Rod Box Organizer

[Deitz Dittrich]

Ok... I have a rod box organizer that holds 9 rods on my passenger side of the boat. I plan on turning the what is now dry storage on the drivers side into more rod storage. Has anybody bought an aftermarket rod organizer or made your own that really works well to fit into a bass boat rod well?

I also this winter hope to cut my front deck and put the recessed t-moter foot well in. Should be fun!

[Sproguy]

Foot pedal deal is way easier then you think it is going to be! Scary as all get out when you have a huge hole in your boat but once you get by the sweats it is actually really easy.

As far as the rod locker deal goes, I played with several and couldn't get one to fit. I was looking for one with oval tubes for spinning rods. I couldn't find one that was well built or at very least fit in my drivers side box. So I did what I ended up thinking was actually easier, cheaper and allowed for WAY more rods. I bought the rod socks from Cabelas. Gander also has them so does all the major companies. Worked out great and now I have close to 20 extra rods in that side and haven't had a single issue with tangles as long as I remember to put the socks back on before putting them away. Thought it would be a major pain each time but it goes really fast.

[Fluker]

Deitz, have you seen the thread over on the Cat board about this. The one the guy made himself looked pretty slick. Some thick hard plastic, golf tubes, etc and wa la.

Dude, you need more than 9 rods?

[Deitz Dittrich]

Spro-Do you have problems with your reels getting beat up because they are hitting each other on each wave while one plane? Thats what I worry about.. The sleeves dont protect the reel do they, only the rods from getting tangled~ Right?

Fluke- dude, way more than 9... Whats the point of haveing a gazillion rods if you can only bring 9? LOL. BTW I did see that post.. Might have to go that way, I didn't want to have to make somethign my self, as I stink at that kind of thing... way better at buying stuffs. IF I do end up making something myself, I will post picts.

[Sproguy]

Deitz, I haven't seen any adverse effects on the reels. Perhaps they aren't bouncing together as bad as you might think or perhaps I've gotten really lucky. Or, perhaps all my equipment is junk and it doesn't matter!

I haven't seen anything to make me think it would be a long term problem. Mostly because the reels don't touch as much as you might think is my theory. I think there is so much bulk going on that the reels have a tough time pounding together. Plus it seems like they lay kind of staggered naturally so that you can fit more rods in.

[Craigums]

Why would you need so many rod/reels set up? Is it just to save time switching baits? I can't imagine needing more than 3 setups...But I used to do camera work for a pro bass guy and he always head tons of rod/reels set up too...

[Bullwinkle]

Deitz,

What happened to buying that Bass Cat that you talked about?

[Deitz Dittrich]

Craigums-Each application(IE Texas rig, spinnerbait, crankbait, carolina rig, flipping rig, skipping/dock rod, frog rod....ect, ect,ect....) all work optimum under different rod lengths/actions/ line weight... I do have a few rods that are exactly the same but different line weights and such... but for instance, I would never thing of throwing a crankbait or spinnerbait on my texas rig rod... just would not be comfortable.

Bull-Had a chit chat with my finacial advisor(otherwise known as a wife) and looking at facts, decided to wait another year. I couldnt afford what I really wanted, so rather than compromise, going to make a few upgrades to the boat I have now (recessed t-mot pedal, new depthfinder, rod storage) and keep it another year then not have to compromise... The cat will have to wait... I can still dream about it though.. LOL

[Sproguy]

Deitz, just curious, where did you plan on buying this Cat? I have been hoping and hoping that a local dealer would come to MSP but no luck as of late! That boat totally rocks! Great brand and great product but no local dealer,

[Deitz Dittrich]

There is 1 dealer in MN up in Park Rapids and a couple over in WI, but they dont carry much in stock... I always keep my eye on used boat webpages... there are quite a few good used boat pages on the net... I check em all... I am pretty much sold on a Puma or PIV, but could be happy with a Cougar as well... A Puma would be my dream boat however... Not that I dont like my Triton.. just a little more storage and length would be nice. I do however feel that BassCat is making the best bass boat on the market today. Just looks like it may be another year before I join the family.

[Sproguy]

Well Deitz I'm with you on joining the family! My next boat will be a Bass Cat Puma with a 225 ETEC unless Cat or Evinrude is making something that I can't live without.

A good friend of mine runs a PIV and it is a killer ride! So either one will be good choice!

[Deitz Dittrich]

As stated, the Puma is my dream, and I will have one someday... Fluker has a PIV, and is one sweet ride as well.

[Fluker]

I love my Cat. Even more so, I love the way I'm treated by BassCat. Whether a Cat is the BEST, boat on the market (I think it is, but I'm biased), it's the best boat to own.

I know of a Puma and a PIV up Tonka way, and a PIV over by Lacrosse.

I know it's tough to find a dealer up here. I actually didn't think there were any certified dealers in MN. Surprised to hear that from Deitz. But anyway, if ANYONE is interested in buying one, I'd be more than happy in trying to get you a ride in mine. I've given test rides to 3 people (in MN) interested in a Cat. 2 of them now own a Cat, and I'm working oN Deitz.