CARRYING CASE FOR FISHING RODS AND REELS

Abstract

A carrying case for recreational equipment including fishing rods and reels includes four sections, each of which are constructed and arranged for storage of some article of equipment, preferably fishing rods and reels and related or associated fishing tackle. Each of the four sections are zippered together with the adjacent section and a plurality of foam inserts are inserted into at least two of the sections for the receipt and storage of specific items of equipment. The plurality of foam inserts define corresponding compartments sized and shaped for the selected equipment. The fourth section is completely separable from the third section for use independently of the other three sections.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed device is a carrying case for fishing rods and reels. Included as part of the construction are locations and compartments for receiving flotation cushions, fishing rods and reels and various items of fishing tackle and artificial baits.

Top quality fishing rods and reels represent a significant investment for fisherman. Not only can the unit cost be significant, but having several fishing rods and reels is typical, at least for the more serious fisherman. As one example, certain graphite and carbon fiber fishing rods can cost over $300. Certain styles of fishing reels can cost over $200. Having four or five fishing rod and reel combinations can represent an investment in equipment of well over $2,000. As such, it is important to be able to safely store and transport these fishing rod and reel combinations. While simplicity and convenience are important considerations and typically are some of the desired features of any carrying case, protection of the fishing rods and reels is of primary importance. As will be explained herein, the overall design and construction of the disclosed carrying case could be used for any type of recreational equipment by changing the size, shape and number of the various storage compartments. For example, if a rifle was going to be carried either in lieu of or in addition to various fishing rod and reel combinations, then one of the compartments created in the foam inserts as described herein, could simply be cut to the desired size and shape for securely receiving the selected rifle. A similar approach could be followed if the user wished to transport skis, golf equipment, etc.

Once the storage and transport considerations are addressed, while still focusing on protection of the fishing rods and reels, other options and features can be considered. For example, fisherman like to have easy access to their lures, artificial bait and tackle generally. If these items can be included in designed storage areas or compartments as part of the carrying case for fishing rods and reels, this would be an advantage over carrying cases without this added storage and transport capability.

Another accessory which may be important as part of a fishing activity is to have a flotation cushion. Obviously, this is important when fishing from a boat, but a majority of fishing activities include the use of a boat in order to get to the desired locations on the body of water. If flotation cushions or similar flotation devices can be included and stored in a designed area or compartment of the overall carrying case, this would be an advantage over carrying cases without this added capability.

Prior art carrying cases do not include all of these various features and capabilities and thus the carrying case which is disclosed herein is advantageous in its expanded features and capabilities.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A carrying case for recreational equipment including fishing rods and reels includes four sections, each of which are constructed and arranged for storage of some article of equipment, preferably fishing rods and reels and related or associated fishing tackle. Each of the four sections are zippered together with the adjacent section and a plurality of foam inserts are inserted into at least two of the sections for the receipt and storage of specific items of equipment. The plurality of foam inserts define corresponding compartments sized and shaped for the selected equipment. The fourth section is completely separable from the third section for use independently of the other three sections.

One object of the present disclosure is to describe an improved carrying case for fishing rods and reels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrying case for fishing rods and reels according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 carrying case with a first section unzipped and opened relative to a second section.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the second and third sections of the FIG. 1 carrying case as opened, showing their foam inserts and the defined compartments.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the foam insert of the third section of the FIG. 1 carrying case.

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the separation of the fourth section from the third section of the FIG. 1 carrying case.

FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative opening configuration of the third and fourth sections of the FIG. 1 carrying case.

FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic illustration of alternative opening arrangement for the third and fourth sections of the FIG. 1 carrying case.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the fourth section of the FIG. 1 carrying case as separated from the remaining sections and showing the construction and arrangement of its defined storage compartments.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the FIG. 5 separated fourth section with the addition of securing straps extending over the defined compartments.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the FIG. 3 sections with the addition of securing straps extending over the defined compartments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and its use, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a carrying case 20 for fishing rods and reels. As noted, this carrying case could be used for other recreational equipment by changing dimensions and by reconfiguring the storage compartments so as to conform to the selected articles. The present disclosure and the preferred embodiment of this carrying case is directed to fishing rods and reels and to related fishing equipment and accessories. As such, carrying case 20 includes four separate sections 22, 24, 26 and 28 and an optional removable shoulder strap 30. The FIG. 1 orientation represents the normal starting position with the fourth section 28 in a generally horizontal orientation resting on a support surface, such that the first section 22 is on top. Each section 22, 24, 26 and 28 is a generally rectangular solid with a rectangular peripheral shape and with a depth sufficient for the fishing articles or accessories to be placed in each section, including a selection of rod and reel combinations. While the peripheral size and shape of each section 22, 24, 26 and 28 are essentially the same, the depth or thickness depends on the size of the articles or accessories to be stored therein. Each section 22, 24, 26 and 28 is essentially a five-sided, box-like structure. The sixth side is open such that the interior defined by the other five sides can be accessed and in the preferred embodiment for sections 24, 26 and 28, receive a foam insert. In the exemplary embodiments, the approximate depth of the first section 22 is 2.0 inches (5.08 cm) and the approximate depth of the fourth section 28 is also 2.0 inches (5.08 cm). The approximate depth of the second section 24 is 3.0 inches (7.62 cm). The approximate depth of the third section 26 is 3.0 inches (7.62 cm). These individual section depths result in an approximate overall height of the exemplary embodiment of carrying case 20 of 10.0 inches (25.4 cm). However, it is to be understood that these referenced dimensions can be changed depending on storage preferences. Similarly, sections 22 and 28 are not required to be of the same depth. Likewise, sections 24 and 26 are not required to be of the same depth. In terms of the five-sided, box-like structure, it is envisioned that each of the five panels which create the box-like structure of each of the four sections will be fabricated out of ballistic nylon with the adjoining edges secured by being sewn together into complete edge seams.

As used herein, the term “equipment” is defined so as to include one or more of the following, fishing rods, fishing reels, flotation cushions or similar flotation devices, fishing tackle of all types, tackle boxes and bait jars or similar containers.

Each section 22, 24, 26 and 28 has approximately the same length and approximately the same depth or width. While the length dimension is selected or determined based generally on the length of the fishing rods, the depth or width is preferably 20.0 inches (50.8 cm). Two different embodiments are described herein based on different fishing rod lengths. The suggested or preferred dimensions for sections 22, 24, 26 and 28 can be varied by the design or manufacture, depending on what is envisioned for being transported in carrying case 20 and specifically in each section of carrying case 20. This would mean that the individual sections and the foam inserts which are received by some of these sections would be constructed and arranged based on the equipment and accessories intended to be stored and transported. As indicated above, while the preferred embodiment is in the context of fishing rods and reels and related fishing accessories, the overall construction of carrying case 20 is such that it can be used for other types of recreational items, simply by changing the number, size and shape of the individual compartments in each foam insert.

With regard to the two different embodiments mentioned above, depending on the length of the fishing rods, one embodiment sets this dimension at approximately 78.0 inches (198.12 cm) and the other embodiment sets this length dimension at approximately 92.0 inches (233.68 cm). In each embodiment, the overall height is still preferably 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) and the depth is still preferably 20.0 inches (50.8 cm).

With continued reference to FIG. 1 and carrying case 20, sewn to the bottom surface 32 of section 28 are two straps 34 with clip rings or eyelets 36 secured at each end of each strap 34. The two circular, open eyelets or rings 36 which are not shown in FIG. 1 are on the opposite ends of straps 34 on the back side of carrying case 20. Shoulder strap 30 is adjustable in length via buckle 38 and attaches to rings 36 by spring clips 40 which are similar to what is currently used for soft-sided luggage and satchels.

Additional carrying options are provided by the sewn-on nylon strap handles 42. There are two such handles 42 on each long side of section 24 and two handles 42 on each long side of section 26. This results in a total of eight (8) such handles 42. The other four handles 42 which are not illustrated, are on the opposite or back side of sections 24 and 26. Each handle 42 is open and of sufficient size for entry of a user's hand for lifting and carrying. These handles can also be used for hanging for storage of carrying case 20. These handles 42 can also be used for inserting a strap or rope therethrough for lifting, transporting or hanging of carrying case 20.

There are several options envisioned for joining or connecting together the four sections 22, 24, 26 and 28 into carrying case 20, as illustrated. The preferred embodiment of carrying case 20 uses a zipper 44 between each adjacent pair of sections (three zippers total). Each zipper 44 extends along one length dimension, both side or depth dimensions and a portion of the opposite or back side length dimension. This opposite or back side length dimension includes a short portion 45 which is not zippered and this unzippered portion 45 is constructed and arranged with VELCRO® so that one section such as section 22 can be completely separated from the adjacent section, in this example, section 24. An alternative is to replace the VELCRO® strip with a fabric (ballistic nylon) “living hinge” such that the two sections 22 and 24 remain joined together even when fully unzipped. Regardless of how this remaining strip 45 is configured, whether using a VELCRO® strip or using a panel of fabric in the form of a living hinge, section 22 is able to be clam-shell opened (unzipped and flipped over) relative to section 24. This is similar to a piece of soft-sided luggage with a zippered top which flips up and hinges open so as to expose the interior of the lower section or main body of the luggage. When the zipper 44 which is between sections 22 and 24 is unzipped and section 22 is flipped over, the interior of section 22 is exposed and the adjacent surface of section 24 is exposed. These exposed portions are illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, with section 22 unzipped and flipped over, the exposed interior of section 22 is constructed and arranged so as to receive and store two flotation cushions 46. Each flotation cushion 46 measures approximately 2.0 inches by 20.0 inches by 38.0 inches. In one embodiment, one side of a VELCRO® strip 48 is sewn to the inner surface of section 22 for each cushion 46 and the mating side of each VELCRO® strip 48 is attached to the corresponding flotation cushion. The VELCRO® strips 48 allow each cushion to remain in position as the top section 22 is opened and flipped (hinged) over to expose the interior space of section 22. In another embodiment, elastic straps 49 can be used to hold the flotation cushions 46 in position in section 22. These elastic strips 49 are shown in broken line form so as to indicate an alternative embodiment. The exposed surface 50 of section 24 is a ballistic nylon panel which constitutes the “bottom” of the section 24 “box” whose interior space actually faces the interior space of section 26.

Referring to FIG. 3, the opening of sections 24 and 26 is illustrated. Whether or not section 22 has already been opened in order to remove the flotation cushions 46, the preferred manner of opening sections 24 and 26 would include section 22 being zippered closed with section 24, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In the FIG. 3 illustration, each section 24 and 26 is constructed and arranged as a five-sided, generally rectangular box with fabric side panels, preferably ballistic nylon, securely sewn together so as to define a generally rectangular solid interior space 52. A foam insert 54 which dimensionally matches the interior dimension of each box of sections 24 and 26 is pushed into space 52. Each foam insert 54 is sized and shaped for a tight fit within the corresponding space 52 of sections 24 and 26 and accordingly insertion of each foam insert might require some slight compression of the surfaces of the foam insert. Section 26 is constructed in an essentially identical manner to what is illustrated and described for section 24. Their flipped-over relationship once unzipped means that the recessed and shaped interior compartments 56, 58 and 60 of section 26 are essentially offset or flipped (end-to-end) images of the corresponding interior compartments 56, 58 and 60 if section 24. The offset or reversed aspect of the two sets of compartments is important in order to provide as much foam protection as possible around the fishing reels, keeping within the overall dimensional size for carrying case 20. This arrangement of interior compartments 56, 58 and 60 and the reversed or offset arrangement between sections 24 and 26 also permits a total of six fishing rod and reel combinations to be safely stored and transported. The interior compartments can be cut to the desired size and shape using a hot-wire process.

Each compartment 56, 58 and 60, there being one of each in section 24 and a “matching” one of each in section 26, although reversed end-to-end, is sized and shaped for receiving a fishing rod and reel (not illustrated). As such, each compartment includes a section 56a, for example, for the rod handle, a section 56b for the reel and a section 56c for the main shaft portion of the fishing rod. Considering the size of some fishing reels and the desire to encase the reels in protective foam, each reel section 56b, 58b and 60b is approximately 2.25 to 2.35 inches deep in to the corresponding foam insert 54 which has an approximate overall depth of 3.0 inches. The flipped or offset compartment patterns means that the covering portion for each fishing reel from the opposite foam insert 54 is the portion which receives the tip or shaft of the fishing rod. This is a relatively narrow compartment such that more foam is available to protect the reel of the opposite section. The rod shaft or tip is smaller in overall size and diameter and thus will seat farther down into its foam compartment which also leaves more foam to help protect the reel of the opposite section. This construction likely results in a reel storage pocket in one foam insert 54 which captures a majority of the fishing reel or at least a sufficient portion of the fishing reel to hold it in position assuming a slight interference fit with the foam compartment. Therefore, each reel is essentially surrounded by a body of foam with a foam layer beneath the reel as part of the receiving insert and a layer of foam on the opposite side of the reel or covering the reel based on the closing of the opposite foam insert over the exposed portion of the fishing reel. It is also noted that sections 24 and 26 are the interior sections to the overall carrying case 20. Accordingly, section 22 provides an outer layer of protection to whatever is contained within section 24 and section 28 provides another layer of protection to whatever is stored in section 26. The preferred dimensions for carrying case 20 allow three rod and reel combinations to be safely stored and transported in section 24 and another three rod and reel combinations to be safely stored and transported in section 26.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment which is constructed and arranged for storing six (6) rod and reel combinations, the two foam inserts of sections 24 and 26 are similarly configured with recessed compartments 56, 58 and 60 for the rods and reels. One foam insert 54 is flipped end-to-end relative to the other insert as is illustrated. This causes the rod body compartments 56c, 58c and 60c of one foam insert 54 to line up with the reel compartments 56b, 58b and 60b of the other foam insert 54 and vice versa. An optional securing arrangement for any fishing rod and reel combinations stowed in one (or more) of the recessed compartments is illustrated in FIG. 7 and includes the use of securing straps 61. Each strap 61 is formed by two sections 61a and 61b. One end of each section is securely connected to a portion of the corresponding case section 24 or 26. The free ends are to be secured together by the use of cooperating VELCRO® panels. A similar securing strap structure is illustrated in FIG. 6 and described herein.

In the FIG. 3A embodiment of carrying case 20a which is constructed and arranged for storing three (3) rod and reel combinations, the compartments 56, 58 and 60 of the two foam inserts 54 are aligned so as to close together with a true clam shell design for sections 24a and 26a. This means that one-half of the foam encasement for each rod and reel combination is contributed by one foam insert 54 of one section 24a or 26a and the other half of the foam encasement is contributed by the other foam insert 54 of the other section either 24a or 26a.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and now with reference to FIG. 4, the bottom section 28 is zippered to section 26 in a manner similar to how section 22 is zippered to section 24. The zipper 44 extends completely around the periphery of these two sections 28 and 26 except for a small portion 45 in the middle of the back side length. This small portion 45 is only configured with a VELCRO® strip in the FIG. 4 embodiment since it is intended for section 28 to be unzipped and separated completely from section 26. As will be explained in the context of FIGS. 5 and 6, section 28 is constructed and arranged with compartments for fishing tackle boxes and with compartments for jars for artificial bait or other fishing accessories. As such, it is envisioned that the fisherman will want access to these items frequently. Constructing section 28 so as to separate entirely from section 26, once fully unzipped, enables section 28 to be moved to any location for continued access by the fisherman. Whether the desired location is in a boat, on a dock, or elsewhere, section 28 can be positioned close to the fisherman such that as tackle and bait is desired, it is readily available.

As one option for positioning and use of section 28, it is envisioned to add a VELCRO® pad 61 (one part of the VELCRO® combination) to each corner of the upper surface of section 22. The mating part of the VELCRO® combination for each pad 61 is securely joined to the bottom of section 28 (not illustrated) similar to caster pads. This thus allows a VELCRO® connection of section 28 to the top of section 22.

A second embodiment of section 28 retains a fabric strip in lieu of the VELCRO® strip 45. The fabric strip functions as a living hinge between sections 28 and 26, but still keeps these two sections connected. When the connecting zipper 44 between sections 28 and 26 is unzipped, sections 22, 24 and 26 as a group or unit are able to be pivoted up and over as illustrated in FIG. 4A so as to expose the interior of section 28. Another option for accessing the contents of section 28 when section 28 remains connected to section 26 is illustrated in FIG. 4B. Referring to these two opened conditions which are diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, it is noted that the group or unit of joined sections 22, 24 and 26 has a height or thickness of approximately 8.0 inches. This is compared to the approximate 2.0 inch height or thickness of section 28 and thus, there is a dimensional offset, as illustrated. If section 28 attempts to remain flat on the support surface as is illustrated in FIG. 4A, then the other three sections as a unit, can only pivot so far until the edge of section 22 contacts that same support surface. If it is desired to have the uppermost surface of section 22 rest completely flat on the support surface, then section 28 will be elevated and suspended as illustrated in FIG. 4B.

As described, the preferred option for accessing the contents of section 28 is to configure the connection between section 28 and section 26 with the open and non-connected portion 45 between the ends of the connecting zipper 44. By this construction (see FIG. 4), once the two sections are completely unzipped, section 28 can be separated from section 26 and set to one side. As described above, a VELCRO® strip can be used across the open or non-connected portion 45 for closing and yet still permit the lower section 28 be completely separated from section 26.

Referring to FIG. 5, the interior of section 28 is illustrated. Section 28 is constructed and arranged as a five-sided, box-like generally rectangular structure with fabric side panels, preferably ballistic nylon, securely sewn together so as to define a generally rectangular solid interior space 62 with the aforementioned box-like shape. A foam insert 64 is pushed into space 62 and the foam insert 64 is sized and shaped for a tight fit within space 62. As such the insertion of foam insert 64 into space 62 might require some slight compression to the surfaces of the foam insert 64. Foam insert 64 is constructed and arranged with four generally rectangular compartments 66a, 66b, 66c and 66d and four generally cylindrical compartments 68a, 68b, 68c and 68d. These eight compartments are able to be cut into the foam insert 64 at the desired locations and with the desired sizes and shapes by means of a hot-wire process. The generally rectangular compartments are sized and shaped for receiving rectangular tackle boxes and similar equipment and accessories. The generally cylindrical compartments are sized and shaped for receiving cylindrical jars of the type that might be used for artificial bait or might be used for other fishing accessories.

It is also noted that foam inserts 54 and 64 are able to be configured with virtually any number of compartments with virtually any size and shape of compartments, depending on what one would want to store and/or transport within carrying case 20. The size, shape and number of fishing rods and reels and the size, shape and number of tackle accessories, bait jars, etc., will dictate the compartments to be created in the foam inserts 54 and 64. The compartment layouts described and illustrated herein are one example of the numerous options and possibilities for the storage compartments.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, each compartment 66a-66d measures approximately 7.25 inches by 11.0 inches. Each compartment 68a-68d measures approximately 2.0 inches in diameter. Since the foam insert 64 is approximately 2.0 inches deep or thick, the depth of each compartment is something less than 2.0 inches in order to have some layer of foam beneath the articles which are inserted into these compartments. In the exemplary embodiment, in order to provide a sufficient foam cushion below or at the base of each compartment, a minimum of 0.50 inches of foam is desired at that location. This allows roughly 1.50 inches of depth to each compartment. When securing straps are used, see FIG. 6, to hold the tackle boxes and jars in position, less depth to each compartment would be permitted as the insert depth is not the only holding means if securing straps are added. It is envisioned that the size of each compartment will be slightly less than the article to be received therein such that there will be a snug fit and some slight compression of the abutting foam surfaces.

Referring to FIG. 6, four securing straps 70a, 70b, 70c and 70d are used to lay over the center portion of each compartment 66a-66d and 68a-68d. Each securing strap 70a-70d is a two-piece ballistic nylon strap with VELCRO® portions 72 and 74 at the approximate center and opposite free ends 76 and 78. End 76 is sewn to one of the nylon sides 28a of section 28. End 78 is sewn to the opposite nylon side 28b of section 28. As noted, securing strap 70a is centered across compartments 66a and 66b. Securing strap 70b is centered across compartments 68a and 68b. Securing strap 70c is centered across compartments 68c and 68b. Securing strap 70d is centered across compartments 66c and 66d.

In order to help maintain the depth or thickness of each section 22, 24, 26 and 28 and for added side impact protection, unitary, rigid plastic (or nylon) corner inserts 47 are used. As envisioned, one corner insert 47 would be used at each corner of each section. The construction of each corner insert 47 includes two flat panels set at an approximately 90 degree angle to each other with a small radiused section therebetween. These corner inserts 47 can be glued in place or made to be removable by using VELCRO®. A further modification which is contemplated is to add a third panel along the Z-axis of selected corner inserts 47 in order to serve as top impact protection for section 22 and to serve as bottom impact protection for section 28. As such, neither section 24 nor section 26 would require the third panel as part of its corner inserts 47.

As used herein, the term “corner” is defined to mean that location generally where two side or end panels of the fabric comprising the first and fourth sections are sewn together. The term “corner” is not necessarily a 90 degree right angle due to the use of fabrics and due to the fact that these fabric panels or sections are sewn together creating a more rounded or at least irregular form at these outer edges.

Carrying case 20 is constructed and arranged for maximum versatility in terms of what can be carried, how it is carried and the manner of access and use. When not in use, all of the desired fishing articles can be left in the carrying case 20 and stored. The carrying case can be hung from a hook or stored on a shelf.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A carrying case for recreational equipment comprising:

a first section constructed and arranged with an equipment storage space;

a second section constructed and arranged with an equipment storage space, said second section being connected to said first section;

a third section constructed and arranged with an equipment storage space, said third section being connected to said second section;

a fourth section constructed and arranged with an equipment storage space, said fourth section being connected to said third section;

a first foam insert constructed and arranged for receipt by said second section, said first foam insert defining at least one compartment for equipment storage;

a second foam insert constructed and arranged for receipt by said third section, said second foam insert defining at least one compartment for equipment storage;

a third foam insert constructed and arranged for receipt by said fourth section, said third foam insert defining at least one compartment for equipment storage; and

wherein said fourth section is completely separable from said third section for use independently of the other three sections.

2. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the connection between the first section and the second section is by a zipper.

3. The carrying case of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of the connection between the first section and the second section is by a fabric panel.

4. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the connection between the second section and the third section is by a zipper.

5. The carrying case of claim 4 wherein at least a portion of the connection between the second section and the third section is by a fabric panel.

6. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the connection between the third section and the fourth section is by a zipper.

7. The carrying case of claim 6 wherein at least a portion of the connection between the third section and the fourth section is by a fabric panel.

8. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the equipment storage space of said first section is constructed and arranged to receive a flotation cushion.

9. The carrying case of claim 8 which further includes a securing strap to secure said flotation cushion in position.

10. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the at least one compartment of said first foam insert is constructed and arranged to receive a fishing rod and reel combination.

11. The carrying case of claim 10 which further includes a securing strap to secure said fishing rod and reel combination in position.

12. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein said first foam insert includes at least two compartments for equipment storage wherein each compartment is constructed and arranged to receive a fishing rod and reel combination.

13. The carrying case of claim 12 which further includes a securing strap corresponding to each compartment to secure the corresponding fishing rod and reel in position.

14. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the at least one compartment of said second foam insert is constructed and arranged to receive a fishing rod and reel combination.

15. The carrying case of claim 14 which further includes a securing strap to secure said fishing rod and reel combination in position.

16. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein said second foam insert includes at least two compartments for equipment storage wherein each compartment is constructed and arranged to receive a fishing rod and reel combination.

17. The carrying case of claim 16 which further includes a securing strap corresponding to each compartment to secure the corresponding fishing rod and reel in position.

18. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the at least one compartment of said third foam insert is constructed and arranged to receive a tackle box.

19. The carrying case of claim 18 which further includes a securing strap to secure said tackle box in position.

20. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein said third foam insert includes at least two compartments for equipment storage wherein one compartment is constructed and arranged to receive a tackle box and another compartment is constructed and arranged to receive a bait jar.

21. The carrying case of claim 20 which further includes a first securing strap to secure said tackle box in position and a second securing strap to secure said bait jar in position.

22. The carrying case of claim 1 which further includes a carrying strap.

23. The carrying case of claim 1 which further includes a plurality of corner supports positioned at selected corners of said first section.

24. The carrying case of claim 1 which further includes a plurality of corner supports positioned at selected corners of said fourth section.