How to Carry Sand Spikes for Surf Fishing with a Rod-Runner?

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When you’re carrying sand spikes for surf fishing, a couple of PVC tubes can be as awkward to carry as the rods themselves. Our favorite fix is simple. Strap the spikes to the back of your Rod-Runner so you can carry them in the same hand as your rods.

White Rod-Runner loaded with rods and sand spikes for surf fishing
Surf rods and PVC sand spikes loaded together on a Rod-Runner.

How to carry sand spikes for surf fishing

Start with one or two PVC sand spikes. Lay them against the back of the caddy near the leg-storage clips. Then use one or two extra bungee straps to hold them in place. That leaves your rod holders free for fishing rods.

Before you head out, give each tube a tug to check that it can’t slide out. Next, lift the caddy by the handle and set it down on its legs. Check that it feels balanced in your hand and sits steady on the ground.

Close-up of a bungee holding PVC sand spikes against the back of a Rod-Runner
A spare bungee holds the PVC tubes near the rear leg-storage clips.

Try a PVC sand spike in an open holder

Some PVC spikes are narrow enough to slide into the open Baitcast & Conventional Rod Holder. It has a wider opening than the closed Spinning & Fly Rod Holder. If the spike sits securely and the rod fits inside the tube, you may be able to carry both in one position.

For example, on a PRO you can try two spikes on the back and two in the open holders. Carrying five rods with that setup depends on whether two rods fit securely inside the tubes. Start with the rear pair and add gear only if the load feels comfortable and balanced.

Rod-Runner standing on the beach with surf rods and PVC tubes
Set the loaded caddy down to check that it sits steady before you walk.

Give long-butt surf rods more reel clearance

A surf rod with a long butt section sits flatter in the caddy, closer to parallel with the sand. If the reel in the center holder sits close to the sand, try an outside holder. While fishing on foot, you can also try the quick-access position. Keep the bungee locked and seat a compatible reel above it for more clearance.

For a moving vehicle or boat, secure the reels below the bungees and strap down the caddy.

Angler lifting a white Rod-Runner loaded with surf rods and sand spikes
Lift the caddy by the handle and check the balance with your rods and spikes loaded.

See how one angler carries sand spikes for surf fishing

Here’s how one Rod-Runner customer carries rod tubes for a day in the surf.

Watch the surf fishing setup on YouTube.

Thanks to Get Out the House Go Fish for sharing this video and showing us how he carries his rod tubes.

For another beach setup, check out Julie’s Rod-Runner and pool noodle tip. If you’re choosing a caddy, the EXPRESS holds three rods and the PRO holds five. See both in the Rod-Runner shop.