richg99
Well-known member
You can pay anywhere from $5.00 to $10.00 for a "Rod Sock" or protector if you want. A guy on BBC (the bass fishing site) introduced us to his DIY version.
I bought 100 feet of 3/4 inch expandable mesh material from eBay for about $16.00 shipped. There are tons of vendors selling this stuff, you may be able to buy it even cheaper. Obviously, 100 feet will make 18 or so rod socks. Might make more, as I didn't want to cover the reel handle portion.
Please note...I use baitcasting rods...spinning rods will require a much larger tube due to the larger size eyes.
The process is simple.
Cut the tube to five inches longer than you need.
Grab one end and squeeze them between a pair of long-nose pliers.
Heat the end with a Fire-starter, cigarette lighter, butane torch or any source of heat. That melts the end so it doesn't unravel.
Fold the long end over itself and use a wire-tie to keep it folded. All that does is keep the rod tip from poking through.
Take the other end and fold it over, making a "cuff". Stretch it out over a wine bottle or other tapered non-flammable bottle; vase; tube; funnel, etc. Heat that end with a heat gun or your wife's hair drier. You can use a Fire-starter here, too, if you move it fast.
I added some wire-ties and put a bead or piece of tape in different colors onto each sock and the same color, using tape, onto each rod. That way, when you have three or four socks off, putting them back onto the correct rod is easier.
Have fun.
richg99
https://www.amazon.com/SF-Casting-Fishing-Cover-Sleeve/dp/B016W00XLC/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1523751398&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=rod+socks&psc=1
I bought 100 feet of 3/4 inch expandable mesh material from eBay for about $16.00 shipped. There are tons of vendors selling this stuff, you may be able to buy it even cheaper. Obviously, 100 feet will make 18 or so rod socks. Might make more, as I didn't want to cover the reel handle portion.
Please note...I use baitcasting rods...spinning rods will require a much larger tube due to the larger size eyes.
The process is simple.
Cut the tube to five inches longer than you need.
Grab one end and squeeze them between a pair of long-nose pliers.
Heat the end with a Fire-starter, cigarette lighter, butane torch or any source of heat. That melts the end so it doesn't unravel.
Fold the long end over itself and use a wire-tie to keep it folded. All that does is keep the rod tip from poking through.
Take the other end and fold it over, making a "cuff". Stretch it out over a wine bottle or other tapered non-flammable bottle; vase; tube; funnel, etc. Heat that end with a heat gun or your wife's hair drier. You can use a Fire-starter here, too, if you move it fast.
I added some wire-ties and put a bead or piece of tape in different colors onto each sock and the same color, using tape, onto each rod. That way, when you have three or four socks off, putting them back onto the correct rod is easier.
Have fun.
richg99
https://www.amazon.com/SF-Casting-Fishing-Cover-Sleeve/dp/B016W00XLC/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1523751398&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=rod+socks&psc=1
