1989Pre 

I'm going to buy a fishing rod holder for my MTB I didn't know they existed, but I checked and found one on amazon. A large internal frame pack should take care of everything else. Has anyone figured out an arrangement for a fishing rod?

downtube42

Several ways to mount a rod. Fish are a little more challenging.

I broke my rod down and carried it across the bars.

SoCaled 

All the biking fisherman here carry the rod in one hand, tackle box in the other, while riding. Often rod is broken down and across the bars, but not always. As for fish, they seem to just go on a stringer, also carried while riding, must be in the third hand? More than once I have seen a biker with just a rod and lure head down to the water and return riding one handed, rod over shoulder, fish still on the lure.

curbtender

1989Pre 

SoCal, that sounds okay if you are right next to the water, but the ocean access point is 9 miles away. Downtube42 and curbtender, that might work, but I have a 10' Eagle Claw Starfire, so that's about 3' sticking out from the front of my bike. Also, the toptube on my MTB is pretty short and it's sloped. I do like the idea of breaking the rod down before carrying, though. With the manufactured rod-holder, the butt of the assembled rod fits into a vertical tube. Not bad, because it even has a slot for the (spinning) reel stem. I saw one video of a guy who heat-formed PVC to make both the mount and the rod holder. The things we do for mackeral!

curbtender

The bungee keeps it from rattling around. If you are running through heavier bush it might be an issue but on open trail I have no problem. The picture is at a more secluded bay point with a clam bed that attracts stripers, among other species. On San Pablo bay.

cooker

If it didn't come apart, I would probably try to strap it to the top tube with the handle and reel forward, either just behind or just ahead of the stem. I figure the shaft would be close enough to the seat post that my thighs wouldn't touch it. Might be a bit awkward if I had a trunk bag on the rear rack.

1989Pre 

Your horizontal top tube probably helps keep things from sliding around too much. I'll have to get some short bungees and see if I can get things cinched down really tight. It is just smooth road ride, but a rather long one.

cooker: Besides not causing abrasion to the rod, I'd also like to be cautious about the bike finish. I had it powder-coated a couple years ago, and it is holding up well. It would all depend on how tight I could get the bungees.

Just a mock-up. This just might work. Bike will be in its summer clothing, with slick tires and a rigid fork, but same basically.

Fortuitously, rod butt rests dead-center on diagonal support of rear rack, eliminating any potential for slippage.

Reel seats could cause damage to my orange sparkle finish. I'll think of something thin to put there.

cooker

Like some others, I was thinking of my road bike with a horizontal top tube, and the tip of rod facing backwards above the rear tire. It's also a vintage bike with a patina, so not too worried about wear and tear to the finish. I realize that with a tilted top tube, the rod has to point forwards. Hopefully no pedestrians will step in front of you and get skewered!

I don't fish, but what about a collapsible or telescoping rod for bike trips?

1989Pre 

Yes, I see what you mean: A pack rod would be more sensible, but I suppose being cheap does have its advantages.

WaveyGravey

Long ago, there was a device called "The Pocket Fisherman". Marketed by TV commercials and mail order. Check and see if they are still available.

1989Pre 

Yeah, I remember those TV commercials. LOL They look like they'd be okay for ice fishing.

1989Pre 

Yeah, I remember those TV commercials. LOL They look like they'd be okay for ice fishing.

SoCaled 

I just came from another thread to share the same, thanks to [MENTION=61707]squirtdad[/MENTION]
Original - https://www.ebay.com/itm/176322851901? - As cool as it looks, all accounts seem to say it was a bad idea and not actually something you would want to use.




Currently available new! https://www.ronco.com/products/ronco-pocket-fisherman

1989Pre 

Yeah, I knew a lot of fishermen in the 70's, and I don't know anyone who ever bought one. I'll stick with my trolling rod.

MaxKatt

Google “cape cod canal bike fishing” images. Tons of set-ups. I have one.

john m flores 

Have you tried putting the butt end of the rod at the end of the rack and then tying it down to the top tube where it meets the head tube. It won't be parallel to the sloping top tube but there's no reason it has to be.

That will shorten the length in front of the bike considerably. You can even have the butt end of the rod hanging off the back of the rack 6-8 inches to shorten it even further.

1989Pre 

That's an idea. I don't know why I didn't think of that.

Bagheera89

This has given me an idea. I love cycling for the outdoors, i love fishing too so a combination would make an epic trip!

Classtime 

I think you are asking for trouble with your rod fixed to your bike unsupported off the bow like that. I rode 5 miles down a trail to fish with a friend who swung his leg over to dismount and broke his rod. Luckily, I had a second rod in the car for him to ride back for while I started fishing. I rode with my fly rod in my hand. I often ride 1 mile with a 8, 9, or 10 foot jig stick in one hand and a box of jigs in a shoulder bag. If I was regularly riding 9 miles to fish, I’d use my trailer with a couple vertical pvc tubes holding a couple rods and be careful to avoid low bridges, trees, and the like.

Breadfan

I fished about 5 different lakes for years in my old hood by bike. I just zip-tied a rod holder, made from PVC to my fork and the rod was out of the way. You just have to watch out for low hanging branches.

boozergut

There are so many good collapsible rods available that would easily fit into a bag on your bike. As a former avid backpacker I learned that this is a much better way to go.

sknhgy 

Walmart carries a bunch of rigs that collapse to fit in a backpack. Seems they are very popular.
I've bungied a regular rig to the top of my rear rack, with the pole facing backwards. BTW, that's how you get a fishing pole through the thick brush when you are on foot; You point it backwards behind you as you walk.
IF I was going to bring back a fish it would be gutted/decapitated and wrapped in an insulated grocery bag with an ice pack in a backpack.

There's a pond in the park behind my house. I sometimes go there on my bike and match wits with the carp but they don't come home with me.
For eating I drive down to the river and get a mess of these tasty little devils: