How do you store fishing equipment?

Properly storing fishing gear is important for keeping equipment in good condition and ready for your next fishing adventure. There are several key factors to consider when organizing your tackle and accessories at home or transporting gear to and from the water.

Fishing equipment can be an investment, with rods, reels, tackle boxes and accessories costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Taking proper care of your gear saves money over time and prevents losing or damaging things when stored improperly. Planning ahead also makes it faster and easier to find what you need and head out to the water.

The main categories of fishing equipment include:

• Rods – casting, spinning, fly fishing
• Reels
• Line – monofilament, braided, fluorocarbon
• Terminal tackle – lures, hooks, sinkers, floats
• Tools – pliers, clippers, scales, fillet knives
• Storage – tackle boxes, bags, rod holders
• Boating gear – life jackets, anchors, nets, gloves
• Electronics – fish finders, GPS devices
• Fishing clothing and accessories – hats, polarized sunglasses, waders, vests

This article outlines tips and strategies for properly storing all your fishing gear at home in an organized fashion. It also covers transporting equipment safely to and from fishing locations.

Storing Rods and Reels

Fishing rods and reels should be stored vertically in a rod rack, storage tube or closet rod holder. This helps prevent damage from bending, warping or crushing. Avoid laying rods horizontally for long periods.

Here are some rod and reel storage tips:

• Invest in a rod rack, wall-mounted rod holder, or PVC rod storage tube.
• Old pipe insulation slipped over rod tips helps prevent breakage.
• Store rods in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
• Loosen drag on reels when storing to relieve pressure.
• Wipe down rods and reels after each use and apply reel oil periodically.
• Take apart and clean spin cast reels at end of season.
• Clean fly reels with line cleaner and lubricate as needed.
• Keep handles threaded on rods so guides don’t get bumped and damaged.

Hard fishing cases provide the most protection when transporting rods and reels in a vehicle. For shorter trips, rod socks help safeguard them.

Storing Terminal Tackle

Terminal tackle like lures, hooks, sinkers and floats can easily get lost or tangled if not stored properly. Here are some tips for organizing terminal tackle at home or on the go:

• Sort gear by type – keep hooks, lures, weights, swivels etc in separate plastic tackle boxes or small containers.
• Use utility boxes or trays with adjustable dividers to separate items.
• Group tackle together by fishing method – bass, trout, fly fishing, offshore.
• Store frequently used tackle in a small tackle box just for that day’s trip.
• Pegboards allow you to hang lures and keep them untangled.
• Plastic tackle bags are great for transporting terminal tackle to the water.
• Keep sinkers from getting everywhere by putting them in old film canisters.

Be sure to keep hooks safely stored away from children and pets. Consider using locking tackle boxes.

Storing Tools and Electronics

Fishing tools like pliers, scales, knives and other accessories often get tossed haphazardly into a bag or box. Keep your gear in better condition by storing with some organization:

• Store tools in a dedicated plastic tackle box tray or small tool bag.
• Wrap pliers and cutters in a cloth or sleeve before placing in a box to avoid damage.
• Keep electronics in protective cases when not in use.
• Remove batteries from devices before storage to prevent corrosion.
• Allow wet electronics to dry thoroughly before storing.
• Keep knives sharp and clean – store in sheaths or racks at home.
• WD40 helps prevent corrosion on tools – give them a quick spray before storage.

Having a dedicated plastic tackle box for tools and small electronics will keep things organized in one place for fishing trips.

Storing Line, Lures and Bait

Fishing line, lures and bait also require some special care for proper storage at home or on the go:

• Store line out of direct sunlight and away from chemicals to prevent damage.
• Use line conditioner before storing to help prevent tangling and cracks.
• Wrap or spool spare line loosely onto old reel spools for storage.
• Keep frequently used line on extra spools for quick re-spooling.
• Sort soft baits like worms into labeled plastic containers.
• Store chum, cut bait and live bait separately in sealed bags or buckets.
• Arrange crankbaits and soft plastics neatly in tackle trays to prevent tangling.
• Clean lures after each trip and dry thoroughly before storing.
• Lay treble hooks flat against lure bodies to prevent snagging.
• Use small plastic containers or vials to organize swivels, beads and weights.

Bags and compartment boxes work well for transporting prepared line, baits and properly arranged lures to your fishing spot.

Storing Clothing and Accessories

Fishing clothing, footwear and other accessories require some special storage considerations:

• Let wet clothing and footwear dry fully before storing to prevent mildew.
• Store waders flat or hanging up – avoid folding.
• Keep gloves clean and store flat or hanging to dry out.
• Wash clothing after each trip – saltwater, fish slime and bait can damage fabrics.
• Have separate fishing clothes for saltwater and freshwater fishing.
• Use rod/reel covers, glasses cases and bags for storing gear neatly.
• Hang hats, buffs and jackets on hooks or racks.
• Lay out vests and packs to dry contents thoroughly before storage.
• Keep shoes/boots stuffed with newspaper to retain shape when stored.

Proper storage keeps clothes and accessories in good condition for many fishing seasons.

Garage and Shed Storage Tips

Many anglers keep their fishing gear stored in a shed or garage at home. Here are some tips for organized storage:

• Install wall-mounted rod racks and plastic storage bins.
• Keep gear high up and far from any chemicals, gasoline or tools.
• Use tackle organizer drawers or shelves for easy access.
• Hang frequently used items like nets, gloves and hats.
• Keep an area reserved just for fishing equipment.
• Clean boat decks, motors before storing in offseason.
• Consider a climate-controlled storage unit for the offseason.
• Keep dry areas sealed off from lawn mowers and snow blowers.
• Label storage bins and shelves for easy identification.
• Check for bugs and rodent damage periodically.

Keeping fishing gear secure, dry and organized in a shed or garage saves time when getting ready for your next trip.

Transporting Equipment

Safely getting your rods, reels and gear to and from fishing locations requires some preparation and care. Here are some tips for transporting fishing equipment:

• Use rod socks and hard rod cases to protect rods during transport.
• Take down 2-piece rods and pack appropriately in a case.
• Remove reels if transporting rods over long distances.
• Wrap rods and tips in towels or foam pipe insulation.
• Take just what you need for the day in a tackle bag.
• Have dedicated plastic tackle boxes packed and ready to go.
• Secure bags, buckets and boxes with straps or bungees while traveling.
• Don’t place heavy items on top of rods or reels.
• Bring spare parts like line, tools and tape.
• Keep gear secure on boats, kayaks, roof racks when transporting.

A bit of pre-trip preparation ensures you arrive with fishing equipment intact and ready to use.

Tips for Anglers Without Much Storage

Limited storage space shouldn’t stop you from enjoying fishing. Here are some tips for anglers without much room:

• Invest in an upright rack that stores several rods in a closet.
• Multi-rod wall racks mounts rods vertically.
• Use a plastic under-bed storage bin on wheels to neatly store gear.
• Hang rods and other items from walls, rafters or ceilings with hooks.
• Get a tall, thin cabinet for rod storage in small spaces.
• Store 2-piece rods in an actual fishing rod tube.
• Keep just what you need for upcoming trips accessible.
• Use just tackle boxes and small bags, avoiding bulky storage.
• Go through gear periodically and remove what you don’t really need.
• Ask a friend if you can keep some equipment at their house.

With some creativity, you can store fishing gear neatly even in the smallest apartment or garage. The key is utilizing vertical space.

Conclusion

Properly storing fishing tackle, equipment and accessories is important for keeping gear in top condition. Investing in some racks, cases and storage bins specially designed for the purpose can help immensely with organization. Taking the time to care for rods, reels, lures and tools helps ensure they last for many seasons of fishing.

The key storage tips include:

• Storing rods vertically in racks
• Using utility boxes for terminal tackle
• Keeping tools in dedicated plastic boxes
• Spooling spare line onto old reels
• Drying clothing fully before storage
• Utilizing wall racks, shelves and bins
• Transporting rods in protective socks and cases

Staying organized at home and on the go helps make every fishing adventure more successful and enjoyable.