Locking rods on roof rack
 

So I put a rod rack on my car but it doesn't have a locking option. Would a cable bicycle lock threaded through the guides of the rod and the bail of my spinning reels be enough of a deterrant to would-be theives? Not planning on leaving them on there, but would like to have something for the occasional stop on the way home..

I'm thinking of course if someone wants it they can try to rip off the guide and the bail, but I'm guessing the common a-hole without cable cutters may not want to bother...

I think the rods would be safe. The reels could be at risk but if only for very short stops where you can keep an eye on them they will likely be OK. It does not take much or long to detach one end of a bail

Store the reel in the trunk, one less item to worry about getting stolen.
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You may ruin the guide especially if they are ceramic.

Locks keep the honest people out....

Just get a Rod Vault and be done with it.

I have at times used a small cable lock, but was still uneasy when they were out of my sight. i have a small 4-door sedan, and after 2 years of owning it, one day I finally tried to fit my 10' rods inside the car, and they FIT!

I just always assumed they wouldnt fit , but they did... in a small car, from trunk to windshield. i keep them in the roof rack most of the time, but if im going into a store or parking in a shady area, I put them inside the car.

Another thing i have noticed about human nature... no lock visible, no one wants it... put a visible lock on it, all of a sudden people think its valuable and want it!

Out of sight out of mind. if someone really wants it, there is very little you can do, save spend 200+ on a rod vault. For me this is the advantage of 2 piece rods right here...

In fact, my whole summer life fits in my trunk LOL.

I second Capecodkid

Ok thanks for the input guys.. I'll prob just throw them in the car then if I leave the car for a while. The rack is really so I can transport them and the family without my wife getting pissed that the rods are in the way (which they are)

If you don't have room in the vehicle, then the rack would suffice, but do not leave your gear unattended or they could disappear faster than "a fart in the wind".

I agree..Out of sight, out of mind!

If the d-bag can see it, they can try and steal it.

Suggest the long bicycle padlock that could come
up from the bottom of the rack. The part holding the
lock points up and can be reached easily with the key.
Don't lock the rods just the top lever part that fits
over the rods. Have I described this properly?????

Yeah not a bad idea, but not sure that would work with these el-cheapo racks I got...
I think until I want to pop for the rod vault I will just throw them in the car when unattended

I have Yakima locking ski racks. I put the reel seat or more specifically the part of the rod that screws down to lock the reel to the rod, under the locking bar on the rack. I have had these same racks on probably 10 trucks since I bought them at Quaker Lane in 1989. Never had anything stolen.

I have a locking Thule ski rack. Even though it locks I put them inside the Blazer if I am leaving the vehicle.

Put any rod locking thing through the guide feet , not through the ceramic ring.

Back when I had a $50 Squidder on a $200 custom rod, I was more concerned about the rod, and concentrated on securing that.

$1000 spinning reels change the dynamic a bit. Get a rod vault. Money well spent.

While still safer to leave your gear inside the car when unattended, if you leave them in the car for too long, maybe bring a towel or something to cover them as well ... may not do anything, but may also prevent someone from breaking into your car to take your stuff ...following the out of site, out of mind principle.

This is the problem. The common a-hole most likely does carry bolt cutters. Tools of the trade.....simple linesman pliers will cut the bail and guide in 2 quick snips. Only the stupid ones waste their time trying to cut the cable.

Preventing theft is about making it take longer than they are willing to risk.

Those are some fancy wading boots! Where did you get that big leather rod bag?:rotf2::rotf2::rotf2:

I have a yakima ski rack. I bought the locks for that so someone doesn't take the whole damn thing rack, rods and all. I only leave a rod in it for a few minuted though. That is one reason i do not take my 11' rod with me anywhere except the canal and block. I just dont trust people enough. Out of site out of mind. I bought a renters insurance policy for 5k, it cost about 80 bucks a year. Its a nice piece of mind to have. Geting paid MSRP for a lami SS would be kind of cool since nobody ever pays MSRP for em.

You might have something there; White leather wing tip fj classic wader boots. boom. But the bag is pure moldy canvas and dy dolphin golf team mojo :)

I always wanted to do a photo in waders on a high perch with my white Armani dinner jacket...but I lost weight and sold it.
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