DIY Carrying Case for a Fishing Rod With PVC

If you want to save money for fishing tackle and supplies instead of spending that cash on a rod case, make a case yourself with some PVC tubing. PVC is an extremely tough plastic material commonly used for plumbing. Because the tube is made to withstand abuse, it makes an ideal material to make fishing rod cases, particularly if you have fly rods worth hundreds of dollars. The case does not have to be fancy, but it does have to protect the valuable fishing gear.

Things You'll Need

  • 3-inch diameter PVC pipe
  • 2 3-inch pipe caps
  • Hacksaw
  • Bench vise
  • Marker and measuring tape
  • Rubber mat material
  • Clear spray-on glue
  • Foam
  • Cutting tool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the longest rod needing a case. Be sure you measure the broken down length of the rod. If you plan to use the case for more than one rod, use a 3-inch diameter PVC tube. One or two rods need a 2-inch diameter PVC tube.

    • 2

      Place the PVC tube into a bench vise and measure the distance of the longest rod plus 3 inches. For example, if your rod measures 24 inches, add 3 inches for a total of 27 inches. Mark your distance on the tube.

    • 3

      Saw the PVC at the marked measurement.

    • 4

      Spread out the rubber mat on a flat surface. Place the cut PVC tube on the mat and roll over the mat until the entire tube is covered with the rubber. Cut the mat at the point on the tube where it covers the whole tube.

    • 5

      Roll out the mat and spray one side with the clear spray-on glue. Place the PVC onto the rubber and roll again, making sure to glue the mat surface to the tube. Let the glue dry according to the instructions. Adding rubber to the outside of the case provides better grip than the smooth PVC tubing. This is particularly handy when things are wet.

    • 6

      Place the PVC tube on the foam and cut two round pieces of the foam in the shape of the tube ends. Push them up and into the tube, one on each side.

    • 7

      Push the threaded pipe caps into the ends of the PVC, making sure to glue the bottom into place, but leave the top so the threaded cap unscrews to open the case. Glue the top end of the case's cap to the foam piece so when the cap goes on the case, the foam is inside protecting the tips of the rods.