Being a surf fisherman, I have long used the "normal" bolt on surf rod carrier on the front of my vehicle. Having added a PureJeep Subby bumper, I thought it a shame to muck up the looks of this great bumper so I decide on modding it.

I purchase several flush mount stainless steel fishing rod holders - normally used for boats...

Then I began to lookinto making holes in my bumper - Thanks to the responses on the Modifications thread, I found I could get through the 3/16" steel with a bi-metal holesaw if I kept it cool and slow...

So i started by marking the center of my holes and drilling a pilot hole... Then I set off with the hole saw:


This is what the holder looks like. I got mine off ebay new for a fraction of a stainless one at a local boat part store:


Going slow, I finally got through the bumper. I kep the bit cool with a helper who poured cold water as I slowly drilled... It took a while:


I am no in the process of prepping the holders for powder coat and drilling the holding screws but here is where I am so far:


Still have more work to do but thought this might be an idea for some of the fishermen errr... fisherpeople on the board...

Don't forget to paint the raw hole edges befopre yyou complete the install and you may have to mod the holder tubes if they are too long...

 

Nice. Does the tube stay within the bumper or drop below?

 

The tubes I have barely tough the bottom of the bumper... I plan on adding 2 more in the middle of the bumper and may have to trim those.

 

Awesome!! I wish I would have seen this mod sooner, as Im heading to the Outer Banks this weekend for a week long fishing trip. I fabbed up a pivoting rod holder that will clamp across the rear of the roll cage for mine. I'll have to get some pictures.