Can You Store a Fishing Rod Horizontally?

Fishing rods can come as an investment and storing them the right way can help keep them good as new for as long as possible.

Fishing rods can be stored horizontally and vertically as long as they are not getting smashed, bumped, or getting in the way. You also have to make sure to avoid any damages incurred while storing them the way you want.

We know how important it is to make the most out of an investment, so we thought we’d help you out by listing down some tips and information on how to store fishing rods and keep them in their tip-top shapes.

A lot of fishing rods and reels can last a lifetime, handle a wider variety of fish, and can take a beating. Whether you are looking for your very first fishing rod or want to buy a new one, we’re sure that our list holds a lot of options. Read our article to discover our best fishing rods recommendations.

Before Storage

Before storing your fishing rods, you have to make sure that they are clean.

Here’s what you’ll need to clean your fishing rod:

Titanium micro-tip scissors, boomerang braid snips, or any tool that can cut a braided fishing line
Scent-free, mild detergent
A bucket of water
Lubricant for fishing gear
Soft-bristle brush
Old toothbrush
New sponge
Paraffin wax

How to clean your fishing line before storing it:

Reel

1. Snip the used line as it may have already taken some damages and should not be used again. Furthermore, salt, germs, and more can hide in the weave, which can attract pests and mold.
2. Remove the reel from the pole. If you were only freshwater fishing, you can leave the rest of the line in the reel, but if you used the rod for saltwater fishing, you have to remove the line and set it aside.
3. In a bucket of hot water, put some detergent and use a soft-bristle brush to clean the reel. Don’t forget to get into the small spaces using an old toothbrush.
4. Run through the line with a sponge and soapy water. Rinse the line and reel with warm water and let them dry completely.
5. Once the rod is dry, lubricate the connecting parts, crank the handle, and wipe the excess fishing gear lubricant. Lastly, spool the line back on your reel.

1. While you are letting the reel dry, dump the used water down the drain, rinse it, and combine lukewarm water with the mild detergent.
2. Using a soft bristle brush and toothbrush to scrub the rod, and then, rinse off with warm water.
3. Allow it to dry, and then rub the ferrules or joint and any other moving parts with the paraffin wax to lubricate and protect these areas from the elements.
4. Once everything is completely dry, put the reel and rod back together. Then, loosen the drag on the fishing line as any tightness can cause the rod to warp over time.

Your fishing rod and reel are the most vital components to catch fish, therefore, you must clean them after each use. Knowing how to properly care for and maintain your fishing rod and reel is important to make your investment last many years. Read our article to learn how to take care of your fishing rod and reel.

Benefits of storing your fishing rod properly

Storing your fishing rods can help protect them from damages. Fishing rods are pretty strong when it comes to reeling in but are also delicate and vulnerable to damages.
A damaged fishing rod can lead to the line breaking, which could cost you your prize catch. It is important that you do not let anything scratch your rod, as this can cause tiny fractures that can lead to your rod breaking.

You should also pay attention to the hook. It should be carefully attached to its hook keeper to prevent it from causing friction on any part that it comes in contact with.

Proper maintenance and storage can make your gear last longer as it will less likely suffer damages or need the replacement of some parts. A suitable rack is best used for preventing the fishing rod from bending unnecessarily.

How to Store Your Fishing Rod

You can either store your fishing rod horizontally or vertically. However, you have to make sure that you choose a fishing rod storage rack that offers good material quality and usability. It should also have the ability to store the rods in a vertical or horizontal position.

Most fishing rod racks are designed for vertical alignment, hence why there are many questions about whether or not you can store yours horizontally. You can store it the way you want but you have to consider the following factors:

If your fishing rod is made with high-quality and durable materials, you do not have to worry about it getting damaged over time while in storage.
If you have a cheaper or entry-level fishing rod with weaker materials and delicate parts, storing it horizontally can damage the reel and other important parts.
If you are looking to store your fishing rod without having to detach its reels and accessories, we recommend using a storage rack with a vertical alignment.
If you do not have adequate space in your storage room and prefer a fishing rod rack with a horizontal alignment, you have to make sure that it is designed to keep your fishing rods intact and that they have additional pockets and features to keep them safe when kept horizontally.

One of the worst things that can happen when you’re out fishing is your rod breaking. Fishing rods are flexible but they have a limit and once you surpass this limit, your rod will break. If you don’t want this to happen to you, read our article to know why fishing rods break and how to prevent it from happening.

Tips for Storing Fishing Rods

Depending on the type of rod rack you have, you can remove the reel from the rod before storing it.
Store your fishing rods in a rod holder or container during transport, but avoid such lengthy storage because of moisture buildup, which can lead to damages to your fishing rod.
Do not let your fishing rods lean against each other.
Do not leave your fishing rods on the floor.
If you live in a cold area, you may need a storage unit with climate control to protect the fishing rod from warping, taking damages from mold or mildew, and cracking.
If you store your fishing rods horizontally for a long period, you should turn them from time to time so that you can preserve their spines. However, if you are storing a two-piece rod, it is unlikely to cause damages to the spine.
It is ideal to keep your rod at home or in your garage as long as it is in a dry environment.
It is best to keep your rod at room temperature or to avoid keeping it in extreme temperatures as it can result in the weakening of the materials.
If using horizontal rod racks, you should support the spot near the butt of the rod and the area in the midsection of the pole, so that it would not produce a significant bend.
Gravity can affect the rods, so it is best to take the reel off if laying them horizontally.

What is the best way to store fishing rods?

Overall, the best way to store fishing rods is vertically to keep them in the best condition and allow you to save some space. Storing them improperly without any support can lead to a rod set. This is especially true for older fiberglass rods. However, with graphite rods, this will not be an issue. It is best to support their entire lengths if storing them horizontally, although it is not practical.

Whether you are storing your rods horizontally or vertically, you have to make sure that they are clean and have enough support to avoid unnecessary damages. If you plan to keep the reel and line on the rod, you have to make sure that the line is not pulled too tightly as it can create pressure on both the reel and line, which can result in damages.

Whether you are looking for a horizontal or vertical storage rack for your fishing rods, we recommend you choose one that offers the best quality build and support. By doing so, you can get the best value for your money.