Storing your fishing gear, especially your fishing rods, can be challenging if you’re trying to maximize space in your garage.
In this article, we will explore the best way to store fishing rods in your garage. We will delve into creative DIY storage solutions using readily available materials. We’ll also examine three popular off-the-shelf storage options for those who prefer a ready-made solution.
Finally, we will answer some basic questions about how to store fishing rods to help out any beginning fishermen.
DIY Fishing Rod Storage
If you have the time, creating a DIY solution to store fishing rods in garages has several advantages.
It allows you to customize it for your fishing rods and the layout of your garage. It’s also much more cost-effective than some off-the-shelf solutions we’ll get into later.
Here are five innovative ways to keep those precious rods organized:
- DIY PVC Pipe Rack: Grab some PVC pipes from your local hardware store and create a custom fishing rod rack. Cut the pipes into equal lengths, and attach them horizontally to a wooden frame or directly to the garage wall. Then, slide your fishing rods into the pipes.
- Ceiling Rod Storage: Use your garage ceiling if you’re short on wall space. Attach hooks or straps to the ceiling and gently place your rods horizontally.
- Vertical Rod Racks: You can create your own using wood or metal. Attach the rack to your garage wall, and arrange your fishing rods vertically for easy access.
- Repurposed Pool Noodle: Using a pool noodle is a budget-friendly and creative way to store your fishing rods. Cut slits into the noodle at equal intervals, then secure the noodle horizontally to your garage wall. It acts just like a store-bought fishing rod rack but at a fraction of the price.
- Magnetic Rod Racks: Attach a magnetic strip to your garage wall, then attach small magnets to your fishing rods.
Best Way to Store Fishing Rods in Garages
If making a DIY rack for your fishing rods isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are some great off-the-shelf solutions as well.
Here are some of my favorites:
Piranha Ceiling & Vertical Wall Mount Fishing Rod Rack
Piranha is based in Lake Park, Florida, near West Palm Beach. They make a simple yet amazing fishing rod rack that does double-duty as a ceiling and vertical wall mount rack.
Upon unboxing, the heavy-duty steel construction and vinyl coating, which protects rods from damage, make a strong impression. Because of how it’s constructed, you can use it indoors and outside, so it fits perfectly in your garage or shed.
Installation of the Piranha Rack is simple. Predrilled holes accommodate mounting on 24″ or 16″ centered studs/joists. You may need to purchase an extra anchor to mount it on the ceiling if you can’t find a stud to attach it to.
Once installation is complete, your fishing rods are neatly organized and easy to access. However, there is a minor issue when storing and removing your fishing rods because of the limited space between them.
Despite this minor drawback, I recommend the Piranha Rack. Its sturdy construction, rubber-like insulation, and easy installation make it an excellent addition to a garage.
Rush Creek Creations Spinning 17 Fishing Pole/Rod
If you’d prefer to store your fishing rods on a wheeled stand, I recommend this spinning fishing rod rack from Rush Creek Creations.
It has a compact footprint and a lot of extra storage space, making it a great option for holding extra gear in addition to your fishing rods. The wheels provide added convenience, allowing the rack to be moved around a garage as needed.
After assembly, I found the rack wobble slightly, but it still feels sturdy overall. The wheels allow it to spin a full 360 degrees, so it’s easy to access rods and tackle. There’s an adjustable wire middle shelf that offers extra storage for tackle boxes and accessories.
I did have a few issues with the rod holders, however. The rubber grips felt too pliable.
A few times, my rods fell out after a slight bump. Even using zip ties barely helped keep the fishing rods in place. Since I have interlocking floor tiles on my garage floor, it was bumpy anytime I wheeled the stand somewhere else. This was frustrating because I didn’t want expensive rods and reels hitting the concrete floor.
Another disappointment is the “Carbon Fiber Weave laminate finish.” This is actually carbon fiber stickers applied to particle boards, which felt a bit deceptive. I suspect many people paid extra for this rack, thinking it had real carbon fiber.
Despite these drawbacks, I still like the Rush Creek Creations spinning fishing pole rack. It could be a fantastic storage solution for your fishing rods, but issues with the rod holders hold it back a little.
Cobra Storage Garage Door Fishing Rod Holder Rack
I’ll admit I was very curious about the Cobra Garage Door Storage Rack. It attaches directly to your garage door and holds six fishing rods.
Installation can be relatively simple for standard garage doors. At best, it doesn’t require any tools or drilling. However, you might need additional hardware if you have an insulated garage door. In rare cases, you might need to drill extra mounting holes, which could void warranties.
Measuring your garage door panels and verifying that the Cobra rack is compatible with your garage door style before purchasing is crucial.
Once installed, the Cobra Rack feels solid. Although it has a weight limit of 10 lbs, it feels strong and secure. That said, I did notice that opening and closing the garage door took longer. Depending on how much additional weight you’re adding, you may need to have your garage door re-balanced.
I’ve read that some users had issues with the rack not fitting certain garage door styles and the clamping feature not working on all doors. I can’t speak to that experience, but I have seen that they’ve gotten excellent customer service when contacting the company for help.
All in all, the Cobra Garage Door Storage Rack is very well-built. It’s a great solution if you want to use the space on your garage door to store your fishing rods. It’s not a solution I would use personally, but I’ve seen a lot of people that love it.
FAQ
Should You Disassemble Fishing Rods for Storage?
Whether you need to disassemble your fishing rods for storage depends on the type of rod and how much storage space you have available.
Here are some considerations to help you decide:
- Two-Piece and Multi-Piece Rods: If you have a two-piece or multi-piece fishing rod, it’s generally a good idea to disassemble it for storage. This will save space and protect the rod from accidental damage, such as bending or breaking.
- One-Piece Rods: For one-piece rods, disassembling is not an option. However, you can still store them safely using a rod rack, ceiling storage, or wall-mounted options.
- Rod and Reel Combos: If your fishing rod has a reel attached, storing them together is generally fine. Just make sure to loosen the drag on the reel to prevent tension on the line and internal parts. If you prefer, you can also detach the reel and store it separately to minimize the risk of damage.
Typically, as long as you store your rods properly and protect them from potential damage, you’ll be able to enjoy them for many fishing adventures to come!
Should I Store My Fishing Rods Horizontally or Vertically?
You can store your fishing rods either horizontally or vertically, as long as you do so properly and safely. Both methods have advantages, and the choice often depends on how much space you have available.
Here’s a quick comparison of the two storage orientations:
Horizontal Storage:
- Saves wall space and allows you to utilize your garage’s ceiling or upper walls.
- It can help prevent the rods from warping or bending under their weight, especially for longer rods.
- Offers easier access to your rods if you have multiple rods stored together.
- It can be achieved using ceiling-mounted rod holders, DIY PVC pipe racks, or repurposed pool noodles.
Vertical Storage:
- Saves floor space, making it an ideal option for small garages.
- Allows you to display your fishing rods better.
- Provides easy access to individual rods, which can be removed without disturbing others.
- It can be achieved using wall-mounted rod racks, freestanding rod racks, or custom-built vertical storage solutions.
No matter how you store your fishing rods, keep them in a secure rack or holder to keep them safe from potential damage. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or damp areas, and ensure they’re not under excessive tension.
Proper storage will keep your fishing rods in great condition and ready for your next angling adventure!
