What do you put your rods in?

[INNKEEPER]

When your going out, how many rods to you take, what do you use(for a case), and how long are your fishing rods. I've been working on a new style case and I don't know what the best way of getting it to market would be. To get a patent would cost $8-10k, but my idea would be protected. Any input on moving forward with this, people to contact, or pesonal experience would be greatly appriciated.

[rainylakefisher]

Getting a full patent is expensive, but getting a provisional patent is relatively cheap and allows you to use 'patent pending' while you explore the commercial viability of your idea. The downside is you only have one year before you have to make the full patent application or you lose any ability to file the full version.

I tried contacting a number of ice fishing related companies about an idea for which I have a working prototype. They all asked if I had some type of protection for the idea (patent or patent pending) and woudn't talk with me unless I did.

From one inventor to another, "Good luck!"

[INNKEEPER]

Thanks for the info, have you contacted a patent lawyer? If so, someone you feel comfotable working with? The ones I've contacted mostly through email(which is hard to judge) I'm just unsure if I want to use.

[OnAFly]

Once you do have some patent protection, get a basic Non-Disclosure Agreement together. It's just another way to keep your idea to yourself while still being able to work with other companies.

[fishwater]

When your going out, how many rods to you take, what do you use(for a case), and how long are your fishing rods.

If I'm targeting a single species, I generally bring 4 rods. Two rods of the same action/weight, one a step up or down plus a deadstick/noodle rod. I use mostly 32" rods (or shorter.)

Really depends on the lake and class of fish, but if I'm hitting up multiple species, I'll bring 6 or more. I don't mind using multiple rod cases though.

My all time favorite rod case is the Marcum rod pack. It was only offered one season, probably because it was very poorly fabricated. I've needed to re-stitch, glue and replace rivets on mine, but really an awesome design when you get down to it. You can stick it between the poles and canvas of a trap for easy access and storage while fishing.

My second favorite is the Lakewood ice pole caddy. Works great for longer rods, but isn't huge and clunky like the otter style box. You can fit 4-6 rods easily enough and it offers a high level of protection and plenty of extra storage.

[tracker x-2]

I bring about 3-4 rods avg.

There all about 24-30" I just use a HT rod holder bag it works nice

curiouse to what your think.... get a patent and share with us

[coombia21]

I use a take down gun case. I really like that it keeps the rods from being tangled, it also protects them from breaking on long rides across the lake. It is just as cheap as the bags but offers more. I carry 6-7 rods from 24-28 inches long.

[Catfish999]

I always take at least 10 rods onto the ice. I hate to retie lines while I am fishing, so I like to have spares set up with different colors and different types of hooks. I use two rod locker bags, but they are too short for the panfish rods I use. I like the longest panfish rods available. They make an 8 inch bulegill feel like a 3 pound walleye. Just my personal preference, but these rods are too long for my rod locker bags so I end up carrying 4 of them in a bucket. If you invention stores my long ice rods without being bulky, I am sold. Good luck.

[smeese]

Even if you get a Patent, if people can easily make their own, and do so for personal use only, ie not manufacturing them for sale they may do so without infringing on your pantent rights, I would just go for the provisional patent taht will buy you a years time and is just over a hundred bucks last i knew.

[ozzie]

otter rod box and I usually carry 5 rods and the length is anywhere from 24-28" rods....Good luck

[mnviking28]

I use an arrow case. Plano makes one with a foam insert, you can comfortably put 4 rods in there with no tangling, more if you want to crowd them. It is hard sided, so they don't get broken, and inexpensive as well.

[Esox_Magnum]

I carry 6 in my Clam locker, could mabe squeeez 1-2 more in ther easily....all are 28" or less....

[Eric_Kruger]

I carry anywhere from 10-12 on a normal panfish trip, 6 of which are 32". mine all get neatly put into a ht glacier bay rod bag. everything has a spot including 7 rose creek box's and a plano with terminal tackle.

[INNKEEPER]

The case I've made holds six 32" rods tangle free, also protects the rods so no more broken rod tips. It also has a pocket for holding a small tackle box(about 6" x 11")plus room for a few extra things. I've been using it this winter when I go out by myself(haven't wanted to "show it off" yet) and it has worked very well. It sound like a provisional patent is the way to go get the ball rolling. Does anyone know a good patent lawyer? Thanks for all the input, I'll try to keep ya all posted on the progress.

[Northlander]

When fishing local most of my rods are in my Revolution bags. Very nice and protect rods in them shorter drive in or shorter sled in trips. When I really want to protect my rods I go to my Otter hard sided rod cases. Wether long laker rods or shorter panfish rods its a must when traveling long distances with a sled/wheeler. Equipment takes a pounding in a Otter house at 40-50 mph for a long ride. Have never had a rod issue when in a Otter case.

You can check them out at www.otter.com

[rcr]

havent found one as nice as this, a little expensive, but if your hauling 6 custom rods its a small price to pay to protect them. Ive tried the arrow case things and its okay, but this is the chit

[CaptainMusky]

havent found one as nice as this, a little expensive, but if your hauling 6 custom rods its a small price to pay to protect them. Ive tried the arrow case things and its okay, but this is the chit

What box is that? I have never seen one of those before.

[Slabasaurus]

Looks like the Ice Fishing Innovations case.

I agree, a little bit on the pricey side, but once I finished my latest custom rod that was too long for my old cases, I picked one of these up. Very satisfied with it so far, and right now I walk to all my fishin spots. This thing is really going to shine once i have a sled or atv to mount this thing to.

I will be writing up a review of this case here once I have some time in the next week or two.

[rcr]

[FirstIce]

[tearin' lips]

Since we portage up to 35 miles into lakes in Ontario when we fish I always carry my rods on my back when snowmobiling in. I have a Croxton 4-sleeve soft case and another back pack style case. My buddies have Ready Rig bags that they wear like back packs too. It works well, and you never have to worry about your rods banging around in the house.

[Farley]

Mine is similar to this but it is the "Vermillion Pack" model. I only put 3 rods in there (i'm not afraid to retie) but also hauls a Mag Lite, 2 tackle boxes, ice cleats Tip up, video cam and still cam, among other stuff and I wear it like a backpack. Absolutley love it and would buy another in a heartbeat, but cant even find a pic of one let alone another bag.

[INNKEEPER]

rcr, love the video....I don't ever see myself jumping up and down on a case though. FirstIce, I use one of those too...to sit on! Thanks for all the responses.

[INNKEEPER]

Farley, does that pack have two shoulder straps(like a backpack)? The one I've made only has one but I could see how two would work very well.

[Farley]

Yeah it has 2 straps that you can clip on and off.