Table of Contents
Ice fishing rod cases – Buying Guide, Reviews, and Comparison
If you’re after the best case for an ice rod but can only be bothered with browsing through suggestions, then we’ll let you know straight off the bat that the item which stuck out the most for us when going through the many ice rod case reviews in preparing this article is the Celsius Deluxe CEL-DELCR. Customers and professional reviewers alike seem to appreciate its good carrying capacity of four walleye combos in the main compartment, supplemented by a reel pocket for miscellany. This doesn’t come at the expense of portability, however, since the CEL-DELCR can comfortably be carried around your shoulder thanks to its long strap handle and soft construction. This will come as an invaluable feature for those that need to take long walks to reach their fishing holes. If a hard case is more of your thing, then our recommendation goes to the Frabill ice 701100.
3 Best Ice Fishing Rod Cases (Reviews) in 2020
Since every angler tends to value each feature of a product differently, there are as many contenders for the title of “the best ice rod case” as there are expert opinions. We recommend you only go for the product that best suits your personal needs and we hope you’ll find a match among our top picks below.
1. Celsius Deluxe Ice Holds Rods 38″ CEL-DELRC Case
A firm inner liner and padded outer casing allow this Celsius Deluxe model to combine the best characteristics of both hard plastic stiff cases and soft textile cases. The Celsius Deluxe model is available in two colors: black and white.
When carried on the shoulder, there is no rigid plastic to rub against your sides as you trek through deep snow to your favorite fishing hole. You also won’t have to worry about the rods snapping as a result of a wrong slip, because the case will be rigid enough to soften the impact of a slip-and-fall.
While it may not provide nearly the same level of durability as a rigid case, it more than makes up for it in terms of total weight, which is especially important considering how large it is. For those who believe that the advantages of using a long rod for ice fishing are beneficial, the main compartment can accommodate four 38″ specialized ice fishing rods, as well as a couple of extensible rods.
To provide additional versatility, the product includes a multi-purpose middle pocket, which is typically used to store portions of the fishing rod that would otherwise not fit in the main storage compartment (such as large reels), but may also be used to store extra lining or tools.
Pros
Only high-quality materials are used in the construction of this ice fishing rod case, so you can be confident that it will withstand a great deal of abuse.
The exterior casing is padded, which not only gives it a nice appearance, but it also provides additional protection for the tackle you wish to bring along with you.
Because of its shoulder strap, you will have no trouble transporting it, and it will certainly come in handy while you are preparing for your next ice fishing expedition.
Its largest compartment has been intended to accommodate four rods that are up to 38 inches in length, which means you will have a lot of storage room for your needs.
When ice fishing, make use of the middle pocket, which is great for keeping either tiny parts or tools that you might need on hand.
Cons
Because it is not a hard case style, you will need to be a little more careful with how you keep your rods in order to prevent them from breaking during transportation.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($53.45)
2. Frabill Ice Rod Case
Despite the fact that it is a hard case with all of the benefits of a hard case, this Frabill model does not compromise on mobility. Because of its compact size and light weight, it will not put an undue strain on the weary angler who is traveling to and from the fishing hole in the frigid winter weather to catch fish.
When it comes to mobility, the hard plastic case is unquestionably the best choice, but you will have to limit the amount of fishing rods you may bring on a single trip. With a weight of only 2 pounds, it can easily fit two medium-sized combinations for ice fishing, as well as a tackle box with three compartments and a carrying handle.
This should be sufficient for the angler who is unconcerned about the fundamentals, but it may be insufficient for those who enjoy utilizing numerous fishing rods, however some users have reported that with a little ingenuity, this number may be increased to three.
As a hard case, it will provide excellent protection for your equipment while also being resistant to physical damage and the elements. Because it is available at such a low cost, you will receive outstanding value for your money from this Frabill product.
Pros
Because this is a sturdy case with all of the features you would expect from a design of this caliber, you can rest assured that your tackle will be kept in pristine shape while being stored.
Surprisingly, the case doesn’t lose portability, and you’ll find that it’s both lightweight and tiny at the same time, which is a rare combination.
Purchase this case if you intend to transport two medium-sized combos and make use of the three-compartment tackle box, which will assist you in keeping things organized while traveling.
With no bells and whistles, this is the hard case for you if you just want something that’s convenient and helps you keep everything together without any extras.
Because the case weighs less than 2 pounds in total, you won’t have to worry about overloading it with all of your equipment.
Cons
The cost of this model can be considered to be the primary reason why more individuals are not willing to give it a try.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
3. Celsius Basic Ice Rod CEL-BASRC Storage Case
At the risk of appearing overly exuberant, this Celsius model pushes the boundaries of convenience to new heights while offering an exceptional value. Its soft body, which is comprised of synthetic fibers for excellent water and tear resistance, as well as the huge detachable strap, will make it surprisingly easy to carry around. With a weight of only 1.4 pounds, it won’t greatly increase your load, which already has a tendency to seem heavier than it actually is during the harsh winter months.
For those who prefer to use extendable or four piece rods, the main part can accommodate 30″ rods, which may appear a little short for some, but is more than suitable for those who prefer to use shorter rods. A pocket is also included that is large enough to accommodate a small trekking rod or rod section but is also functional for storing reels, tiny lure boxes, and other small items of fishing equipment.
The basic model, as the name says, is not a showy model, and it provides only the bare essentials for an ice fishing trip. Being extremely economical, this might be an excellent tool for novices and children, as well as for frugal anglers who value simplicity above having the latest and flashiest gear on the market.
Pros
Despite the fact that it is a soft case for your ice fishing equipment, this model is durable due to the fact that it is composed of synthetic fibers that will retain their shape for an extended period of time.
It comes with a detachable strap, which means you won’t have any problems if you need to move around a lot while carrying the bag.
One of the most significant features to consider is the model’s lightweight build, which weighs only 1.4 pounds and ensures that you will not feel weighed down by it.
It may be used to move rods up to 30 inches in length, making it an excellent fit for models that are extendable or made up of up to four pieces of material.
In addition to holding trekking rods, the extra compartment is great for storing other fishing equipment such as lure boxes, reels, and other small items.
Cons
There have been reports of the shoulder strap ripping the cloth where it is sewed into the case, and at least one customer has stated that this has happened to them as well.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
Guide to Purchasing
Finding the best ice fishing rod case can be difficult due to the large number of models available for purchase. This is compounded by the fact that there is no single feature that the best ice fishing rod case should have. Everyone’s requirements are different, and achieving great quality in one area is frequently the result of making trade-offs in other areas. In light of this, we’ve compiled a list of considerations to keep in mind as you make your choice.
Take into consideration the item’s weight
When it is chilly outside, we tend to lose energy and become fatigued more quickly than when it is warmer outside. Due to our body’s ongoing urge to resist the cold, we experience a drain on our energy that is in addition to whatever work we are currently engaged in.
This is because the surface you’ll be navigating in order to get to the fishing hole, which is frequently composed of ice coated in thick snow, will provide additional obstacles, turning what could have been an enjoyable fishing excursion into a boring experience.
Don’t forget about portability.
As much as feasible, your equipment should protect you from this type of situation. As a result, it’s critical to find lightweight things that are also comfy to handle. Keep in mind that even a small increase in weight (one or two pounds) can make a significant difference in the winter, but it is equally vital to consider how that weight is distributed.
Items that are carried on the shoulder rather than by a handle seem significantly lighter, and you can free up one of your hands as a result. As a result, we propose that you go for ice rod cases that include a detachable strap rather than a handle to save space.
Material that is soft or hard
Ice rod boxes are available in two different materials: soft synthetic fibers and stiff plastic. This has the apparent advantage of providing better physical protection for your rods, since it will not just give when pressure is applied, as is the case with the former. If you consider yourself to be clumsy, this may be the best option for you, since it will prevent the rod from breaking in the event of a slip and fall.
This high level of protection also applies to weather-related variables such as snow or rain, which can otherwise soak in through some canvas materials and wet the gear on the inside of the vehicle. Because they are more durable than soft cases, hard cases tend to last a little longer than soft cases, making them a slightly better value despite the fact that they are often more expensive to purchase.
The biggest advantage of the soft case is the relative comfort it provides for the wearer, and as we’ve mentioned before, this isn’t something that should be overlooked.