Last steelhead season I had one of my fishing reels damaged as it bounced around in the drift boat on the drive home from fishing.

Steelhead gear is expensive so this year I made a fishing rod case out of plastic sewer pipe. It worked great on the last trip. I shopped around for a store-bought case but they were either too expensive or too flimsy.

I bought a length of of 6-inch wide sewer pipe from the plumbing store and cut it the length of my steelhead rods when they are broken down. I also bought two end caps for the pipe.

I can fit two rods with level-wind reels on them and one spinning outfit in the pipe. I cover the rod ends with old socks to help protect them from scratches. The pipe is wide enough to fit the fishing outfits so that you don't have to take the reels off. The handle on the spinning reel has to be loosened and folded down.

The whole thing cost about $20 and is pretty stout. You can strap it to car racks or strap it in a boat. If anyone accidentally steps on the sewer pipe rod case, no way will it damage the rods.

I really think you can run over the sewer pipe case and it won't damage the rods but I haven't tried that.

There are all sorts of ways to modify the case by adding carrying straps or little gadgets to hang it in the garage. Be creative.

Note: Read more about steelhead fishing in Oct. 29's Idaho Outdoors in the Idaho Statesman.