I am a newbie who is wanting to become an accomplished bass fisherman.  The Bait Monkey recognized my weakness and has now firmly attached itself to my back.  I now own four rods - up from only one three months ago.  I know that I will have to go into re-hab pretty soon, but in the meantime, I would appreciate your input on the best method of rod storage when not in use.  I am currently storing my rods in a horizontal position across three evenly spaced wall hooks, but I've got an uneasy feeling that this method is not a good long term solution.  Obviosly, vertical storage would seem to be the perfect solution, as it would require much less horizontal space and would place the blanks under less tension and compression stress.  My problem is that I've got plenty of wall space in my shop and really enjoy the look of the rods placed horizontally.  Does anyone have any factual or anecdotal evidence that horisontal storage is deleterious to a rod?

BTW, any Okies out there?

Well, I fish year around so I'm not sure this adresses long term storage. For me, verticle storage works just fine. I am not sure about the "long run" but it has been working for me for about  eleven years. I think "technically" you should remove your reels and store everything seperately, but I don't do that. I think it depends on how often you use your equipment.

For long term, reels removed, stood vertical is best if you don't lean them... think of it this way, if the tips are not under any pressure and not bent, they won't take a set.  Also, keep them indoors.  Extremes in either direction are harmful if long term.

Mike, worry not... you are at least a dozen rods short of having a problem.

I hang my flyrods on the wall horizontally and my bass rods live on a home made vertical rack. If there is no undue stress on your rods they should be fine. JMHO

Ronnie

I MADE A VERTICAL ROD RACK THAT FITS IN THE CORNER AND TAKES UP VERY LITTLE SPACE. I THINK YOUR RODS ARE SAFE THE WAY YOU HAVE THEM AS LONG AS THERE IS NO SAG IN THEM.

check out this month's issue of BASSMASTERS Magizine they have a low budget storage rack that is very simple to build.

I know that you are asking about storage out of the boat.   For storage in boat ( I fish out of a modified Jon)  I had a cabinet maker build me a box 18 inch wide by 8 foot long and 6 inch tall to carry rigs in while fishing.  I have 3 holder installed with foan rubber padding to keep from scratching them.  When they are in the slots they are procected from the element and prying eyes

I favor the horizontal storage on the wall. I find that anything close the ground (such as reels) tends to attract more dust and filth and is more at risk of getting bumped or bruised especially if you live with others. Pets are also a consideration: Rods stored vertically might have lures with hooks attached to the keeper. Pets like to play with lures. Until they get hooked.

 

For any storage solution I recommend a rod sock/sleeve. Cheap insurance.

 

How on Earth did I just respond to a thread posted in 2006?