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When storing fishing rods, it is important to keep them in a safe, temperature controlled environment to prevent warping. Rods should be stored vertically in a rod rack, closet or PVC tube to avoid damage. Before storage, rods should be cleaned and inspected for nicks or fraying. Avoid exposing rods to direct sunlight or humidity for long periods.
Importance of Proper Fishing Rod Storage
Properly storing fishing rods is essential for maintaining performance and extending the life of your gear. Rods that are not stored correctly can develop issues like warping, cracking, corrosion, and damage to guides or rod tips. Taking steps to appropriately store rods will save anglers money and prevent losing fishing time to damaged equipment.
Fishing rods are designed to flex and bend but still return to their original shape. Exposing rods to sustained high temperatures or excess moisture can cause the glue bonding composite rod blanks to weaken or the graphite/fiberglass materials themselves to break down. Rods that warp or take on a permanent curve will not cast or fish properly.
The eyes guides on a fishing rod also need to be maintained in good condition for optimal performance. Corrosion from saltwater or humidity can cause inserts to fall out or crack. Contact with other rods when not stored properly can chip inserts or scratch guide surfaces leading to fraying and snapping of fishing line. Protecting rod guides ensures lines flow freely off the rod for accurate casting.
Storing Rods Vertically
It is recommended to store rods vertically instead of horizontally to prevent warping. Gravity can cause rod blanks to sag over time when laid flat. Storing rods upright eliminates this risk and helps rods maintain their natural shape and action.
Vertical storage also keeps weight from being concentrated at any one point on a rod blank. When laid horizontally, a rod’s own weight bears down across a very small surface area. Over many months or years, this can deform the blank. Hanging rods so their weight is evenly dispersed protects against damage.
Rod Racks
Rod racks provide organized vertical storage for multiple fishing rods. Racks come in many materials including wood, plastic and metal. Free-standing racks can hold a dozen or more rods in an upright position. Rod racks are also available for mounting on walls or ceilings to conserve floor space.
Mounted rod racks should have felt or rubber cradles to protect rod finishes. Racks should support rods across the length of the blank and be deep enough to accommodate the full handle. Avoid racks that allow rods to touch each other which can lead to finish scratches and damaged guides.
Closets
An empty closet or small room makes an ideal rod storage area. Mount wooden dowels or metal pegs at least 12 inches apart across the back wall of the closet. Ensure pegs extend at least 2 feet out from the wall to fully support even the longest fishing rods.
Coat each peg with PVC tubing to protect rod blanks. Place reels facing inward toward the back of the closet. Install a ceiling-mounted rod holder across the front of the closet for extra support and to keep tips from touching the floor.
PVC Tubes
Sections of PVC pipe make convenient individual rod storage tubes. Use 3-4 inch diameter pipes at least 6 inches longer than the rod. Cap the ends with fitted end caps available at most hardware stores. Drill a small hole in the upper end cap to insert a rubber grommet; use this to hang tubes vertically from pegs or hooks.
Angle the mouth of the tube downward slightly so the rod handle rests securely inside. Foam pipe insulation wrapped around pegs or along the inside of caps cushions rods. Label each tube to identify its contents.
Maintaining Proper Storage Conditions
Consistent Temperatures
Avoid subjecting rods to temperature extremes or rapid fluctuations. The resins bonding rod materials weaken under high heat. Garages, attics and outdoor sheds often see significant temperature swings from daytime sun to nighttime cooling. These areas are generally poor choices for rod storage.
Areas that maintain a consistent, moderate temperature between 55-80°F are ideal. Basements or climate controlled closets inside a home provide suitable rod storage conditions in many regions.
Managing Humidity
Dampness and humidity damage fishing rods over time. Rods stored in humid conditions can warp and glass or graphite fibers can become saturated. Use dehumidifiers as needed to keep storage areas below 65 percent relative humidity.
Increasing air circulation also helps lower humidity. Make sure closets or other enclosed storage spaces are ventilated. Open doors periodically to exchange air. Leave space between hanging rods so air flows between them.
Avoiding Direct Sunlight
Never leave fishing rods stored long-term where they will be exposed to direct sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation degrades bonding agents and causes surface fading or cracking. Keep storage areas shaded or darkened.
Avoid placing rod racks or mounts on sunny garage or patio walls. Close curtains or blinds on windows where rods are stored. Sunlight shining through even a closed window over time can damage rod components.
Proper Rod Handling for Storage
Taking steps to properly prepare rods before putting them into storage prolongs their life. Cleaning and inspecting equipment ensures rods are protected from corrosion and small damages do not have a chance to worsen in storage.
Cleaning
Rinse rods after saltwater use and wipe down with a damp cloth after fishing to remove dirt, sand and other debris. Scrub guides and insert areas to fully remove salt, fish blood/slime and grease which can retain moisture against the rod.
Use a thin cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to sanitize cork handles. Allow rods to fully air dry before storage. The towel rod method laying the rod on a dry towel and rotating to dry all sides also works well.
Inspection
Check each rod carefully for signs of damage before storage. Look for nicks, cracks and deep scratches in the blank. Also inspect guides for dings, loose windings or corroded stainless steel.
Test guide inserts by running a Q-tip through them. Replace any that catch or show signs they might fall out. Check cork handles for cracks or drying. Wind line evenly on reels and lubricate gears.
Storage Position
Place reels so handles rest in the 6 o’clock position with the reel foot facing up when storing rods vertically. This distributes weight evenly and reduces strain on reel components.
For rods stored long-term horizontally, rotate the rod 180 degrees every few months to vary how weight bears down along the blank. Avoid resting rods on their tips which can damage the guide and fray line.
Rod Sock
Use a rod sock to provide an added layer of protection when storing rods. Socks help prevent nicking, surface scratches and guide damage from rods bumping into each other or abrasive surfaces. Choose well-fitted socks made of durable, breathable materials.
Special Cold Weather Storage Considerations
Anglers storing gear in freezing temperatures and snowy conditions need to take extra precautions. Rods used in cold conditions require winter-specific care and storage to avoid damage.
Drying Rods
Never store a rod wet if it will be exposed to freezing temperatures. Water saturating cork handles or blanks can freeze and crack the rod. Always dry rods thoroughly with a towel before putting them into winter storage.
Vertical storage helps leftover moisture drip down the blank instead of pooling in handle areas. Take steps to moisture-proof storage spaces in damp climates where condensation can form.
Rod Tubes
PVC rod tubes make excellent winter rod storage containers. Capping both ends seals out snow and moisture. Bring rods up to room temperature before placing in tubes to avoid trapping condensed water inside.
Guides
Thoroughly dry and clean rod guides after fishing in freezing conditions. Water left in insert grooves can freeze and crack the guide frame or pop out inserts.
Rub guides with a pencil eraser to remove ice buildup and prevent corrosion. Swab out any standing water with a clean cotton swab. Lightly oil guides before storage for added winter protection.
Transport
Allow rods to warm gradually when bringing them inside after fishing before exposing them to indoor temperatures. Keep rods in an unheated garage or mudroom for several hours to transition. Avoid sudden temperature shocks that can damage the blank.
Use an insulated rod case or tube when transporting rods in extremely cold weather. Remove any ice accumulated on the guides or blank with a towel before placing in the cover. Keep cases in a heated area when not in use.
Tips for Short-Term Fishing Rod Storage
In addition to long-term storage methods, here are some best practices for protecting rods during fishing trips, transportation and temporary on-site storage during a day of fishing:
Rod Sock
Use a rod sock when transporting rods to and from the water to prevent scratching. Choose a sock long enough to cover the entire blank and reel.
Rod Case
Store rods in a rigid case or tube during transport. Foam or cloth liners prevent the rods from banging together. Hard-sided cases also protect rods from being crushed or warped.
Shade
Keep rods out of direct sun when fishing. Place spare rods left on shore tip-down in a sand spike or PVC tube angled to provide shade. Rotate rods if they will be on the bank for hours.
Stringer
Never hang rods from a stringer temporarily. The uneven balance can warp the blank. Use a sand spike, pole holder or rod rack instead.
Vertical
Maintain vertical rod storage on shore by securely inserting the handle into the sand at an angle. You can also prop the rod vertically against a tackle box, cooler, tree or other structure.
Warning Signs of Rod Storage Problems
Check stored fishing rods periodically for any concerning signs of damage:
- Warping – a bend in rod blank when held vertically
- Cloudiness – white, foggy areas on a section of blank
- Chipping – missing pieces of blank material exposing fibers underneath
- Cracking – splits or fractures in the rod blank
- Peeling – the rod blank surface lifting up or separating
- Corrosion – rust or green/white salt deposits on guides
- Dry cork – cracks, chips or crumbling cork grips
Address any minor issues promptly by cleaning or removing the damaged section. Rods with warping, cracks in the blank or significant corrosion may need professional repair or replacement.
Conclusion
Properly caring for fishing rods in storage and preventing damage are important to preserve performance and avoid costly repairs or replacements. By keeping rods in a controlled environment, storing them vertically, and maintaining them in good condition, anglers can extend the life of their gear and ensure it is ready to catch fish for years to come.
