Hey there fishing enthusiasts and welcome to my post covering my 3 best fishing backpacks with rod holders to walk with this year. To many, fishing backpacks are an absolute must when it comes to getting out there amongst them mainly due to the fact that we can’t always fish right in front of the car park so to speak.
A backpack not only makes all your gear transportation issues go away, but also ensures that you have everything you need at the ready when that last minute “the fish are on!” call comes your way. And as an added advantage for those who do have to walk a little distance to their favourite fishing spot, some come with a rod holder which just means one less thing to carry. Let’s check it all out…
My 3 recommended fishing backpack with rod holder options
I will review these in more detail below but if you just want to get moving without all the carry on, my 3 are listed here for your convenience:
| Fishing Backpack with Rod Holder | Price | Get it | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | PLUSINNO Fishing Tackle Backpack with Rod Holder | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | BLISSWILL Fishing Backpack with Rod Holder | $$ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | Rodeel Large Capacity Fishing Backpack with Rod Holders | $$$ | CURRENT PRICE |
What are fishing backpacks?
The function here is pretty simple in that you are looking for something that will hold all of your gear in the one spot and allow you to carry it all at once down – obviously having it on your back keeps your hands free as well. I like to think of my backpack as my fishing ‘go bag’.
This is because that due to the daily commitments of my fishing mates and myself, we often find ourselves jumping in the car for a fish at short notice. So rather than having to pull everything together, I can just thrown my backpack into the back of the truck and I am good to go.
Why add a rod holder?
As mentioned a number of times above, the main advantage of a fishing backpack is to allow you to carry all your gear to your fishing grounds on your back leaving your hands free for other stuff. And to be honest, the addition of a rod holder simply makes this just that little bit easier – and allows you to carry more stuff or drag your beach fishing cart as well.
What should you be looking for?
At the end of the day, there are a number of fishing accessories that I believe you should always have with you on your expeditions including:
- Tackle (preferably in a Tackle Box)
- Bait
- Bucket
- Tools
- Sun protection
- Towel
- Water
- Fishing license
Now, these are the basics I believe every fisherman needs in general and of course we are discussing options with rod holders here as well. So, when looking into a fishing backpack with rod holders, these are some of the options you could consider prior to purchase:
Rod holder options – It makes sense that we start here as this is the main point of our post. Most rod holders on backpacks are found in the form of a ‘pouch’ or slot at the bottom for the rod butt then either Velcro or elastic straps for the main blank or shaft. Obviously the rod will need to be either multi piece or telescopic to fit in most backpacks.
Waterproofing – Based on my experience with a backpack that is not so waterproof, if it is not going to keep everything in it dry, forget it. If you are going to purchase a fishing specific backpack then waterproofing is a must (I think most are by default but still worth a check). I know with mine that even if I put it on soft dry sand it still gets damp on the bottom – especially at dusk – meaning I always have to air everything out when I get home.
Tackle box inclusion– I keep all of my tackle in a larger box in the garage and then just take a smaller sample of what I will need for each trip. That way I am not lugging everything I own with me, and also I am not exposing all of my tackle to the elements every time I go fishing.
Some backpacks come with tackle boxes included and other just have the slots for them. If you have small boxes already all you need to do is ensure that they will fit into your new bag. If not, then I would suggest getting a model with tackle boxes included.
Note: Always read the fine print here. Some vendors display their backpacks with tackle boxes in them. It is not until later that you find out that this is for display purposes only and that the boxes are sold separately!
Tool slots – If you have been fishing for any length of time, you will probably be aware that sometimes tools are needed quickly (line tangles with fish on them for example). Most fishing backpacks come with tools slots for pliers, knives etc. but it is worthwhile checking to see if they are easily accessible in a hurry (and not buried at the bottom of the bag like mine are).
Accessibility – As per the tool slots above, a good fishing backpack has enough sections to keep all of your gear in an easily accessible manner. Fishing can be a messy pastime so a good number of easily accessible pockets and sections can make things a lot easier in the heat of the moment or when your hands are wet and baity (is that a word? haha).
‘Wet’ sections – Again, towels, clothing and equipment can get wet during a good fishing session. Some backpacks come with a section that can allow for storage of wet stuff keeping it separate from everything else. Something to look for if you often end up with wet gear – if not, then of course it can double as a cooler for your ice packs and drinks – or bait!
‘Dry’ section – On the other side of the fence, there are often items we really want to keep dry when fishing – check for a little section where you can keep items such as wallets, phones and car keys etc. where they can be safe and dry.
Other stuff – Like anything, there are some really tricked out options out there. Some come with drink holders and coolers (as discussed in out wet section above) and even fold out chairs. If you like to sit a lot, then the convenience of a fishing backpack with a chair might be worth the extra spend here.
At the end of the day, you need something that is not too bulky but big and strong enough to handle all of the gear you wish to take with you along with any extras or comfort items you would like as well.
My three recommendations broken down
There are a few different fishing backpack options available online so I have chosen the following three in an attempt to give you some choices taking into consideration the information above. Based on this, I recommend the following:
1. PLUSINNO Fishing Tackle Backpack with Rod Holder
Our first option is good for those looking to travel light but with enough space to keep the basics with them on the water’s edge. It comes with padded back pads and shoulder straps that can be adjusted to become a chest bag as well. Its other main specifications include:
- Rod Holder: Two butt holders and elastic hold down strap on side (bottom pocket could hold one as well if need be)
- Waterproof: Yes – 600D Water-Resistant Nylon
- Tacklebox number and size: Holds up to four (4) 3700 size tackle boxes – NOT included
- Wet Storage: Yes, – 3 external pockets designed for either wet or dry storage
- Dry Storage: Yes – as above – smaller option for wallets, keys etc. as well
- Total number of pockets: 3 plus multiple external slots and clips
- Tool slots: Yes, external molle straps for easy access
Other inclusions:
- Adjustable water bottle holder on side
- Slot on bottom for larger tools
- Pockets on side for pliers
- Full length double zippers
Why have I chosen it?
I like this one for its smaller size but large storage capacity. It will hold everything you need and can be easily adjusted as a sling bag for those who prefer to carry then in that manner. All in all, a great base bag for those who just want something that will do the job on a budget.
2. BLISSWILL Fishing Backpack with Rod Holder
This next one is a great option for those looking to get themselves a decent fishing backpack for a decent price. It obviously doesn’t have the storage space of some of the others however if you are someone who doesn’t fish a real lot or likes to travel light then this option may work well. Specifications as follows:
- Rod holders: x2 – 1 on side and one 1 underneath
- Waterproof: Yes -1000D heavy-duty nylon
- Tacklebox number and size: Holds up to two (2) 3700 size lure boxes – NOT included
- Wet Storage: Yes – two front pockets designed for either wet or dry storage
- Dry Storage: Yes – as above
- Total number of pockets: 2
- Tool slots: Front mounted molle straps as well as Velcro holders and multiple clips and D-rings
Other inclusions:
- Drink bottle holder on side
- Mesh sponge on the back for comfort
- Single adjustable padded shoulder strap
- Full-length SBS zippers
Why have I chosen it?
I like this one purely for its versatility and inclusions for the price. It will fit most gear for general surf fishing and great for those who want to travel light their destination. It is light weight, easily stored and I think a good option for the budget minded.
3. Rodeel Large Capacity Fishing Backpack with Rod Holders
The third option is as great one for those who venture far and wide in their fishing endeavours with large storage areas and tackle boxes included. It comes with high quality materials and zippers with so many storage options I feel the only problem will be how to fill them all up and it comes with the tackle boxes too. Specifications as follows:
- Rod Holder: Butt holder and elastic hold down straps to hold two rods
- Waterproof: Yes – 600D Polyester material coated with a hydrophobic PVC layer
- Tacklebox number and size: Holds up to four (4) 3600 size tackle boxes – INCLUDED
- Wet Storage: Yes, – two front pockets designed for either wet or dry storage
- Dry Storage: Yes – as above side and top pockets for sunglasses, phone, wallet etc.
- Total number of pockets: 4 plus multiple external mesh slots
- Tool slots: Yes, external molle straps for easy access
Other inclusions:
- Internal strap for tackle boxes
- Adjustable water bottle holder on side
- Movable clapboard in main bag
- Rubber pads on bottom
Why have I chosen it?
Put simply, this is the best one I could find with the most inclusions for the best price with the best review scores. In terms of fishing, as mentioned above it provides greater comfort for those who need to travel a bit further or need a little more storage. It has space for all the basic needs above plus a little extra.
Conclusion
And there they are – my 3 best fishing backpacks with rod holders to walk with in 2021. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
