Rod Cases?

[Gunflint Guy]

I mostly walk into the BWCA to fish for lakers. I use the the standard tube and pocket cordura rod cases you see around. I haven't found a quality one yet, and my 3rd one in 6 years just bit the dust. Does anyone know of a truly quality ice rod case? I am not interested in the Otter hard side or an arrow case...way too bulky for what I do. I may just start bringing a tube and removing the reels from the rods every time I pack up if I can't find anything of quality.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

I mostly walk into the BWCA to fish for lakers. I use the the standard tube and pocket cordura rod cases you see around. I haven't found a quality one yet, and my 3rd one in 6 years just bit the dust. Does anyone know of a truly quality ice rod case? I am not interested in the Otter hard side or an arrow case...way too bulky for what I do. I may just start bringing a tube and removing the reels from the rods every time I pack up if I can't find anything of quality.

A good friend and I have had problems with the pvc pipe breaking or snaping where the tube is cut for the reels to hang down. A really quick and solid fix that we found was to take out the cheap and flimsy PVC tubing that is used in the bag. Then go down to a store that carries plumming supplies, find your self the same size PVC tubing that is thick walled to handle water that is under pressure. Then cut it out the portion for your reels to hang down and put it in the bag. Never had a problem with the tube breaking again. Even had a friend that did one with some thin steel tube that worked out well. Keep in mind the end that slides down the sleeve should be capped so that it doesn't poke threw/wear the canvas at the tip of the rod bag out. Once I did this never had a problem with the bag again.

[bobbymalone]

I use a soft side case like you can find at pretty much every store with their logo on the side. It doesn't offer much protection alone, but each rod is inside of a plastic fluorescent bulb protector to keep it safe.

[Gunflint Guy]

yes the pvc did break, but the cordura is wearing out so fast it hardly makes it worth getting another pipe for it...good idea, though.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

yes the pvc did break, but the cordura is wearing out so fast it hardly makes it worth getting another pipe for it...good idea, though.

They have them made out of Canvas and nylon, which would wear better. I've got a nylon one and for some weird reason it seems to wear better then my friends canvas one.

[jimmyjames76]

I have the same problem with the fabric wearing out. Unfortunately most of these cases are the same, just different companies slapping their name on the side. It seems like most ice fishing stuff is cheaply made junk now a days.

[fishwater]

Lakewood makes a pretty nice soft sided case for ice rods. I love mine. It's not nearly as bulky as the hard sided otter case, but only fits 36" rods.

[holmsvc]

I have a Ready Rig bag I got from Reeds and also the black case that thorne bros put their name on and both have held up fine for me.

[DuckBlind]

Ever try a fly fishing soft sided case, one used for a 4 piece fly rod...?

[Gunflint Guy]

Lakewood makes a pretty nice soft sided case for ice rods. I love mine. It's not nearly as bulky as the hard sided otter case, but only fits 36" rods.

I just checked these out-pricey-but if it lasts, it will pay for itself. Thanks for your help!

[My_Key]

I have a Croxton 6-ice combo case. I throw my 3 nicer combos in the main area and a couple cheapo ultralights in the full length side pocket. There are two pockets on the other side that. I fit 3 Plano 3500 boxes in with most of my tackle in the larger one and other essentials(spool of line, Leatherman, fishing license, batteries, etc.) in the smaller one. It has a carry handle and two shoulder straps that make it possible to wear as a 'backpack'.

Only issue I have had with it is line tangling with other poles, and I may make some pvc sleeves to fix that(I rarely use the velcro to keep the combos in place). I also make sure the bag is last thing in the sled and first thing out, so it doesn't get too abused.

[Northlander]

I have single Stone Legacy Bags as well as the Revolution bag and they all have performed great. No problems at all. I suggest looking into them. I know they changed hands but they still can be found.

[vman11]

I have a Croxton as well, and I too, try to wear it or pack it gently when traveling. Not much for protection, but it does keep my stuff organized

I guy I know has a Stone Legacy and that will be my next rod bag purchase. He fit everything from tip-ups to auger extensions in it.

[Eric_Kruger]

i have a sage rod bag for a fly rod i think it is 33 inches long and it works great for my rods.... carried kinda a heavy price tag tho!

EK

[hotrod1]

I use to use a stone legacy revolution bag. it is a nice bag for storing a ton of gear but i always had a problem when i loaded two rods from each end...lines would get tangled to often. I ended up getting rod slicks which helped but the other problem i had was hooks getting caught in the fabric. That bag is for sale if anyone is interested.

I now use a Thorne Bros bag and it has been great so far...I store everything in that bag that I had in my Stone legacy.

[fishwater]

Originally Posted By: fishwater

Lakewood makes a pretty nice soft sided case for ice rods. I love mine. It's not nearly as bulky as the hard sided otter case, but only fits 36" rods.

I just checked these out-pricey-but if it lasts, it will pay for itself. Thanks for your help!

I'm going on 5 years using mine and it's holding up really well. The new version has a bit of foam padding, the old version I have doesn't, but did have some dividers along the length for storing various items that I removed the first year I got it. My dad picked up a new version of the Lakewood earlier this year and it is really sweet. Mine doesn't have the shoulder strap either.

I generally have 6 rods in it, but I have successfully had over 10 of varied lengths with handles folded. I sleeve the rods in tubes for golf clubs for added protection and to keep tangles to a minimum.

[vman11]

I use to use a stone legacy revolution bag. it is a nice bag for storing a ton of gear but i always had a problem when i loaded two rods from each end...lines would get tangled to often. I ended up getting rod slicks which helped but the other problem i had was hooks getting caught in the fabric. That bag is for sale if anyone is interested.

I now use a Thorne Bros bag and it has been great so far...I store everything in that bag that I had in my Stone legacy.

hotrod1 I might be interested...age, condition and price of bag would be appreciated...

I always use Today's Tackle Pouches to protect my hooks from digging into my bag. The HSOforum it below:

http://www.tackleandlures.com/Tackle_Pouches-c1347-pg6894.htm

[hotrod1]

I got it 2 years ago. in good shape other then a couple spots where hooks caught the fabric...no tears. $30.00?

I'm in East Bethel. I will be At the perch extravaganza this weekend on Mille Lacs.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

I have a Ready Rig bag

Yep thats what i got.Works well once I replaced the cheap tube in it.

[freezincold]

Is there a market for hard sided cases with ice fishing? I haven't seen too many out there, but I noticed that a lot of people carry some pretty spendy hardware these days and a nice hard side, padded case would be nice. I carry 4 rods with me and thought that it would be nice to have a case that a person could abuse a bit and the rods and reels wouldn't be phased. I have 2 nylon cases and have not really shopped for anything else. Thoughts??

[wildmanp]

tactical gun bags or over-sized paint ball soft cases............

[Ed Carlson]

Plano had a log tube rod case made for packing 2 piece rods that sells for $40.

It can safely accommodate longer rod combos up to 42". Secure tube but the reel end in not well supported.

The Plano model #1415 Z Series Rod and Reel Case is the perfect blend of hard case protection and soft case convenience. It is constructed from a heavy-duty molded EVA foam exterior. This hybrid case is large enough to carry 2 two-piece fishing rods with reels attached up to 6’6” in length! The foam interior is molded so rods and reels nestle in place. This heavy-duty yet light weight case measures 55.5”L x 9.5”W x 5”H.

About $44.99

For a bulletproof card case Gander has a all metal padded breakdown shotgun case that will hold 6 rod combo's up to 32". This is a sharp looking rod case, very strong and ruggedly built with metal clasps and is lockable.

The interior is egg crate padded, adaptable, and functions well for other uses in the off ice season such as electronics storage and transport and of course for guns. This is a handy case and very tough. They sell for $69.

[dairyman]

get an arrow case----does the job and a heck of a lot cheaper----around $20