When you’re headed out to do some surf fishing, chances are you’re going to need the right cargo rack to haul all your gear, especially your poles. One of the most popular methods for experienced fishing enthusiasts is to use a surf rod rack to get their equipment to and from their chosen destination. There are all kinds of racks to choose from, including roof mount racks, front mount racks, and rear mount racks. Roof mount racks are usually a hassle to work with so if you have fishing gear to haul, a front mount or rear mount rack is typically the better choice. That being said, is one better than the other? Let’s take a closer look.
Front Mount Racks
There are many front mount surf rod racks to choose from but they all essentially offer the same features.
Pros – one of the pros of a front mount surf rod rack is that it's easy to use when driving on the beach. You can pull up to the perfect spot, cast your line set your rod up and sit in your vehicle to watch for any bites. Another pro is that you can easily keep an eye on your gear from the driver seat.
Cons – on the other hand, there are a few cons, including the fact that they are not good for transporting rods while driving on the road, especially at freeway and highway speeds. The wind can damage your gear, including snapping your rods in half. Road debris that gets kicked back from other vehicles can also damage them. Overall, your rods just aren’t as safe in the front of your vehicle as they are in the back.
Rear Mount Racks
There are some pros and cons to rear mount surf rod racks, as well.
Pros – the best thing about using a rear mount surf rod rack is that your gear, especially your poles, are much safer when you travel. They won’t snap in the wind or get hit by flying road debris. They also won’t interfere with your view or be a distraction while you drive.
Cons – the main downside to a rear mount surf rod rack is that you don’t have access to the back of your vehicle. However, if you combine your rack with a StowAway SwingAway Hitch Frame, you can eliminate this problem, too. That means you can safely store your gear in the back but still fish from the comfort of your vehicle.
Which Is Right for You?
The bottom line when you’re looking for a surf rod rack is you have to weigh all the pros and cons of both options and determine which one is right for you. Ultimately, if you want the convenience and safety of carrying your equipment in the back of your vehicle while still being able to easily access your trunk then mounting your StowAway Surf Fishing Rod Rack to a StowAway SwingAway Hitch Frame is your best bet. You not only get the benefit of a sturdy rack that can safely hold up to six fishing poles, but you also get a heavy-duty cargo rack designed to hold up to 200 lbs. with a 2-inch hitch. It easily pivots away from your trunk, allowing you access to the back of your vehicle and you don’t have to worry about having anything in the front of your vehicle blocking your view or getting damaged by road debris or wind. If you want to make hauling your surf fishing gear much easier, purchase your StowAway Surf Fishing Rod Rack today.