Three Ways to Store Fishing Rods
Keep your rods in a safe space, but keep them accessible, with the proper rack for your space.
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The finest fly rod in the world has one thing in common with the cheapest spincasting rod in the discount bin: They’re both useless if they’re broken. Contrary to the romantic notion many anglers have, fishing rods typically don’t break when fighting the state-record bass in the local reservoir, but when you snap off the tip by slamming a closet door on it at home. Or you break off a guide when the rod falls down in the garage and you step on it.The way to avoid this sad reality is to store your fishing rods in a rack designed for for a single purpose—to hold rods. There are three basic types, each with individual advantages. Here’s a guide to choosing the best rod rack for you.
The Wall Rod Rack
Berkley’s fishing rod wall rocks are available in both vertical and horizontal configurations. Berkley
The great benefit of a wall rod rock is that it takes up very little space but keeps the rods easily accessible. While you have to devote part of a wall to the purpose, the rest of the room is free for you to use as you wish. Another plus: wall racks are made in both vertical and horizontal configurations. If you have an 8-foot ceiling and an 8 1/2-foot one-piece rod, you’ll need the horizontal version. Got a big-butted rod? You may have to go with the vertical type.
The Freestanding Rod Rack
Keep your fishing rods and your tackle together with Rush Creek Creations’ rod and tackle cart. Rush Creek Creations
Freestanding racks hold a lot of rods because the rod brackets are spaced around a central holder. Although you will need to devote some floor space to a freestanding rod rack, the racks themselves don’t take up a lot of room, and, because they are easy to move, you can put it wherever you want, whenever you want. That’s an advantage if there’s a part of the year that you don’t fish, because you can then move the rod rack to an out-of-the-way location. There are two types: Round freestanding racks that hold rods only, and square or rectangular versions that also provide a place to store tackle.
The Ceiling Rod Rack
Organized Fishing’s horizontal ceiling rack is made of pine and holds up to nine rods. Old Cedar Outfitters
If you want to get your rods totally out of harm’s way, and preserve your floor and wall space, the ceiling rack is your best choice. You need ceiling space long enough to accommodate the size of the rods you have, and you may need to get a stool or chair to access the rods if you have a high ceiling. But once the rods are stored, they’re safe. Another big-butt check: Make sure the rack has openings large enough to fit those bottoms.
