of the suction cup.  It's a great back up to never fully losing contact.  This is standard practice for the grip department on car rigs in tv/film, except they use photo black tape that costs someone twice as much.  

 

scott

Interesting! 

 

Thanks for the tip! G

First little rock that kicks up off the road is going to be the end of your rod. No way I'd transport a rod outside my vehicle like that. It's a prime example of "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should", to me. 

I love it.  I see people doing that with fly rods all the time.  not sure they are long hauling it tho.

 

I also love the Prius fishing ride.   my tacoma sucks up lots of money when I go fishing.  I would kill for a Prius now...and tow my kayak on a a trailer with it.    (I might go that route soon)

6 hours ago, Darth-Baiter said:

I love it.  I see people doing that with fly rods all the time.  not sure they are long hauling it tho.

 

I also love the Prius fishing ride.   my tacoma sucks up lots of money when I go fishing.  I would kill for a Prius now...and tow my kayak on a a trailer with it.    (I might go that route soon)

I tow my boat with my Prius! Nearly 40 MPG doing so. I also have about 25 miles of EV range. I have the Prius Prime.

6 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

First little rock that kicks up off the road is going to be the end of your rod. No way I'd transport a rod outside my vehicle like that. It's a prime example of "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should", to me. 

I'll keep you posted if such I thing happens.

4 minutes ago, RRocket said:

I tow my boat with my Prius! Nearly 40 MPG doing so....once I run out of EV range, that is. I have the Prius Prime.

I'll keep you posted if such I thing happens.

WAIT...wut?   is your boat the kind you pump full of air?

 

come on..really?

6 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

WAIT...wut?   is your boat the kind you pump full of air?

 

come on..really?

Sort of? LOL 😆

 

It's a Highfield SP390. Kitted out for fishing. Casting deck, road holders, the whole deal. 50hp. Total weight about 1,000 lbs with trailer.

 

Can handle HUGE water..or run aground as needed. It's bomoroof. Hull is 4mm thick! This is no toy.

 

Now my boat that goes in the hatch is more the type you're referring to, I think.

 

^^^ you are a madman.  hahah..

 

so very cool.  

1 minute ago, Darth-Baiter said:

^^^ you are a madman.  hahah..

 

so very cool.  

I needed something bombproof.

 

We can get very dangerous water here..fast. Everyone has a story "about the time I almost didn't make it back". No thank you...not for me!! 

 

I also fish shallow..very shallow. Or up along rocks, break walls, etc.

 

I also have a packable boat for the trunk. Far better than a kayak, since its designed to be fished standing. With 2.5hp, the entire thing weighs under 100lbs and is ready to go in 15 minutes.