Fishing rods are an important investment for any angler. As a collector of rods myself, I invest in storage because I care about my rods. Shouldn’t you, too?
Fishing rods can be expensive, and if not correctly cared for, they can break or become damaged. That’s why it’s important to know how to properly store fishing rods, both in vehicles and at home – so you can love them longer.
Read on to learn some easy storage ideas for your fishing rods.
Why Proper Fishing Rod Storage Is Important
Fishing rods are delicate, and if not correctly stored, they can easily become damaged or corroded over time, leading to a shorter lifetime for you to enjoy them. They could also be left vulnerable to petty theft or pose a safety hazard if not appropriately secured.
Outdoor Elements
One of the main dangers to fishing rods is the outdoor elements. Sunlight, rain, and wind can all wreak havoc on unprotected rods, causing them to break down and become less effective.
Water can cause corrosion on the delicate metal components of your rod, so it’s essential to keep them dry when you’re not fishing.
Risk of Damage
Another risk of improper storage is damage to the rod itself. If stored in a garage or shed, fishing rods are at risk of being knocked over or stepped on, leading to heartbreaking damage.
Since fishing rods are so long, it often feels easiest to lean them up in a corner in a garage or shed, but this can cause bending, and since the rods aren’t secured vertically, it’s easy for them to fall over into compromising positions.
Liability Locations
Another factor to consider is where you’re storing your fishing rods. If they’re left in a public place like the park or on the beach, there’s always the possibility that someone could trip over them and hurt themselves. This could lead to liability issues for you as the owner of the rods, especially if it occurs on your property.
They could also be at risk of theft if left in a public place. Expensive rods can be especially attractive to thieves, so it’s essential to keep them secure when not in use.
What Sort of Damage Can Happen If Not Stored Properly
As we’ve all likely seen, several risks come with improper fishing rod storage. There’s nothing worse than getting excited to pull out your favorite rod to find it damaged or corroded. It ruins even the best fishing days.
The most common damage to fishing rods occurs from bends and breaks, which can happen when you store them in a vertical position for too long or if they’re knocked over and fall on a hard surface. This type of damage is often irreparable and can ruin the entire rod.
Water damage is also a risk, as we mentioned earlier. It can cause the metal components of the rod to rust and corrode, making them less effective and challenging to use.
Ideas for Fishing Rod Storage
Now that we’ve gone over some of the risks of improper storage, let’s take a look at some ideas for how to store your fishing rods properly.
Homemade Fishing Pole Holder
Try this homemade fishing pole holder if you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to store your fishing rods. It’s a quick and easy solution with a fishing rod storage PVC pipe.
You’ll need:
- PVC pipe
- Saw
- Drill
- Screws
- Hook and eye screw
First, measure the length of your fishing rod and cut the PVC pipe to size. Next, use a drill to make two holes in the side of the PVC pipe, about an inch from the top. Screw in a hook and eye screw into each hole.
Then, line up the spots for screw hooks on the wall. Drill in the screws and hang the PVC pipe onto the wall. Place your fishing rod right inside.
Now your fishing rod PVC pipe holder is complete! Simply hang it on a wall or door in your garage or shed, and you’re good to go.
Storing Fishing Rods in Vehicles and At Home
Here are some tips to consider to store your fishing rods safely in vehicles and at home.
In Vehicles
If you’re storing your fishing rod in a vehicle, you want it secured, so it doesn’t move around while you’re driving. Let’s take a look at how you can secure your rods in different vehicles:
Trucks
When storing your fishing rod in a truck, the best option is to invest in a fishing rod rack. These racks are designed to hold rods securely in place while you’re driving, and they come in a variety of sizes to fit different trucks.
Cars
Are you storing your fishing rod in a car? Get yourself a fishing rod carrier. These carriers strap onto the roof of your vehicle and hold the rods securely in place. Some even come with features like locks to keep your rods safe and secure.
RVs and Trailers
If you’re planning to store your fishing rod in an RV, consider using a fishing rod storage bag. These bags can hold multiple rods and keep them safe while driving, making them easier to transport while you’re on the road.
They often have features like straps or handles to make it easy to carry them from the RV to the water.
Boats
The best boat storage option for fishing rods is a fishing rod holder explicitly made for watercraft. These holders can be mounted to the side of the boat and keep your rods secure while you’re hitting the waves.
They also make it easy to grab your rod and start fishing when you’re out on the open water without fumbling around for it in a complicated storage container.
At Home
You have a few different options when storing your fishing rod at home.
If you don’t have a lot of space, try using a fishing rod rack. These racks can be mounted on the wall or stored in a closet, and they make it easy to grab your rod when you’re ready to head out.
For a more permanent solution, consider building a fishing rod storage cabinet. This type of storage is great for larger homes or if you have a lot of fishing gear. If you’re a collector, skip straight to the storage cabinet.
It can be custom-made to fit your space and needs, and it will keep your rods organized and out of the way.
Garage
The garage is a great place to store your fishing rod when you’re not using it. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on how much space you have.
If you have a lot of space, hang your rods on the wall or from the ceiling. Storing them in these spots will keep them out of the way and prevent them from getting damaged. The ceiling method works great for me and frees up wall space for more tools and toys.
If space is a concern, try using a storage bag. You won’t be able to show off your rods, but they’ll be safely and compactly stored.
Storage Tips to Protect Your Fishing Rod
As an angler, you only want the best for your fishing rod. Give it the best storage possible with these tips.
Clean the Rods Regularly
The first step to properly storing your fishing rod is to clean it regularly. This maintenance will remove any dirt, grime, or saltwater that could damage the rod over time.
Use a soft cloth and mild soap to wipe down the rod, being careful not to use anything too abrasive that could lead to scratches.
Inspect for Damage
Instead, store the rod in a cool, dry place where you don’t have to worry about exposure to sunlight or moisture.
Before you store your fishing rod, inspect it for any damage. Look for cracks, chips, or breaks in the rod and repair them before they worsen.
It’s also good to check the guides and make sure they’re not damaged. If they are, replace them before using the rod again.
Wrap the Rod Carefully
Once the rod is clean and dry, it’s time to wrap it up for storage. Start by wrapping the rod in a soft cloth or towels to protect it from scratches. Then, use a rod sock or sheath to cover the entire rod. These will keep your rod safe from getting tangled with other rods or damaged.
Store Delicate Parts On Their Own
Some fishing rods have delicate parts that you need to store individually, such as the reel, line, and lures.
Reels should be stored in a reel case or bag to keep them from getting scratched or damaged. You can store lines on a spool or in a tackle box.
Be Gentle
When you’re handling your fishing rod, be gentle. Avoid dropping it or putting too much pressure on it, as this can damage the rod.
Also, be careful not to over-tighten the reel when putting it away. Doing this can damage the gears and make it difficult to use the reel when you’re excited to start casting.
Keep It Away From Kids and Pets
Finally, keep your fishing rod out of reach of kids and pets. Kids can be rough with things, and pets might think the rod is a toy.
Both can cause damage to the rod or, worse, cause injury, so it’s best to keep it in a safe place where they can’t get to it.
Avoid Sunlight and Open Air
Avoid putting it in direct sunlight or an open-air environment when storing your fishing rod.
The sun can damage the rod, and air can cause the reel to rust.
Happy Fishing & Tight Lines