Fishing mods for your 4runner

Bodhi65

Bodhi65

New member
I want to add some mods to my 5th generation 4runner trail to make my surfcasting, beach driving, family tailgating lifestyle here on Long Island more enjoyable.
I'd love to hear what my fellow anglers have done to their rigs. I'd like to transport rods on roof rack, carry cooler/rod holders on trailer hitch basket, perhaps mount my MV 50 air pump in the engine compartment. I'd love to get some ideas for winter projects and see your creative pics and ideas.

I also love flyfishing northeast areas so any suggestions for spots in NY, NJ, CT would also be cool.

Tight lines,
Alan
 
Register to hide this ad
Not really much of a mod, but if protecting the carpet in the back is a concern, you might consider one of the cargo liners or mats to put down. Keeps the mud from your boots off the carpet and your hooks from getting caught.

Weathertech® Cargo Liner Trunk Mat Toyota 4Runner 1996 1999 Tan | eBay

Aside from that and unless I'm also camping, I've started making an effort to cut down on all the crap I take fishing with me. I've trimmed it down to the cooler, tackle, main rod/reel and a back-up, net, rags/towels, possibly weather gear depending on the time of year, and lunch.

My 4Runner is also a daily driver so it's pretty much stock.
 
I've seen people get pvc pipe with threaded ends on one side and use that to store rods on the roof. One side is glued shut and the other side uses a screw on end cap. Use a padlockttolock the lid as needed. If you are concernedabo ut rattling, cut some slots into foam discs with the same inner diameter as your pipe.

Different methods of mounting hardware can be used to secure it to your roof rack application.

Okki
 
Most people I know that travel with their rods on the roof use a Thule/Yakima ski rack, tips facing towards the rear. I have seem a few folks on the Jersey shore with receiver hitch in the front using the aluminum baskets with cooler & rod holders integrated. You can install a ARB or MV air compressor under the hood.

Personally I carry my rods inside. We are currently testing a new design of our inside rod holder. If I carry my surf rods (assembled) I just let the tips stick out the rear window. I spend most my time fishing from our boat, so I keep most common rods (20) with the exception of the fly rods on there at all times. But with our Keys trip coming up we will be filling up the truck with fly & spinning setups. I use a Rubbermaid Rough tote to store fishing gear to travel. They are fairly water resistant so if you need to put on the roof you don't need to worry too much.

If you are going to be spending a lot of time at the beach fishing I would also suggest looking for a fridge setup, it's nice to have fresh food and not dealing with ice /wet food. If you don't want a fridge get a good a Engel, Yeti or Pelican cooler. Less ice melt in the hot summer sun.

I would also suggest the a Engel insulated fish bags. Great way to store your catch and keep the 4Runner clean. Chop the head off, gut it and stuff some ice inside the belly. Stuff it in the bag and they will stay cold for hours.

As for location, I usually just hit the outer cape. Monomy island usually had good striper & blues fishing. I don't know LI or Jersey very well.
 
Last edited:
Bodhi65 said:
I want to add some mods to my 5th generation 4runner trail to make my surfcasting, beach driving, family tailgating lifestyle here on Long Island more enjoyable.
I'd love to hear what my fellow anglers have done to their rigs. I'd like to transport rods on roof rack, carry cooler/rod holders on trailer hitch basket, perhaps mount my MV 50 air pump in the engine compartment. I'd love to get some ideas for winter projects and see your creative pics and ideas.

I also love flyfishing northeast areas so any suggestions for spots in NY, NJ, CT would also be cool.

Tight lines,
Alan
Click to expand...

Checkout Angler's Fish-n-Mate on rodrack.com :fishing:
 
A 5th gen is probably too nice for something like this but Craigslist on the OBX always has deals for racks like this $75 one. They are usually pretty expensive new:

00R0R_bR8wGF9W6kD_600x450.jpg


6 rod holder for vehicle
 
Nervo19 said:
A 5th gen is probably too nice for something like this but Craigslist on the OBX always has deals for racks like this $75 one. They are usually pretty expensive new:

00R0R_bR8wGF9W6kD_600x450.jpg


6 rod holder for vehicle
Click to expand...

Ha I was going to suggest that but use PVC to attach it to a grille guard. Grille guard attaches underneath to the frame so no drilling into your bumper cover on the front end. You can remove the headlight guards of the grille guard so it doesn't look so poser-ish/obnoxious similar to what one of the guys on the 5th Gen thread did (can't remember his name at the moment)

EDIT: guy's name is [MENTION=76166]Qjake[/MENTION] he has a build thread in the 5th Gen section for a write up on the grille guard
 
Last edited:
I've got a roof rack in process for my 5gen now. I plan on getting into beach/surf casting as well. I think an awning would be a good addition to the items you have listed. Also, be careful of the hitch/cooler carrier. The way the exhaust comes off the back it will melt whatever you are carrying if you don't have the right setup.

"One Day" would like to have a Shrock/ARB bumper with rod holders mounted to a receiver hitch or into the bumper. Would be nice to not have to mess with the sand spikes.

Other nice to haves. LED Lights off roof rack for night fishing, some kind of neoprene seat protectors. Saw some at Costco and thought those might work just for the fishing trips then remove for daily driver and not have to worry about wet/fishy seats. The cargo liner above is a good idea. You would might want to install the [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] beverage holder mod in the bumper.

tight lines !
 
I made an interior rod rack for my 5th gen. I'm working on a rear hitch haul that I'm going to be adding a few rod holders to for when we get there as well.

Made it out of a couple 1x3's or 1x4's(dont remember, lol) Cut the holes and used bungee cord to attach it to the handholds in the rear seat, and the clothes hooks in the back.









 
Nice, let me know when you do your rear hitch hauler. I just bought a 500lb aluminum rear hitch cargo hauler from HF for under $60. Good deal. I want to add some pole holders to it and am looking for ideas.

Thanks,
Alan
 
The ULTIMATE ROD TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

I have had this issue for years!
DIY rod holders drilled through the racks, Ski-carriers, baskets

None of this stuff worked for one reason or another.
Looks like this new product on the market that was designed specifically for that will finally sole all the shortcomings of these solutions mentioned earlier.

Check it out!
I pre-ordered mine already!
https://gearrak.com/
 

Attachments

  • DSC_7394.jpg
    DSC_7394.jpg
    116.8 KB · Views: 1,945
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 352 (members: 3, guests: 349)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,307
Messages
3,554,054
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top