ADH-Test: Trout Mount Rod Holder – safe transport for your rods
The various car rod holders on the market offer a number of advantages when it comes to transporting fly rods on a fishing day or on adventures lasting several days. The Trout Mount rod holder combines all these advantages in one design, which in our opinion makes it the best rod holder we have ever had.
The Trout Mount rod holder is a design that can be easily mounted in the car and offers space for up to six fishing rods. Thanks to small accessories that are already included in the scope of delivery, it is even possible to transport not only normal single-handed fly rods but also nymph rods, two-handed rods or even spinning rods fully mounted.
The biggest advantage of the Trout Mount rod holder is undoubtedly that the rods - even those that are not needed at the respective spot - can remain mounted and, above all, safely in the car. If, for example, you have three to six rods in the car but only need one or two of them at the fishing spot, you can simply take the rods you want with you and leave the others safely in the car. The car can be locked so that your favourite fly rods are reliably protected against theft.
Another major advantage that immediately stands out is the high level of safety during transport - even on poor or uneven roads. The rods are firmly secured, hardly wobble and, above all, do not rattle. The mounts of the Trout Mount rod holder are rubberised, which optimally protects the blanks from scratches and at the same time prevents annoying noises during the journey.
Mounting and fastening options for the Trout Mount rod holder:
The Trout Mount is a versatile system for safely transporting up to six complete fishing rods in the car interior. The system was deliberately designed to be flexible so that it can be mounted in as many vehicle types as possible - from estate cars and SUVs to vans and even saloons or pick-ups with toppers.
Suction cup mounting in the vehicle
The main attachment is via strong, vacuum-based suction cups ("vacuum mounts"), which are attached to smooth surfaces on the inside of the vehicle. These suction cups adhere securely even in changing temperatures or road conditions and can be fitted and removed relatively quickly.
Front holder under the windscreen or in the roof area
The front holder, which holds the rod tips in the front of the vehicle, can be mounted in various positions:
Directly under the windscreen, if there is enough space
To the side next to the rear-view mirror (if the view should not be disturbed)
Even at the opening of a sliding roof/sunroof, with the holder hanging down from above.
Flexibly adjustable cross bar
Between the front holder and the rear spreader bar is an extendable cross bar that can be extended from approx. 40 inches (101cm) to approx. 67 inches (170cm). This bar clamps the system to the rear and front of the vehicle, allowing the rods to be held securely.
In addition, the six rod holders can be moved steplessly on this rod. If, for example, no rods are mounted around the car, the trout mount can remain mounted and the rubberised holders can simply be pushed out of the rear-view mirror's field of vision.
Additional clamping and clip options
The Pro version in particular includes additional components that further improve fastening and fixing, such as additional suction cup holders, snake mounts or small E-clips for fixing individual rod parts.
The Trout Mount is characterised by a high degree of mounting flexibility - from vacuum-based suction cup holders to variable positions for the front mount and extendable, widenable crossbars - so that it can be adapted to different vehicle sizes and mounting conditions.
E-clips (for nymph rods, two-handed rods or spinning rods)
The E-clips are small, rubberised holders or fastening clips that are used with the Trout Mount system to securely fasten individual parts of your fishing rods - especially if you are transporting longer rods or storing them "split" in the vehicle.
For example, if you want to transport a long rod such as an 11-foot nymph or two-handed fly rod, it can be practical to split it into two parts. The E-Clips have two recesses for this - one for the rod shaft and one for the tip section, which you can remove and securely fix.
Conclusion on the Trout Mount rod holder
The Trout Mount rod holder is a well thought-out, high-quality and extremely flexible transport system for anglers. Particularly noteworthy is the tool-free installation without drilling, which is possible in almost any vehicle thanks to the strong suction cup attachment - regardless of vehicle type or interior size. This means that the car remains undamaged and the rod holder can be quickly fitted or removed at any time.
In practice, the Trout Mount scores above all for its high degree of adaptability: adjustable components, various mounting positions and clever accessories such as the E-Clips ensure that both short and very long rods can be transported safely, neatly and in a space-saving manner. The rods are protected in the interior, are always ready to hand and are reliably secured during the journey - a clear advantage over conventional transport solutions.
The Trout Mount also makes a very solid impression in terms of quality. The materials are robust, durable and designed for daily use. You can tell that the system was developed by anglers for anglers and is tailored to real needs on the water.
To summarise:
The Trout Mount is a first-class solution for anyone who wants to transport their fishing rods safely, comfortably and without compromise. A well thought-out system that combines functionality, protection and flexibility at a high level - and is therefore a clear recommendation for all fly and spinning anglers.
