How to Install a Vehicle Fishing Rod Holder in Your SUV

If you keep fishing rods with you because you never know when you’ll find time to fish, keeping them loose in the vehicle can be a pain. Rods on the floor can get stepped on, tangled, or damaged. A simple vehicle fishing rod holder can get them up and out of the way while leaving room for passengers and gear.

In this guide, I’ll show you how I installed a strap-style fishing rod carrier in my SUV and the workaround I used when the rear of the vehicle didn’t have the grab handles the carrier was designed to use.

The Vehicle Fishing Rod Holder I Used

The carrier is a two-piece adjustable strap system with Velcro rod loops. It is designed to attach between the vehicle’s interior grab handles and can hold up to five fishing rods. The adjustable design is intended for SUVs, wagons, vans, and similar vehicles. Check the current price on Amazon.

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What You’ll Need

• The vehicle fishing rod holder
• Your fishing rods for test fitting
• Zip ties if your vehicle doesn’t have the right rear mounting point

How to Install the Rod Holder

1. Unroll the straps and check the loops

Start by laying the straps out and identifying the Velcro loops. My kit didn’t include useful installation instructions, so I had to figure out how the end pieces were supposed to be assembled. Check the direction of the loops before mounting anything.

2. Assemble the end loops correctly

The end of the strap needs to be routed through the buckle so it creates a loop that can attach to the vehicle’s grab handle. If a buckle or end piece is installed backward, remove it, reverse the strap, and route it back through so the loop opens in the correct direction.

3. Attach the straps to the vehicle

The easiest installation is on a vehicle with four suitable grab handles. Attach the front and rear ends, then adjust the straps until the carrier is tight and reasonably level.

My SUV had a different situation in the third-row area. Instead of a full grab handle, there was only a small coat hook. I used zip ties to secure the rear of the carrier to that mounting point. That is a vehicle-specific workaround, so inspect your mounting points carefully before relying on a similar setup.

4. Adjust the carrier and test the fit

Don’t tighten everything completely until you’ve checked the position. Sit in the rear seats and make sure the straps aren’t creating a headroom problem. In my installation, the carrier sat high enough that it worked for me, but taller passengers could have a different experience.

5. Load the fishing rods

Keep the Velcro loops loose enough to slide the rods into place. I found it easiest to slide a rod into a loop, rotate the rod so the guides clear the opening, and then secure the Velcro. Repeat for the other rods.

Why I Like This Setup

The biggest advantage is simply getting the rods off the floor. Instead of having fishing rods laying loose in the back of the SUV, they stay organized and out of the way. It also makes it much easier to keep several rods with you without filling the cargo area with loose equipment.

Things to Watch For

• Check your vehicle first. This style of carrier works best when your vehicle has suitable grab handles or mounting points.
• Measure before buying. The carrier has an adjustable length, but you should make sure your interior layout is compatible before ordering.
• Check head clearance. A rod carrier mounted near the roof can interfere with taller passengers.
• Keep the straps tight. Loose straps allow the rods to move around while driving.
• Secure your rods. Make sure every Velcro loop is closed and the mounting points are secure before traveling.
• Don’t improvise blindly. If your vehicle requires a zip-tie workaround like mine did, make sure the attachment point is strong enough for the intended load and doesn’t interfere with passengers or vehicle equipment.

Is a Vehicle Fishing Rod Holder Worth It?

If you regularly keep fishing rods in your vehicle, I think this type of carrier is a simple solution worth considering. It doesn’t require drilling into the vehicle, takes up very little space, and can keep several rods organized and protected while you’re traveling.

The exact fit will depend on your vehicle, so check the mounting points and available space before ordering. But for an SUV with the right interior layout, it can be a much cleaner solution than leaving rods on the floor.

Watch the Original Installation Video

See the original Oklahoma Fishing Adventure installation video here:

Install Guide For The Vehicle Fishing Rod Holder By Kudes

More Fishing Tips and How-To Guides

For more practical fishing tutorials, boat setup guides, and fishing tips, visit the Oklahoma Fishing Adventure Fishing Tips & How-To section.