After cleaning your reel and rod, letting them dry completely, and lightly greasing where necessary, it’s time to store them properly so as to ensure you find them in good condition the next time you’re going fishing. After saltwater use, remember to remove the fishing line from your rod and reel before storage.
How To Store Your Rod
Fishing rods are long, delicate and susceptible to damages. The tips break off easily and the blanks weaken and bend easily.
Put rods in their covers or sleeves and store them on rod stands to prevent them from curling, leaning, or bumping into each other and tangling.
Keep your fishing rods on a rack-mounted vertically or horizontally and away from the elements to prevent curvature or damage. Don’t lean them in a corner, as they might weaken and bend.
Never leave your rod or reel in your car, boat, or truck where it is exposed to extreme heat or cold or lay it over something hard where it will bounce, as this will weaken it.
How to Store Your Reel
Remove the reel from the rod and ensure the drag knob is loose to keep pressure off the drag washers while the reel is not in use.
Keep your reels protected by storing them in reel covers. You can also wrap them in a towel or an old sock.
Store your reels in a reel bag or tackle bag where they won’t be disturbed and away from the elements.