Rod protector in boat

[The Wicker Man]

I purchased an expensive Loomis rod a year ago. Although I love the rod and believe it is worth every penny, I am concerned about breaking it while in the boat. The rod has a tape- on handle and what I did last year was take the reel off the handle and put the rod in its rod case between uses. I used the rod for jigging and some days I was putting the reel on and off up to 5 times a day to fit the rod in its protective case. I was spending more time rigging up than actually fishing!
I fish in a 16’ and 12’ aluminum boat and was wondering if anyone had any ideas on a home-made rod protector that would fit the rod and reel in and not take up a lot of room in the boat?

Thanks in advance for your help

[Bob G2]

Buy a long enough piece of PVC tube with sufficient diameter. About 3"-4" from the end, drill a hole that would be large enough to accomodate the diameter of the spinning reel stem. Then, with a jigsaw or small keyhole saw, cut straight down from the end of the tube to the tangent of the hole on both sides, so that now the spinning reel will slide right in. If you want to keep it from sliding out too easily, get a hair bob that women use for ponytails(a small elastic loop with a plastic ball on the end).

Simple as that.

[Someday]

Bass Pro Shop and Cabelas sell soft sided rod & feel cases that zip closed. Similar to a bow case. Some hold like 4 rods and reels and some around 8