preventing rod loss while longline trolling

[pauldo]

Anybody ever use rod/pole floats to prevent the loss of equipment? I recently purchased hi-tek rod holders and they have been great for night fishing and spider rigging but I'm somewhat hesitant about longline trolling and pulling cranks. I've read about the L-shaped hanger modification but was wondering if a pool noodle might save me some time and a few $$$. Rod wrap is pretty expensive compared to the 20 cent it would cost me for a pool noodle. Also, what about rod leashes aka cable cuffs?

[skiptomylu]

If you can stand the look they should work. I hold my rods in my hand so only put them in my rod holders if I have something else I need to do.

[M R Dux]

I bought the standard HiTeks (deeper ones weren't out then) about 3 years ago and have trolled Bandits and longlined pretty much exclusively since getting them. I am yet to lose a rod and have caught catfish over 10, drums over 15, LMB over 6, something that I couldn't even slow down several times, and hung up countless times. Losing rods was a concern at first but it doesn't enter my mind now.

I use long handle rods off the sides and trigger grip casting rods off the back.

[pauldo]

Are you sliding the casting rods way back in the holder so that the trigger acts as a security feature? That's an idea that I hadn't thought of; however I only own 2 or 3 trigger grip rods. Pretty much all of my crappie rods are for open face spinning reels. At 20 cent each I'll probably try the noodles as cheap insurance until I feel comfortable. And no, I don't care about how it looks; better safe than sorry.

[Bronzbackhunter]

I use the rod float's from BPS work good.

[ATM]

Put them rods in there and go fishing. They'll hold.

[monkscrappie]

BnM PST12, 14 and 16 with Shimano IX1000 or2000, they float! I know, I have dropped several!

Monk
Monk's Crappie

[Cray]

1/2 inch water pipe insulation about 12 in long. Plastic wire tie each end then wrap with electrical tape. Lot smaller and will float with line counter reels on PST's.

[pauldo]

Already picked up the noodles. Sliced them open while rotating to make the cut look something like the stripe on a barber's pole and I don't think I will need tape or zip ties. Makes for easier removal when not needed.

[litewirehooker]

I use Pipe Insulation and wrap tight with black tape.......found three last year.....lost one that did not have flotation.