Making a rod float

I have dropped 2 rods into the water over the last year, luckily both were recovered. As I explore the saltwater I bit more I’m thinking I better do something to prevent a couple hundred dollars from sinking to the bottom of the ocean. While I am not a fan of a foam wrapped rod I am less of a fan of a leash. They seem to get caught on everything. So I’m thinking a pool noodle or pipe insulation would be the wisest choice for me.
So my question is how long of a piece of foam is needed? It’s an ugly stik tiger with a Penn Squall 20 reel. I hoping to avoid the add foam and see if it floats method. Lol. Thanks.

   Good question!  Been wondering that for years, never dropped one (knock wood), so I just put as much foam as I can on it without interfering with the line.  When I first got into this madness, I used leashes, but I decided they were too dangerous - getting tangled in some way that I couldn't cut myself loose.
   If I had a swimming pool, I know what I'd do, but since I don't, I suppose I could take the reel off, weigh it, tie the same amount of lead to the rod seat, tie on a retrieval rope, and throw the rod off the dock. 

just think about how many pool floats it takes to make a 200+ Pound man child playing in a pool afloat.  one maybe 2?  it really only takes a thin strip to float a rod.
I remember a Moo Moo video where a halibut I believe drug his pole out of his hand, and even with a fish on the rod floated to the top of the water.

I use the closed cell packing foam that’s about 1/2” thick. I cut it to fit the space between the end of the handle and the first eye. Sometimes I can get a couple of wraps of the material and cinch it down with zip ties.
I tested mine in a friends pool and it floats the rod and reel perfectly. I spoiled off some line to hold onto, tightened the drag, and threw it in. Not sure what and extra 8oz of lead on the line would do.  Probably just make the handle of the rod stand straight out of the water so it would be easier to grab?
I was thinking about Moo’s video too. I think it is titled “Clown Show”.

just think about how many pool floats it takes to make a 200+ Pound man child playing in a pool afloat.  one maybe 2?  it really only takes a thin strip to float a rod.
I remember a Moo Moo video where a halibut I believe drug his pole out of his hand, and even with a fish on the rod floated to the top of the water.

I think you are talking about this video. It was a salmon  . 1/2 inch pipe insulation works well unless you have a heavy weight on the end of the line.

I use these from Amazon. Low profile so the line doesn’t touch the foam (not that it should matter but just personal preference) abd easily detached and removed or moved to a different rod. Have not tested floatation but like others mentioned, it’s probably enough to keep it from sinking entirely.

Propel Paddle Gear SLPG92027 Rod Floats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017P3B0W6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_myJwlssIFph6K

I use these from Amazon. Low profile so the line doesn’t touch the foam (not that it should matter but just personal preference) abd easily detached and removed or moved to a different rod. Have not tested floatation but like others mentioned, it’s probably enough to keep it from sinking entirely.

Propel Paddle Gear SLPG92027 Rod Floats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017P3B0W6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_myJwlssIFph6K

I put 2 of these on my tiger with an older heavy reel and it floated no problem.  I have them on all my rods now.
    Have since gotten a low profile, lighter reel and use a single one of these. I have had a couple times when casting swimbaits that the line loops around the float but never when drifting.  Leashes get scary when flipped, but I do have my paddle on a leash. I use little bungies attached to my crate and looped over the reels for launch/landing. 

Some years ago, Tote did a video tutorial on this, search for it, you’ll appreciate his methods.

Proven and still works.
I don't like anything on the rod I am fishing with at the time.
If the rod is not in my hand it gets one of these on it.

I use these from Amazon. Low profile so the line doesn’t touch the foam (not that it should matter but just personal preference) abd easily detached and removed or moved to a different rod. Have not tested floatation but like others mentioned, it’s probably enough to keep it from sinking entirely.

Propel Paddle Gear SLPG92027 Rod Floats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017P3B0W6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_myJwlssIFph6K

I use the same. I've never had the opportunity to test them.

Al

I used approx 12” of 1/2” pipe insulation. It will float my 7’ tiger with a penn squall 20 plus 8oz of additional weight. I think it gets a lot of help from the long foam handle as well.

If you want to use the bigger pool noodle, cut a v-channel along to bury the rod in and finish off with zip ties. Works well with casting setup since the line does not touch the float at all. Use bright colored noodles. They’re easy to spot in case you dump your gears in the water. I use average 1-2ft of noodle.

Tote's method makes the most since to me, as I dont want it fixed on the rod, as it seems to be too in the way.

I bought one of these, and affixed it to one of my rods with some velcro:

https://www.amazon.com/Davis-Instruments-530-Key-Buoy/dp/B000ZOV6TU

Although it never fell in the water, one day after having it for several years I tossed it in my creek to see if it would still expand and it did.  Could be enough to float a rod, but didn't test it to be certain.  Something designed for it would seem to be ideal.