How To Store Fishing Gear In Garage? (The Best Way!)
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Can You Store Fishing Gear in the Garage?
Fishing is a sport that is both exhilarating and meditative. You can enjoy fishing for hours, and be very happy even when you did not catch any fish. There is no bad day in fishing.
When you are out there fishing you have only one ally; your fishing gear. No wonder anglers fall in love with their fishing gear. You would of course want to make sure that you can safely store your fishing gear in the garage during the off season.
Storing fishing gear inside your home is an option, but it does pose a few challenges.
The best place to Store Fishing Gear is in the Garage. You may store it for a short time, between fishing trips or for a longer period, during off season.
But you must Store Fishing Gear in the Garage in the Right Way. The right way is:
- Clean your fishing gear thoroughly before storage.
- Use Vertical Storage Racks. They are better than Horizontal.
- Ensure your garage is climate controlled for humidity and temperature.
So in this post I will explain why it is important to store fishing gear in the garage the right way. It is important to prepare the fishing gear before storage and I will share with you the steps involved. I will also discuss the way to store and the pros & cons of each type of storage.
“Fishing is not an escape from life, but often a deeper immersion into it”.
Harry Middleton
What are the Components of a Fishing Rod?
Fishing rods are of course the stars of the fishing gear. The rod shaft is called a blank. Sensitivity is a measure of the amount of vibrations that your hand can feel from the action at the other end of the rod. Power is the amount of force needed to flex the fishing rod.
Blanks are no longer made from bamboo or steel. Instead they are either made from fiberglass or graphite.
The two materials are diametrically opposite when it comes to fishing rods. So composite rods using both fiberglass and graphite are also available.
Fiberglass Fishing Rods
Fiberglass fishing rods are more suited to novice anglers. For one they are cheaper than the graphite counterparts. They are also less sensitive and less powerful.
Graphite Fishing Rods
Experienced anglers, going after bigger fish, are more likely to use graphite fishing rods, even though they cost more. Experienced anglers need the power and the sensitivity.
Composites Fishing Rods
Composites combine the best of both materials and are generally priced in between too. They are more sensitive than fiberglass but not as powerful as graphite fishing rods. Composites are a better choice if you are looking for versatility.
Guides are the little rings attached to the blank through which the line runs. Beginner rods are often not single piece units. The individual pieces are then attached to each other using ferrules. Reel seat is another critical part of the fishing rod.
In short a fishing rod is a much more complicated piece of equipment then it would appear at first glance.
What are the Other Elements of Fishing Gear?
The fishing gear has many other elements that have their own small but important role to play.
- Fishing Reel
- Fishing Line
- Tackle & Lures
- Accessories such as knives, pliers, etc.
How Many Fishing Rods do you Need?
If you are new to the sport, a couple of fishing rods are enough to get you started. But as you get more into fishing and begin to understand the nuances of fishing and fishing rods, your collection will slowly but surely grow.
Fishing rods are a bit like golf clubs. In theory you could hit the golf ball and get it moving with any one of those clubs. But you know that to play a decent game you need to have around 8-12 clubs in your golf bag.
It is not uncommon for an avid angler to take six fishing rods on his boat and have another six sitting at home. Naturally you would want these rods to be in top condition when you are near or on water.
So you need to take good care of each one of your fishing rods.
How do you Prepare to Store Fishing Gear in the Garage?
Fishing rods sometimes break in action. It is not normal, but it happens. The rod likely broke, not because it was made poorly, but rather, kept poorly.
Take proper care of your fishing gear. Carry them with care in your car and boat. Store your fishing gear in the garage the right way. And your investment and your fishing rods will be safe longer.
Here are just a few things that you need to do after a fishing trip and before you put your fishing gear into storage, till the next trip or till the next season.
How to Clean Fishing Rods before Storage?
A one piece rod is of course better in performance but two or more piece rods may be preferred for ease of transportation & storage.
Fishing rods get pretty dirty with all the mud and slime from your hands. When back home from a fishing trip, lay them down and hose them with fresh clean water. Just a quick rinse will do. The idea is to remove the dry mud first.
Next dip a rag in soap water and give your rods a good rub down. This should remove the slime. Use the rag to clean the guides as well.
In case of multiple piece rods, you need to separate them and clean the ferrules too.
Rinse off all the soapy water with fresh water and then dry the rod using dry rags. Be gentle.
This is also a good time to inspect for any damages. Seal chipped cork handles with U-40 Cork Sealant (available at Amazon) and reattach any torn foam with super glue. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
How to Clean Fishing Reels before Storage?
Fishing Reels need to be disassembled, cleaned and maintained thoroughly before you store fishing gear in the garage for the off season.
Make sure to grease only the gears. The rotating shaft should be lightly oiled. Get the combo pack of Penn Reel Oil and Lube Angler Pack and Penn Rod and Reel Cleaner (available at Amazon).
How to Clean the Other Bits?
All the other bits like lures & tackles, pliers & knives, etc. need to be properly cleaned before storage. If you have been fishing in salt water then you need to be that much more thorough.
For A Complete Guide to Cleaning Your Fishing Gear click on this link.
How to Store Fishing Gear in the Garage the Right Way?
When you go out on a fishing trip, you just want to have fun and catch fish! You do not want to be dealing with a broken rod tip or a frozen reel. That can be so frustrating!
To avoid all that frustration you just need to know how to store your fishing gear in the garage the right way. Which basically means having the right fishing gear storage rack.
You should not just leave your fishing rods leaning against the wall corner or on top of a cabinet or shelf.
Are Vertical Storage Racks Good for Storing Fishing Rods?
Storing the fishing rods vertically is better than storing them horizontally. This keeps the rods from curving.
Rustic 6 Fishing Rod Wall Storage Rack
This is just right for people who are new to the fishing sport. The Rack has a classic, rustic style and a sturdy design. It is versatile as it can be fixed to your garage wall either vertically or horizontally.
Rush Creek Creations Rustic 6 Fishing Rod Wall Storage Rack – 3 Minute Assembly – Versatile Configurations
- UNIQUE FISHING ROD STORAGE: Handcrafted fishing pole wall rack stores and displays up to 6 rods
- VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLY: Construction allows wall-mounting in vertical or horizontal configuration
- OFFICIAL RACK SIZE: Rack measures 27.5″ L x 26″ W x 3.1″ H
14 Fishing Rod Rack with Four Drawer Storage
This is fantastic value for money and a must have once you have accumulated a lot of fishing rods, The best part is the 4 drawer storage so that your entire fishing gear stays in one place.
Rush Creek Creations 14 Fishing Rod Rack with 4 Utility Box Storage Capacity – Fishing Pole, Tackle Box, and Equipment Holder, Wood Grain Laminate
- UNIQUE FISHING ROD STORAGE: Multi-purpose fishing pole storage system with, wire racks, and a sleek design.
- DURABLE WIRE RACKING SYSTEM: Built tough, this fishing pole and equipment holder accommodates (4) 3600/3700 utility boxes
- VERSATILE SLOTS AND ROD CLIPS: Includes padded slots on base plate for rod handles plus soft rod clips that adjust to any rod taper
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Includes dual rod clips that allow 2 freshwater rods or 1 saltwater rod up to 1.25 inches diameter.
- OFFICIAL RACK SIZE: Measures 22.83 inches L x 14.37 inches W x 23.74 inches H.
When should you use Horizontal Storage Racks for Storing Fishing Rods?
If you are really pressed for space then you may choose to go for a simple yet elegant horizontal racking system.
Garage Door Storage Rack
Cobra 21 inch Garage Door Storage Rack is an innovative and versatile design. It can of course be attached to the garage door. But it can also go on walls or ceilings. Get it from
https://shopkarls.com/cobra-garage-door-storage-rack
Bottom Line
The best place to Store Fishing Gear is in the Garage. You have to do it the right way of course, Thorough cleaning of fishing rods, reels, etc. before storage is a must. Vertical storage is better.
- Thorough cleaning of fishing rods, reels, etc. before storage is a must.
- Vertical storage is better than Horizontal storage.
- Go for Horizontal storage only if you are really pressed for space.
- Keep your garage damp free and at a comfortable temperature all year round.
I leave you with this thought to ponder over.
“Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after”.
Henry David Thoreau
Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and useful.
