How to Make a Fishing Rod Holder for a Truck 2025

May 3, 2025

How to Make a Fishing Rod Holder for a Truck:
You can make a fishing rod holder for your truck using PVC pipes, brackets, and foam inserts. It keeps your rods safe, organized, and easy to carry on every fishing trip.

Introduction:

Fishing trips are fun, but carrying rods safely in a truck can be tricky. If your rods slide around or get damaged during travel, it can ruin the whole trip. That’s why knowing how to make a fishing rod holder for a truck is very useful.

In 2025, anglers in Florida and other popular fishing spots are looking for easy DIY solutions to transport their rods safely. A well-made truck rod holder protects your gear, saves space, and keeps everything organized for quick access.

This guide will show you step by step how to make a strong, durable, and simple rod holder for your truck. Whether you go fishing in saltwater for big game or freshwater for bass and trout, this DIY holder makes every trip easier and more enjoyable. By the end, you’ll have a holder that’s safe, practical, and fully customized for your truck. details Fishing Rod Tips

What is a Fishing Rod Holder for a Truck?

A fishing rod holder for a truck is a simple device that keeps your fishing rods safe and organized while traveling. Instead of rods sliding around in your truck bed or cabin, a holder keeps them secure, so they don’t get damaged or tangled.

These holders can be made from different materials like PVC pipes, aluminum, or wood. They can hold one rod or several rods at the same time. Some holders are mounted vertically, while others are horizontal. You can even adjust them to fit different sizes of rods, from short bass rods to long saltwater rods.

Truck rod holders are useful for all types of fishing trips. Whether you are going to freshwater lakes to catch bass and trout or heading to the Florida coast for big saltwater fish like tuna, marlin, or mahi-mahi, a good holder keeps your rods ready and safe. DIY holders are popular because they are cheap, customizable, and easy to make at home.

By having a holder in your truck, you save space, protect your rods, and make every fishing trip smoother and more enjoyable.

🛻 Why You Need a Fishing Rod Holder for Your Truck

Fishing rods are fragile—especially the tips and guides. Just tossing them into the truck bed isn’t a safe option. Here’s why a truck bed fishing rod holder is essential:

Prevents breakage during transport
Keeps rods organized and tangle-free
Maximizes space for other gear
Makes setup quicker when you arrive . Details Storing Fishing Rods

Materials Needed for a Fishing Rod Holder for a Truck

To make a strong and safe fishing rod holder for a truck, you will need a few simple materials. Here is a list of what you need and tips to choose them:

PVC Pipes or Aluminum Tubes – These are the main parts that hold your rods. PVC is light and cheap, while aluminum is stronger and lasts longer. Choose the material based on your budget and how many rods you want to carry.
Mounting Brackets – Use stainless steel or strong plastic brackets to attach the holder to your truck bed, roof rack, or cabin. Brackets keep the holder stable during driving.
Rubber or Foam Inserts – These protect your rod handles from scratches and reduce vibration while traveling.
Screws, Bolts, and Nuts – Stainless steel is best because it won’t rust easily, especially for saltwater trips.
Measuring Tape and Marker – For accurate measurements and marking where to cut or drill.
Saw or Pipe Cutter – To cut pipes or aluminum tubes to the right size.
Optional Straps or Rope – For extra security, especially if you carry long rods.

Tips: PVC is affordable and easy to work with, but aluminum lasts longer. Rubber inserts make your rods safer. Always measure your truck bed or roof space before buying materials.

Best material for fishing rod holder: PVC is light, strong, and cheap—making it the top choice for DIY rod holders. details Best Tips for Storing Fishing Rods

Step-by-Step Process to Make/Use a Fishing Rod Holder for a Truck

Tools You Will Need:

Drill
Screwdriver
Saw or pipe cutter
Measuring tape
Marker

Step 1: Measure Your Truck
Start by measuring the area where you want to install the rod holder. This could be your truck bed, roof rack, or inside the cabin. Make sure the holder will fit all your rods without blocking doors or windows.

Step 2: Cut the Pipes or Tubes
Use a saw or pipe cutter to trim the PVC or aluminum tubes to the right length. Standard rods usually fit into 18–24 inch tubes, but longer rods may need longer tubes.

Step 3: Mark and Prepare Mounting Brackets
Decide where the brackets will go. Mark the spots with a marker. Drill pilot holes if necessary to make screwing easier.

Step 4: Attach Tubes to Brackets
Fix the tubes securely using stainless steel screws, bolts, and nuts. Make sure the tubes are straight and stable. Vertical or slightly angled backward placement prevents rods from sliding out.

Step 5: Add Protective Inserts
Insert rubber or foam strips inside each tube. This protects the rods from scratches and absorbs vibration during travel.

Step 6: Optional Straps for Extra Security
If you are carrying heavy or long rods, use straps or rope around the tubes and rods. This keeps them stable during bumpy rides.

Step 7: Test the Holder
Place your rods in the holder and take a short drive. Check if everything is secure. Adjust brackets or angle if needed.

Tips for Best Results:

Angle the tubes slightly backward to keep rods in place.
Use rubber inserts for extra protection.
Make sure the holder does not block your tailgate or truck doors.
Label or mark tubes for each rod type if you carry different sizes.

Image Suggestions:

Step-by-step assembly photo
Bracket attachment close-up
Completed truck rod holder with rods inserted

Use Velcro straps or bungee cords for extra grip.

If your fishing rods shake or make noise, try lining the inside of the holders with foam or soft padding to keep them snug and secure.

🔄 Vertical vs Horizontal Rod Holder: Which One Should You Choose?

Feature	Vertical Holders	Horizontal Holders
Space Efficiency	Saves more space	Needs more side clearance
Rod Accessibility	Easier to grab	Takes longer to unstrap
Transport Safety	May hit overhangs	Safer on highways
Aesthetic	Clean, organized look	Lays flat, discreet

👉 Vertical rod holders are best for calm, short drives.
👉 Horizontal rod holders are safer for long highway hauls. More details fishing rod and reel combos

🔒 How to Secure Fishing Rods on Truck for Safe Transport

Use bungee cords or Velcro straps for extra security.
Keep reels detached if transporting long distances.
Don’t let rods hang off the edge; avoid overhang damage.
For added protection, add foam or rubber lining inside the PVC tubes.

🧪 Best Material for Fishing Rod HolderPVC: Lightweight, cheap, and easy to cut

Aluminum: Durable but expensive
Wood: Classic look, needs waterproofing
PVC is most popular for a PVC fishing rod holder because it’s cost-effective and weather-resistant.

Safety Tips When Using a Fishing Rod Holder for a Truck

Using a fishing rod holder in your truck makes trips easier, but safety is very important. Follow these tips to protect yourself, your rods, and others on the road.

Secure Your Rods Properly
Always place rods firmly inside the holder. Loose rods can fall out while driving and cause accidents or damage.
Use Protective Gear During Installation
Wear gloves and safety goggles when drilling, cutting, or handling brackets. This prevents injuries from sharp edges or flying debris.
Avoid Overloading
Do not put more rods than the holder can safely carry. Heavy or oversized rods can bend brackets or break the holder.
Check Brackets Regularly
Inspect screws, bolts, and brackets before every trip. Tighten any loose parts to ensure stability, especially after long drives or bumpy roads.
Drive Carefully
Even if your rods are secure, avoid sudden stops, sharp turns, or fast acceleration. This prevents rods from shifting or slipping out.
Saltwater Precautions
If fishing in saltwater, rinse metal parts with fresh water after each trip to prevent rust and corrosion.

By following these simple safety tips, you can enjoy every fishing trip confidently while keeping your rods and truck safe.

Where & When to Use a Fishing Rod Holder for a Truck

A fishing rod holder for a truck is useful in many fishing situations. It keeps your rods safe, organized, and easy to access wherever you go.

Where to Use:

Saltwater Fishing: Perfect for trips to Florida coasts, piers, or offshore trips targeting big game fish like tuna, marlin, and mahi-mahi.
Freshwater Fishing: Ideal for lakes, rivers, and ponds where you fish for bass, trout, or catfish.
Traveling Long Distances: If you drive to multiple fishing spots, the holder keeps rods safe during long trips.

When to Use:

Anytime you are transporting rods from home to your fishing spot.
During multi-day trips where rods need protection.
When using different sizes of rods; the holder can organize short and long rods together safely.

Practical Considerations:

Make sure the holder does not block visibility or access to truck doors.
Check local regulations about securing rods while transporting.
Use corrosion-resistant materials for saltwater trips.

By using the holder in the right place and time, you save space, protect your rods, and make your fishing trips smoother and safer.

💡 Budget-Friendly Homemade Fishing Rod Holder Ideas

Milk crate hack: Drill holes in a milk crate to insert rods vertically.
Pool noodle trick: Slice openings along the side of pool noodles and fasten them to the truck bed rails using zip ties. This acts as a soft cradle to hold rods without scratching them.
Wooden rack: Nail wooden dowels into a board—simple and solid.

🚚 How to Transport Fishing Rods Safely Disassemble rods if possible
Use rod sleeves to prevent scratches
Keep them upright and away from tailgate edges
Never stack heavy gear on top

DIY vs Buying a Fishing Rod Holder for a Truck

When it comes to having a fishing rod holder for your truck, you have two options: making it yourself (DIY) or buying a ready-made one. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Option	Pros	Cons
DIY Rod Holder	Cheaper, customizable, fun project, adjustable for different rods and trucks	Requires time, tools, and some skill; risk of mistakes if not done carefully
Buying Pre-Made Holder	Durable, professionally tested, ready to use, usually warranty included	More expensive, less customizable, may not fit all trucks perfectly

Recommendation:

Choose DIY if you enjoy hands-on projects and want to save money.
Buy a pre-made holder if you want durability, convenience, and no assembly hassle.

By understanding the pros and cons, you can select the best option based on your needs, budget, and DIY experience.

💸 If you’re after a cheap fishing rod holder for truck, these DIYs are golden! details Fly Fishing Spinning Rod.

Maintenance & Care for a Fishing Rod Holder for a Truck

To make your fishing rod holder for a truck last longer, regular maintenance is important. Proper care keeps your rods safe and prevents damage.

Clean After Each Trip

Rinse the holder with fresh water, especially after saltwater trips.
Wipe down PVC, aluminum, or wooden parts to remove dirt, sand, and salt.

Prevent Rust and Corrosion

Use stainless steel screws and brackets for durability.
Apply anti-rust spray on metal parts if used in saltwater frequently.

Check for Damage

Inspect brackets, screws, and tubes regularly.
Tighten any loose parts to prevent accidents during travel.

Proper Storage

When not in use, store the holder in a dry place.
Remove rods if possible to reduce stress on the holder.

By following these simple steps, your DIY or purchased rod holder will stay strong, safe, and ready for every fishing trip. details Fishing Rod Far

💬 Real Questions from Reddit and Fishing Forums

Reddit User (u/fish freedom): “How do you keep your rods from bouncing around on bumpy roads?”
✔️Line the inner part of each PVC tube with soft foam or weather stripping to cushion your rods. Also, make sure the entire structure is anchored solidly to avoid any movement while driving. Extra Velcro straps help too.
FishingForumGuy123: “Is it worth building or should I just buy one?”
✔ ️ Building is cheaper and customizable. You can fit 6 rods for under $30.
u/RoadAngler82: “How do you transport fishing rods safely without taking the reels off?”
✔️ Use wide PVC tubes and bubble wrap inside. Make sure rods are locked in place to avoid reel damage.

🎯 Expert Tips for Better Performance

Label each tube for different rod types (e.g., spinning, bait caster).
Add a small drainage hole in PVC bottoms to avoid water build-up.
Apply a coat of UV-protective spray paint to shield your rod holder from sun damage and extend its lifespan outdoors. details Fly Fishing Striped Bass

If you want a simple and effective way to organize your fishing rods, this DIY fishing rod holder for truck tutorial provides step-by-step instructions and materials to create a durable holder

📘Conclusion

Making a fishing rod holder for your truck is simple, practical, and saves both time and money. With the right materials, proper measurements, and a few easy steps, you can create a holder that protects your rods, keeps them organized, and makes every fishing trip safer. Whether you choose DIY or buy a pre-made holder, following our guide ensures your rods are secure and ready for action. Start building your rod holder today and enjoy smoother trips, safer rods, and more fishing fun. Click here to explore more DIY fishing projects for your truck and gear!

“Have you ever tried making your own fishing rod holder for your truck? Share your tips, tricks, or experiences in the comments below!

✍️ Written by Jihad – Professional Fisherman

Website: profishingbyjihad.com