Opinions on ice rod/reel cases.

Hi All,
I am wondering what you all think are the best ice rod/reel protective cases or systems. I mostly use ultra light noodle sticks with either mostly in-line reels for panfish. I transport and store them in 5 gallon buckets. They do take a beating sometimes and I have broken a couple. Been rather luckly actually. Wondering what you all use. I normally take 4 or 6 rods with me so I do not have to retie often to use a different bait. Guess I cannot get the bass fisherman out of me. Not that I would try. Thanks for you opinions and help. Be safe!

I have the eagle claw one and love it.

For me I use 1000 sized reels which are bigger they do not seem to fit well in any hard case I can find I’m using a 8 rod bag 2 one each side works ok not as stiff as plastic but better. Lately I just take 2 with me and put them in the rod holders on the Helix maybe not ideal but I seem to have less issues out in the open then I do struggling to get them out of the case. If they could make them about 2 inches deeper would be great the Otter case is really nice but spendy and my fish house weighs less than the case does The eagle claw is nice but when it got cold the latch snapped was able to return it.

this is what ive used for 2 winters now and i love mine. i can fit 6 combos in there easily and 7-8 combos if i really stuffed them in there. they were just on sale the other day for $120. im sure they will be on sale again sometime soon

https://www.scheels.com/p/scheels-outfitters-ultimate-2.0-ice-combo-case/24099-FRBI8422S.html#q=ice%2Brod%2Bcase&lang=en_US&start=1

I was doing a bit of looking myself and the frabill one was the only decently priced one ($70) that would accommodate longer rods (36″+) that I found local. The other cases stop at about 35″. I’m pondering the idea of buying it but they’re just bulky for being in the sled.

The otter case if you want the most protection. But not cheap. The Scheels one is ok, I didn’t like it because it wasn’t deep enough and I don’t need tackle storage. The eagle claw one is ok, not very thick.

The Eagle Claw is pretty good.

However I still find that going back to a bucket system is still useful. Just some added modification like a bucket buddy sleeve or maybe a few pvc tubes does a lot of useful changes.

I think the Eagle Claw is a really good case, and the best value for sure. $29 at Fleet Farm during the Black Friday sale. I returned the Scheel’s case last year since it was not deep enough for reels to hang straight down, therefore not allowing it to hold as many rods – no chance with my in-line reels. Plus it was HEAVY. I get 7 spinning rod/reel combos in the Eagle Claw if I put them in with care. 8 combos is not impossible, but the reel handles and bails have to be in just the right position, and I’m not that patient at the end of a day of fishing. I think I could make 9 fit if I flip the foam over and strategically cut my own notches.
The latch on the Eagle Claw is a weak link, it’s kind of a thinner, more brittle plastic that is not ideal for cold weather, but I could tell that the very first time I opened it when I got it home. The latch also does not open as easily as it should, so I shaved the lip down just a hair to make it easier to open/close. I also modified the foam inserts slightly.
Even at $45 full price, it’s a good case. If you can get it for closer to $30, it’s a great deal.

I use 36 inch rods and longer so I started with the eagle claw. As stated earlier, its a fantastic value. I upgraded rods and sold my eagle claw for the Otter. Both the eagle claw and Otter are deep enough for 1000 reels. The Otter is the case for me. I dont worry about it taking a beating and all the rods go in easy without having to solve puzzles.

Lakes n rivers hard aluminum box holds 4 combos nice up to 32, 90 bucks at fleet farm.
Or I have the scheels 2.0 loke Cole posted. I like it, but it’s big. Holds my longer 34 and 36 inch rods

I have used Striker case for several years after trying many others. Can carry 5 rods in protected sleeves, has good amount of storage, and like you can can carry like back pack or store away the straps — great case with great protection and light weight vs hard side

I have used fly rod cases for years I’m suprised now one else has mentioned them. You can get them in all lengths and they are small. I use the 2 rod ones and label them by species panfish, walleye etc.. They come in different lengths, I use the 30″ to 38″ ones.

I find this safer than a bucket. But way handier than fishing out of a rod case, on day trips. My eyes are getting worse. Hands with arthritis, fingers that got too close to the table saw. I tie up 6 or 8 rods. If I break off or want a different lure, just grab another rod. Then retie at home with good light and warm fingers. I have an Otter case for road trips. But set up in the create when I get there. Otter case also doubles as a great AR rifle case.

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I have 2 of the Plano AW2 hard gun cases. You do have to fold down reel handles. I found mine on sale from time to time on Amazon for $55-65. This is the same as the Scheels case minus the rod storage inserts. Great case for the money. Available in 32”,36”, and 42”.

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gonehunting wrote:

I have 2 of the Plano AW2 hard gun cases. You do have to fold down reel handles. I found mine on sale from time to time on Amazon for $55-65. This is the same as the Scheels case minus the rod storage inserts. Great case for the money. Available in 32”,36”, and 42”.

I used to use a 36″ plano AW2; switched to the eagle claw boxes. Lighter and easier to store both rods and tackle in. I have two of them now; 6 or 7 rods in each one.

David Shanvunhueisn wrote:

I have used Striker case for several years after trying many others. Can carry 5 rods in protected sleeves, has good amount of storage, and like you can can carry like back pack or store away the straps — great case with great protection and light weight vs hard side

Good luck with that case. I broke a couple noodle rods because of its poorly thought out design (fabric inside of tubes). Pockets ripped. I gave it away.

gonehunting wrote:

I have 2 of the Plano AW2 hard gun cases. You do have to fold down reel handles. I found mine on sale from time to time on Amazon for $55-65. This is the same as the Scheels case minus the rod storage inserts. Great case for the money. Available in 32”,36”, and 42”.

x2 – Have the 42″ with the pluckable foam. Disagree on foldable handles. Works perfectly fine if your reels don’t have them. I’d be shocked to see them under $60 again though…

My wife used to work for Pelican so I ended up getting a really nice Pelican Vault case for a great price. Retail on them was so high I never would’ve considered getting one without the discount.

Now I see some of these rod cases are now up around $250. This is more than the retail cost of my Pelican case and the Pelican case is 1000 times better quality.

If you want something nice for a comparable price, I’d be looking at Pelican or Plano and customizing the foam interior. There’s a lot more size options with the rifle cases too.

I’ve had most of the cases out there and for taking out on the ice I’ve been most impressed with the 2B Fishing cases. Lightweight, have hard plastic tubes to protect rods, good sized pockets for storage, and can be carried by handle or slung over back. Made in 2 lengths (up to 36″ and up to 46″). For traveling on longer trips I use one of the hard cases (Eagle Claw or Scheels).

Not at all looking for debate as not sure if my version is older or newer but the version I have does not have fabric in tubes — just plastic tube that has protected rods including noodles for me. The pockets on the side have held up well to put jig boxes in and I carry an assortment of stuff in the center storage area – it works great for carrying the small round buddy heater.

Again, just my experience….

I have a rain check currently for another Plano AW2 36” at Fleet Farm for $56. They had a sale the end of October. I’m guessing supply and demand will drive prices in the future.

I did notice Scheels had some of theirs IN STOCK. That’s huge now days.

Thank you all. This gives me good ideas.

Has anyone tried the Trophy Angler Black Widow hard sided case? I saw them at L&M last night for $99. Trying to decide between that and a Plano AW gun case. Thanks

David Shanvunhueisn wrote:

Not at all looking for debate as not sure if my version is older or newer but the version I have does not have fabric in tubes — just plastic tube that has protected rods including noodles for me. The pockets on the side have held up well to put jig boxes in and I carry an assortment of stuff in the center storage area – it works great for carrying the small round buddy heater.

Again, just my experience….

Glad to see they took my advice and removed the fabric after I told them about my experience.

The Scheels one is nice but I think the area that reels fit is too short. If you actually have 42″ rods the butt, behind the reel seat, is probably going to be longer too. If the butt is too long the reel won’t hang in the open area and you have to take them off.

CaptainMusky wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>David Shanvunhueisn wrote:</div>
Not at all looking for debate as not sure if my version is older or newer but the version I have does not have fabric in tubes — just plastic tube that has protected rods including noodles for me. The pockets on the side have held up well to put jig boxes in and I carry an assortment of stuff in the center storage area – it works great for carrying the small round buddy heater.

Again, just my experience….

Glad to see they took my advice and removed the fabric after I told them about my experience.

My wife got me one of these for x mas last year, this one does not have the fabric either. I like it so far but not a ton of use out of it yet. Holds a good amount of tackle, gear, etc.

Nice set up Steven

I also use the AW2 Plano case. It works great for my inline reels, I think I have 6-7 combos in it plus room for a spare reel, also some reel maintenance tools and lube. Few extra spools of line. My rod and reels don’t move in it. I paid 60 for mine a few years ago.

Eskimo has a new case out that looks sweet, kinda a smaller Stryker case.