I typically carry three baitcasters and two spinning outfits when I'm fishing from my boat. There's a limited amount of space on the casting deck -- and, sometimes I get a bit sloppy changing from one rig to another laying them on top of one another. I typically pay for that with two or more rods tangled with each other. I have seen some TV pros that appear to wrap the line several times down the length of the rod when they change rigs. How do you keep them from tangling in that limited space on deck?

I don't have a huge front deck either, and I have learned to take the extra second to hook the bait in the keeper and make a turn or two of the rod while holding the line about midway between reel and tip. It has become habit and makes having a bunch of rods on deck a lot easier and safer. Good luck.

Two ways work for me

1) The tip K_Mac mentioned above

2) investing in rod sleeves. These are great investments for in-home storage, on-boat storage and transporting rods

Chris,

Rod socks are what I use for transportation, home storage and when rods are in the rod box. Rod sleeves probably offer better protection. Either way they save headaches.

"Stick Jackets" some of the best money I've ever spent. Protects rods, transport easier & keeps them tangle free. Just don't put a hook through the mesh.

I do the wrap the line around the rod trick too, it works awesome. I don't have a deck in my boat but I do have to pull 12 rods in and out of the truck every time I go fishing and it makes getting them from truck to boat a lot faster and safer on the rods.

Stick jackets have saved me a bunch

It is a normal occurrence.

The faster you change rods the faster they will get tangled.

I don't take time to wrap the line or put them in any sleeves.

I just put them down and grab another as fast as possible.

Yes, they tangle, but it you are careful when putting them down you will not have that many problems.

Rod tangles come with the territority.

Rod slicks have worked well for me, slip on and off really quick.