DIY: Transform a Garage Sale Cooler into a Pier or Catfishing Cart

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Since my surf cart modification thread, I’ve received some feedback that a cart is not easy to come back on Craigslist. Given the challenge of finding a cart to modify, I wanted to show folks how to build a cart using some materials you should be able to find in any and every city.

Materials Needed

• Single Rod Holder x 5
• Garage Sale Cooler (or buy one)
• Stainless Steel Screws, #10-24 x 3″ (10) (Zinc is ok if you are staying out of the salt)
• Fender Washers, (10)
• #10-25 Nuts, (10)

Step 1: Mark and Drill the Rod Holder Holes

Using a rod holder as a template, mark holes for two rod holders on the front and 2 on each side.

Step 2: Attach Rod Holders

Using stainless steel washers, attached each rod holder using a fender washer on the inside of the cooler.

Step 3: Seal Each Attachment Point

Apply Marine Goop liberally to each washer and nut on the inside of the cooler.

Conclusion

I used this cart for years (even in the soft sand) and it served me well. It doesn’t roll as well as a cart with balloon wheels, but you could definitely modify the axle and add some wheels when you are ready.

I typically just threw my rods in the holders, some ice in the cooler and strapped my rod holders to the top of the cooler.

One gotcha is if you have rods with a long butt as they will go too far through the holders…a simple fix is to just add a screw or pin to prevent them from going down too far.