Make your own rod leashes...?

Does anyone know the approximate length of 1/2" thick pipe insulation required to safely float the average  7' bass rod with conventional reel?

I would much prefer to use floats but I worry that on my bass casting rods I will not be able to get a long enough length of float because of the low profile guides and bait casting reel only leaving about 12" of space for a float before the line gets within 1/2" of the blank.

I know I need to test any float system before deploying into the heat of battle, but I would rather not dunk my reels repeatedly only to find out 12" of 1/2" insulation is not enough...

thanks for the help
Harry
 

I use the old cell phone car charger cords, cut the ends off, double zip tie the ends, use a stainless split rinr on the ends with a west marine quick clip.  On the rod or peice of equipment, I have a stainless split ring zip tied as well.  This has held up well.  I havbe tried Tote's circle cut on the pool noddle thing, and it works as well.

Floatation yes. Leashes no.

+34Million

except in baja-- then i used the leashes to keep the rods from getting ripped out of the holder

No leashes for me either, just more to get in the way and more chances for things to go from bad to worse.  Put floats on the rods, use cheap pliers, a floating lip-gripper, and don't take anything on the water I don't plan on losing.

Does anyone know the approximate length of 1/2" thick pipe insulation required to safely float the average  7' bass rod with conventional reel?

I would much prefer to use floats but I worry that on my bass casting rods I will not be able to get a long enough length of float because of the low profile guides and bait casting reel only leaving about 12" of space for a float before the line gets within 1/2" of the blank.

I know I need to test any float system before deploying into the heat of battle, but I would rather not dunk my reels repeatedly only to find out 12" of 1/2" insulation is not enough...

thanks for the help
Harry

I put the pipe insulation about half an inch below the bottom rod guide and half an inch above the hook keeper.  I don't fish for bass but do a lot of casting for RF and LC.  To prevent line rubbing while casting I put a zip tie to squeeze the foam closest to rod guide.

The only leash I use is the Hobie Retractable leash that's attached my pliers.  Since I have a Hobie the pliers are kept inside the side pockets so their out of the way.  I use rope for my game clip but its leashed towards the stern so its out the way and unlikely chance to tangle me.  I even tied a piece of pool noodle foam to my hawg trough, yes they sink.