I built a platform in the bed of my p/u with 4 removable pannels that lay flat when in place but can be easily removed to gain acess to the storage space underneath.
I used 2x4's as the frame that the 1/2 " plywood pannels rest on. I attached pvc tubes on the under side of the
2x4's the length of the box-- 6.5 ft. I slide my rods into these and have easy acess once I let the tailgate down. I designed it so I can leave the reels on the rods-- the pvc tubes are recessed about a foot shorter then the box length on the tailgate end.
I have a lockable Fibreglass cap on the box. The rods and other things are stored under the pannels-- secure and out of sight. I can store more stuff on top of my platform and even sleep there if I choose. This is a cheap and easy project that requires minimal skill and materials.

To buckhunter- Sorry about your "baby" I just got a 2001 4x4 (teal color) on the day Teal season started here in Ark. !
I just put it all in the back and GO !

Back in mid80's,an article in F&S mag.displays a roof rack for rods (even the large ones) this is a good example to mantain this tools organized in the truck bed.

dont forget a couple 5 gallon buckets, u can hang plugs on the lip to dry, sit on it, use it for beer or your catch, and a bazillion other things

I drive a 97 4Runner right now and i beleive the truck in the pics is a Tacoma. Im hopin to get one of those by spring. My brother turns 16 in April and i think he will get my 4Runner. Can't wait on that truck

I did one $2 mod that has made me much happier with my old explorer for my outdoor pursuits. I sunk two hookeyes into the upper window molding in the back and strung wires about 3" below the ceiling there and across the grab handles in the back seat. They allow me to keep 5 7' rods overhead between the driver and passenger without annoying either and can hold well over a dozen if they're shorter or you don't mind mono tickling your hair. Has since been used for paddles, oars, and nets as well. Only gripe is I originally super glued washers every few inches on the wire as stops to keep the rods from sliding and tangling. They all eventually sheared out of place. Going to pull the insulated wire down and tie knots in it instead and re string.

I've been thinking about doing something along the line of what Natureguy describes with my '04 Dodge Ram and would appreciate more detail from him or anybody else that has done something along this line. Thanks.

Another gadget that helps... I bought an SUV Cargo Caddy from Elkhorn Plastics in Indiana. It was about $250 and is a little heavy but the drawer stores a lot and you still have a flat surface for boxes on top.