Since all these great high-end custom rods cost a pretty penny how are you guys protecting them during transportation? I have an Older style rod case but want something smaller. Any suggestions? Preferably something that is not huge my main concern is protecting the rod itself.
how many do you plan on transporting at a time and how long are they
I use a bucket lol works fine for me. I’ve had a plano xl hard case (too bulky) and a few tube style cases that were only good for 1-2 rods. some of the larger soft side cases are a very good option if you have upto 4 rods
If you use a bucket, loosen the drag(s) when traveling.
Never use a bucket. There are several rod cases. There was a recent thread about this you can look for but otter cases are awesome but bulky. There are a few if you look that should fit 4-6 rod combo’s. I use a trophy hunter hybrid hard shell. I added a link to it in the other thread if you care to look.
I bought 2 of these. Only pack whats needed per trip. Holds 6 longer rods at a time
https://www.scheels.com/p/scheels-outfitters-ultimate-2.0-ice-combo-case/08227100172.html
how many do you plan on transporting at a time and how long are they
I use a bucket lol works fine for me. I’ve had a plano xl hard case (too bulky) and a few tube style cases that were only good for 1-2 rods. some of the larger soft side cases are a very good option if you have upto 4 rods
No kidding on bulky. I wish I could find something similar to the older Otter Sportsman case but 2 inches longer.
I have 9 customs including two 36″ snares, plus some higher end name brand rods. I use 2 of these cases. They occasionally can be had for under $30 on sale (fleet farm last week for example.)
https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/eagle-claw-ice-rod-case/0000000233536?Ntt=eagle%20claw
I’ve been using a Flambeau tactical gun case for a few years. It can just fit 40 inch rods, and I can usually get about 6 rods in there. Only downside is having to fold spinning reel handles down to fit.
I think they run about $40, are pretty solid without being too heavy, latches work well in the cold etc.
Some of the 42 inch cases with pick and pick and pluck foam are tempting, but I believe they are bigger, heavier, and 2-3x the cost of my Flambeau, so I haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet.
Plan on bringing 3-4 Rods a trip.
I bought 2 of these. Only pack whats needed per trip. Holds 6 longer rods at a time
https://www.scheels.com/p/scheels-outfitters-ultimate-2.0-ice-combo-case/08227100172.html
I bought one from the Black Friday sale and it’s going back today. It’s not deep enough to fit any of my rod/reel setups (all ultralight size) without putting the reel at an angle – not one of them will fit properly, even with reel handles folded they don’t fit correctly. Positioned like that the capacity is cut to a max of 4, and the weight is then sitting on the reel, not supported by the rod handle, which means they are not as well protected. Also there is no way to add more tackle trays, so I would still have to carry a separate tackle bag. If I have to carry a tackle bag, I want a rod case smaller than this – it’s large and heavy. Very solid case and latches though, just needs to be 1/2″ deeper on the bottom.
I do have to say Scheel’s has top notch service thus far. The return shipping is free, just fill out the online return info, print and attach the label and drop it at the Post Office.
Plano All Weather Tactical gun case. Comes in 36” and 42” lengths. Typically around $90 but routinely on Amazon for around $55. I fold reel handles down.
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<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Bearcat89 wrote:</div>
I bought 2 of these. Only pack whats needed per trip. Holds 6 longer rods at a timehttps://www.scheels.com/p/scheels-outfitters-ultimate-2.0-ice-combo-case/08227100172.html
I bought one from the Black Friday sale and it’s going back today. It’s not deep enough to fit any of my rod/reel setups (all ultralight size) without putting the reel at an angle – not one of them will fit properly, even with reel handles folded they don’t fit correctly. Positioned like that the capacity is cut to a max of 4, and the weight is then sitting on the reel, not supported by the rod handle, which means they are not as well protected. Also there is no way to add more tackle trays, so I would still have to carry a separate tackle bag. If I have to carry a tackle bag, I want a rod case smaller than this – it’s large and heavy. Very solid case and latches though, just needs to be 1/2″ deeper on the bottom.
I do have to say Scheel’s has top notch service thus far. The return shipping is free, just fill out the online return info, print and attach the label and drop it at the Post Office.
Oh man that is no good. What size reels. I have 4 sienna 500s and 2 1000s in one. And then 2000s in the other. I have yet to actually use it. And I always expect to drag a tackle bag as well. But each case has its own use. 1 for pans and 1 for walleye or pike. Maybe you got a bad one ?
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Bearcat89 wrote:</div>
I bought 2 of these. Only pack whats needed per trip. Holds 6 longer rods at a timehttps://www.scheels.com/p/scheels-outfitters-ultimate-2.0-ice-combo-case/08227100172.html
I bought one from the Black Friday sale and it’s going back today. It’s not deep enough to fit any of my rod/reel setups (all ultralight size) without putting the reel at an angle – not one of them will fit properly, even with reel handles folded they don’t fit correctly. Positioned like that the capacity is cut to a max of 4, and the weight is then sitting on the reel, not supported by the rod handle, which means they are not as well protected. Also there is no way to add more tackle trays, so I would still have to carry a separate tackle bag. If I have to carry a tackle bag, I want a rod case smaller than this – it’s large and heavy. Very solid case and latches though, just needs to be 1/2″ deeper on the bottom.
I do have to say Scheel’s has top notch service thus far. The return shipping is free, just fill out the online return info, print and attach the label and drop it at the Post Office.
I have the same case and can fit 6 rods in there no problem and can fit 1-2 more if I really wanted to. Doesn’t matter to me if they sit at an angle and has never hurt anything. 
bulky is a relative term in my mind if your main goal is to protect the rods. i deal with bulky because the one time i didnt i broke a tip, last year. i have 2 of the otter rod cases. i fit 5 various rods in but yea i have to screw the handles out to collapse them.
i know some who wouldnt spend the money on them and went with the cheaper arrow cases.
I store my rods in an Otter Sportmen’s Case. I can fit 4-6 rods in it. Whatever you buy, just make sure you put them in with no tension on the rods.
I use two Otter cases. One for panfish and one for walleye. I can properly fit about 4-5 rods in each, and the only time I carry both at the same time is if I can drive the truck on the ice.
I’ve tried to go smaller with Plano shotgun and AR-15 cases and haul just a couple rods at a time, but they’re just too tiny for the number of rods I like to carry for my dad and I. The AR cases are pretty nice if you only need a couple rods, however.
On the smaller, more slender cases, I hate having to fold the reel handles down or worry that a Bullwhip tip will find a pinch-point in there. It’s hard to protect a nice rod when you’re cramming them in as tight as possible.
I put my rods in a piece of PVC, with a groove cut in the width of the reel seat, and an extension to allow the line to go to the first guide. Some make them out of large golf club tubes, but a 10 foot piece of PVC is a lot cheaper, and not too much heavier.
There are a lot of places you can attach them to your sled or vehicle, and it is like pulling a rifle out of a scabbard when you get there.
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I have one of the Scheels boxes and my rods all fit fine but my buddy I bought one for had trouble with his not fitting. It was the difference in our reel seats that makes the difference. I agree that if it was 1/2″ deeper it would be perfect.
Another vote for the Plano All Weather cases. They had the 36″ on sale at FF for $36 on Black Friday. They work great and at a much better price than the dedicated ice rod cases.
Oh man that is no good. What size reels. I have 4 sienna 500s and 2 1000s in one. And then 2000s in the other. I have yet to actually use it. And I always expect to drag a tackle bag as well. But each case has its own use. 1 for pans and 1 for walleye or pike. Maybe you got a bad one ?
I have a Black Betty in-line, two Ceymar C-10’s, a Sienna 500, and a Cabela’s branded reel that I would call a 500 size also. Most of them sit in the case so the reel was in contact, not the rod handle as I would expect. I don’t think $118 (and certainly not the current $150) is a fair price for a case that forces the reel to be the point of support. The rod handle should be supported by the foam to prevent the reel from absorbing impacts. The case is the Plano All Weather Rifle case with different foam/layout – it has Plano tags. For my money, just too many negatives. It’s big and heavy, wrong depth for even ultrlight reels, not enough tackle storage space, and towards the higher end of pricing. I probably would have kept it if it would have been better in one of those categories. Also I’m new to shopping at Scheel’s and wanted to test out their very generous customer service policies. Should know soon on that.
I use the trophy angler rod cases with the zippered pouch for tackle (not the Black Widow) for transporting and or any canvas tube style. They seem to work well for me.
I use the trophy angler rod cases with the zippered pouch for tackle (not the Black Widow) for transporting and or any canvas tube style. They seem to work well for me.
Yes, any suitcase style hardcase qualifies as too big and bulky IMO.
At least for my method of storage and transport out on the ice. I’m either walking out or driving my truck. Not bushwacking on a snowmobile or ATV, so the rods and case are not being punished.
I’m assuming what you’re referring to is something like this. All the tackle I need fits in the two side pockets or one of many coat pockets.
I’ve yet to break any rods in these cases.
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Plano All Weather Tactical gun case. Comes in 36” and 42” lengths. Typically around $90 but routinely on Amazon for around $55. I fold reel handles down.
How tight do these fit in the case when its closed? Is it snug enough so when you carry it the rods stay in place and do not slide around in the case?
Thanks
I use plano case also. Got it for under $40 on Amazon. They don’t move around.
I took took the block foam out of mine. If you wanted you could customize a fit for each rod. Most sporting goods stores have them so check out before buying. Great case for the price. The block foam is probably 1.5-2” thick.
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My brother and I got a Flambeau gun case and can put 6 rods in it with handles folded. It has 4 latches. It is 5x15x42 inches. Paid $50 each.
Otter sportsman’s case is perfect for 3-4 combos and not as bulky as others
This is my new scheels case. I really like it. Running setups 32 to 36 inch i can fit 6 to 10.
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Here’s my scheels Plano case. I like mine so far
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Hey buddy, why you bringing out your shot gun carry cases…um it’s carrying ice rods.
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