Soft topper with fly rod rack

To all my fly fisherman and Tacoma lovers…is it possible to have a fly rod rack mounted to the cab of a Tacoma with let’s say, a prinsu roof rack, and a softopper? Since softoppers obviously don’t come with possible mounting points on top.

 

You could have a rod vault mounted to the Prinsu..

 

Couldn't you just break down your rod(s) like most fly fishermen and save some $$$???

Literally only takes a few seconds to separate the sections and again only seconds to reconnect them when ready.

 

there are always other options.

 

I did also look up 1 piece fly rods....there are a few makers of them. Typically less than 9' long due to shipping regs. So, I guess if you have a 1 piece rod you may need the high dollar (looks like $400-$900) roof mount case.

 

Voodoo Modular Max is available in a Softtopper compatible configuration I believe.

 

Forgot the cost of a bed rack.... $1200+ for the KB Voodoo one for a soft topper!!! That is $1600 to over $2000, which could buy an Abel reel and Winston rod (high end to ME).

Not trying to be a smartass either. Just don't see the need to spend $$$ on this type of set up.

 

There are some ideas here for mounting a rack up top.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rod-holder-idea-thread-link.390405/page-4

I use ski racks to transport my rods (9’-13’ surf rods). They do have fly rod specific roof top carriers, but they are not on the cheaper side of things. A few people I know transport theirs in 4”-6” pvc mounted to their roof rack, but you have to take the reels off for that option obviously.

 

Here is a used case on ebay. Shows it mounted to a roof rack on a car, too.

Same company has a shorter version that requires you to separate your rod to fit - ad shows the amount of time needed to disassemble and reassemble the set up.

 

When you are driving from spot to spot, the last thing you want to do is repiece your rods together. Also it just looks cool asf

 

The guy at my local fly shop just puts the rod on his windshield under his windshield wiper when going from spot to spot in his 4r. I have a 6’ bed so I just put mine in diagonally and she sits just fine at 9’ for a brief, smooth ride, other than that I always brake it down. Don’t wanna bust the tip…

 

you must be a huge fly fisherman

 

Forgot the "cool as fuck factor".

10-20 seconds of "lost fishing time" due to breaking down or reassembling a rod versus $1000+ for a carry system? How long would it take to put the rod in the case or remove it, including opening and closing the hatch on it?? At least 10 seconds or more, so the time element should end up about even.

 

You tell me how long it takes to assemble a rod completely, attach a reel, attach a leader and tie a knot to a small fly with 6x tippet

 

SORRY IF I DIDN'T MAKE MYSELF CLEAR....

I did not say to completely disassemble the entire set up!!!

I have a 4 piece 9' rod......separate it into 2 sections (middle ferrule) and fold in half.....DONE!!! reassemble: connect mid ferrule, line up and push ferrules together....DONE. Either lay on back seat or on bed mat and it is fine until next stop to fish.

I do my initial assembly once at the beginning of each trip then do the above mentioned "break downs" until the trip is over. THEN, I disassemble everything and store until the next trip.

Do you have a 1 piece rod???

 

PVC pipe with caps cheap microfiber blanket inside lashed inside the Softopper is good enough for my
Orvis set ups. Reels have their own box on the rear seat delete deck.

 

You can mount PVC pipe on the rack (side or top, your choice) so you can insert the rod inside of the PVC pipe...

Or use the surfboard/ski racks that can be used for fishing rods.

So you don't have to do anything to the softtopper.

Depends on the rod's length, if they fit in the bed,then you can mount the rod mount on the bed side (inside)..

 

I have had those before, they break. I prefer 1 piece rod for anything such as catfish, bass, etc.

FYI, OP is s FLY fisherman... those rods aren't for Fly Fishing.

 

I’ll also say, if you’re fishing an indicator nymphing rig (California springs), there are enough knots to tie to justify a desire to keep from re rigging every time.

Line//monofilament,
monofilament//3x,
3x//attractor,
attractor hook//5x,
5x//nymph

Plus your indicator!