I know it's been discussed a few times, but was wondering if it was legal to store rods with reels still in the seat but with the nut on the reel seat backed off so they sit loose.  I am limited for space and store rods in a free standing upright rod rack.  Thanks

Reel Mech always said to store upright with the reel removed.

I store mine upright on a wall rack, drag backed-off, but reels

attached and ready to go. Most of my reels have never been

removed except for servicing.

8-)

I store my rods in an upright rod rack that I made. I leave the reels on with the drag backed off. The rods that I don't use all the time are stored in tubes.

Falcon

i store mine upright w/the reels off and the drag backed off

Thanks guys.

I know it's been discussed a few times, but was wondering if it was legal to store rods with reels still in the seat but with the nut on the reel seat backed off so they sit loose. I am limited for space and store rods in a free standing upright rod rack. Thanks

I actually think this is legal in all states except for California.

I store mine up right with the reels off.

i store mine upright w/the reels off and the drag backed off

x2

Upright, no reels.  

Thanks for bringing up the legal issues.   I'm checking on state law to make sure this is legal.  I've heard the rod n reel police in Missouri are tough and will perform search and seizure missions without warning.  I'd hate to lose everything because of ignorance.  

I was hopin' this thread would help.  I'm sure most fishermen don't check the regs for obscure laws like this.  I've since found that in Wisconsin, they send you to a Reintroduction to Rod Storage class if caught with improperly stored rods.  $125 and you need to bring a sponsor.  Guess I got away with one!

Good to see you can take a little ribbin without getting all worked up.  You should fit in here great.  

Normal usage for me.  Never give it a second thought until LuckyCraftMan busted me on it.  And then you!!! ;D ;D ;D

This may be a stupid question, but what is the deal with storing your reels with the drag backed off? Also what damage can be done by keeping the reels on your rods?

Drag pads can compress over time.

Backing off the drag eliminates this issue.

Since I store my rods reel on, I'll be interested

to hear what others have to say about that.

8-)

I maybe wrong, but I thought RM said that long term storage with reels in place may cause permanent warping of rod in the reel seat area.  I'm gonna go back in the archives and see if I can find that old post.  Don't hold me to it.  It may have been someone else.

What kind of damage can be done when rod is stored laying down on a shelf? I dont have a rack to keep them upright and I think lyin flat is better than leaning against the wall, right?

Around here we have close to 6 months of snow so storing things for the winter gets to be a habit around Halloween time.  After cleaning and putting a little bit of Pledge on my rods I store them in Plano rod tubes and stand them up in my fishing closet in the garage minus the reels.

The reels get stored separatly in a box lined with newpaper after doing a full cleaning and oiling.

During the Summer time I have put some 1x1 wooden strips across the rafters in my garage over where I keep the boat.  I can keep a dozen or more rods with reels that I am not using there and can swap out what a need easily for an up coming fishing trip.

After the youngins decided to use them as swords, I made racks to store them on the ceiling of the garage.

Yes I realize they should not be stored horizontaly but with three supports on them I don't see a problem, and I also take my reels off the rods over winter to service.

This has worked well for me

I store mine in a rack that the handles slide down into pvc pipe and that is what supports the rods vertically. The actual blank never touches anything. They are stored in the unheated portion of the garage. The reels are removed for service and the drags are backed off. They get stored in the heated portion of the garage.

I have not heard of the reel seat area warping. Does mean it could not happen.

After every season, i take my reels off and service them with lube in the inside, car wax on the outside to make them like new again.

I clean my rods.... in the shower  ;D... and give them a good scrub, especially with the cork/foam grips (mild soap... don't use anything too strong/abrasive).  I make sure all my guides are smooth and clean by running a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol through them.

Occasionaly, especially for my high end rods, i spread some mink oil on the cork grips to condition them and keep them smooth.

Then i hang them vertically on my rod rack. The reels go back into their boxes.

I know it's been discussed a few times, but was wondering if it was legal to store rods with reels still in the seat but with the nut on the reel seat backed off so they sit loose. I am limited for space and store rods in a free standing upright rod rack. Thanks

I actually think this is legal in all states except for California.

I wouldn't be suprised, we already have enough stupid laws >... what's one more .

I told myself I was going to take the reels off when storing them, but I never keep them stored long enough to make it worth my efforts.  So I just loosened the drag.... unitl I missed a big bite because I didn't check  my drag when I got on the water.  So now I keep them the locked tight and reels attached.  I don't notice any negatives to this.... at least not now