The Best Ready Rod Bags


by Dan Webb |
Updated on

The ability to transport one or multiple rods to the bank that are already made up has been a real game changer, especially for match and carp anglers. Having a rod ready to go saves a lot of time on the bank, which allows an angler to prepare other items of tackle and bait, or go in search of the fish and should an opportunity present itself the rod can be put together and cast in.

Ready rod bags provide the perfect solution to transporting your rods and reels whilst also providing better protection than a standard holdall or tube. Often very well padded, with some offering hardcase options they will make sure your rods arrive to the bank safely and easy to access. If you're an angler that likes to take multiple rods with them fishing, the amount of time it will save you not having to set up each rod when you arrive is really worth the investment in one of these holdalls.

The best ready rod bags at a glance...

Whether you require a rod bag to hold just one rod or multiple rods there are plenty of options out there, most manufacturers will have sizes to accommodate 2 piece or 3 piece rods and reels and there are behemoths that will even accommodate up to 6 rods, should you require it. In this guide we have a look at some of the best and most popular ready rods bags available...

Best in class rod bag

The Daiwa Tournament Rod Case is the ultimate case to protect your valuable rods, designed in a top and tail manner meaning half of the rods with reels is stored in one direction the other half are stored in the other direction. By storing the rods in this manner means that the weight of the rods and reels are evenly distributed making the large case much easier to transport.

The case is designed to hold up to eight rods and reels making it ideal for carrying multiple set ups. The internal design includes detachable rod socks keeping rods secure and together that can be easily removed and replaced.

The case is 196cm long and capable of housing 12ft 2 piece rods comfortably, its 3ocm wide and 26cm deep to house reels comfortably. Further unique features that sets this case apart is the loop on the end that makes it so much easier to remove the case from your vehicle and the Tournament tip case (available separately) can bolt on to the side keeping the tips with the case reducing the risk of leaving your important tips behind.

Pros

  • Superior rod protection, nothing stronger on the market.
  • Can accommodate upto 8 or more made up rods.

Cons

  • Lacks internal straps to really secure the rods

Best rod bag for feeder fishing

The Guru Fusion Pro 6+ Rod Holdall is designed to provide anglers with a spacious and compact solution for carrying multiple ready-made rod set-ups. The innovative "top & tail" design allows you to efficiently store rods and reels in a single holdall, maximising storage space.

Key features include compartmentalised sections with individual padded dividers to protect your rods and reels. Two external pockets are designed for storing essential items like landing net handles, accessory arms, distance sticks, bait umbrellas, etc. A dedicated space for a large umbrella can be found between the external pockets, allowing you to slot it into the base pouch and secure it with the carry handle.

The Guru Fusion Pro 6+ Rod Holdall features bespoke black and orange Guru zip pullers and heavy-duty zips, ensuring longevity and performance. A detachable padded shoulder strap can be positioned to suit your required strap length, and a padded carry handle can be wrapped around the front of the holdall for enhanced security and stability. Also available in a 10+ capacity option.

Pros

  • High capacity
  • Individual padded top and tail storage

Cons

  • Not waterproof.

Best value rod bag

A hard-wearing and durable hardcase holdall with a thick waterproof base. Velcro straps and internal pouches hold the rod butts in place and are positioned to stagger the reels. At 191cm long, it will hold most folded-down rods on the market.

Lots of protection for your valuable rods in a very simple design. A modest and solidly constructed bag will do a great job at a price that’s hard to beat.

Pros

  • Hardcase material offers great protection.
  • Durable, waterproof base.

Cons

  • No bigger option than a 4 rod version.

Best rod bag for space

Part of the high end, no-compromise Horizon X luggage range designed for modern match anglers, these holdalls are available in two sizes: 2-4 rods and 3-6 rods. Each compartment is oversized, with Velcro straps and internal dividers that top-and-tail your rods to save space. An EVA moulded outer pocket will hold spare quivertips, while a full-length external sleeve will take landing net handles and a brolly. Made from rigid PE board with waterproof zips and 195cm long.

A complete system that can hold all your rods made up and safe in one place. The only holdall you will need if you’re a rod and line angler.

Pros

  • Quivertip pouch is a nice addition.
  • Will take everything you need for a session.

Cons

  • Quite a large holdall.

Best for external storage

These superb rod bags come in three sizes to accommodate two, four and six made up rods comfortably. With a PVC outer material, it's not only durable but it's easy to clean to keep it looking as good as new. Strong SBS zippers and oversized pullers mean you will be be able to access your rods, whatever the weather and can be certain they won't fail easily. The holdalls are also available in different lengths to allow the storage of two piece or three piece rods.

The holdall has a rigid, hard spine to keep it straight, with very well padded dividers to ensure your rods with be very well protected whilst in transit. There is an external, zipped pocket to allow you to store brollies, landing net handles or distance sticks allowing you to take everything you need in one, easy to carry bag.

Pros

  • Lots of room for your rods.
  • Well padded to offer optimum protection.

Cons

  • No single sleeve option.

Best four rod holdall

The GURU Fusion 4 Rod Holdall is a fantastic ready-made rod bag that not only looks the part it also ensures the utmost safety for your travelling rods and reels. Double sided with a total length of 195cm it will accommodate up to four 12ft setups with ease and the padded inner pockets will prevent them getting damaged.

The outer is made from a protective hardcase material, with the durable, carbon effect leather material making sure it will last you for years to come. A nice little touch is the boot handle that is located on the base of the holdall, it sounds minor but it really makes loading and unloading the holdall into the car really simple and efficient.

Pros

  • Great material, easy to clean.
  • Very durable build.

Cons

  • Only a 4 rod available.

Best small rod holdall

The Daiwa Matchman 2 Rod holdall is a very robust and protective storage case solution for match anglers, its designed to give the user a secure and convenient way to transport rods ready made up to the bank. Incorporating a comfortable shoulder strap and constructed from hard wearing material with chunky reliable zips.

The Matchman rod case offers excellent internal padding offering good protection, with ample capacity to house 2 rod.

Pros

  • Compact 2 rod holdall
  • Perfect for any angler can carry a float and feeder rod

Cons

  • No good if rod have larger eyes like carp rods

Best rod bag for carp fishing

Designed with the modern carp angler in mind, this stylish holdall from Korda will take your rods to the bank safely and in style. There are two options in the range, a three rod and a five rod version, with the larger holdall perfect for taking your fishing rods and a marker and spod rod to save you taking them in a separate bag or just on the barrow. The 3 models are designed to take 10ft, 12ft or 13ft rods and there is a smaller version in the range for single rods, with light and dark camo options to please even the most discerning anglers.

Fully padded internal dividers with a water resistant fabric outer, the Compac holdalls are durable and very well designed to keep your rods safe and easily accessible. There is room on the outside for an extra rod or two should you need it, as well as a pocket located against the reinforced spine to accommodate a net and handle. The reinforced base means the holdall won't damage easily on its most hard wearing areas and there is even a handy little pouch to store your leads when the rods are tucked up inside the holdall to prevent any damage in transit.

Pros

  • Quality build.
  • External pockets and storage.

Cons

  • Dividers could be padded slightly more.

Best rod bag for specimen anglers

The Drennan Specialist Double Rod Hardcase is a robust and protective storage solution designed to transport and safeguard your fishing rods. Crafted from tough 600 denier fabric and featuring a fully padded interior and a reinforced waterproof base, this sleeve offers exceptional durability and protection against the elements.

Key features include a spacious design that comfortably accommodates two rods, external pockets for storing additional accessories, Velcro straps for attaching an umbrella or additional rod, a full-length main zip for easy access, a padded shoulder strap and carry handle for comfortable transportation, and internal pockets for storing leads, feeders, and spare feeder tips.

Pros

  • Internal lead/feeder pockets.
  • Tough 600D fabric.

Cons

  • 2 rod version is the maximum size.

What to look for in a rod holdall

Rods and reels are generally the most expensive items of tackle anglers own and it's imperative that your luggage protects them when in transit, as the last thing you need is an expensive repair or replacement. With so many options on the market it really depends on how many rods you have, your budget and if you'll be carrying the bag or transporting it on a barrow.

If you have a lot of rods or really want the best available protection then a full hardcase style rod holder would be the best choice, there really is nothing to compare to this style of holdall when it comes to strength and its ability to keep your gear safe. These holdalls do tend to be quite bulky, however, so if you like to carry your rods then still try to choose one that has some form of hard spine or hard outer layer to be confident any knocks or bangs won't develop into breakages.

If you're a specialist angler or someone who just wants to take one holdall fishing with them, look for one that has enough space to take the rods you want but also has that extra storage for essential items like a brolly and a net. This allows everything to be conveniently packed into one item of luggage, allowing you to stay mobile in search of opportunities.

Glossary

Hardcase: Luggage with a hard plastic inner that keeps it rigid and protects from internal damage.

Made up rods: A term given to a fishing rod that has the reel attached, line threaded and end tackle attached so it is ready to fish with.

Holdall: An item of luggage that allows you to store rods and/or poles, landing nets and other items such as net handles.

Divider: A padded length of material that is used to operate the rods and stop them knocking together when stored.

<strong>Frequently asked questions on rod bags</strong>

Can you put any style of rod in a rod bag?

Whilst certain rod bags are primarily aimed at certain styles of fishing, as long as your rod doesn't exceed the length of the bag when it is fitted together or broken down then it can be used to store whatever rod you want it to.

What are the best kind of rod holdalls?

The best rod holdall is angler specific, as long as it holds all the tackle you need it to it will be the best for you. For the best protection it is well worth investing in a rod bag that is fully hardcase or has a hardcase element to it as these offer the best protection from damage.

Author Dan Webb first became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.

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