Fishing rod protective carrier and method

Abstract

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a collapsible, storable device for carrying and protecting a multiplicity of fully rigged fishing rods and reels. The present carrier provides a compact load while sufficiently segregating the poles to prevent the tangling of lines, lures, hooks etc. The carrier preferably comprises a durable yet lightweight polymeric material to protect and secure the fishing rods in place. The carrier is also configured with a strap for hands free transportation.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A protection and carrying device for a fully rigged and assembled fishing rod, comprising: 
 a flexible retainer having a closure, the retainer suitable for covering and protecting a portion of a fully rigged and assembled fishing rod; and    a strap coupled with a portion of the retainer.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polymer, vinyl, nylon, cotton, plastic, leather, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the retainer is formed of ballistic coated nylon.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the strap is adjustable.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the strap is removable.  
     
     
         6 . A protection and carrying device for a fully rigged and assembled fishing rod, comprising: 
 a spine;    a first flexible retainer having a closure, the retainer suitable for covering and protecting a portion of a fully rigged and assembled fishing rod and is coupled with a portion of the spine; and    a strap coupled with a portion of the spine.    
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer further comprises an inner and an outer surface, the inner surface further comprising padding coupled with portions thereof.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the retainer further comprises grooves for immobilizing the fully rigged and assembled fishing rod.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a second retainer for covering a portion of the handle, below the reel of the fully rigged and assembled fishing rod.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , further comprising a third retainer for covering a portion of the fully rigged fishing rod above the reel of the fully rigged fishing rod but below the first retainer.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising a fourth retainer for covering a portion of the fully rigged fishing rod above the first retainer.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the strap is adjustable.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the strap is removable.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the closure is Velcro.  
     
     
         15 . A method of using a fully rigged and assembled fishing rod protection and carrying device, comprising the steps of: 
 providing at least one fishing rod;    providing a carrying device comprising a flexible retainer having an inner surface, outer surface and a closure, the retainer suitable for covering and protecting a portion of a fully rigged and assembled fishing rod and a strap coupled with a portion of the retainer;    laying open the retainer;    placing the fully rigged and assembled fishing rod on the inner surface of the retainer; and    closing the retainer securely about a portion of the fully rigged and assembled fishing rod.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of grasping the strap in order to lift and carry the device.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the strap of the device is adjustable.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the device further comprises three additional retainers configured to be coupled with different portions of the fully rigged and assembled fishing rod.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the inner surface of the retainer further comprises padding coupled with portions thereof.  
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the retainer further comprises grooves for immobilizing the fully rigged and assembled fishing rod.