Here's an idea that has worked really well that my pa came up with. Do like stormin said and get yourself of pvc pipe (I think the stuff I used for my drift rod is 2 1/2 or 3 inch. Glue yourself a cap on one and like was said but NOT on the other end. Instead take a dremel grinder and cut about a slot just wide enough for the rod to slide in between the rod handle and the reel seat. Once you cut the slot in far enough so the butt of the rod is in past the end of the tube, widen the slot so the reel drops into the tube if you can picture what I mean. This way all you have to do is take the rod apart and not take the real off. Another option; DB Dunn makes a padded rod case for spey rods that might work. Not sure on this one as I haven't tried it but it should work. Hope this helps.