The Best Fishing Carts of 2023

Fishing can be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby, but carrying all of your gear can be a hassle. This is where fishing carts can come in handy. They allow you to transport your equipment easily, whether you’re fishing on the surf, beach, or pier. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best fishing carts available for those who enjoy surf, beach, and pier fishing. These carts are designed to be durable, easy to maneuver, and capable of carrying all the gear you need for a successful fishing trip.

Table of Contents

• Surf and Beach Fishing Carts Top Picks
• Pier Fishing Carts Top Picks
• Fishing Cart Points to Consider
• DIY Fishing Cart Ideas
• Fishing Cart Final Thoughts

Surf and Beach Fishing Carts Top Picks

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Angler’s Choice Fish-N-Mate

Features

• Capped rod holders
• Low weight and balanced operation
• Marine-grade anodized-aluminum tubing
• Stainless steel hardware
• Balloon tires

The Angler’s Fish-N-Mate standard cart with poly wheels is an ideal option for transporting all of your fishing gear from your vehicle to the water’s edge in a single trip. It is a highly versatile surf/beach cart that boasts a wide range of features perfect for shore fishermen. These features include rod holders that are capped, a balanced and lightweight design, and more. The cart can accommodate up to eight rods and reels, as well as a 48-72-qt. cooler, a small bait cooler, a medium tackle box, lawn chairs, and an umbrella. Additionally, the cart is constructed from marine-grade anodized-aluminum tubing with stainless steel hardware, ensuring that it is resistant to corrosion and provides long-lasting performance. The large 15″ diameter by 7″ wide poly wheels make traveling through soft sand a breeze.

Sea Striker Balloon Tire Surf and Beach Cart

Features

• Designed for carrying up to 125 pounds of gear to and from the beach
• Galvanized steel tube construction with a corrosion-resistant powder-coat finish provides lasting durability against the outdoor elements
• 7 glass-filled nylon injection molded rod holders help ensure the cart maintains its shape
• 13-inch polyethelene baloon tires offer a smooth glide over soft sand and rocky terrain
• Extended dual-handed pull-handle with grip allows for easy portability
• Measures 34″ x 14.5″ x 7″ inches”
• Easy assembly with included tools

With the Sea Striker Balloon Tire Surf Pier Wagon, you can enjoy fishing or relaxing on the beach with ease. The wagon is constructed using galvanized steel tubing and is coated with a powder finish that provides excellent protection against outdoor elements, ensuring its durability over time. Its 13-inch polyethylene balloon tires offer a smooth ride on both soft sand and rocky terrain, making it a versatile option for various beach activities.

Seamule Beach Cart

Features

• This beach wagon comes with multiple cup holders, umbrella holders, and room for supplies.
• Available accessories boost carrying ability
• Large military-style track wheels with an adaptive surface area
• Ergonomic handle design
• Padded handle for comfort while pushing
• Folds to a compact size
• Removeable wheels
• Made with stainless steel and powder-coated aluminum
• Built tough against rust and salt
• 4mm bumper grade plastic base protects it against dents

Transporting all your beach gear can be a frustrating task, but the Seamule Beach Cart is here to help. With multiple cup holders, rod and umbrella holders, and ample space for your cooler, chairs, and supplies, this collapsible cart can carry everything you need for a perfect day at the beach. The cart’s padded handle and specialty sand wheels make it easy to push through rough terrain, mud, and even sugar sand, thanks to their ability to flex and flatten, increasing surface area and staying on top of the sand. When not in use, the cart collapses into a compact size for easy storage, with the handle and accessories quickly folding down and detaching.

BOTE Mule Fishing Cart

Features

• Lightweight and durable aluminum construction
• Airless all-terrain tires for easy maneuverability
• Adjustable handle for comfortable use
• Can hold up to 200 lbs of gear and equipment
• Doubles as a hitch-mounted cargo carrier with the use of a sold-separately hitch mount.

Constructed from lightweight marine-grade aluminum, the MULE Cart boasts exceptional durability and performance. With ample space, this cart can hold everything from coolers and bait buckets to fishing rods and other essential gear. Equipped with airless tires, the MULE Cart can handle any terrain without worrying about going flat. In addition, this versatile cart can also double as a hitch-mounted cargo carrier. By simply flipping the adjustable handle around and using the sold-separately hitch mount, you can easily transition from cart to cargo carrier and hit the road with ease.

Harbor Mate Fishing and Beach Cart

Features

• Manufactured with a detachable fabric liner over an aluminum frame; supports up to 250 lbs.
• 13in Balloon wheels roll easily over sand and similar terrain
• Includes 4 fishing rod holders, space for tackle, coolers, beach gear
• Adjustable front foot drops down for stabilization at your destination
• Rubber-coated handles provide grip and easy steering

The Harbor Mate Fishing and Beach Cart is specifically designed to elevate any lakeside or beachside experience by holding towels, tackle, rods, and more. Constructed from lightweight aluminum, this cart is easy to pull and comes with a detachable fabric liner for added convenience. Additionally, four corner holders keep fishing rods organized and upright. Rubber-coated handles provide a comfortable grip while pulling the cart, and the large 13in balloon wheels effortlessly roll over sandy beaches and dunes. Furthermore, the front foot can be lowered for stability and raised up when it’s time to move.

Big Kahuna Beach Wagon

Features

• Stainless steel nuts and bolts
• Rust-free, corrosion resistant and maintenance free
• Four-rod holder bolted to the aluminum deck with stainless steel hardware
• Hauls heavy duty fishing coolers
• Solid .125 inch aluminum deck
• Drain holes in all four corners
• 1-1/2 inch perimeter lip to keep loads secure
• The bottom of the deck stands 15.5 inch from the ground
• Four 11.8 inch balloon beach tires
• Removable aluminum wagon walls
• MADE IN THE USA

This versatile beach and fishing cart is perfect for hauling a variety of oversized items such as coolers, camping and fishing equipment, sporting gear, water tanks, tools, and even feed and hay. Equipped with large tires specifically designed to easily glide over even the softest sand, the Big Kahuna is sure to be the highlight of your beach adventures.

Pier Fishing Carts Top Picks

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Angler’s Choice Fish-N-Mate Jr

Features

• Tires: 5″ x 13″
• 19 lb
• Holds 5 Rods
• Inside Dimensions 34″ x 14 1/2″
• 36-48qt. cooler and 1 small tackle box

Easily transport all of your fishing equipment with these lightweight aluminum carts. With pneumatic tires, you can easily maneuver up to 150 pounds of gear through sand, river rocks, or snow. The tackle station includes a removable bait bucket and food-grade cutting board for added convenience. Vertical holders keep your rods and reels tangle-free. These carts can accommodate one large cooler (refer to table below) with additional room for a smaller cooler, tackle boxes, chairs, or other items. Retractable stabilizer legs provide added stability, and the carts can be easily disassembled without the need for tools. For compact storage, the handle and tackle station can be easily removed.

Sea Striker Deluxe Pier Cart

Features

• Powder-coated steel frame
• Large pneumatic tires travel well over sand
• Includes seven rod holders
• Holds up to a 54-quart cooler
• Inside dimensions: 14 1/2″ w x 34 1/4″L x 8″D
• Handle removes for storage
• Easy to assemble with included tools
• 85 pound capacity

The Sea Striker Deluxe Beach Cart is a versatile option that boasts a sturdy powder-coated steel frame and large pneumatic tires that smoothly glide over sandy terrain. This cart can carry a 54-quart cooler and comes with seven PVC rod/accessory holders. Assembling the frame is simple, thanks to the included tools, and the handle can be easily removed for convenient storage.

Drifter Marine Standard Pier Cart

Features

• Cart is light, strong, spacious, and corrosion-resistant
• Ideal for saltwater environments
• Four convenient rod holders
• 125 lb. cargo capacity
• Cargo area measures 33.5″ x 15″ x 9″

The Drifter Marine standard pier cart is a durable and reliable cart designed for easy transportation of fishing gear and equipment. With its lightweight aluminum frame, pneumatic tires, and large capacity, it can easily handle up to 125 pounds of gear. The cart comes with four rod holders, is lightweight, and is ideal for saltwater environments.

Gorilla Carts Foldable Poly Fishing and Marine Cart

Features

• Folding design for quick setup and tear down
• Heavy-duty, powder coated aluminum frame
• Fits most coolers up to 65 quarts
• Four polypropylene rod holders
• 10.6″ x 2.7″ pneumatic wheels

The Gorilla Carts Fish and Marine Cart is a durable and reliable option for transporting fishing gear and supplies. Made with a robust aluminum frame, stainless steel hardware, and a sturdy poly bed, it can withstand the elements while carrying up to 200 pounds of equipment. Its 13-inch solid tires allow it to easily traverse over sand, dirt, or gravel. When not in use, all components can be stored inside the tub for compact storage. This cart also features 8 rod holders, a foldable bait tray with tool slots, and customizable accessory positions to keep your gear organized and secure. No more searching for misplaced equipment, as everything can be easily accessed and repositioned according to your needs.

Jawbone Ultimate Pier Cart

Features

• Folding design for quick setup and tear down
• Heavy-duty, powder coated aluminum frame
• Fits most coolers up to 65 quarts
• Four polypropylene rod holders
• 10.6″ x 2.7″ pneumatic wheels

Transporting your fishing gear to and from the water has never been easier, thanks to the Jawbone Ultimate Pier Cart. Its large pneumatic wheels effortlessly navigate uneven surfaces, while the heavy-duty aluminum frame accommodates coolers up to 65 qt. and can hold up to 220 lbs. When it’s time to hit the road, the cart conveniently folds down for effortless transportation.

Fishing Cart Points to Consider

Choosing beach, pier, or surf fishing carts can be a personal decision based on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re planning on going fishing and need a cart to help you transport your gear, there are several considerations you will need to take into account to make sure you aren’t left with buyer’s remorse. 

Fishing Cart Balloon Tires

I’ll go ahead and get it out there right out front, I wouldn’t own a fishing cart without balloon tires. That being said, I predominantly fish on the sugar-white sands of the emerald coast of Florida where tires like this are a must. If you fish exclusively from hard surfaces like piers and boardwalks, then you can likely get away with cheaper pneumatic rubber tires. If you start out with rubber tires, you can always upgrade to balloon tires later on, but if you think you may want them in the future, I’d say go ahead and do what you need to do to get them now. 

Fishing Cart Wheels

When it comes to fishing cart wheels, the two main points to pay attention to are materials and numbers. If you fish in harsh saltwater environments, look for a poly wheel construction. Steel will eventually rust. The other point to consider is the number of wheels. Most carts are made with 2 wheels but some are made with 4. If you are physically impaired in any way, or if you love to bring a ton of gear (or want to haul kids) on the cart, consider 4 wheels. Keep in mind, however, with 4 wheels comes added weight, so getting that cart in and out of your vehicle may prove cumbersome. 

Aluminum Fish Carts vs Powder Coated Steel

Consider this quote, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” – Benjamin Franklin. Aluminum will withstand the elements better than steel but it will cost more to purchase, that’s the trade-off. When making any purchase, consider the lifetime of ownership, not just the upfront cost, and also consider what someone else might want if you ever decide to sell this item used. Do you think anyone is going to want your rusty fishing cart?

Collapsible / Folding Fishing Carts

Many folks are working with a limited amount of storage and a fishing cart takes up a lot of space. I’ve tried collapsible fishing carts and while they do collapse and take up less space than non-collapsible carts, they don’t save THAT much room. On top of this, you’ve got to collapse them down after each use to utilize this capability. They are bulky items either way, so I’d choose a fishing cart that can withstand the elements and be kept in a place where it does not need to be collapsed down. IF this is an absolute must for you, there are some options above that will fold and store. 

Fishing Cart Accessories

To me, fishing cart accessories are kind of a gimmick. Fishing cart cutting boards? Use the top of your cooler or better yet, bring a pair of scissors so you don’t even need one. Fishing cart rod holders are the one exception. Don’t look for a cart that has just enough, make sure you have more than you think you will need or the ability to add more. You’ve got rods, umbrellas, sand spikes, etc. to bring with you. Fishing cart rod holders don’t take up much space, so go big. 

DIY Fishing Cart Ideas

DIY fishing carts are another option. One idea I love is taking a hitch carrier and turning it into a cart. With this DIY project, you then have a hitch carrier that doubles as a fishing cart and slides into your receiver for easy transport. Of course, if you want this same capability without the work, you can go with the BOTE Mule Cart, but it’s going to cost you a good bit more.

Fishing Cart Final Thoughts

If you’ve got the room to store it, a fishing cart is an excellent piece of equipment for anglers who fish from land. Equipped correctly, this cart will increase your range and we all know when you cover more ground, you catch more fish. Be honest with yourself about what your needs are, what your needs may be in the future, and what other people might want if you decide a fishing cart isn’t right for you. If you follow your intuition in these areas, you’ll end up with a fishing cart that will serve you well and hold it’s value.

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