TOON ROD TUBE

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]I don't got no CAD software, so here is my homemade diagram and Photoshop lettering for my concept of a tube to hold flyrods on your pontoon. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Cutting the tube is the tricky part. You can use a table saw, band saw, jig saw...or even just a hand saw or hacksaw. Try to get the edges as straight as possible. If you cut it slightly less than halfway down, the remaining tube will help hold the rods inside better. In fact, you don't really even need the full length of lid. You could just use a short safety lid or even bungee cords or velcro to hold the rods inside the topless tube. A topless tube would also be lighter.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Anyways, having a protective tube strapped horizontally to your toon would help both protect the rods when not in use and keep them cleanly out of the way of backcasts and/or loose coils of line.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you have nine foot flyrods, make the tube a few inches longer and add protective soft foam or fabric inside the end caps on each end. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The tubes can be set up on either side of the toon and can be easily attached with tie downs or strapping...or bungee cords.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Schedule 40 PVC is heavy. You can find cardboard carpet roll tubes behind a lot of carpet stores...or if you go inside they will usually give you one. An empty can or milk container can be duct taped over the end for a cap. As long as you don't dunk the cardboard, it will serve well. Or...you could spray it with a waterproof sealer.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There is also ABT pipe. It is black and thinner walled than PVC, and is also used for plumbing and drains. Pretty much the same to work with as PVC.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are lots of other types of lightweight plastic tubing available if you look around. If you can't find a 10 foot length, there is no reason why you can't make two five foot sections and strap them on individually. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Let's get creative and see who can whup out something serviceable.[/#0000ff]
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[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]Here's an idea or two to go along with TubeDude's design (maybe).[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Instead of PVC, there is some material used for rain gutters that is vinyl(there is also lightweight aluminun gutter material) that comes in all kinds of lengths and it is easy to work with.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Also, it might be a good idea to add floatation in the form of cutting up an appropriate sized pool noodle and attaching it to both front and rear of the tube. You know how things that seemed to have been well secured sometimes work loose when jostled by wave action or the angler movement of casting and catching fish. It would be alot nicer to see your rod holder half submerged or bobbing in the waves, than to just notice that it is gone.[/size][/black]
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[flygoddess]

Great idea. I think Tube Dude already mentioned about the foam, but at least we are all on the same page. It might have been a pm.
Taking the boats out one more time this weekend (Scolfield is the talk) then they go to sleep for the winter, but this is good to plan for winter projects.
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