Getting your gear to the swim has never been easier thanks to the host of wheel kits, shuttles, barrows and trolleys available on the market today. Match-style trolleys will take seatboxes, and many manufacturers also do wheel kits for their own specific boxes – well worth a look if car space is at a premium.
If you're a chair angler, a speci or carp-style barrow will suit you far better. What kind of ground will you be pushing it over? Four wheels are unbeatable on firm, level ground, but ploughed fields and potholed river banks are best suited to a single-wheel barrow design. An inflatable tyre is smooth to push, but a nightmare if you get a puncture. Look for a solid wheel design, or try puncture-proofing your wheels with products designed for pushbikes.
The best barrows and trolleys at a glance
If you struggle to push a normal barrow system then there are motorised upgrades available for some barrows, or you can buy motorised barrows ready to go, some are included in this list. Whatever you need your barrow to carry, you can be sure you'll find one suitable below...
Best powered match fishing barrow
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Imagine getting to your peg effortlessly with all your gear. The Matrix 4 Wheel Power Transporter powered by the might of two 130-watt in-hub motors no payload is too heavy to bear.
Using the transporter is as simple as a flick of the thumb, thanks to the intuitive digital control panel. Choose from three settings to adjust the pace you find most comfortable.
The motorised front wheels ensure the trolley is manoeuvrable and offer great traction reducing and slippling on soft surfaces. Built to last, the sturdy hi-tensile steel frame serves as the backbone of the transporter.
The detachable power box, complete with an external charging port, can be detached and charged easily. With IP68-rated waterproof connection cables, you have no need to worry about wet conditions if any wet weather comes your way. The rear storage bag will swallow all your essentials. Plus, dismantle and store in the supplied cases for the wheels and frame, your equipment remains pristine and primed for your next trip.
The Transporter comes equipped with two 9AH 12V batteries and a charging cable, make your fishing more about the catching than the carrying.
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR VIDEO REVIEW OF THE MATRIX POWER BARROW OVER ON OUR YOU TUBE CHANNEL
Pros
- Effortless transport gear to your peg
- Detachable battery for ease of charging
Cons
- Heft piece of equipment that comes with a hefty price tag
Best fishing trolley for capacity
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If you dont need power and prefer human power then the Matrix Four Wheel manual barrow is an excellent choice with an extending frame and adjustable handles allow the Matrix Four Wheel Transporter to be customised to the angler’s height and tackle carrying needs. Also coming with adjustable support arms, any make of seatbox can be held securely in place.
A waterproof zip-topped storage bag with drain holes gives even more capacity to the huge 100cm-long load area.
To store, remove the handles and four wheels using the thumb screws, collapse the frame and place in the provided 75cm x 60cm x 25cm storage bag.
Pros
- Very stable.
- Hard wearing wheels.
Cons
- Can be noisy on rough terrain.
Best two-wheel fishing trolley
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With upgraded and strengthened construction, the MK2 version of the popular Map Extending Barrow is now even more durable. With an extending frame, extending handles and rear carry bag supplied as standard, there is also two sizes of front fitting bag to carry your nets and trays available separately.
EVA-coated front arms drop down and clamp your seatbox in place. Both the two- and four-wheel versions have removable wheels, handles and folding front supports to allow them to pack into the supplied bags.
Pros
- Easier to push than the four-wheel version.
- The barrow bag is very spacious.
Cons
- Not as stable as the four-wheel version.
Best match barrow for durability
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The Daiwa Fold-N-Go is designed to be set up in an instant, with the front wheel set, rear wheel set and front support bar folding and snapping into place with locking pins and the folding handles secured with sliding collars. The wheels are also removable, should you need it to pack up even smaller.
An internal retainer secures a 17-litre bucket underneath the frame. The trolley also boasts height-adjustable handles, an under frame storage bag, padded 90-degree seatbox retaining arms and a height-adjustable rod support for carrying holdalls across the top.
A wide footprint ensures superb stability, and steel construction will take punishing loads.
Pros
- Very Strong.
- Compact when packed away.
Cons
- Not the biggest storage bag.
Best match trolley design
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A unique two-tier loading system on the Frenzee HGV allows rods and poles to be placed safely beneath your seatbox and bags, making loading fast, stable and space-saving. The load area is length-adjustable and comes with multiple strapping points.
The bucket loop can be positioned on numerous points to suit individual preference, while the large rear bag has a weatherproof zip top and rear storage pouch for smaller items. The whole lot comes apart to allow transportation in a car.
Already on its MK2 version, the new MK3 now has changeable handles to allow for multiple pushing positions and is arriving in shops right now.
Pros
- Great two-tier design for transporting loads of tackle.
- Packs away easily.
Cons
- Can be a bit cumbersome until you get used to it.
Best value match fishing trolley
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Having stood the test of time, the Preston Innovations Spacestation Shuttle is highly rated for its strength and durability. Available in two- and four-wheel versions, both come with a utility bag for carrying smaller items.
A whole host of add-ons is available, including adapters to securely hold any Preston seatbox without straps, a bucket loop, and a conversion kit to upgrade the two-wheel to a four-wheel shuttle. Secured using thumb screws, the whole lot comes apart easily for transportation.
Pros
- Easy to manoeuvre.
- Very customisable.
Cons
- Not as strong as some others available.
Best carp barrow for mobility
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The Avid Carp Transit Extreme Barrow ie designed to carry everything you need for a day or two on the bank or as part of a mobile approach, thanks to its two side bags and under-frame bag, all of which can be accessed while the barrow is fully loaded.
Adjustable side bars allow various sizes of chair or bed to be carried in the main load area, or alternatively held upright on the front frame section that can also be used for buckets; either can be held in place by a pair of integrated buckle straps.
Features include height-adjustable handles, a quick-release multi-terrain tyre and extra-large mudfeet. A barrow cover is also available separately.
Pros
- Height adjustable handles.
- Strong design.
Cons
- Not as stable as others.
Best carp fishing power barrow
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The Nash Trap Evo is a power-assisted barrow for lugging huge loads up to five miles between charges. Equipped with a stepped-up 24v 150w motor, controlled via a variable speed trigger system on the handles.
Featuring three under-frame storage bags with zipped side access, angled rear legs with spring locking height adjustment and mudfeet, centrally-located twin 12V batteries, multiple strap/ bungee points and front and back rod bag retainers.
Also available are a twin rear wheel kit, bucket outrigger and a smaller Metro version for anglers who carry less tackle.
Pros
- Battery powered.
- Can carry a lot of tackle.
Cons
- Too expensive for casual anglers, however, a game changer for those with mobility issues.
Best carp barrow for short sessions
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A compact barrow system designed for day sessions, but the Fox Explorer Barrow can still easily be configured for longer trips thanks to its extendable front frame that will also take a Fox Barrow bag. Alternatively, the bag can be placed on the main frame when in shorter ‘day mode’, retaining the balanced weight distribution.
Included in the price are a removable Camolite under-frame barrow bag, which has both side and top entry flaps. Either side of the wheel are mesh side pockets, perfect for 5-litre water containers or additional bait.
Supplied with two barrow straps, the design folds flat using locking pins, and the wheel is quick-release.
Pros
- Compact design.
- Perfect for anglers that like to stay mobile.
Cons
- Handles are a bit low.
Best barrow for river fishing
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Folding front bars and rear legs, combined with removable handles and wheel, make the fast-erecting Korum Transition Compact Barrow amazing to store in tight spaces. The front arms are extendable, meaning you can clamp and load the heaviest items right in front of the puncture-proof wheel for ultimate balance.
Perfect for the angler who needs to tackle long walks over difficult ground but doesn’t want the bulk of a carp-style barrow.
Pros
- Perfect for difficult terrain.
- Lightweight design.
Cons
- Won't take as much tackle as others available.
Best all-round carp fishing barrow
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The Carp Porter Big Boy is one of the best-known carp angling barrows available, with lots of new features to improve on the previous models. The barrow now has locking rear legs to prevent them slipping and a new steel front bar has been added to improve the overall strength of the product.
The Carp Porter features three, all terrain deep tread tires. These not only make it incredibly easy to push over rough ground but they also make for a very stable structure, eliminating the barrow toppling over, which we have all fallen victim to in the past. There is also a rear park brake to prevent the barrow moving or rolling when stationary, making unloading and loading the barrow far more efficient.
A flat, folding design makes the barrow take up the minimal amount of room possible in your vehicle, with the side bars able to extend to accommodate even the widest of bed chairs.
Pros
- Loads of space to accommodate lots of tackle.
- Very stable and strong.
Cons
- It is pretty heavy.
What to look for in a fishing trolley or barrow
When it comes to choosing a trolley or barrow the main thing to consider above all else is, will it be able to accommodate all your tackle? If it can't, then it is of no use to you.
The next thing to consider is, how mobile you are as an angler. If you push your gear to the swim and you plan on staying there for the duration of your session, obviously you have to in matches, then a four-wheel version is great because it is very stable and can generally accommodate a lot of gear. What you will find, however, is four wheels are harder to push than two or single wheel versions, so if you like to stay mobile it would be far wiser to choose a version with less wheels.
Space is also a big concern to many that don't have large vehicles, so it's definitely worth considering a model that folds completely flat during transit.
Glossary
Barrow: A wheelbarrow is a small hand-propelled vehicle, usually with just one wheel, designed to be pushed and guided by a single person using two handles at the rear.
Seatbox: A fishing seatbox is often a box with lots of storage space, with a seat on top to sit on comfortably. Seatboxes can come basic or with things like drawers and footplates.
Bedchair: A bedchair is an adjustable, foldable chair that can be laid flat to create an off-the-floor bed.
Thumb screws: Oversized locking nuts to make it easier to grip and tighten or undo a screw.
Buckle straps: A tie down strap that uses a plastic clip that fastens the two ends together, it can then be tightened if needed via the back of the clip.
Extending frame: The base of the barrow or trolley, where the tackle sits. Can be extended to make the whole structure longer for added carrying capacity.
Extending handles: The handles can be made higher or lower, depending on preference, via locking screws to the base of the handle.
Frequently asked questions of fishing barrows and trolleys
What is better, a barrow or trolley?
When it comes to what is the best, it will vary from angler to angler depending on how much gear they take fishing and how physically strong or tall they are, all factor in to what barrow might be best. As long as your barrow or trolley can easily fit all your tackle onto it and you can comfortably push it, then it will be the best for you.
Are solid wheels better than inflated ones?
If you generally go to fisheries that have hard standing and flat paths, the solid wheel is far superior to an inflated one as it's more robust and will never puncture. If, however, you fish rivers or face longer walks on very uneven terrain, an inflated tyre is far more widely recommended as it is noticeably easier to navigate than a solid one in these conditions.
How many wheels are best?
The simple guide is, the more wheels, the more stable the trolley or barrow will be. If you take a lot of tackle to your swim and don't intend on moving frequently, if at all, a four-wheeled version is always best, as you can load them up more and they have minimal risk of toppling over. The only downside to a four-wheel version is they are harder to push, especially if the ground is uneven. That being said, if you have to push your barrow over uneven ground, less wheels are best in this scenario.
Author Dan Webb first became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.