I was looking up Lucky 13 techniques and came across this YouTube video. As you can see, this kayaker put a small piece of pool noodle near the base of his rod as a float.

Has anyone ever tried this? Seems like it would interfere with casting/reeling unless taped down tightly. I'm thinking I'll experiment and see if I can make it work.

Here's a screenshot from the video to give the idea.

Bass Pro sells them:

http://www.basspro.com/Blakemore-Rod-Floaters/product/16517/

Diameter is much smaller than a normal pool noodle.

Yeah, I know you can buy them, but pool noodles are only like $3. I have a hot knife, so maybe I'll just see if I can cut them down to a similar size.

I bought a bass pro shops one to try. I haven't had it out in the BW yet, but I tried it out at one of my local holes. I took it right off b/c every cast I could hear the line hitting against it as it came off the spool. I will still bring it with me and see how it does if I play around with it a bit.

That's why they sell rod leashes.

It is real easy to make them yourself for cheap. Buy the 3/16 bungee cord in bulk. Buy the lightest cheapest carabineer you can find at Walmart, around 75 cents each. Cut off 50 inches of bungee, attach the carabineer to one end and make a slip knot on the other. Done deal at that point, attach the slip knot to the rod handle end and fish worry free.

quote Huntindave: "That's why they sell rod leashes.


It is real easy to make them yourself for cheap. Buy the 3/16 bungee cord in bulk. Buy the lightest cheapest carabineer you can find at Walmart, around 75 cents each. Cut off 50 inches of bungee, attach the carabineer to one end and make a slip knot on the other. Done deal at that point, attach the slip knot to the rod handle end and fish worry free."

This makes way more sense. Great idea.

Another solution

I use foam pipe insulation. Similar to the one in the video, but in a different place; zip tied to the handle instead of on the rod. I think it's 3/4" and available at home improvement stores for around $2 for all the rods you have.

Really?

Not for me, and I have dropped a rod/reel in the water.