I cut my PVC according to the height of the basket. I don't notch the end, as the Canal road doesn't have a lot of bumps. I've never bounced a rod out of the PVC yet. If you're accessing other sites and have to travel bumpy terrain to get there, then notching them is a good idea as well as going with longer lengths of PVC.
Double kick stands do help. I usually lay the bike down anyway after I remove my rods and tackle bag, so I never bothered adding a second stand. If I have two rods, I take both of them with me to the water, as thievery has become a problem. You can also use an old tennis ball to cover the tip of the kick stand. And clunker bikes don't attract bike thieves
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