Protective Case for Ice Rods

[michiganoutdoorsman]

How many guys use them? I'm going to get one just not sure which ones are good, so if you guys have any recommendations post them here! I need one after snapping my Thorne Bros Quiverstick. Not a cheap fix to send it back  I'm not picky, I just want one that can hold at least 2 and maybe up to 4 or 6.

[carver1]

I have a clam one ( I think it is clam) that is hard cloth/leather like... I would prefer a hard side but it is nice, I have not broke any rods since owning it... I also like that when I am open ice fishing I can set stuff on it while open... Like tie my line, set bait, tackle box etc... Helps keep things dry and out of the snow

 I am all for them

[C P]

I've had $h!t luck with any of the zip up ones. Just don't seem to hold up in the cold well.

2 gun Plano hard plastic case with the foam inserts works well.

[esoxer]

Super happy with the Eagle Claw Ice Rod hard sided case. I can hold 6 ice rod & reel combos as well as room for about 5 plano boxes. I know Northwoods Outlet in Pinconning had a bunch last I was there, and fortunately they were way up top so nobody could reach them, so they might still be there 

[Wgorby]

Have used the Plano gun cases in the past...bought a Striker case this summer.  Obviously have yet to try it but since I can sling it over my shoulder it will be easier to haul around than the gun cases.

[Mittenman]

I tried several cases until settling on a Frabil Heavy Duty Ice Rod Case. It came down to that or the otter case but I didn't like that the Otter has a non folding carry handle making it a bit bulkier. Frabil is owned by Plano and Plano also markets the same case sometimes cheaper under the Plano name as an AR rifle case. I was looking for a larger rod case for two rods there may be other good cases on the market.

[michiganoutdoorsman]

Thanks for the replies guys! I'm weighing my options on them all right now, I like the look of that Frabill one.

[zoombaiter25]

Started with soft cases and slowly upgraded to a more rigid gander rod bag. Still looking to go to a hard case this year and the Eagle Claw case has my attention. Don't waste time with the bags/soft cases

[chilly-willy]

Tried soft cases buckets etc was looking at the hard cases to and came across this seen at link for $59.88 plus TaX and shipping.. might be too short for your rods or perfet only you will know.. broke plenty of rods in my flip over with them in a bucket.. thinking this but I think it take up way to much room for my one man frabill recon..


http://www.cabelas.com/product/kolpin-reg-stronghold-ice-rod-boot/2171443.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2F%3FN%3D1102820%26No%3D72%26Ns%3DCATEGORY_SEQ_105778980%26WTz_st%3D%26WTz_stype%3DSP%26recordsPerPage%3D18

[hardwater diehard]

I've had the Striker Ice transporter bag for several seasons...holds 5 rods in tubes...EZPZ in out ..also has a large storage space for another rod(s) ...hats gloves tackle...etc ...along w/4 zippered outer pockets ...utility boxes etc ...I also just got the 4 rod bag...designed to fit around the handle bars of an ATV.

[DaveSS1]

I don't know if there is one perfect ice case/bag.  There are some many thing to consider like rod length, type of reel, weight, size, etc. 

The gun cases are great but some of them are way to bulky but if you got the room,go for it, but from $75-100 they are somewhat pricey.  If you compromise and getting a smaller one like the plano take down shotgun case ($35) they work great but then you are limited if you have any straight line reels in particular, eagle claw, CGI, and BB 6061 or freefall. as the case is too narrow and you cant shut the case without crushing your reel.
The otter case is nice but like others say the handle does not fold and its rather bulky and around $80-100

The standard rod bags are somewhat limited and unless you have a way to protect the rods you can be putting yourself at risk unless you are really careful.  Some guys have no problems, others like myself do.

Currently I am trying to slim down my collection and looking for that one "catch all" bag that I can use.  My proposed solution so far has been the Cabelas Tundra ice bag that I got on markdown at the end of last season.  It is overall around 38" in length, has reinforced sides (very similar to the clam deluxe bag), and has 1 long side pockets for tip ups/scoop, and 3 pockets for tackle boxes, etc.  It can hold rods up to 36", maybe longer  Legitimately holds 8 rods.  The trick is to use Florescent light bulb covers and cut them down to size and knotch out roughly a 1/4"x3" for the reel to see.  I then use HD Velcro to keep in place which is not necessary on most rods but figured its not a bad idea.  I covered any cut edges with electrical tape and used a small piece of the fuzzy side Velcro where the line passes through as not to compromise the line.  Check google as that is where I stole my idea.  Just make sure to get the larger diameter tube to accomodate the rod better.  I like the light bulb cover because you can see what your rod is doing any make sure you don't have the tip bent, etc and the fact that I can grab a few smaller rods and put into my standard size bag if I am going to fish someplace where I only use 1-2 poles ready to go but protected.  I know there is a few manufactures making nice PVC like rod tubes but you are limited in size and again cant see the rod tip in storage.  I am still in the process and will share some pics when complete.  I guess the only downfall I see with my setup is that the light bulb covers are light and could blow away if not carefull   So far I can get 8 rods, 2 beaver dams, 3 jig boxes, hand warmers, and probably more.   Hopefully you can understand my ramble.

[BK105]

Check out Cabelas, Frabil-7020 hard case, holds 8 to 10 rigs, 42" long, free shipping, & $79.99- just ordered 1.

[3300]

ganders is 70$ and heavy. i had one in my hand. it had a broken zipper pull and they offered 10% off. not what i want.

i do use rod slicks over all of my rods to keep tangles away. i use the bungee on the bottom to keep the reel handle from turning. i just position the handle to point up the rod.
i think it is enough protection for me being i kept getting tangles before i started using them. i just toss them into a bucket i modified to be taller. i keep at least 6 rods in it. i liked the ones from sportsmans guide because they are black. i have some blue clams, but i don't like them as well. one of those has a bad pinch/spring lock new from the package.

some thing i found that helps, is to push the jig ito the bottom of the rod and into the foam. those bait keeper loops just don't cut it and they would get caught in the rod sleeves.

[DaveSS1]

Check out Cabelas, Frabil-7020 hard case, holds 8 to 10 rigs, 42" long, free shipping, & $79.99- just ordered 1.

That is a nice setup.  If I didn't get my Tundra for so cheap I might of considered this.  Time will tell.