Rod Floats

[papajoe222]

My favorite cranking combo is a custom MHX CB843 stick paired with a TD Sol.  I got hung on a deadfall, set the combo on deck and was extending my lure retriever when the wind kicked up and pushed the boat. The combo went overboard and was slowly sinking. I caught it with the lure retriever and it's no worse for the experience.  I, however, needed a blood pressure check. I'm contemplating getting rod floats in case I'm not so lucky next time.  I don't like the butt cap style and am wondering if anyone uses the ones that wrap around the blank in front of the foregrip?  Recommendations please.  

[Cbump]

I recommend pressing the button before sitting the rod down and not ugly-ing up your setup with a float. 

[GRiver]

Papajoe222 I’ve been checking in to them too, I almost lost three rods at once because I didn’t secure them laying on deck.  One bounce and they were hanging by the reel on the gunwale. Didn’t lose them but it was close.

I haven’t  found anything that wasn’t a huge or a big float on the butt of the reel.

I was looking at some DYI stuff and pool noodles or, pipe insulation were used forward of the reel. Some were trimmed or an angle was put edges at a nice stylish rake.

I really didn’t fall in love with any of them.
I don’t have top of the line gear, but I like what I’ve got and would hate to lose it to Davie Jone’s locker.

Let us know on what you picked.

[Jmilburn76]

I recently added pipe insulation and zip-ties to my bait casting combos. It doesnt look pretty but I know Im good if I drop one off my kayak. I did test one out to make sure it would float. The only issue is it moves fairly easy up and down on the rods and little pieces tear off as well. For the peace of mind and cost Im ok with redoing them if I have to.

 

 I have thought about using heat-shrink over it to make it compact, look better and keep it from moving but the large size needed to go over it cost too much.

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, Jmilburn76 said:

I have thought about using heat-shrink over it to make it compact, look better and keep it from moving but the large size needed to go over it cost too much.

If you squeeze the insulation down, you remove most of it's flotation properties as you'll remove the air pockets.

[Jweller]

I use the ugly pool noodle floats on my rods for the kayak.  Yeah they look stupid, but not looking cool is way better than watching another combo sink to the bottom of the lake.

[Jmilburn76]

28 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

If you squeeze the insulation down, you remove most of it's flotation properties as you'll remove the air pockets.

I would only need it to keep the combo from sinking instantly to give me enough time to pick it up out of the water. Ill never try it though due to the heat shrink cost.

[ghost123123]

Cabelas and Bass ProShops sell float devices for rods, come in a pack of 3. Can be a pain but if you get them positioned correctly they do not interfere with bait casters or spinning reels. Can’t recall the price but much cheaper than replacing a rod & reel. Good luck in your search, hope you find something. I got them because I lost a $300.00 setup to a hard strike and sun screen on my hands. Worst case of juggling I have ever done, pretty helpless feeling watching your setup swim to the bottom of the river.

[padlin]

Some boat insurance policies can have fishing equipment added to them.

 

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/39550-fishing-gear-insurance/

[Crow Horse]

13 hours ago, Jmilburn76 said:

I recently added pipe insulation and zip-ties to my bait casting combos. It doesnt look pretty but I know Im good if I drop one off my kayak. I did test one out to make sure it would float. The only issue is it moves fairly easy up and down on the rods and little pieces tear off as well. For the peace of mind and cost Im ok with redoing them if I have to.

 

 I have thought about using heat-shrink over it to make it compact, look better and keep it from moving but the large size needed to go over it cost too much.

A better option is to leash your rods, or for that matter, anything worthwhile that doesn't float. Virtually everything is leashed on my yak. It might be a little inconvenient at times, but they offset that inconvenience when they save a valuable item.

 

I use Neverlost leashes. Super high quality and they are available in several configurations.....

[Phil77]

6 hours ago, ghost123123 said:

Cabelas and Bass ProShops sell float devices for rods, come in a pack of 3. Can be a pain but if you get them positioned correctly they do not interfere with bait casters or spinning reels. Can’t recall the price but much cheaper than replacing a rod & reel. Good luck in your search, hope you find something. I got them because I lost a $300.00 setup to a hard strike and sun screen on my hands. Worst case of juggling I have ever done, pretty helpless feeling watching your setup swim to the bottom of the river.

I've used those and they work ok. You can find the real thin pool noodles and make your own then secure with zip ties.

[Jmilburn76]

10 hours ago, Crow Horse said:

A better option is to leash your rods, or for that matter, anything worthwhile that doesn't float. Virtually everything is leashed on my yak. It might be a little inconvenient at times, but they offset that inconvenience when they save a valuable item.

 

I use Neverlost leashes. Super high quality and they are available in several configurations.....

I have made my own lanyards with cable cuffs, the problem is I have had a stroke and my left hand doesnt completely work so its very difficult to release and attach the rods out of my Blackpak. 

[Crow Horse]

13 hours ago, Jmilburn76 said:

I have made my own lanyards with cable cuffs, the problem is I have had a stroke and my left hand doesnt completely work so its very difficult to release and attach the rods out of my Blackpak. 

Off the top of my head I can't think of a connector that is usable one handed. Maybe those velcro wire management strips or snap hooks/trigger snaps? It might take some trial and error.........

Edited September 1, 2022 by Crow Horse