How to Store Fishing Rods Safely?
So, you’ve had a great day out on the water, reeling in the big ones. Now you’re back at home, tired, sunburned and victorious. But wait!
What are you going to do with your precious Saltwater fishing rods? Are they doomed to be tossed haphazardly into a corner, or worse, used as makeshift light sabers by the kids? Of course not!
Fishing is a fun activity, but finding the fishing rods in bad condition while they were in storage is frustrating. The fishing gear has the same value as a baseball bat means to a baseball player.
This article is here to save your rods (and maybe your sanity). Learn how to Store Fishing Rods Safely, because even fishing gear deserves a safe and cozy home. If you don’t take care of the fishing rods and gear, it can be damaged. Keep reading to know the best ways to store fishing rods, so they remain in the best shape even after a long time.
Stick around, and we’ll show you how!
Why is Fishing Rod Storage So Essential?
Why am I emphasizing so much on storage? These tricks save your hard-earned 
cash. You can also enjoy your hobby with your favorite fishing rods any time you wish.
Here are a few reasons why proper storage is vital for keeping fishing rods in good condition.
Delicate Parts Can Damage Easily
Keeping the fishing rod in the right place can protect it against damage. These rods appear strong; however, some delicate parts break off if they scratch against anything. The hook can suffer damage if it rubs from any surface or something falls on the rod.
Imagine taking out your fishing rod on a fishing trip, and not getting the prize catch. I don’t want that to happen to you because it’s a mini heart attack. That’d probably happen because of the wear and tear on the rod in the storage.
What’s worse? You bought a new fishing rod a few months back, and just because it wasn’t stored properly, it becomes ineffective on the big day. You wouldn’t want to ruin your fishing trip that way, would you?
So, store your fishing rods properly and have peace of mind.
Lifespan Shrinks
Storing them with other items in your backyard can affect their life. Nearby items, like old corroded machines, chemicals, used oil, and stuff, can affect the quality of your fishing rod. Plus, there may be easy access to rodents, which can be dangerous if the rods are not properly wrapped.
On the contrary, when you keep the rods in proper storage, they will last much longer because they are safe from any damage. If you keep them in a rack, you can prevent the rods from bending. On the other hand, when you don’t pay attention to their maintenance, you’ll be hitting the store to get some parts for the rod.
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Pre-Storage Tips
What if you took all the safety measures, but still, your fishing rod wears down. This may be the case.
If you store the fishing rods as soon as you come from the trip, you are doing it wrong. You need to maintain them before keeping them in a safe place. Here are a few steps that you should follow before putting the rods in storage.
Clean It Properly
Whether you have gone fishing in saltwater or freshwater, cleaning the 
fishing rod is the first thing that you should do. Make sure it is properly clean and then let it dry; otherwise, it could get rusted while in the storage.
If you are an avid angler and enjoy night fishing sessions as well as daytime trips, there is a fantastic cleaning remedy you should consider. This isn’t necessary after every fishing trip, but you can do it once in a month.
Are you wondering how to do this magic cleaning? Here you go:
Mix some water with vinegar and a mild detergent, use an old toothbrush to clean the rod, and don’t miss the guides. Sometimes, objects get into the guides while fishing and can destroy the guides in storage.
Check the Gear For Damage
Don’t forget to check your fishing gear for any signs of wear and tear before storage. It is the right time to give it a quick check while giving attention to the guides and rod tips.
If you find any nicks on the guides, sand them to smoothen them out. However, if the sandpaper doesn’t work, you need to replace the guides. It is best to catch anything at this stage, as your line can get damaged on the guides if you store them without sanding.
Store the Parts Separately
Do you go fishing once in a blue moon? In such cases, it is better to take the fishing line and reel off the rod and store them separately.
Put your line in a loose coil, so it doesn’t get a tightly wound shape. If you have used the fishing rod in saltwater, you should always remove the line from the reel and rod. Follow the practice even if you store it for a short time because the remaining salt can destroy the rod or reel.
However, cleaning the line is very simple. You can use any mild soap, like dish soap, clean the line thoroughly, and rinse it with water.
Put Oil on the Blades
Another tip to keep fishing rods in the best shape is to coat them with light oil. So, whenever you put them in storage, remember to oil them when they are dry. This practice helps prevent corrosion of the blade and keeps them functional, like new.
Storing Your Fishing Rods
Now, let’s get to the next part, which is how to store the fishing rods. Before we dive into the details, I would like to tell you about the storage options for storing them.
Types of Storage
There are different storage options for your fishing rods, but they depend 
on where you want to keep them and the storage space you have at your place. You can choose horizontal or vertical storage options.
Fishing Rack
However, if you have a collection of rods and plan to keep them in the garage, then a wall-mounted rack is an excellent investment.
It offers a safe storage area for your fishing gear and keeps them off the ground as well. You can also use this option if you want to save the floor space for other stuff. Plus, this option is more suitable for horizontal storage.
On the other hand, vertical storage will suit you if you have enough floor space. The vertical racks are more efficient for many people as they are accessible to reach as compared to a horizontal option. Moreover, they remain on the floor level, and you can quickly get the fishing gear anytime.
Where to Store Them?
Are you confused about the place you should keep your rods? Don’t worry, as I’ll offer a tried and tested suggestion that works for all fishing enthusiasts.
The garage is the best place to keep the fishing rods safe. The main requirement for the rods is a dry place, so if your garage serves the right environment, keep them there. You can also put them in the storeroom or any area of the house that is moisture-free.
Ways to Store the Rod
You can remove the reel from the fishing rod when you store them, but it depends on the rack that you are planning to use.
Let’s get to the next point now. Whether you store the rods horizontally or vertically and keep the fishing line intact with the rod, you should check if the line isn’t too tight. If you leave it tight, this can put pressure on the rod and the line while it is stored.
Storing It In a Container
Some people store rods in containers or a rod holder, but these options
are only suitable during transportation as it protects them from damage and pressure. For long-time storage, the rod can get damaged because of the moisture that builds up in the container, so it’s not a good storage hack.
Take Care of the Rod
Make sure you treat your rod well. Don’t whack your friends with it. Make sure you never play with it or toss it in the back of your truck. Moreover, never bang it on the boat’s floor.
Also, keep it away from children. That’s not only for the safety of rods, but also your kids. Remember to treat your rod with care so that you can enjoy fishing with it for years.
FAQ
Why Should I Store Fishing Rods Off the Ground?
I recommended off-the-ground for some reason. The rod could catch moisture from the ground. So, by placing them above the ground, you can prevent the fishing gear from mold and rot.
Moreover, keeping the rods off the ground can also prevent them from breaking or being knocked over.
Does Sunlight Affect the Rod In Storage?
While many people would say that sunlight doesn’t matter as fishing rods are used in the sun and get wet, sunlight (along with other environmental factors) does affect the rods if they’re exposed to open air for a longer period.
Take painting, for example. If it receives sunlight for a long time, the color fades after some days, and the material starts deteriorating.
This also happens to the fishing rods; especially, when you want to use them for years. So, it’s not a good idea to store them in an area where sunlight hits directly.
Conclusion
The fishing rod is essential equipment that makes your fishing trips exciting. Make sure they stay in the best condition, and you get a chance to show off an impressive catch to your friends.
I hope that you understand the best ways to store fishing gear. If you follow these steps, your fishing rods will have a long life, and you can always enjoy fishing with the fantastic performance of your well-maintained fishing gear.
Share these tricks with your fishing companions and tell them to look after their rods to gain maximum benefits.
Happy fishing!
