How To Store Fishing Rods Safely? 2025

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Last Updated on September 10, 2024 by Paul Clayton

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!

Key Takeaways:

1. Importance of Proper Storage: Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the integrity and extending the lifespan of fishing rods. Poor storage can lead to damage from scratches, exposure to corrosive substances, and general wear and tear.
2. Pre-Storage Maintenance: Before storing, clean your rods thoroughly, check for damage, and store the fishing line and reel separately if used in saltwater. Applying light oil to the blades can also prevent corrosion.
3. Storage Methods: Use a fishing rack (horizontal or vertical) to keep rods organized and off the ground. Store rods in a dry, moisture-free environment like a garage or storeroom to avoid damage from environmental factors and pests.

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 fun, but finding the fishing rods in lousy condition while in storage is frustrating. Fishing gear has the same value to a baseball player as a baseball bat.

This article is here to save your rods (and maybe your sanity). Learn how to store fishing rods safely because fishing gear deserves a safe and cozy home. It can be damaged if you don’t take care of the fishing rods and gear. Please keep reading to learn 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 storage so much? These tricks save your hard-earned cash. You can also enjoy your hobby with your favorite fishing rods whenever 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 your fishing rod on a fishing trip without 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 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 hit 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 your fishing rod still wears down? This may be the case.

If you store the fishing rods as soon as you return 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 storing the rods.

Clean It Properly

Whether you have gone fishing in saltwater or freshwater, cleaning the fishing rod is the first thing you should do. Ensure 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 and daytime trips, there is a fantastic cleaning remedy you should consider. It isn’t necessary to do this after every fishing trip, but you can do it once 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

Remember to check your fishing gear for signs of wear and tear before storage. It is the right time to give it a quick check while paying attention to the guides and rod tips.

If you find any nicks on the guides, sand them to smooth them. However, if the sandpaper doesn’t work, you must 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, 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, always remove the line from the reel and rod. Even if you store it briefly, follow the practice 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 for keeping fishing rods in the best shape is to coat them with light oil. When you store them, remember to oil them when they are dry. This practice helps prevent blade corrosion and keeps them functional, like new ones.

Storing Your Fishing Rods

Now, let’s move on to the next part, which is how to store the fishing rods. Before we get into the details, I would like to discuss the storage options.

Types of Storage

There are different storage options for your fishing rods, depending on where you want to keep them and the storage space you have. 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 it off the ground. This option is also suitable for horizontal storage and can be used if you want to save floor space for other stuff.

On the other hand, vertical storage will suit you if you have enough floor space. Vertical racks are more efficient for many people as they are easier to reach than a horizontal option. Moreover, they remain on the floor level, and you can quickly access the fishing gear anytime.

Where to Store Them?

Are you confused about where to keep your rods? Don’t worry—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 rods’ main requirement is a dry place, so if your garage provides the right environment, keep them there. You can also put them in the storeroom or any moisture-free area of the house.

Ways to Store the Rod

You can remove the reel from the fishing rod when you store it, depending on the rack you plan to use.

Let’s move on to the next point. Whether you store the rods horizontally or vertically and keep the fishing line intact with the rod, you should check that the line isn’t too tight. If you leave it tight, this can put pressure on the rod and the line while they are 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. Never play with it or toss it in the back of your truck. Moreover, never bang it on the boat’s floor.

Also, please keep it away from children. That’s not only for the safety of rods but also for your kids. Remember to treat your rod carefully so you can enjoy fishing with it for years.

FAQ

Why Should I Store Fishing Rods Off the Ground?

For some reason, I recommended off-the-ground. The rod could catch moisture from the ground, so placing it above the ground can prevent the fishing gear from molding and rotting.

Moreover, keeping the rods off the ground can 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) affects the rods if they’re exposed to open air for longer.

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 fishing rods, especially when you want to use them for years. So, storing them in an area where sunlight hits directly is not a good idea.

Conclusion

The fishing rod is essential equipment that makes your fishing trips exciting. Make sure it stays in the best condition, and you’ll be able 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!

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