Rod Floaters

I like John "Eagle Eye's" idea of using rod floats instead of leashes.  I noticed that Bass Pro Shops sells some that look like typical foam pipe insulation secured to the rod with zip ties.
 
I guess I'm gonna have to hack one and give it a try.

Chuck,

You can adapt that same idea to almost every piece of equipment. Gaff, net, plyers, paddle.

Jason

Chuck - let us know how it works - would like to get a couple myself. Looking forward to your opinion of it.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.............  I am thinking pool noodle possibly.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm............. I am thinking pool noodle possibly

We're thinking along the same lines.  I took some electrical and taped on a piece of gray foam pipe insulation (similar, but thinner than pool noodles).   I even went so far as to float test it at the San Leandro marina earlier today.  A 16" piece will float a total of 2 lbs, 8 oz.   In my case, that includes a heavy fiberglass Tiger rod, reel, and a 10 oz sinker.

It's important to position the foam so it doesn't rub the line when the rod is bent.  I notice that the float also serves 2 additional benefits ---  It serves as an extended foregrip and it cushions the rod so it doesn't bang around on the side of the kayak when you lay it down.

I'll post a picture when I get a chance.

Here's what they look like....

 They're not pretty, but at least I don't have to be worried about dropping a rod overboard.

Chucke!!!!! You are the master hacker man! Those look pretty good.

looks good! - looks like a floater  

Usually that's the area where I hold my rod (more leverage).  Bet that'd work really easilly with spinning rods too since there's more clearance.

Still partial to leashes myself.

Usually that's the area where I hold my rod (more leverage)

 Same for me too.  It'll be interesting to see if can get use to the floats or whether they just become a nuisance.  If so, it'll be no trouble to take them off and go back to using leashes.  Hacking and trying new alternatives is all part of the fun for me.

that looks great .ill do the same.i hate leashes

can just buy that grey insulation at osh or home depot

i hate leashes

Me too!.....   To often, I find myself having to untangle my rod leash from my paddle leash.  Now, imagine the caos of a big fish, still on your line, flopping on deck... and you have a recipe for trouble.  I always carry a dive knife on my PFD, but I don't have to ever have to use it in an emergency.

can i just buy that grey insulation at osh or home depot.also what diameter for the tiger, cuase thats what i use and also did you use the same dia.for the bass rod

i hate leashes

Me too!.....   To often, I find myself having to untangle my rod leash from my paddle leash.  Now, imagine the caos of a big fish, still on your line, flopping on deck... and you have a recipe for trouble.  I always carry a dive knife on my PFD, but I don't have to ever have to use it in an emergency.

ya - I only leash my paddle....none of my rods are ever leashed because those things just get in the way....but now with the "float option"...I'm definitely rigging ALL of rods with mini "PFD's"  

I'm thinking of using a neon colored electrical tape - just so it's more visible if and when I dump on the surf  

I used 2" dia. gray pipe insulation for both rods.  You simply split it length wise and wrap it around your rod.  There will be some overlap, more on the narrower part of the rod, so you can trim some off if you like.  To hold it all in place I used electrical tape and began wrapping it from the top down, as you would a baseball bat or bicycle handlebar tape.  That's all there is too it.

I'm thinking of using a neon colored electrical tape

I thought of that too.  I think it's good idea, but I was just too cheap and  wanted to use the black electrical tape I already had at home.