Fishing rod holders

[ibs87]

Hey guys, just wondering what everyone uses for fishing rod holders... bull bar types or roof mounted system. ive read somewhere the bullbar type can be frowned on by some coppers. any suggestions??

[nissannewby]

Yeah apparently they arent legal unless your carrying rods lol i think this is one of those grey areas when it comes to the law. I'd lean towards the roof mount as its less in your line off sight

[cairnsGU]

I have been cautioned in the past. They are legal if carrying rods. If empty they are illegal

Dan

[Dingo55]

:
I have been cautioned in the past. They are legal if carrying rods. If empty they are illegal

Dan

In QLD they are still legal if not carrying rods, but must comply with some very specific requirements - see QLD Transport guidelines, page 10 & 11, at this link: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/c792a0c9-92b1-43ee-933b-7bdd8b20842f/pdf_modification_motor_vehicles2.pdf

Don't know what WA law is but if you're in Geraldton then what do you want rods for? I used to fish at Port Gregory & all we had to do was wade in knee deep & scoop up big fresh fat snapper, dhu & cray by the arm full....:bananarock:

[megatexture]

ive had mine on for 7 years and never had anyone question them and they will be staying on till that then and more then likely beyond !!

[my third 256]

iliegal in s.a. have been pulled over and told to remove them
copper asked if i can remove while he is there and i wont get a fine
all done
spoke to s.a. road and said police are correct

[healy]

so this is what australia has come to what a sad little world this is coming to lol

[Bigrig]

so this is what australia has come to what a sad little world this is coming to lol

Yep - forget being hit by the 2.5 tonne vehicle ... it's the damage the rod holder would do that's the topic of conversation at government level ...

I used to have mine on all the time also and haven't put back on since getting the new front bar. I'm all for pedestrian safety, but really?? Rod holders are for just that ... carrying a device we use to enjoy the great outdoors ...

That said, I now have three 13' rods that break into 3 sections to carry in the back, and just couldn't be bothered with the drama - I've been pulled over 3 times in the last few months (never booked - just told what a suburban menace my truck is) and figure the less I give the local boys in blue to pin me for, the better.

There is a member on here (name removed to protect the innocent!! lol) who is a 'friendly' within the blue movement, and he was overly frustrated at a companion of his who proceeded to book a vehicle recently for having their UHF aerial on - visual obstruction or something was the ticket.

That all said, the risk is worth the reward I'm afraid ... we (wife and all 4 kids) love camping, fishing, etc so whilst they're happy, I'm happy ...

[filodore]

There is a member on here (name removed to protect the innocent!! lol) who is a 'friendly' within the blue movement, and he was overly frustrated at a companion of his who proceeded to book a vehicle recently for having their UHF aerial on - visual obstruction or something was the ticket.

So does that mean that having a UHF aerial attached to the car is illegal? Or was this companion just pushing the boundaries of what he could book because he could?

[taslucas]

The shape of the front of vehicles has been designed around pedestrian strikes for a very long time. Forget aerodynamics and looks, the biggest requirement when designing the front if motorvehicles us pedestrian strikes. That's why it's also illegal to have no front bumper: the pedestrian will be directed under the car not up the bonnet.

Agree with what you say bigrig about being hit by a 2.5 tonne car will hurt! , but the rod holders will rip you open. Imagine them going through your guts at 50 ks as you slide up the bonnet! OUCH!

tappin it

[Bigrig]

So does that mean that having a UHF aerial attached to the car is illegal? Or was this companion just pushing the boundaries of what he could book because he could?

There is specific guidelines in QLD mate, but it's like taping and playing a song off the radio - I've heard it's illegal, but never heard of anyone getting done! Just think this one was a case of 'Wong time, wrong place, wrong copper' ...

[Bigrig]

The shape of the front of vehicles has been designed around pedestrian strikes for a very long time. Forget aerodynamics and looks, the biggest requirement when designing the front if motorvehicles us pedestrian strikes. That's why it's also illegal to have no front bumper: the pedestrian will be directed under the car not up the bonnet.

Agree with what you say bigrig about being hit by a 2.5 tonne car will hurt! , but the rod holders will rip you open. Imagine them going through your guts at 50 ks as you slide up the bonnet! OUCH!

tappin it

"be directed under the car not up the bonnet"!!!

That'll be a more comfortable impact!!! Having the bash plate, suspension arms, diffs, gearbox, transfer case, drive shaft (and possible the wheels), etc, etc have their way with you!!!! lol

I know what you're saying mate, but if going under the car is a safer bet than going up onto the bonnet then my physics teacher was full of sh1t!!!! lmao

[taslucas]

"be directed under the car not up the bonnet"!!!

That'll be a more comfortable impact!!! Having the bash plate, suspension arms, diffs, gearbox, transfer case, drive shaft (and possible the wheels), etc, etc have their way with you!!!! lol

I know what you're saying mate, but if going under the car is a safer bet than going up onto the bonnet then my physics teacher was full of sh1t!!!! lmao

I ment that without a bumper you get directed under the car and that is more dangerous that's why we have bumpers and it's illegal not to have one.....sorry I didn't make it real clear!

tappin it

[Bigrig]

I ment that without a bumper you get directed under the car and that is more dangerous that's why we have bumpers and it's illegal not to have one.....sorry I didn't make it real clear!

tappin it

Oh!! LMFAO!!

Either way - you're damaged ... we agree on that point no doubt!!! lol

[taslucas]

Moral of the story, look both ways before crossing the road!!!

tappin it

[lufkin]

It's like most rules. Silly. I got booked for having my gps in bottom right of windscreen because it was in the impact zone. Tried telling copper that if I'm in a accident that bad that my head will go through the air bag and through the steering wheel the gps is the least of my worries

[the evil twin]

When fanging around suburbia...

The ones that protrude over or in front of the Bullbar are illegal in WA (pretty sure that will be all states actually).

The versions that sit behind the B'bar or ones like the model from BCF where the mount sits behind and the holder tubes and plate are removeable are OK (with the holders removed obviously)

[kkrogs]

I have the bull bar holders when they are not in use u have to turn them around so the holders are facing the care

[4brhino]

Just to add to the conversation - i have been pulled over for an 'emissions test' by dept of transport.... car passed no worries (very old 4wd...lol) but they did fine me $50 for the rod holders on the front of the bullbar.
The first question he asked was "where are you headed" - of course i answered 'on my way to work.' stupid me!! if i had said i was picking up some fishing rods - he couldnt prove that i didnt have them on for the specific transport of rods, and therefore couldnt fine me..... but i was too slow and didnt even realise what was going on and answered honestly.
So - YES - you can get fined in QLD for having a rod holder on the front of the car with no rods in it. If you have rods or are 'picking them up this arvo' then you wil be fine.....

[beexy]

i believe when pulled over its more to do with the attitude of the person that has been pulled over. a little bit of respect and politeness can go a long way. not saying anyone in here is disrespectful before you jump down my throat.

[Dingo55]

4brhino - what type of rod holders mate? how did you have them positioned on the vehicle / bar? What was the context / wording of the ticket, ie what specific regulation, sub-regulation did they book you for?

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/c792a0c9-92b1-43ee-933b-7bdd8b20842f/pdf_modification_motor_vehicles2.pdf

cheers,

[DX grunt]

When fanging around suburbia...

The ones that protrude over or in front of the Bullbar are illegal in WA (pretty sure that will be all states actually).

The versions that sit behind the B'bar or ones like the model from BCF where the mount sits behind and the holder tubes and plate are removeable are OK (with the holders removed obviously)

Thanks ET, I'll remember that when I'm in BCF next time.

Apparently some cops hand out canaries like lollies for fishing rod holders.

[4brhino]

Hi Dingo55... i have had a look but cannot find the ticket anymore.... kept it for ages but probably put it somewhere safe...lol...
They were a standard Alloy four rod holder that bolts onto the bullbar via 2x u-bolt. They were on the left side of the bullbar and were in normal position when pulled over.....
Not sure what regulation it falls under officially as i thought it was just an old rumour as well but as the cop stated - unless actually carrying rods then having them in normal position is illegal. I believe the reason is -as someone mentioned earlier in post - that it has to do with pedestrian safety. If hit with just the bullbar it will be a blunt force injury - but if rod holders are attached they have a sharp edge and are more likely to cause severe injury, (severe lacerations) even at low speed collisions. ... but thats just my theory.. :)

[megatexture]

Maybe it’s for pedestrian safety for in case someone walks into the front of your car and scratches them self..... cos if it’s from a patrol hitting a pedestrian there going to be road kill with or without the rod holder on.

[Brisvegas]

Couldnt agree more , regulation gone mad

[Morton]

guys I have seen the after affects of rod holders on a person, his stomach was scooped out like it was a icecream scoop x 4, the guy walked infront of the vehicle, said vehicle was doing 20kph, the holder buried itself into his hip & gouged the bone badly, the guy nearly died on the pedestrian crossing, not from the broken leg, gouged pelvis or head bang but from his guts being ripped open & sliced to bits, a simple 20kph impact, it has nothing to do with over regulation & everything to do with commonsense, this is why it is a law, commonsense, just remember that, think of that person if it was a kid, you would be gouging 4 great big holes in his head at 20kph let alone 50kph, this is a serious issue, something as simple as turning it around or spending 2-3 minutes fitting it when you do use them is just to simple, to me its a no-brainer, this might be a bit heavy but a simple totally avoidable death is BIG, anyway its just my 2c worth

[Bigrig]

guys I have seen the after affects of rod holders on a person, his stomach was scooped out like it was a icecream scoop x 4, the guy walked infront of the vehicle, said vehicle was doing 20kph, the holder buried itself into his hip & gouged the bone badly, the guy nearly died on the pedestrian crossing, not from the broken leg, gouged pelvis or head bang but from his guts being ripped open & sliced to bits, a simple 20kph impact, it has nothing to do with over regulation & everything to do with commonsense, this is why it is a law, commonsense, just remember that, think of that person if it was a kid, you would be gouging 4 great big holes in his head at 20kph let alone 50kph, this is a serious issue, something as simple as turning it around or spending 2-3 minutes fitting it when you do use them is just to simple, to me its a no-brainer, this might be a bit heavy but a simple totally avoidable death is BIG, anyway its just my 2c worth

That brings it somewhat into perspective really doesn't it. I used to travel around with holders on my old bar all the time and don't now just because they don't fit the tube bar ... I'm one of those people admittedly who sat on the side of the fence that it isn't that much of a drama, however I feel that view comes from never having heard of anyone being damaged by them, and as per others, thinking that if you get hit by a patrol, the rod holders are the least of your worries ... obviously I'm wrong - and happy to admit it.

Yep, it's a pain putting them on and taking off (well, mine were anyway, as I had a heap of washers on it as the u bolt threads were too far up the bolt) but it appears the stories are real, and so to is the damage they can cause ...

Again, I was mistaken in my thinking and appreciate hearing a first hand story (as horrific as that sounds because I feel for old mate that got hit) that has certainly impacted my thoughts on the topic ...

Hope the bloke recovered well, and thanks for sharing the story to assist provocation of more thought on why the legislation is in place.

[DX grunt]

There is a member on here (name removed to protect the innocent!! lol) who is a 'friendly' within the blue movement, and he was overly frustrated at a companion of his who proceeded to book a vehicle recently for having their UHF aerial on - visual obstruction or something was the ticket.


I have had more 'near misses' with the A and B pilllars on my car, because of blind spots, than my HF and CB aerials mounted on the front of my bullbar.

I think they've been made bigger to accommodate the airbags.

[taslucas]

Thanks for posting Morton. That is exactly why the legislation is in place. People have to think about how they themselves impact on others instead of blaming the government for "taking away their rights".....

[Morton]

I hit a kid once as 10kph right in the head with my 4wd in Penrith, it would have been right in the spot rodholders would have sat, as it was a company vehicle at the time I was not allowed to fit anything to the front, spotties, antenna etc, I was very lucky, so was the kid, I s*** myself allday until the kids Dad rang me to say he was fine, the Dad actually apologised to be for his kid not thinking & walking in front of me as I was turning, I was a wreck for weeks after that, in the following weeks I was slamming on my brakes anytime someone walked near the kerb, I laugh about it now but my over reaction was just over the top, I am far better nowadays lol.

FYI, apparently that other guy recovered well but will have medical issues for life, not sure what they are but that is what I heard, it wasn't the drivers fault, the guy walked infront of him

[threedogs]

Your not supposed to have anything protruding past the front of the bullbar, you can even get pinged for driving lights protruding, no brainer for me take em off when not in use.

[Rod H]

Just slightly off topic but has to do with fishing rod holders.
Some years ago I was waiting behind a Bertram 25 in my Bertram 25 at the Runaway Bay Marina Fuelling jety.
The bloke in front of me had obviously just purchased his boat as he was looking everywhere to put the fueelling nozzle from the self serving bowser. He was from a southern European background judging by his accent.
Anyway , he found the fuelling hole and proceeded to fuel his boat.
The very strong smell of petrol soon enveloped the whole area and YES you guessed it he had inserted the nozzle in the fishing rod holders which are very close to the fuelling point which does have a screw cap on it with the word fuel on it.
Not hard to see but obviously too hard for this fellow.
This bloke sucessfully pumped a lot of petrol straight into his bilge and because of the danger of an explosion the whole complex was closed for several hours.
This caused a huge problem for a lot of people.
That took care of my fishing trip for the day as I could not start my boat for several hours.

[megatexture]

haha you would think the dealer would have shown him where it was or a read a manual even if he managed to get the fuel sorted i wonder if he would try starting the boat with a cig plug and key

[num_301]

When I bought my Patrol it failed rwc in queensland because it had fishing rod holders on the bull bar. So I'm guessing from that It is legislation??

Also last year on straddie they had a big crack down and where pulling up hundreds of cars for the fishing rod holders and handing out tickets left right and centre. (A bit of a cheap shot I recon as most of them where legitiment fisherman gone over for a finshing trip)

[threedogs]

Can't see any reason to leave them on, it's just lazyness or a w&nk factor, its a safety issue take the stupid things off when not in use , before someone gets hurt

[megatexture]

yea cos if some one steps out in front my car and i hit them with my bull bar do you realy think they are going to say ouch your rod holder realy hirt me.. rod holders the least of there worries. ive had one on for 7yrs and never had anyone look twice at it and never taken it off and never will.

[Xtreme 4x4 Sport]

Yep take them off. They are my biggest pet hate along with vehicles lifted too much that they are all over the road while driving.

It gets me when someone is fined for mudflaps not being long enough, yet when you walk around any shopping center car park the amount of rod holders on bars "illegally" is unreal. Moments like these I would love to be a police officer or transport officer, reckon I would have made my yearly wages in a few days.

This is not a law that has just come in, in Queensland. It has been around as long as I can remember.

So don't cry if you get done for still having them fitted. They are only required when needed.

Cheers
David

[megatexture]

id pay the fine and move on considering it rent for the space, prity cheap for 7 yrs also.

[Yendor]

I remove mine when not being used.

I would find it hard enough dealing with, if I hit a pedestrian, let alone the added burden that my rod holders may have caused extra/more extreme injuries.

It's not just rod holders that can be a hazard, things like modified bonnet scoops can also be a hazard.