Pool noodles

I want to know how much pool noodle I need to float my rod n reel.  How do you guys know how much is enough?  Do you test it somehow, like in shallow water or something?  Are you just hoping what you have on their will be enough? 

I took one of my old rod/reel (fully spooled) combos and tossed it into my brother-in-law's swimming pool.  A freshwater lake would work as well. 

It's surprising out buoyant pool noodles are.  I didn't bother using what I thought was a bare minimum.  Since I mainly fish salt, I figured more is better since it would not only help float it but increase it's visibility.

If tackle is attached and/or fish... I figure it'll give me half a second to make a grab at it before it takes the deep plunge. 

I use about 2ft sections of the "regular" sized pool noodles.... ala HerbSuperb style, except I used velcro straps instead of zip ties.

LoletaEric  has a video on Youtube on pool noodles. I went to his channel but I could not find it. Hopefully he reads this and posts a link to it.  He showed what he does.  Which is a good idea.  Some of us are not so advanced. I just zip tie a bunch together to help take up space and give me extra buoyancy.

for lighter rigs, like bass fishing or trolling for trout, I find that about a one foot piece of water pipe insulation works to float a rod n reel. I got an 8' piece at the local discount home supply, it comes pre-split. I went to Harbor freight and got a package of short Velcro strips to tie it on. $12 and enough to do 6 or more rods.

for lighter rigs, like bass fishing or trolling for trout, I find that about a one foot piece of water pipe insulation works to float a rod n reel. I got an 8' piece at the local discount home supply, it comes pre-split. I went to Harbor freight and got a package of short Velcro strips to tie it on. $12 and enough to do 6 or more rods.

The only problem with pipe insulation is that they're black, so they are hard to see in the water if you lose a rod.  bright pool noodle would be more useful in case you ever flip over and have to collect all your rods.  Although I guess if you have a skeet reese rod you don't worry about the black so much.  Also, the cheap dollar store pool noodles seem to melt when touching certain rubber substances, so i'd go with higher quality noodles.

My local Ace Hardware carries a tan colored pipe insulation.  Its heavier material too.  I' ve using them over a year and holding up great.  I wrapped them bright color duct tape for extra visibility.

Prefer Tote's way myself, if i'm going to noodle them at all that is.   I cant stand having the noodle permanently affixed to the rod, even though I know it will save me...

I hear you Al, I don't like the permanent connection either. I prefer an 80 lbs test leader leash, if anything at all.
Noodles in the hull, that's another thing.

My local Ace Hardware carries a tan colored pipe insulation.  Its heavier material.  I' ve using them over a year and holding up great.  I wrapped them bright color duct tape for extra visibility.

Forgot to add. I do a lot of casting without any issues.  I use the pipe insulation as hook holders too.  They are very durable.