Gear Review: Yakima Topwater

What is it?

Yakima Topwater

What sets it apart?

Having established its reputation for offering innovative and reliable vehicle rack cargo solutions, Yakima now enters the recreational fishing market with a rod carrier well suited to the bass industry. Made in the USA from durable thermoformed ABS plastic with a Carbonite-textured finish, the TopWater easily mounts to a roof rack or trailer and provides quick access to as many as eight fully rigged baitcasting and spinning rods up to 8 feet or 20 bare rods.

How do I use it?

Providing tools-free installation and compatibility with any crossbar style and shape, the Topwater securely mounts with an included Yakima SKS lock. Weighing 32 pounds and measuring 108 x 18 x 9 inches, the topwater also mounts to T-slot crossbars (with a SmarT-Slot Kit 5). The TopWater’s protective foam pads and rubber straps keep rods and reels secure during transit, while the built-in rod shields protect rod tips. Space beneath the rods holds low-profile tackleboxes and other gear, while drain holes prevent pooling.

How much?

$549

More Information:

yakima.com/topwater

Angler’s insight:

Convenience, security and the peace of mind in knowing that your gear will arrive in fighting form — that’s what the Yakima Topwater offers. It’s cool to see a rod case designed with such attention to “babying” the tackle in a setup that does not require you to remove your reels. Short on space back home? Staying at one of those “I don’t know about this one” hotels? Consider also, the convenience of removing the topwater and storing rods in their travel container until it’s time to mount and go.