I’m a kayak fisherman. I lost a rod recently.  I can figure how to leash them while they are in the rod holders. (As soon as I find a suitable clip or clamp)
 

but while in my hands?:  all bets are off.   Fumbling a rod wouldn’t be unheard of.   Can I float them?  

On 1/28/2021 at 7:00 PM, They call me “Gaiter Salad” said:

but while in my hands?:  all bets are off.   Fumbling a rod wouldn’t be unheard of.   Can I float them?  

"In the unfortunate event that a rod goes overboard, the Cush-It Big Bass Rod Float provides added buoyancy that will keep it from sinking. "

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Cush-It_Big_Bass_Rod_Floats/descpage-CUUSH.html

I just don't bring my nicest stuff on the kayak.

How long have you been fishing from a kayak?  There is a learning curve involved in gear management.  I have heard floats work but at the same time I am not interested in losing the lightweight nature and potentially impacting the balance because of a float.  I haven't lost a rod in years but I also prepare for potential situations where I might lose a rod.  The biggest possibility for me, other than the obvious turtling which hasn't happened to me in over a decade, is an overhanging tree grabbing and pulling a rod out.  To remedy that I either pull the rods down and lay them in front of me or i use my adjustable rod holders and angle them almost parallel to the kayak.  

On 1/28/2021 at 7:15 PM, MN Fisher said:

"In the unfortunate event that a rod goes overboard, the Cush-It Big Bass Rod Float provides added buoyancy that will keep it from sinking. "

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Cush-It_Big_Bass_Rod_Floats/descpage-CUUSH.html

I need to buy ONE and see if the fit inside my tube-rod-holders. Hmmmm. Thx. 

On 1/28/2021 at 7:25 PM, flyfisher said:

How long have you been fishing from a kayak?  There is a learning curve involved in gear management.  I have heard floats work but at the same time I am not interested in losing the lightweight nature and potentially impacting the balance because of a float.  I haven't lost a rod in years but I also prepare for potential situations where I might lose a rod.  The biggest possibility for me, other than the obvious turtling which hasn't happened to me in over a decade, is an overhanging tree grabbing and pulling a rod out.  To remedy that I either pull the rods down and lay them in front of me or i use my adjustable rod holders and angle them almost parallel to the kayak.  

Six months or so.  I lost mine grabbing my paddle to head into a shallow cove to pee.  I was in 45 feet water. Bummed. 

On 1/28/2021 at 7:15 PM, MN Fisher said:

"In the unfortunate event that a rod goes overboard, the Cush-It Big Bass Rod Float provides added buoyancy that will keep it from sinking. "

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Cush-It_Big_Bass_Rod_Floats/descpage-CUUSH.html

 

Gee, that thing is JUGH, but I am sure it serves its purpose.  I lost a rod once when I was bank-fising. While casting, I didn't pay attention to what's behind me, and the hook caught on one of the other rods I carried. I cast a whole spinning setup in the reservoir, which goes deep from the bank real quickly. Fortunately,  on the next day morning, I "fished" it back from the same spot, using a big treble hook after dozens of tries. 

Gotcha.  That is one of those logistical situations you will get the hang of over time, more so now I am sure.  I am also a big opponent of leashes on anything in a kayak  The last thing you want to deal with in an overturned situation is getting tangled in some lines to save a rod and those same lines can make an inconvenience and embarrassment, a difficult situation instead.

I just use 1/2 pipe insulation, cut about 6-8” and zip tie to the rod. Yes it float, my first trip on kayak was flipped the yak and learned how to get in plus testing my setup with diy rod float.

4 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

I just use 1/2 pipe insulation, cut about 6-8” and zip tie to the rod. Yes it float, my first trip on kayak was flipped the yak and learned how to get in plus testing my setup with diy rod float.

I have done this as well. I didn’t like it on my rod, but I flipped once and lost a rod. I got it back by snagging the line (it was hung up) but it was a pain. 

I primarily fish out of my yak and use my higher end rods and reels. When I first began years ago I was scared and used the floats. I ended up hating them and now don't use them unless the setup is in the rod holder. I couldn't stand fishing with them on the rod so I'll just continue to live on the edge..........

Edit I found my post!

https://www.savuroutdoors.com/

 

 

 

I bought a few of those foam rod floats but stopped using them cos they look ugly. LMAO

 

and those cush-it look too big to fit in my rod holders. 

The problem with the Cush-It rod floats is that they usually prevent you from using your rod holders.  The rod floats that go in front of the grip still allow you to use your rod holders, but they mess with your balance and can get in the way of your line.  Rod leashes are kind of a pain to use if you switch out rods often.  

 

These look like a good solution:  https://www.savuroutdoors.com/

But I've never used one.  So I can't comment on them.  

 

I've gotten to the point where I am just extra careful with my rods.  I take them down if I'm going to be coming in under tree branches, and don't use the flush mounted rod holders anymore, as they seemed to cause more issues than they solve.  1.25" ID PVC pipes sticking straight up do a good job of keeping my rods secure without giving them much room to bounce around.  It's harder to insert the rods into those narrow holders, but it's also harder for them to accidentally fall out.  And when their in my hands, I just have to trust myself not to do stupid things.  

I know a few custom builders that use those type of rod savers and they do work.  I don't use anything, and only lost one rod that was in a rod holder.  Fun fact: all my SC Avid rods float with any reel as long as it's less than 8 oz.  

20 hours ago, They call me “Gaiter Salad” said:

I need to buy ONE and see if the fit inside my tube-rod-holders. Hmmmm. Thx. 

Six months or so.  I lost mine grabbing my paddle to head into a shallow cove to pee.  I was in 45 feet water. Bummed. 

Take a slab type spoon with a treble hook to the spot and drag it around. I have a buddy that has recovered at least four rods over the years doing that. You'll usually snag the line or a guide, and then gently bring it up to the surface. It may take more than one time out there to go over the area, but just take an hour or so each time out. 

22 hours ago, They call me “Gaiter Salad” said:

  I can figure how to leash them while they are in the rod holders. (As soon as I find a suitable clip or clamp)
 

I use these on my leashes

On 1/28/2021 at 10:20 PM, Michigander said:

I just don't bring my nicest stuff on the kayak.

Same here. I bought $29.99 Walmart exclusive Lew’s Laser HS rods for kayaking. Both spinning and casting. I usually have older reels in my rotation on them that I won’t cry if they go overboard.
 

Every once in awhile a high priced combo will sneak aboard.

1 hour ago, NYWayfarer said:

Same here. I bought $29.99 Walmart exclusive Lew’s Laser HS rods for kayaking. Both spinning and casting. I usually have older reels in my rotation on them that I won’t cry if they go overboard.
 

Every once in awhile a high priced combo will sneak aboard.

All I have to fish out of is a kayak So everything is out with me. I depend on leashes 

1 hour ago, GTN said:

All I have to fish out of is a kayak So everything is out with me. I depend on leashes 

I shore fish and occasionally take a boat trip with my Father in-law or friends. 
 

I tried the leashes but I wasn’t a fan. More stuff to get tangled in if I flip was always a worry as well.

I use the Blakemore fish floaters for my rods after loosing a $300 outfit in the river, thanks to sunscreen on the hands when setting the hook on what I believe to be a big fish, losing my grip and making two attempts to grab the pole before it disappeared to the depths below.

 

Falcon bucoo with a Abu mgs floats by itself. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing if my led custom lite on a bps Patriot floats but I think it would since its lighter.