Best Rod Bag

Sorry if this topic has been beaten to death. I looked back six pages and didn’t see anything.

I’m looking for a new Rod Bag. I’m not interested in a hard-sided box and I don’t want to fold down the reels.

I’ve seen a couple soft bags that are pretty basic. No reinforcements at all and still wanted $25-30 bucks for litterally just a bag. My old Lindy Bag had a super light weight plastic tube and then tapered to a soft padded area for the handles, but it’s finally worn out. Looking for something similar.

Can anybody suggest a good soft-sided rod bag?

I found this two be a good bag for 4-5 rod with handles not folded. Nice carry strap and not bulky. Clam Rod Locker

Attachments:

1. 

   Clam-Rod-Locker.jpg
   

Thanks. Is that Clam Rod Locker divided inside or just open space?

There is velcro inserts so that you can put tackle trays in it. However they can be removed and lay the center divider down so that you can use all of the space for rods.

Attachments:

1. 

   Clam-Rod-Locker-2.jpg
   

You should really think about a hard case. I know you said no. But they are really a investment saver. Mine was some how ran over with a wheeler the other day and has some major road burn. But not a single rod was affected. It was a lakes and rivers fleet farm brand. 69 bucks.

Crazy how expensive some of this stuff is. Bearcat, was that after a few beers (or more)? LOL

x2 on the clam rod locker. I like mine. It can only hold 30 – 32″ rods though.

gonehunting wrote:

I found this two be a good bag for 4-5 rod with handles not folded. Nice carry strap and not bulky. Clam Rod Locker

I went to this exact hybrid case. So far I’m happy with it. It’s rigid enough to pack into a sled and not worry much about it. I had the eagle claw hard case and switched. That was a great bargain and protected rods, but did not fit in a 1-man portable sled whatsoever.

Just an observation on soft rod bags. I have quite a few friends that use various brands and they all function well for the over all purpose. However, they are prone to absorbing water and can remain wet most of the season. I see guys needing to bring them in the house, empty and place in front of a heat vent to dry out.

lindyrig79 wrote:

Crazy how expensive some of this stuff is. Bearcat, was that after a few beers (or more)? LOL

It fell off my rack on the journey across the lake and a buddy behind me missed it but the guy behind him used it as a speed bump.

It’s a freak thing for me to have anything happen to my rod box. But in that exact spot if my rods were in a rod bag then 6 rods would have been destroyed and the reels.

I can’t suggest any good ones but I can suggest some expensive ones.

Seriously though, consider a hard sided case. Again, I know you said no but they offer so much more protection.

In my opinion, if your gonna use a bag, just make some pvc tubes the length of your rods and use a duffle bag. Cheaper and virtually the same thing.

When I’m trying to protect $500 worth of custom combos, a hard case is all I’ll ever use. Gun cases are a great less expensive alternative to most hard-sided rod cases.

The best rod bag is one that’s in the trash can, IMO. But if that’s what you require, the Clam one is about the only one I would even consider. It offers quite a bit more protection compared to standard rod bags.

You can find Frabill or Plano rod boxes for pretty cheap.

Cabela’s tundra. Works nice for me. Up to 36” rods. Soft sided with support.

Bearcat89 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>lindyrig79 wrote:</div>
Crazy how expensive some of this stuff is. Bearcat, was that after a few beers (or more)? LOL

It fell off my rack on the journey across the lake and a buddy behind me missed it but the guy behind him used it as a speed bump.

I wasn’t trying to make fun….. I’ve had a few things damaged after a few beers. But most of the stuff I can think of would have happened if we were stone cold sober too.

And thanks for the info guys…… not sure what to do but I’m sure I’ll manage…..

I have one nearly identical as the Trophy Angler 8 rod bag (just branded differently) that I really like. You’d likely have to fold down the reel handles if you’re packing 8 rods in there, but if you only had 4 you’d probably not need to. I really like having the pockets on the sides for tackle boxes and other stuff. I don’t have expensive rods and don’t go baja-ing across a lake on a sled so no need for a hard case, not to mention the large size of them.

I can never get links to work right, but search “Trophy Angler Deluxe 8 Rod Ice Bag” and you’ll find it.

I wasn’t trying to make fun….. I’ve had a few things damaged after a few beers. But most of the stuff I can think of would have happened if we were stone cold sober too.
[/quote]

No worries. I usually am having a few (20) Busch lights and messing all my stuff up. Not sure you read my post about throwing my phone on the table and it went down a ice hole last week lol. Jokes on me that time.
But in all seriousness where are the Busch lights? I drank them all last night?

I would look at the eagle claw hard cases. I love mine, I can store 6 rods easily and it is deep enough to fit things like tackle, tools, plastics. Plus they are a pretty good “bang for your buck.”

Croxton softside been working for me for years. Knock on wood, so far, no broken rods.

Note, my rod case is treated with #1 regard from the moment it leaves the house.

Had a hard case once, not for me. Way too clumsy for my desire to travel light and efficient. Ymmv

The best rod bag is a hard side case, specifically an otter box

Check out expeditionoutdoors.com. They have a few soft cases. I’ve got the backpack and am pretty happy with it. Converts to just a case too.

Fishman769 wrote:

I would look at the eagle claw hard cases. I love mine, I can store 6 rods easily and it is deep enough to fit things like tackle, tools, plastics. Plus they are a pretty good “bang for your buck.”

That’s what I went to this year as well. So far really happy with it. Like Fishman said, it is deep enough to fit other stuff in it. I actually carry extra reel spools for different uses. So if I’m in the wheelhouse I have a braid spool, heading out for walleye I have an 8lb that I can put on, chasing pannies grab the 2lb spool. I can fit my 36in rods in there. Plus for 40 bucks it is a lot cheaper then some of the others.

I bought a soft case and love it. But as Randy pointed out, it can get wet. Not an issue if you store it inside.

I bought a Thorne bro soft case which holds 4 rods, two tip ups, and two pouches for tackle and supplies. I don’t see it available but Vexan sells one very similar.

https://www.amazon.com/Vexan-Fishing-Tackle-36-5-Semi/dp/B074CM2PKY/ref=asc_df_B074CM2PKY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242016717561&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13265559003962267872&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019691&hvtargid=pla-454479520067&psc=1

I also purchased some pvc tubes that Velcro to inside the case. All four of my custom rods have been in there for over 5 years and never broke one.

Kurt Turner wrote:

Had a hard case once, not for me. Way too clumsy for my desire to travel light and efficient. Ymmv

For some reason this is how I feel too. I just want to open a zipper and slide a rod out as needed. Not fumble around with a big box and open the whole thing up each time I swap out a rod.

To each their own I guess…… but I do appreciate all the input!

I know it’s not a soft side bag but I like my Flambeau box I got last year. The top is padded unlike the Eagle Claw one. I can fit four combos in it without folding the handles.

Attachments:

1. 

   E1DDA39B-F02C-43C6-B0CF-EF5C6F01DAAA.jpeg
   

2. 

   D0B0319E-3642-4D09-BF05-143CC6CF3740.jpeg
   

What you are looking for is the Rapala Double Barrel rod bag. I now own 2 of them. They can handle a decent amount of rods, just slide them in. They have PVC in the tubes to protect the rods and they also have 2 storage bags on the sides. I can carry by the handle or adjust the strap and throw over my shoulder.