Rod Protection

[dmpalm]

I use a soft side carrying case and always seem to have a handful of tangled rods when I open it up and want to pull one out. I'm trying to figure out a better way to transport my rods around while keeping them protected and from getting all tangled up. I've tried a few different things with little luck, anyone have any great ideas? I noticed Clam sells a two pack of rod slicks for around 10 bucks. Wondering if anyone has used them and what they thought of them.

[mnmofro]

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2691812#Post2691812

I did this for my rods....got the idea on this forum from bobbymalone.....

[dmpalm]

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2691812#Post2691812

Thanks

I did this for my rods....got the idea on this forum from bobbymalone.....

I actually read this one earlier and went to the home improvement store and picked up some tubes. It works great for poles that are not rigged up, not so much with poles with line and jigs strung through. I like to rig up my poles before I get on the ice, and never tear them down before I leave and put the rods in the bag. I'm looking for something that I can slip over the poles after I rig them up and head out to the lake, and something I can slip back over the poles before I put them in the bag to go home.

[Woody Erickson]

I have been using foam pipe insulators for years with good results. Can get them at the hardware store or any home improvement center.

Cut to length, about 3-4" longer then total rod length. Then cut out a hole where the reel handle will stick out. Xacto knife (or razor) works well for cutting.

I also cut the slit wider (running length wise) to make it easier to get the rod in and out.

When I put the rod away, I hook the jig to the end of the foam. This way a spring bobber is not bent while in storage.

[harvey lee]

I have a couple Stone Legacy bags which will hold 4 rods each and has a tackle pouch that holds alot of tackle. I have one for walleyes and one for panfish.

If I know I am going on a rough ride on the sled somewhere and want added protection, Then I will use my Otter rod box whixh I doubt one could damage any rods in this case.

No issues with broken rods with these cases.

[fishwater]

... picked up some tubes. It works great for poles that are not rigged up, not so much with poles with line and jigs strung through. I like to rig up my poles before I get on the ice, and never tear them down before I leave and put the rods in the bag.

There's no need to de-rig when using tubes. I always back off my drag then slowly slide the rod into the tube, making sure the spool allows the required bit of line out. You can then lightly tighten the drag to keep the lure on the hook keeper. The only rods I de-rig are Thorne powernoodles and I'd do those even not using tubes. Tubes for golf bags work great.

[magnum mike]

I bought a bag from Thorne Bros a few years ago. It came with 4 rod sleeves. I love it!

[Hardyboy]

I use a marcum bag, the one with the kickstand that you can stand next to your hole with the locator in the bottom. That puppy works nice and has room for 4 rods in vertical storage with built in rod tubes. I leave all my rods rigged and they are ready when i need em. Enough tackle storage for a few jig boxes a handheld gps or whatever.

[walleyehuntR1975]

I have been using a Croxton ice bag similar to the St. Croix rod bag. I broke a Premier rod and after that I started buying the rod slicks from Clam and yes they do help keep my rods from getting tangled not to mention add a little extra protection. If I would have known about the foam pipe insulation stuff beforehand I might not have bought the rod slicks as I would have saved some money. But truth be told, other than the price of the rod slicks I can't complain as I haven't broken a rod since(knock on wood) and I can still fit 4 combos in one rod bag. I think the foam insulation stuff would have more protection for my rods, but I don't think I could fit 4 combos in a bag. I also have a plano gun case I use and that thing is awesome!

[BoxMN]

For rod slicks, just buy one regular sized one, and cut it into thirds, then roll one end, and sew/tape the other. Been working great for me. Ends up costing $3 each after the "cut"

Then they work in the "bags" without tangling, or I still use a Otter case and can 5 into that. Only problem with the Otter case is that it takes more room to get rods out, and you have to be more careful, but since I pull behind snowmobiles I like the rigid safety. Good luck.