Ice rod storage ( when traveling on the ice)

[fishinfey8]

Ok, I know alot of you use those rod bags, while others build mods out of five gal. buckets. What is the best method for storing your rods for initial transport to the ice, and on the ice to your spot? I used to just jam them in a 5 gal. bucket, but now I picked up a couple st. croix's i'm going to be more cautious.

I do alot of snowmobiling quite a ways over different terrain to get to my spots, so i'm looking for something that can be rattled around a bit.

[PerchJerker]

I use rod bags, I've got 3 or 4 of them so I don't have to cram my rods in them. They don't all go out with me every time, usually 1 or 2 is enough. But I like the convenience and protection I get with the rod bags. And they're very convenient for when I'm going with a buddy and not bringing one of my houses along ---- just grab the flashr and the rod bag and I'm good to go.

[NAMASafetyDirector]

Used to use a hard side plastic arrow case for my rods, cut the foam out to fit my rods and kept them from getting damaged. Could get 4 rods in there and worked really well.

[OnAFly]

I use a soft bag and put rod slicks over my nice rods. Haven't had a problem yet, though I walk or drive out, not snowmobile so it's probably not as rough on them.

[bobbymalone]

I have a soft side rod case, the common one that only differs by the retailer stamp on the side.

To keep the rods safe inside, I cut custom sized sections of flourescent light bulb protectors (about $2.50 for an 8 foot section at HD), cut in a little notch for the reel to sit, and attached some adhesive backed velcro to strap them in. then I decorated the tubes with a variety of stickers.

works great and it's cheap and light. I have heard of others using golf bag club inserts, but I prefer the bulb protectors because they are clear and I can easily pick out which rod I am looking for.

I think I have 5 rods in the case packaged like that.

[fishinfey8]

Bobby that looks slick. I hope you don't mind if I copy that idea. I like the clear feature and it looks like you can keep your poles spooled up with your lure of choice tied on and ready. Thanks for posting those pics!

[Get'n Jiggy]

Great idea Bobby M, I was going to make something similar with PVC but this makes

more sense, nice to be able to see how each rod is rigged.

[bobbymalone]

Bobby that looks slick. I hope you don't mind if I copy that idea. I like the clear feature and it looks like you can keep your poles spooled up with your lure of choice tied on and ready. Thanks for posting those pics!

If it was some sort of secret, I wouldn't have posted on the internet complete with pictures So yeah, copy away!

You can keep your rods tied up with lures, just be sure to release some extra line because it has to go back from the reel towards the seat and then up the tube. I try to leave it pretty relaxed so it isn't rubbing against the plastic tube creating a weak spot. Even if the line is relaxed and the lure falls off the hook keeper it will be contained in that tube rather than tangling up everything getting hooked inside the rod bag.

[JimBuck]

I agree. Pretty slick solution Bobby. I might have to borrow that idea.

[bobbymalone]

thanks for praise, gentleman. just trying to pay it forward, so many tips and tricks I have picked up in here.

one more thing, use a cigarette lighter or something to heat up and soften the edges of the tube a bit so it isn't as "sharp" an edge.

[Jim Almquist]

I use a plastic rifle case. It will hold about six rods and since I started using it I have not broken a tip off yet. Knock on wood

[CrappieAttitude]

Used to use a hard side plastic arrow case for my rods, cut the foam out to fit my rods and kept them from getting damaged. Could get 4 rods in there and worked really well.

I do the same thing. the only drawback is folding down the handles to fit them in, but how hard is that. I like that my reels are protected as well. sits nice on the wheeler rack or on the floor of the fishouse when traveling. No broken tips here either since I have used this. I also have a few rod bags that I use as well. Even with the rod protectors, I would still put them in the bag.

CA

[BartmanMN]

I did something similar but pulled the plastic sleeves out of my wifes old golf bag. I then cut an opening on them up to the bottom eye of the rod.

[Northlander]

The best rod box I have found is the Otter Rod Case. I can get 4 big walleye rods in it and you wont break a rod in that baby. Its big and heavy but if you have good expensive rods you need one of these. I use it when running long ways on the snowmobile.

When not going to far I use the Revolution Bag or one of their single rod cases.

[walleyeslayr]

Stone Legacy's "Revolution" rod bag is the best I have ever used. $50, holds up to 8 rods. I store 3 walleye rods on 1 end, and 3 panfish rods on the other.(I use the rod slicks as well) And it has a compartment for tackle. Super lightweight, and compact.

[DaSwede]

I just did the light tubes tonight too. They worked great. The ones I bought came with caps on the end. I used super glue to secure them on. Hope it helps protect and with the tangle!

[Chris Barlage]

Otter Rod Case without a dought it the way to go. Very strong and lots of storage. I got 5 rods and extra spools and room for jig box in there. It is worth every penny.

[tsande00]

I too did the light tube thing last night. One question I have is where did you find the non sticky back velcro strips to secure the pole to the tube?

Also any recommendations on a cheap case to transport the rods? My old setup won't work with the tubes on the poles. I was thinking an old duffel bag would work well, so long as it was approximately 30" in length.

[FISHINGURU]

I use the Otter Case, I take long snowmobile rides with it in back of my portable and she gets tossed around but by rods don't even move and they are resting on cushion.

[Jim Almquist]

I too did the light tube thing last night. One question I have is where did you find the non sticky back velcro strips to secure the pole to the tube?

Also any recommendations on a cheap case to transport the rods? My old setup won't work with the tubes on the poles. I was thinking an old duffel bag would work well, so long as it was approximately 30" in length.

If you are in a Menards they always have strips by the check out lanes. You could also check out a Michaels or a fabric store. Maybe the craft section of a wally world.

[bobbymalone]

]

I too did the light tube thing last night. One question I have is where did you find the non sticky back velcro strips to secure the pole to the tube?

Also any recommendations on a cheap case to transport the rods? My old setup won't work with the tubes on the poles. I was thinking an old duffel bag would work well, so long as it was approximately 30" in length.

My non sticky backed velcro came off of some sort of velcro tie down strap thing. Pretty sure I found it just a few feet away from the sticky backed velcro at the big orange home improvement store.

Cheap case? I use this.... You can find them at GM, Joe's, FF, etc and they are all the same, just different colors and different logos. I got mine at GM for 20 bucks

[harvey lee]

I have 3 Stone Legacy bags and 2 Otter rod boxes. If I am using the sled and traveling on rough stuff, the best option for rod storage for me is the Otter rod box. I do not think I coulod damage a rod in this rod box. It's a bit more but break one good rod on a trip and then the box is not that much. I use the Stone Legacy bags to store my rods in the garage or the back of my truck but when its to heavy usage, the Otter's are ready.

I place 4 eye rods in one and 4 panfish in the other. That way I can have 2 set up for jigging and 2 bobber rods also for either eyes or panfish.

[Ed Carlson]

The very tough case that has really caught on is the Gander Mountain airline approved break down shotgun case, that has found a fallowing for ice rods, holds up to 6 combo's. Your rods remains protected and secure thanks to impact-resistant foam and a removable divider. The deluxe carrying handle offers a comfortable grip, lockable as to offer security. Black with metallic gray aluminum trim.

Breakdown Shotgun Case Item # 400367

Exterior WxHxD (in.) 31-7/8x13-3/8x4-5/8

Interior Lid WxHxD (in.) 31-1/4x12-3/4x1-5/8

Interior Bottom WxHxD (in.) 31-1/4x12-3/4x2-3/8

A very nice case, looks great too, no plastic all metal double reinforced hinges, 4 heavy duty metal clasps, all aluminum outer frame.

$79.00..not bad.

[LakeDocktor]

Ed, this is exactly what I use. I picked it up from a guy who has overstock in a warehouse. He always posts numerous items on C list. I paid just over $20 for mine and love it.

[Ed Carlson]

That case looks a bit deeper? But..ya..that is a sweet case..and a darn sweet price..Uf-Da!

Another key deal is you have multi-seasonal use for it, guns, electronics, whatever..it's useful.

Hard case, metal frame, no plastic hindges...is the way to go. I got $150 worth of my favorate Jason Mitchell rods, my favorite custom made walleye stick, and 2 Frabill rods crushed by a stray power auger 25 miles out on Lake Winnipeg..it sucked...really really bad.

Never again!