What do you use for rod storage in the BWCA? My "heavy" rod is a 1pc.

[Powerstroke]

I'm trying to get suggestions on how to transport rods in the BWCA. I'm trying to keep this as light as possible. My Pike/Laker rod (whom I kidding, I've never caught a laker) is 6'6" and its only a 1pc. My lighter rod is only 5ft.

I was thinking about a standard rod case, but I'm not convinced.

Any ideas? Maybe something you made?

[Ralph Wiggum]

PVC pipe. Glue a cap on one end and an adapter/threaded cap on the other. It's not the lightest, but it's not too heavy and your rods will be safe. I put foam in the ends to protect the tips, too. Then, you can bungee cord it to the braces in the canoe.

[delcecchi]

I buy two piece rods.

Plano also sells a nice extendable rod case. It is black. Fleet Farm has it, as probably do cabela's and gander mtn. It cost 34.99. Pull it out and it holds 7 foot rods easy. all the way in is perfect for my two piece ones. Holds like 5 two piece or maybe 6 or 7 one piece.

[schweady]

I've long been dreaming about the perfect solution to the same problem. I've considered rigging up PVC or buying hard cases, but that adds weight, costs more, and means one more loose thing to carry on portages. So far, we've just black-taped or bugee-corded them onto the canoes under the thwarts along one side. Need to make sure they follow the inside edge of the canoe to stay out of the way of packs, clumsy partners, etc. No mishaps so far, but I never feel trusting enough to bring my better rods. (And, I only own 1-piece rods, much to my canoe buddies' puzzlement.) You need to watch that you don't rub the rod directly on any aluminum, either -- wrap a little tape at those contact points, too.

I'm certainly open to better ideas, especially since our present 'solution' pretty much eliminates fishing en route.

[iffwalleyes]

I have a plano as mentioned and they are nice because they are extendable but you can't leave the reel on them. So that can kind of be a pain in the butt.

[Duffman]

It seems to be a hassle no matter how you bring rods up to the BW. Most of the time I bring a rod case that holds 5-6 rods, most of my rods are around 7', so that extended rod case does get in the way a lot. But you don't have to worry as much about rod damage vs going caseless. This past spring I took 2 two piece rods (5.5' and 9'), and just bungeed them to the thwarts, after twenty portages we just had some bent guides, I was expecting a snapped tip at some point, but we took extra care around the rods. With the rod case I'll bring my nicer rods, if I'm going caseless, I tend to bring rods that wouldn't bring me down if they broke. I also would suggest one of the plano rod cases, that way you can include your partners rods as well.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Quote:

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PVC pipe. Glue a cap on one end and an adapter/threaded cap on the other. It's not the lightest, but it's not too heavy and your rods will be safe. I put foam in the ends to protect the tips, too. Then, you can bungee cord it to the braces in the canoe.

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That is exactly what I have used for years, you can buy the lighter duty pvc pipe,(not sched. 40) that will make the tube lighter.

Cliff

[schweady]

What size PVC pipe do you use, for how many rods? I suppose half as many for 2-piece broken down, too? And the reels have to come off, also?

[Ralph Wiggum]

YOu have to take the reels of in mine, but you could maybe figure out a system with bungees or something to strap them in so the PVC just covers the rods. I used 4" pipe and it'll fit 6 or so rods.

[Powerstroke]

I think ralph is onto something. Maybe if you use a section of pipe that covers all of the rod down to the reels. That way you protect the vulverable part but don't have to remove reels.

I'm gonna have to experiment with it this weekend. Our Bdub trip is July 8th so I've got a few days to rig something up.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Post some pictures if you work it out. I've got some ideas, but it's tough to know how it will work out until you do it.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Powerstroke,

I did some playing around after thinking and I've got a system that should work pretty well. I modified my existing case. Here's what I've got:

Originally, I built a case to hold just the rods, so I had a section of 4" PVC sewer and drain pipe (the thin-walled stuff) that was long enough for all my rods. On one end, I glued a cap that had an inch of foam in it (to protect rod tips). On the other end, I glued an adapter so I could put a screw cap on the end. Then, on the inside of the screw cap, I again put the foam for protection. It worked great, but you always had to take your reels off.

So, I modified it a bit and now have a convertable case that can hold complete rods or rod/reel combos.

I cut off part of the permanently capped end because it doesn't need to be that long anymore (just long enough for the distance from the rod tip to the reel). I saved the extra piece and glued a coupler on it so when I want to store complete rods, I can make it long enough again. Then, I just slid a cap on the end, but left it just pressure fit so it is easily removable (no foam needed-the tips will never touch this). Then, on the other end, I removed the screw cap. I drilled some small holes around the ridge of the adapter (see 2nd picture to make this idea clearer). Now, you can just slide your rods in as far as they'll go. Then, I hold the rods in by securing them with mini-bungee cords hooked into the holes I drilled. It works pretty slick. This would strap pretty easily inside of a canoe.

Hope this helps you!

[Ralph Wiggum]

Oops, just noticed that you went on your trip already, but I hope someone else can use this idea!

[traveler]

Great minds think alike! My tubes are the thin wall, yours look like the thinck variety. Exact same litte bungees...but mine are alway used with the reels attached (lazy?) so they don't "convert". Cheap, light, easy.

[Ralph Wiggum]

The tube is thin-walled, but the threaded adapter is pretty thick.

[Powerstroke]

I did go on my trip sans any rod protection. I was very careful and my heart jumped a few times when my rods were hit by the duluth pack, but they are safe and sound.

I really like your idea and it is exactly what I was invisioning. Now I'll put it together.

[ocf]

One word....... BAZOOKA

[Ralph Wiggum]

LOL, that'd be one huge potato gun

[Polar Bear]

Buy a 2 piece Ugly-Stik. The things are cheap and nearly indestructible. If you lash to the canoe or carry them in a free hand it won't matter how you treat them, you will not have a problem. I always make sure there is one extra reel for the group but have only needed it on one occasion.

When in the back country simplicity is very important. Nothing is simpler or more trouble free than an Ugly Stik. While canoeing, my expensive rods stay home.

[Ralph Wiggum]

True, but I like my case for whenever I have a load of stuff or even a load of people with. I figure that you can never be too careful.

[schweady]

Ugly Stiks certainly are trouble-free. No fish, no troubles. I can remember bringing in a fiberglass with a Zebco 202 because "YOU SURE DON'T WANT TO BRING ANY GOOD STUFF IN THERE WITH YOU..." Think of the fish missed... Hey, I'm not currently inclined to take my Loomis and Stradic combo to the BDub, but with the right protection, I might be tempted. Bring on any more good ideas; I go in on Saturday.

<ducking from onslaught of flying pro-Ugly posts>

[Powerstroke]

I bought a rod holder that clamps to the gunwales of the canoe. It worked fantastic for trolling or drifting. I caught many fish that way and it really helps with locating fish on a new lake.I bought it from Piragis outfitters in Ely. That have a online catalogue too. It was around $20 and the people who laughed at me before the trip thought I was a genius by the end of our trip.

[Polar Bear]

I suppose I'm biased against rod carriers for the same reason I refuse to carry an anchor: ease of portages. If you enjoy making 3 trips per portage then go ahead with the rod tube, anchor, depth finder, beer cooler etc.

I personally enjoy the trip more by portaging less gear. Its just a personal preference. In my opinion, one trip per portage is the goal, but I understand the folks who want more luxuries.

[schweady]

Powerstroke and Polar Bear are BOTH right. Weight is critical. Portages are made ridiculous by guys bringing too much stuff. But fishing is fun, especially with the right tools. With those thoughts in mind, I have worked very hard at paring down all my other items so that I can splurge somewhat on the fishing-related things. The new toys I've made room for this trip: an ExpeditionC gps RAM-mounted on the thwart, Marcum LX-i depth finder, and Tite-Lok rod holder for trolling. The rod tubes will probably wait again for another time.