So I once heard that leaning your fishing rods against the wall instead of having them on a rack could permanently "deform" them because they are bent, particularly over a long period of time. I feel like this is a myth, or possibly happened to rods made a long time ago. Has anyone found this to be true in your experience? 

I think it's going to depend on the rod and what conditions it is stored in.  I have one 8' rod that is too tall to fit in my rod racks in the garage (I also do not have a horizontal way to store it) and it has a slight bend to it now.  But leaning up in a corner with it are two other rods that are not bent, an 8' musky rod and a 8' swimbait rod.  Everything else, I have stays in the rod racks. 

7 minutes ago, FishTank said:

I think it's going to depend on the rod and what conditions it is stored in.  I have one 8' rod that is too tall to fit in my rod racks in the garage (I also do not have a horizontal way to store it) and it has a slight bend to it now.  But leaning up in a corner with it are two other rods that are not bent, an 8' musky rod and a 8' swimbait rod.  Everything else, I have stays in the rod racks. 

Hmm that's interesting. Would you say this is because of the material quality or the age of the rod? 

1 hour ago, BassSteve said:

Hmm that's interesting. Would you say this is because of the material quality or the age of the rod? 

Probably material and maybe since it is a crankbait rod.  It's pretty much a heavy noodle with a slow taper that can cast 1.25oz cranks. 

Home made rod rack.

 

 

Been leaning them against the wall my whole life. $20 rods - $200 rods, never had an issue with any of them. OMMV

27 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

Been leaning them against the wall my whole life. $20 rods - $200 rods, never had an issue with any of them. OMMV

I think for most this will be the case lol. Thanks 

33 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

Been leaning them against the wall my whole life. $20 rods - $200 rods, never had an issue with any of them. OMMV

Same for me. No issues at all.

Like @Captain Phil, I built a home made rod rack.  Works well. 

Built a wall-mounted rack for mine out of some scrap lumber I had hanging around

I keep mine on a vertical wooden rod rack in the off-season. My now deceased Grandfather made it for me many years ago. The holders are felt-lined which eliminates any potential for rubbing.

 

My parents have a couple of homemade rod holders in the basement. They have sections of pvc plastic duct taped together with a wire handle. It’s pretty rudimentary but works quite well.

18 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Built a wall-mounted rack for mine out of some scrap lumber I had hanging around

Wow looks awesome