How would YOU build your custom rod holder?

[Chad Holst]

So we were talking in another thread about what devices we use for ice tackle, and i thought we should have a thread about what people like and dislike about their rod holders. I have my tackle system down to what is close to perfect for my use, but i still have not found a rod case that i really like. So lets hear your ideas on how you would want your perfect rod case.

My thoughts would be something that is sturdy, light and can be made larger or smaller, depending on how many rods i want to take with.

I have this idea in my mind of a square PVC type tube, that was a cloth cover over it. On one side is the male end of a zipper and on the other side a female end of a zipper, so that you can link these together to make it a 2-3-4-5 rod case.

If you need 3 rods, then unzip 3 of them, if you want a 5 rod case, then add 2 more to it. Some sort of a handle or strap. As long as each individual section was rigid and tough, it would work great, without having the huge size of the large hard sided cases. they are great when you need 5 rods, but when you need 2, its a waste of room.

heres a simple picture to help explain what im thinking of:

(the red lines would be the zippers that go all the way around each side. The top flips up, the bottom has a compartment for a reel.)

I also like the idea of being able to store things in it, but i dont think i need it, as i have my tackle bag set up pretty well.

I think if one end of the section had a 4x4 or 5x5 inch box, with foam inside, it would be perfect for the reels or to keep an extra reel if you dont take your case rods apart.

One of my favorite summer taackle bags is built like this. Each level zips into another level, to make it larger of smaller. Each section is rigid and when they are zipped together it is suprisingly one solid unit.

What do you like about your rod case?

What would you change?

What is it missing?

How much would you spend on the right case?

If i can keep my good rods protected, its well worth a couple hundred dollars, but i dont see me paying over $75 for a rod case.

[HardwaterHero]

I recently purchased the Striker rod case which is an upgrade from my arrow holder i converted into my rod holder. What i like about the Striker case is that it is large and has room for 5 rods(2 on the bottom pouch and 3 on the other end. The eyelets are protected by a cloth lined PVC. This is good and bad. Dont put the rod away with the hook on or it runs the chance of getting tangled but is superior on protecting your rod. It has enough space to hold all my gear but is too large if i want to run 'n and gun. Overall its a good case and has great appeal to it. I purchased mine for $80 dollars. its worth it after having a few rods of mine break. well worth the investment.

[Lusid]

Two types of modes come to mind when keeping my rods safe. Reels are somewhat important but they are a little more rugged then our fragile rods.

There is the transport mode - This is when you are hauling your gear from home to ice. Usually it's in a hard case container of some sort.

So here I would said the most important thing to protect is the rod / guides itself. Any pvc tube or hard container should do the trick.

Then there is the on the move mode - You are on the ice and want your rods ready to rock/roll. You call in the fish with a loud lure, then you drop in the finesse stick to hopefully entice a bite.

Here you would haul 2-3 rods while hole hopping. I would imagine you could use your vex to transport 2 rods, or modified a 5-gal pail which incorporates some type of PVC system. The rods in this scenario isn't as important in my opinion since you are already out on the ice and fishing.

This to note:

-When out on the ice, it's incredibly difficult to keep things organized, your everythings are freezing and you just want to fish and stay reasonably warm.

-When I get home I'm always re-organizing the mass chaos that resulted from my last outing.

-And today these rod bags/containers are so outrageously priced.. 60-100dollars average! I'll continue to recycle old materials to protect my investment.

-I used a windshield wiper plastic container to build one a while back.

holy wall of text...

Lusid

[minnesotathorn]

golf club sleeves for me. cut to size. drill hole in bottom for light duty bunge cord. super cheap & very effective.

[Sonicrunch]

I wouldn't. I'd rather design a rod that didn't need a holder.

I have no ideas though...