How to Store Fishing Rods (Ultimate Guide 2022)

Investing in a fishing rod is one thing, but keeping it safe and protected is another thing altogether. Ideally, once you put money on a fishing rod or any other fishing gear, it becomes your partner. It becomes your companion to known and unknown waters. And it becomes your only means to your next catch- large or small. But how to store fishing rods is a challenge to new and old clients alike.

Now that you are here, you do not need to fret about it. We will provide you with a detailed guide on storing fishing rods so that the next time you go casting your fishing reel, it is in good shape.

While your fishing gear is pretty essential, several things can threaten your fishing rods’ integrity and durability. Thus, you need to ensure that you store your equipment correctly. That is irrespective of whether you intend to keep your reel for a few days, weeks, or an entire winter season.

But why would you even consider storing your fishing rods the right way?

Top 3 Reasons for Storing Your Fishing Rods Correctly

Before we get into the step-by-step guide on how you can conveniently and correctly store your rods, we find it ideal for highlighting why you need to keep your reeds. They include:

a)      Protect the Rods from Damage

Do you want to be in the market for a new rod after your current rod gets damaged? Of course, that would mean spending more time and money on a viable option. And no angler worth his salt would want to take any chances.

So, storing your rods properly prevents them from getting damaged or scratched. While these precious pieces of angling equipment are pretty sturdy and durable, they are also relatively fragile and vulnerable to damage. Fishing rods face threats from dogs, kids, moisture, babies, extreme temperatures, and cats.

b)      Protect the Rest of the Gear

A damaged rod is also detrimental to your line. Of course, a damaged line could easily snap your line and potentially make you lose your catch. And in cases of nicks on your rod guides or tips, your fishing line will inevitably weaken.

Keeping your rod properly is a perfect way to improve your gear’s durability and continued service.

c)      Protect Yourself, Kids, and Pets

If left carelessly, you, your kids, and pets will probably stumble on roads, and this can cause injuries. The only way to prevent such occurrences is to store your rods properly. You risk causing injuries to yourself, your kids, loved ones, and kids if you do not keep your rods appropriately.

A Step by Step Guide On Storing Fishing Rods Properly

Before you push your fishing rod into its designated storage area, you will need to prepare the suitable materials that you will use for your gear preparation. So, let’s discuss the entire process;

Step 1- Prepare the tools and equipment that you will need.

These tools and equipment that you will use to prepare the rod and gear before storage. Ensure that you have the following tools and equipment;

• Boomerang braid snips or titanium micro-tip scissors
• A mild, scent-less detergent
• A lubricant
• A soft-bristle brush and an old toothbrush
• A water bucket
• Paraffin wax
• A fishing gear lubricant
• A new sponge
• A rod storage rack

Step 2- Disassemble The Gear

Since it is not advisable to store your rod unassembled, you need to disassemble your gear. You can snip the used fishing line using the boomerang braid snips or a pair of micro-tip scissors. There are chances that your old line has some damage and may not be viable for reuse. Besides, salt, germs, and debris could also be in the line, and these could attract mold and pests.

Remove the rod from the reel and set the line aside.

Step 3- Inspect and Repair the Gear

Check out the gear for any damaged parts. You certainly do not want to store fishing gear in poor condition. Ensure that you repair all the broken sections. Mainly, check out the rod for worn guides and worn-out winding wraps and replace them with extra pieces.

Step 4- Clean the Gear

Fill a clean bucket with hot water. Give the gear a general cleaning using the soft-brittle brush. You will need the old toothbrush for small spaces. Then, you can wet the sponge in soapy water and run it through the line.

Rinse both the reel and the line in warm water and allow them to dry.

Step 4- Grease Moving Parts

Wait until the gear is dry and lubricate all the moving parts. One of the places you do not want to miss is the handle. Lubricate it and crank it all through to ensure that it is working perfectly. Also, lubricate the seat. Lubricating moveable parts helps to prevent corrosion and freezing. You can spool the line back on the reel if it is still useable.

Step 5- Clean and Prepare the Rod

Interestingly, the process of cleaning the rod is different from that of cleaning the reel and the rest of the fishing gear. For the rod, pour clean lukewarm water in a bucket and add mild scent-free detergent. Scrub the rod gently with the bristle brush and toothbrush when necessary.

Allow the rod to dry for about half an hour. When you finally have a dry rod, use paraffin on the ferrules or rod joints. You may also need to use wax for lubricating these sections. Once dry, piece up the rod and real. Finally, loosen the drag on the line since excessive tightness will cause warping.

Step 6- Store in a Rod Rack

The best way to store fishing rods is to place them in a rod rack in your storage unit. Storage units with climate control are what you need to keep your fishing rods. Ideally, rods can warp, crack, freeze, or bend if not stored in a climatic environment that is either too hot or too cold.

Tips for Storing Your Fishing Rods

While the above steps will conveniently help you store your rods properly, there are a few dos and don’ts of storing fishing rods. Observe the following;

• Don’t store fishing gear uncleaned. So, you will probably need to learn the essentials of how to clean a fishing reel before storage.
• Do store the rods vertically to avoid bending.
• Don’t lay the rods over each other, as this could also lead to warping or bending.
• Do store your rods under room temperature conditions as excessive temperature and humidity could damage them.
• Do remove fly lines from your reels in case you are using them.
• Do repair your gear and replace broken accessories.
• Do sharpen and oil all the blades before storing them.
• Do use rod sleeves for storing your rods.

Final Words

The above steps on how to store fishing rods should help you get the process right. Indeed, keeping rods, lines, and reels properly extends the longevity of your gear and adds to your safety and the safety of those living around you. And whether you decide to store your reeds assembled or disassembled, always ensure that you clean them before storage.

You can share this guide with your fishing crew if you find it valuable. Please feel free to share your preferred storage mode for fishing rods in the comment section.