5 Ways to Better Store Your Fishing Gear

The more we fish, the more stuff we tend to accumulate. Most of us don’t need to be reminded that gear is expensive and can be easily ruined when not stored properly. But not being able to find what you know you have somewhere comes in a close second. The best professional anglers and guides typically have there gear more organized than most for these reasons. Here are five ways to store popular gear so its easily found and in tip-top shape when you need it.

1. Rods—I don’t think I know an angler who hasn’t broken a rod. It’s also safe to say most rods aren’t even broken in the boat or during the act of fishing. Having a good way to store them when not in use will help protect your investment. Dubro Fishing Trac-A Rod system is amazing because it is so versatile. The Trac-A-Rod system can be mounted under a boat’s hard top, on your garage ceiling or wall and I’ve even mounted them in my enclosed trailer for ice fishing. The system allows you to add or remove rod holders in the track system to fit different sized reels or add-on as new gear is purchased. In the case of my enclosed trailer, it’s nice to be able to remove the mounts allowing the track to be flush when using the trailer for moving, working or hunting where it could be broken or in the way.

2. Leaders—If you have ever purchased a leader or rig you know that before you even have a chance to use them they often become completely tangled to the point of needing to be cut. Unlike most of the other systems anglers use the solution is surprisingly simple. The use of a swim noodle is an ideal tool for leader storage for anglers, but most don’t use it to the fullest potential. Cut the noodle to the desired length and then make a mark every half inch. Then use an adjustable razor knife with the blade extended approximately a quarter inch to cut groves completely around the noodle on each half inch mark. These grooves not only help provide a specific area for each leader but they act as a grip to secure the line in it without using anything else such as pins or tape to secure the rigs.