As a beginner or an avid surf fisherman, you must be aware of how surf fishing gear can be heavy. And when you have to trek down long beaches, it can be extremely exhausting to transport the gear. It’s, therefore, important to invest in a unit that helps you carry your equipment with ease from one point to another.
And this is where the best surf cast fishing cart comes in. But what is the best fishing cart? If you have ever asked yourself this important question, we are here to help. Ideally, the best cart should:
- Hold a decent amount of weight
- Have sturdy wheels
- Be equipped with rod holders
- Travel over rough terrain like sand without the wheels dragging
- Be corrosion-resistant
Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal fishing cart model that caters to the needs of every surf angler in the world. As such, you will most likely be baffled by the vast array of carts on the market.
So, to help you find the right model for your surf fishing needs, we’ve compiled a list of best carts. Go ahead and check them out.
Top-Rated 7 Best Surf Fishing Cart Models: Comparison Table
A fishing cart will make a surf fisherman’s life relatively easy when heading to and from the beach. The carts below are some of the best rated and most reliable options on the market today. Therefore, we hope you find one that meets your preferences.
| Ranking | Name | Dimension | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkley BAFC48 Fishing Cart | 23 x 42 x 14.5 inches | 44.7 pounds |
| 2 | Fish-N-Mate 303 Junior Cart | 39.2 x 20.9 x 10.9 Inches | 21 pounds |
| 3 | Sea Striker BRSC Beach Runner Fishing Cart | – | 23 pounds |
| 4 | Gorilla Carts GCO-5FSH Poly Bed Fish | 51 x 30 x 26 inches | 31.4 pounds |
| 5 | Sea Striker BRSC-DLX Beach Runner Deluxe Fishing Cart | 36.81 x 17.71 x 6.61 Inches | 31.1 pounds |
| 6 | Plus One Cart Wagon Trolley Cart | – | 23 pounds |
| 7 | Berkley Sportsman’s BASPC Cart | – | 25.4 pounds |
1. Berkley BAFC48 Fishing Cart
If you’re looking for an affordable cart, this is one that you can fully rely on. It is quite well-made and can be relied on to organize all your fishing gadgets.
Its collapsible design is also something that we really like. If you’re short on storage space, you can rest assured that you’ll find just enough space for it.
It measures 54x25x13 inches when fully collapsed. So, you can see just how compact it is. On top of that, it boasts a carrying capacity of 200 pounds. As such, you can comfortably use it to transport your important fishing gear at all times.
The cart is quite resilient and easy-to-operate even on uneven terrain and sandy soil. Take this little guy to the beach and he’ll not let you down.
Pros
- Incredible 200-pound carrying capacity
- Can accommodate rods, chairs, coolers, etc
- Well-made wheels ideal for rough terrain
- Ideal for beach fishing
Cons
- The wheels aren’t pneumatic
2. Fish-N-Mate 303 Junior Cart
If you’re looking for something that can be comfortably used in different seasons without breaking a sweat, this one from Fish-N-Mate might be worth looking at. It’s one of the best-selling options on Amazon currently and for good reasons.
First off, it weighs a paltry 17 pounds meaning that it’s relatively easy to move around. That said, it might still prove cumbersome to kids or anyone who is physically challenged.
Fortunately, a majority of those who use it seem to like it. And you can tell that from the many positive reviews posted about it so far.
Lastly, this cute kid has all the necessary accessories one needs to have a good time exploring the outdoor world. That’s why we’d like to highly recommend it.
Pros
- Well-made, functional wheels
- Has space for key attachments
- Comes with all the necessary accessories
- Clearly, this is work of quality craftsmanship
Cons
- Tires may swell in the heat
3. Sea Beach Runner BRSC Fishing Cart
This is a spacious cart that you can fully trust with your fishing trips. Get this – its dimensions are at 36.6×17.7×6.6 inches. So, as you can see, it’s just large enough to accommodate all the basic tools an angler needs.
On top of that, it is meant to be resilient. As such, you can view it as a long-term investment once you get one.
Our editors particularly love the fact that it provides you with ample carrying space. And plus that it is quite light in weight meaning it’s easy to move around as well.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Can accommodate a 54-quart cooler
- High-quality coat finish
- Easy to store and transport
Cons
- Not Prop65 compliant
Also read: 10 Best Surfboards for Beginners – Advanced Users Reviewed
4. Gorilla Carts GCO-5FSH Cart
Whether you’re looking for a cart for picnicking, fishing or sporting events, this 28-pound one is up to the task. It boasts a decent carrying capacity of 200 pounds which is quite reasonable.
What’s more? It is quite durable and usable in different terrains. And when it’s not in use, you can conveniently fit all of its key components into the tub. As such, it is quite compact and easy to store.
And to sum it all up, it is entirely built from stainless steel hardware. Its reliable poly bed has all it takes to keep all your gear and supplies safe.
Pros
- Ideal for multi-use
- Boasts solid all-terrain tires
- Comes with easy-to-remove rod holders
- Compact design
Cons
- Not ideal for short people
5. Sea Striker BRSC-DLX Fishing Cart
Don’t let its small size fool you. In fact, this cart has the potential to accommodate a 54-quart cooler with ease. So, this is something that can make your fishing trips even better only if you put it to the right use.
This particular model weighs 31.1 pounds and provides you with a generous carrying area of 36.8×17.7×6.6 inches.
To crown it all up, this cart is quite easy to assemble. And once you’re done using it, you can easily disassemble it for storage.
And did we mention the fact that it comes with pneumatic wheels?
Pros
- Comes with pneumatic wheels
- Generous fishing rod holder
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Made by a reputable brand, Sea Striker
Cons
- Pneumatic wheels might puncture if used in extremely rugged terrain
6. Plus One Cart Wagon Trolley Cart
What if you could find a decent cart that comes with all the bells and whistles you’ve been yearning for? This one here seems to have a bit of everything.
For starters, it comes with a rod holder which comes in handy in helping you carry the rods with ease. Its flatbed frame can be expanded up to 38-inches wide making it quite accommodative for large coolers.
On top of that, we really like the fact that this cart can be used even in saltwater condition. Its frame is really well-made.
Keep in mind that it is coated with HDPP resin material which is known to be corrosion-resistant and UV-resilient.
And in case you’re worried about getting a free tire, this cart model will stun you with the fact that its wheels are made from rubber foam. So, they are airless and quite dependable.
Pros
- Expandable flatbed for extra carrying space
- Can accommodate up to 4 fishing rods
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Can be used to carry small and large chest coolers alike
Cons
- A poor performer in deep, loose sand
Another post of us, you may love to read: 10 Best Kayak Carts: Our Detailed Insights
7. Berkley Sportsman’s BASPC Cart
Last but not least is this cool kid from Berkley. It is reasonably priced and provides a generous flatbed surface for carrying all the items you might need in a typical fishing trip.
It weighs 25.4 pounds which isn’t necessarily light. But we’d like to laud the manufacturer for doing everything possible to make it as compact as possible.
Its wheels are well molded and, therefore, quite durable and resilient. Plus it comes with a well-thought-out extending handle.
We’d say that this is a user-friendly choice though not the most perfect one in the pack.
Pros
- Easy to store and transport
- Provides storage for 2 rods
- Comes with a built-in cutting board & seat
- Heavy-duty frame
- Well-made wheels
Cons
- A bit heavy
Do I Really Need a Surf Cast Fishing Cart?
It is not a requirement to have a surf fishing cart. However, having one can definitely make your next surf fishing trip fun and easier. The beauty of having a cart is that you don’t need to make multiple trips from one location to another. This is because fishing carts are designed to carry a lot of gear and with less strain on your arms.
The truth is that it can be quite difficult to walk on sand especially when carrying heavy things. Just ask anyone who has been on the beach and he will tell you. However, a cart allows you to make a single trip from your car to the beach with all your surf fishing gear.
Buying Guide- What to Look for in the Best Surf Fishing Cart
If you’re looking to buy your first fishing cart or simply upgrade to a better model, there are few things to consider. Generally, the best cart should be made of quality materials for maximum durability. It should also be light in weight for ease of transporting around.
That said, below are some of the most important factors to look out for to ensure you make an informed decision.
Material
The quality of the material used to make fishing carts usually affects various elements of the cart’s performance. Therefore, you should pay attention to the material your cart is made of. Ideally, the best material should not only be durable but also corrosion and water-resistant. After all, your cart is very likely to get wet on the beach.
Some of the best materials worth considering include stainless steel, aluminum, and PVC. These materials are proven to be rust-proof and also highly durable.
Storage capacity
The storage capacity of your surf cast fishing cart is yet another factor worth considering. What determines the storage capacity you need is the amount of gear you intend to carry while going out for fishing. For instance, if you’re going to carry a cooler, then you might need a larger surf cast fishing cart.
Generally, the best fishing cart should have plenty of space for all the essential fishing gear including rods and a cooler.
Construction of the wheels
Wheels play a major role when it comes to moving the fishing cart from one place to another. Therefore, since you will be using the cart over uneven terrain, its wheels should be well made. Simply put, the wheels should be built to withstand rugged conditions. This way, you won’t have a hard time dragging the cart through the sand.
Ease of storage and transportation
Most surf cast fishing carts are quite big in size. This makes transporting them in a vehicle a bit hard especially if you have a small car. For this reason, investing in a fishing cart that is easy to pack away into your truck when not in use is important. So, look out for carts featuring a collapsible design for easy storage and transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re yet to settle on the best cart for your needs, here are answers to some of the questions you might have.
Does the weight of my surf fishing cart really matter?
Yes, it does. Some carts can get heavy so lightweight carts are usually the best. So, make sure to consider the weight of the cart and how much weight it can support.
Why do I really need to invest in a surf cast fishing cart?
A cart will make your next surf fishing trip a lot easier as it is designed to carry heavy gear over the sand. This is because it is built with heavy-duty wheels that can withstand all types of rugged conditions on the beach.
Is there any difference between a beach fishing cart and a pier fishing cart?
A: Both types of carts are similar when it comes to the overall design. They also have the same function. So, the difference is actually in the type of wheels. The wheels of beach carts are built to be used only on the sand. On the other hand, those of pier carts can be used on various terrains such as surf and sand.
Our Top Pick
After analyzing each of the fishing carts in this review, we’ve concluded that the Berkley Fishing Cart is the best model. Designed to hold up to 200 pounds, the cart offers plenty of storage space for a 48-quart cooler and rods. It also includes a fabric liner, hooks and loop straps to keep your equipment secure. More importantly, the cart boasts an aluminum frame that is corrosion-resistant and heavy-duty wheels.
Bottom Line
Whether you need a surf cart, beach cart or pier cart, the above models can help you with all your carrying needs. The carts will allow you to transport your gear all in one trip as well as give you years of service. So, take the stress out of transporting your fishing equipment and spend more time enjoying your day fishing.