Rod/Reel Floatation Test w/modification

Decide that since I could be out on the water, I'd do some gear testing this weekend at my sister's pool.

I brought over the 4 fishing rods, and 2 cameras to test there floatation capabilitiy in case I roll and ditch the gear.

First test, Pentax W90 camera; floated no problem with the HUGE floatie wrist-band. However, after retrieving it from the pool, had major issues with the camera! Lost the digital image from the lens; it play previously taken images, but won't display live images from lens to the screen. Time to get a goPro.

Kodak Mini video recorded took a swim, but works great still... this is the one that shoot video of the rod test.

I bought some tubular door insulation at Ace Hardware ($9.95) and some velcro wire ties at Fry's Electronics ($2.99); which easily makes 6 rod floats.

Now on to the test:
Here's the rod test without any extra floatation


Now, here's the same test with the home-made floatation:


Hope this answers any questions on the subject...

Sweet, I am going to have to do that also... 

Now tie a 6oz lead head on the end of the rod and see if it still floats.  Mine float great, but I got to thinking about the lure tied onto the rod as I was loading my tackle box.  All my test were rod only.  I may have to tie a lead head on and give it a test.  I am hoping it just makes the rod float with the butt up in the air.  It would make it easier to see.

Now tie a 6oz lead head on the end of the rod and see if it still floats.  Mine float great, but I got to thinking about the lure tied onto the rod as I was loading my tackle box.  All my test were rod only.  I may have to tie a lead head on and give it a test.  I am hoping it just makes the rod float with the butt up in the air.  It would make it easier to see.

Good call Matt. Glen, we need a re shoot!

That's very similar to how I did mine.  I got pipe insulation for 1/2 inch pipe and used black duct tape to secure it. I fount the zip ties sometimes got caught on the line. The Velcro sounds like a great idea since it makes it more easily removable. I put a longer piece on mine, all the way from the handle to the first eye. It was surprising how well it floated. Of course I didn't think to test it with a jig attached to the end either. I'll have to give it a shot next time I'm out in fresh water or have a pool handy. Thanks for the idea Matt.

I also attached a short piece of 3" diameter pool noodle to the handle of my net and tested that too. Worked perfectly and gave it a bright colored piece to spot while it's floating in the ocean.

Everybody also asked me if they would float my rods with jigs attached and I contended that it doesn't have to float them but rather just keep 'em from sinking like a stone and give me enough time to reach over and grab them.

Hey G,  make sure you rinse off your reels in order to get the chlorine out of them.

Everybody also asked me if they would float my rods with jigs attached and I contended that it doesn't have to float them but rather just keep 'em from sinking like a stone and give me enough time to reach over and grab them.

That might be enough in most cases, however if you roll the yak you'll be doing self rescue while they sink slowly out of reach. That's basically what happened to MontanaN8V last year at GS4. He got caught up in his gear leashes and needed help to get loose. Seeing that was what made me decide not to leash anything but the paddle and game clip.

Very nice of you to do this and prove door insulation works for floatation.  As I am watching you do this I am wondering and need to ask.  Your reel drags got obviously wet. 

Did you take your reels apart to dry and re-greased the drags?

Everybody also asked me if they would float my rods with jigs attached and I contended that it doesn't have to float them but rather just keep 'em from sinking like a stone and give me enough time to reach over and grab them.

That might be enough in most cases, however if you roll the yak you'll be doing self rescue while they sink slowly out of reach. That's basically what happened to MontanaN8V last year at GS4. He got caught up in his gear leashes and needed help to get loose. Seeing that was what made me decide not to leash anything but the paddle and game clip.

Yeah I only leash stuff to the holders. They are not long enough to use while fishing. Just a foot or so of bungee. If I bail when fishing I should have my hand on the rod.

Ugggh there's a banner ad for Pool Noodles at the bottom of this page now hahaha!

Very cool test Glen. I like how you'll just go out and do it, instead of speculating. And you've got the video to prove it too!

I know I'm totally jinxing myself here...but I haven't lost a single rod/reel in approx 150 ocean trips during the last 6 years. And I never use a rod leash, ever. So I can't justify a kooky-looking pool-noodled fishing rod. Perhaps if I could remove the butt cap and fill the butt-section with foam, that might be sleek...