Fishing Gear Storage Ideas

Finding a new activity that is both, fun and fruitful is not as easy as it seems. If you are in the same boat, then it is high time to end the boredom and try an outdoor sport as a hobby, let’s take fishing as an example. This activity has been practiced since ancient times; some consider it a sport while few call fishing the art of life. 

The most significant components of fishing are its accessories as they have the ability to break or make your day’s accomplishments. To make the most out of the tool, you need to do regular maintenance, which demands for a proper storage. Especially, a budding fisherman with a bunch of fishing accessories needs a dedicated and safe space to organize the stuff until next use. 

Talking about safe space, what is safer than your own home? What if you do not have enough room for storage at your place? Can you use garage for the purpose? Continue reading this post till the end to get your answers. 

Importance of Storing Fishing Gear Safely 

  • A good quality fishing instrument isn’t cheap at all, and why would any sane person let a $300 investment collect dust and rust in a corner of a basement or store room? Lacking care and lubrication can simply destroy your equipment. 
  • Saltwater is lethal to your fishing accessories, even if left unattended for a shorter span. No matter what the brand claims; salt vapors can easily reach inside the casing and dry up the grease (which is responsible for the smooth movement of gear and bearings). Sometimes, the damage is beyond repair or would result in costly component replacement. However, the situation is avoidable, if the tools are cleaned and stored properly. 
  • Throwing the poles anywhere in the house can be responsible for their breaking and bending. Moreover, if you own multiple fishing rods, storing them together is not a great idea either as it can damage the bottom ones due to others’ weight. However, a proper spacing can literally make a difference by keeping your valuables intact and functional for as long as you wish.
  • Knowing about the high cost of fishing tools; who would want to replace a pricey ring every other day just because it was not stored properly? Save yourself from this situation and make your fishing gear last longer by keeping them right.

Is It Safe To Store Fishing Tools in The Garage?

Is It Safe To Store Fishing Tools in The Garage

Although fishing tools can be stored inside your home, but the idea wouldn’t work if you don’t have a dedicated space for the purpose. That’s because, keeping your important equipment in the store room or in the cupboards along with other stuff is not recommended at all. Being a part of your house, garages can be considered as a safe place to store all your equipment. However, to make it work; you need to make sure if your garage is well-suited for it. Wondering how to figure it out? Find out below:

1. It Should Have Low Humidity Level

Water or moisture are two culprits that can ruin a hundred of things you own. Fishing tools are made of different materials. Some of them have foam or cork handles, and both substances are subject to rot and mold, if kept it humid or wet areas.

Besides, if you own metallic gear mostly, then it is important to know that the material can easily catch rust in moist conditions, resulting in breakage. However, you can avoid these issues by keeping them in the dry area of garage with less humidity.

2. It Shouldn’t Be Under The Direct Sunlight (Open Roof)

You might want to argue with me on this one and tell me that the sunlight can’t really affect the functionality of a fishing equipment, but trust me it does!

For an experiment, hang a picture or painting somewhere in the house where sunlight strikes even if it’s for a few hours. After a couple of days, you will start noticing a different in the brightness of its color, and the texture of material would appear deteriorated. This is because the sun has powerful rays that can leave harmful influences on everything they touch. Hence, save your tools from the UV sun rays and make them last longer.

3. The Temperature Should Be Moderate 

The cold temperature doesn’t have as much impact on the fishing accessories like heat. It can damage your rod, and start showing problems in the areas that are glue together. 

It is suggested to avoid storing your gear in the places that have higher temperature than 110 °F. 

4. Find A Higher Place For Storage 

There are many reasons behind storing the tools off the ground:

  • To prevent catching moisture from the ground.
  • Decreased risk of mold and rot.
  • Protection from getting smashed, knocked over or broken.
  • Keeps the belongings out of kid’s reach.

5. Keep Away From The Falling Stuff 

Apart from car ports, garages are also utilized to store a lot of our stuff that doesn’t fit in the house. If you are planning to add your fishing equipment in there as well, then make sure to put them away from the stacked high items that may fall off. Usually, fishing poles break down when they are hit by something. 

6. Store The Gear Vertically 

You ask, how does it matter? Well, there are a lot of benefits of storing the tools vertically. 

  • This makes the tools furthest off the ground.
  • Low chances of getting smashed, bumped or stepped on.
  • For a vertical placement, you would need a rack or organizer, which will make the equipment more secure and safe. 
  • Reduce the risk of cracking and scraping. 
  • Save you a lot of space by offering more room.

Hence, there is no harm in keeping the fishing gear in the garage as long as it fulfills all the above-mentioned conditions.

Fishing Storage Room Ideas 

Fishing Storage Room Ideas
  • Firstly, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the equipment before putting it away, regardless of its material type, especially if you have been fishing in the saltwater. Minerals and dirt from the water can stain your reels and pools, resulting in reduced functionality. 
  • The next step is to lubricate the moveable before storing in the cold season. You can use a common oil for the purpose, or another option is to invest in a fishing tackle lubricants that are specially formulated for these accessories. 

It would be easier to know how to store the stuff properly, when you actually know about the type and material of fishing poles that you would be dealing with. So, have a look at the chart below.

Types of fishing tools

Use

Appearance 

Size/Shape

Material

Fly Rods

As the name suggest, they are utilized for fly-fishing. 

Thinner and lighter than traditional rods.

Several sizes and shapes are available. 

High-quality graphite or fiberglass

Conventional Spin Rods

Standard rod, All-purpose target fish species 

Features a spinning reel, flexible and lightweight 

Available in different lengths from 4’5” to 9’5”

Fiberglass, graphite or a combination of both.

Saltwater Rods

To withstand intense saltwater concentrations.

Durable finish

They are between 5 and 10 feet long

Corrosion-resistant materials, like titanium, carbon and stainless steel 

Freshwater rods

For freshwater fishing

Quite similar to the saltwater rods. Different types of handles and materials are used

Between 5 and 8.5 feet in length 

Fiberglass or graphite with PVC or cork handle

DIY Fishing Poles Organizer 

Do you have some space in the corner of your house, but don’t want to invest in an organizer for your fishing poles? No problem, you can easily make a storage shelf all by yourself to place your fishing equipment safely.

  • All you need to do is; install and align two wall shelves vertically several feet away from each other.
  • Install storage bins just below these shelves that will act like a floor for the fishing rods.
  • Separate the equipment using hooks and store them in vertical placement.

Another option is to get a pre-made rod rack to keep inside the cabinet that are already present in the house. This will protect the tools from sunlight, humidity and falling objects.

Some Useful Fishing Gear Storage Tips 

Extend the life of your fishing accessories and make them ready to use all the time by following these tips:

  • Before introducing something new, declutter the area to clear out the extra stuff lying around.
  • Loosen the drag to keep the fishing line from breaking or pulling on the rod before storing. 
  • Keep all parts together using rod sleeves, if you keep the rods separate. 
  • Thoroughly clean everything before putting away to prevent rust and keep it reusable. 
  • Dissemble the reels to clean them before storing.
  • Don’t forget to oil the moveable parts before the winter season.
  • Replace or repair corroded, rusty or damaged parts.
  • Fishing knives need to be properly cleaned and sharpened. Coat them with oil every time after using. 
  • Make your fishing gear and rods easily accessible by keeping them in one place. It will save you from the hassle while heading for your fishing venture. 

Why Fishermen Prefer Storing Their Tools in The Garage?

Why Fishermen Prefer Storing Their Tools in The Garage

Yes, you read that right. Avid fishermen prefer keeping their tools in the garage for a lot of reasons, and as a hobbyist you should also follow the footsteps of professionals. Here are some of the reasons to convince you:

  1. They are safe and easily accessible at the time of need. 
  2. While stored in garage, the tools are out of the way and out of children’s reach.
  3. You can grab the required one while leaving for the venture without any hassle. 
  4. Different types of garage locks are available in the marketplace these days, making it a secure place to keep the belongings. 
  5. Garages are the least-visited place of the house, so reduced chances that anyone would mess up with your equipment. 
  6. Usually, garages have some extra room to store things, and a compact organizer for fishing accessories can easily fit in.

Finishing Up

Fishing is an exhilarating and meditative sport than can be enjoyed for hours, even if you are not able to trap any prey. There is nothing as bad day in fishing as long as your tools are in their best form. High-quality fishing accessories are a big investment that need maintenance and care to last longer. To achieve the goal; you need to ensure proper and safe storage system. 

Many people ask, if fishing poles can be kept in the garage? And the answer is yes as long as the area is dry, not subjected to extreme temperatures and away from sunlight. Moreover, you need to make sure the poles are off the ground and not stored anywhere near the falling or stacking objects. It is best to get yourself a dedicated organizer or shelves for the purpose. However, the most important point is to clean the stuff before putting away because saltwater or dirt can damage your expensive equipment in no time. Happy Fishing!