How to Store Fishing Rods in Cars, Trucks, SUVs and RVs

Storing your fishing rods the right way is essential to prevent breaking and to scratch them accidentally. Therefore, you should have a better plan of how you can store your fishing rods when traveling via cars, trucks, SUVs, and RVs. If it’s your first time doing it, we will give you some helpful tips so that you can transport your fishing rods safely. Regardless of the transport system, you can certainly travel with your fishing rod.

When it comes to storing your fishing rods, it’s all about measuring the right dimensions. The most important thing to remember is that you have to place your fishing rods horizontally. However, remember that you have to use a rod case for protection, especially on the sensitive parts of the rod. It is also better if you can bring a collapsible fishing rod, which is perfect for traveling.

Just like any outdoor activity, fishing requires proper planning whenever you have to travel with them. Transporting fishing rods can be a hassle, but all you need its knowledge and technique in doing it. These tips will help you store your fishing rods in cars, trucks, SUVs, and RVs the right way. It may sound simple, but there’s more beyond it. So, we encourage you to read this guide to avoid forgetting.

How Should You Pack Your Fishing Rods?

If you already have a fishing rod case, then it would be easier for you to pack your rods. You can also buy online these cases at around $20 to $50. There are a lot of things that you can do as alternatives when it comes to packing your fishing rods. Some of them may require some time doing as a DIY project, but it is better than spending your buckets. So, if you don’t have time to do it, here’s a packing guideline for you.

What are the Things that You Need? Take note that this is a do-it-yourself method. So, here are the things that you need.

Get a heavy-duty cardboard tube or a plastic pipe that would fit your fishing rod.
Look for caps that can cover the tubes or pipes. It can also be a crumpled paper.
Look for an air-filled plastic padding.
Packing tapes for cover-ups.

How Should You Pack Your Fishing Rods?

Get Measurements. You have to make sure that you get the right measurement according to the size of the tube or pipe. First, measure your rod from top to bottom and add a few more inches for additional space. If you have multiple rods, get the length of the most extended one.
Cut the Material. Mark your measurements and use any cutting materials like scissors for cardboard tubes, or a saw for plastic piping. Then, you now have a DIY fishing rod cover.
Remove the Reel. More often, the tube or pipe can’t accommodate the width of the reel. After removing, wrap the fishing reel in an air-filled plastic padding and put it in your bag or tackle box. You can also set a label on the surface of the wrap so that it would be easier for you to find it.
Arrange Your Fishing Rods. You can fit a maximum of three fishing rods in your tube or pipe. If you will bring multiple fishing rods, start by grouping them according to length. Then, wrap each rod with a layer of air-filled plastic wrap to prevent any scratches.
Secure the Tube or Pipe. When it comes to securing the pipe, it’s better if you can use a soft or rubber material to cover the holes on both sides of the tube. You can use pieces of crumpled paper, or layers of air-filled plastic padding.

How to Transport Fishing Rods With a Truck or an RV?

Long fishing rods, about 8 feet, have been familiar to many anglers nowadays. However, it also requires a bigger and bigger transportation system to avoid any damage and scratches. Putting these more extended fishing rods may not be ideal on standards cars, but a truck may work just fine. So, the question is, how can you transport fishing rods? Here’s how.

Never Just Put Your Rods on the Bed of the Truck. It looks safe, fast, and secure, but doing it will put your fishing rod in many risks. It can get scratches and unwanted accidental bents. Also, placing the rod on the bed of the truck may lead to busted eyelets, broken butt ends, and crushed rod tip. Therefore, the best way to do it is to attach a rod holder and place your fishing rod horizontally.
Consider Using Telescopic Long Rods. These are rods that you can break down into two to four pieces, so transporting makes a lot easier.
Use the Right Transporting System. The Portarod System can hold long offshore or big species rod effectively, regardless of their length. This system features locks to prevent any movements from the fishing rod while you are driving.
Use a Hard or Soft Carry Case. We have mentioned that the best way to transport your fishing rods safely, by any means, is to have a durable rod case. Even a soft carry case would do good when it comes to protecting your fishing rod against accidental bumps and scratches.
Detach All Hooks & Lures. Make sure that you remove your hooks and artificial lures when transporting your fishing rod. It is because hooks and lures are prone to get caught or snagged which makes everything more complicated. Your tackle box is responsible for keeping all your hooks, lures, bait, and other such fishing tackle.
Secure the Fishing Line. Just like hooks and lures, unspooled fishing lines are susceptible to tangles. If you leave your fishing line in the guides, it may cause snags and will end up as a massive waste.
Put the Fishing Rod Case on the Bed of the Truck. It is a much safer way of putting your fishing rod on the bed of the pickup truck. If you’re carrying many rods, make sure to secure each of them to avoid moving around while you are driving. It also prevents banging and crashing to the walls of the case and other rods.
Use LED Cargo Bed Lights. These lights will allow you to work in all conditions like rigging your tackle or loading your fishing gear after a day of fishing. It is beneficial, especially when there’s a low light condition in your fishing area. Look for LED Cargo Bed Lights and install it under the bed rails. This way, you can easily see and pack your fishing rods at the back of the truck. Take note red LED lights are a better option because, aside from they look lively, bugs are also not attracted to that color.
Proper Truck Bed Storage and Organization. Create a fishing truck setup wherein it will allow you to have coolers, tackle, built-in truck storage boxes, and tons of other gear. It is the perfect setup if you’re planning to take fishing as a serious hobby. However, you have to take into consideration the weight limit of your truck. Also, avoid crowding it with too much stuff.
Install a Wet Box. If you’re a serious angler, your fishing truck must have a wet box. From the name itself, it is a box that holds all of your moist items like waders, boots, or rain gear. It will give you enough space for all your soaking wet rain gear and boots after a day of fishing.
Get an Interior Behind the Seat Organizer. This setup helps in making the inside of your truck, “fish ready.” It is an inexpensive organization solution that will give you enough space to free your pockets and put your fishing gear and tools just behind your seat.

How to Store Fishing Rods in Cars and SUVs?

Fishing rods are expensive, so you should take extra care when using and storing it. However, the problem is that fishing rods have extended and sharp that makes it more prone to breaking. It also can’t hold too much weight on top of them because it may cause unwanted curvature.

Transporting your fishing rods with a standard car makes it even more challenging and more difficult. Unlike pickup trucks, it’s more complex to store them horizontally and vertically because of limited space. Follow these pieces of advice to make sure that you’re doing the right thing.

Use Rod Wraps. These are essential for bundling different rods so that you can easily transport it to another location. It is better if you can cover all parts of the fishing rod to decrease their chances of breaking, especially once you store them in tight spaces in your car.
Install Interior Roof Racks. You can attach and secure the Interior Roof Racks above your vehicle. It is an excellent option to install interior rood rocks in your car so that the rods are out of your way when driving. However, an interior roof rack might not be suitable for super-extended rods of about 9 feet and higher.
Get a Portable Rod Storage Tubes. These will add protection to your fishing rods while transporting them, aside from protecting them in the vehicle. Remember that the length of the tube depends on the length of your fishing rod.
Use Roof-Mounted Rod Tubes. This option is like a portable rod storage tubes, except that you can attach its cylindrical tube to the roof rails.

How to Check Your Car for Fishing?

Before driving, make sure that you check the condition of your car. Cars also need frequent TLC, regardless of whether it’s new or not, a good driver knows the importance of checking his or her vehicle before driving. Aside from its break, mechanism, and battery – here are the different auto fluid that needs most of your attention. Make sure to keep them at the appropriate level for better driving and maintenance of your car.

Engine Oil – It is the second most important fluid in your car next to fuel. This oil and its components keep everything moving smoothly in your vehicle. One of the best features of modern cars in this generation is the dipstick that allows you to inspect the oil level quickly.
- How to Check Engine Oil? First, pull the dipstick and wipe it with a clean towel or cloth. Put it back and pull the dipstick back out again. Then, you can see the marked part of the dipstick with maximum and minimum indicators that tells you your engine oil level. Take note that it’s best to check engine oil 10 minutes after turning off your engine so that it can cool off and settle.
- How Would You Know if It’s in the Right Level? Once you look at the dipstick, the mark should be close to the maximum level. On the other hand, if you see that the engine oil is at or below the minimum, make sure to add more quickly. A low reading indicates that you have a leaking or burning oil that can cause damage to your engine.
- Oil Conditioning. It is equally essential as the engine oil level. However, you have to get your hands dirty when checking it. First, you have to smear the engine oil on the dipstick between your fingers and make sure that it feels slick and smooth. If there are any particles or grittiness, there could be a problem like wearing down of the components. Finally, check if the color of the engine oil is yellow or amber. If not, and you see black or any dark color, you need an oil change. On the other hand, milky color means coolant is leaking into the engine.

Coolant or Antifreeze – This fluid keeps everything fresh by absorbing engine heat caused by combustion and friction that happens in an engine. Then, it will disperse it through the car’s radiation. Therefore, you must keep the coolant at its ideal level to prevent overheating.
- How to Check Coolant? It depends on the type of car. For example, some vehicles that have a coolant expansion tank makes it easier to check by looking at its minimum and maximum indicators. On the other hand, some cars have an open radiator cap so that you can see if the coolant is at its average level. Whenever you have to add coolant, make sure that it matches your vehicle. Then, give the radiator a few minutes to “burp” out all trapped air bubbles before closing the cap.
- When to Check Your Coolant? It is only suitable to check this fluid for every 50,000 miles that your car reaches, or if there’s any leak. However, always remember that you should not check your coolant while the engine is hot. So, wait for the car’s engine to cool down because pressurized coolant can spray your body that may cause burns.

Power Steering Fluid – Some car that has a power steering have hydraulic systems that use pressurized fluid to keep every turn of the wheel as smooth as possible.
- How to Check Power Steering Fluid? You can use the dipstick or reservoir in the engine bay to check the Power Steering Fluid level. You just have to make sure that it would not reach below the low level. As much as possible, you must keep it high or at least in the middle.

Brake Fluid – Most modern cars today are hydraulic, which means there’s a fluid that connects the pedal to the brakes. Once you step on the brake pedal, there’s a plunger that pressurizes the brake fluid so that the brake pad can clamp on the rotors and slow your car. If you notice any delay on your break, make sure to check its fluid first.
- How to Check the Brake Fluid? Just the other kinds of oil mention, see if the brake fluid is below the minimum. When adding, make sure that it is compatible with your car and make sure that it should be translucent. If you see a dark color or you can’t even see through your brake fluid, make sure to replace it immediately.

Transmission Fluid – It serves like engine oil and coolant wherein it lubricates and cools all components in your transmission. Therefore, it involves gears, clutches, and valves. The process remains the same as mentioned in other fuels.

Windshield Washer Fluid – It may be the least priority, but don’t neglect to check Windshield Washer Fluid. It doesn’t have any effect on your car’s performance, but it is essential for driving safely. Windshield Washer Fluid is easy to maintain, so there would be no excuse for you not to do it.

Fishing in Summer or Ice Fishing: What Should You Wear?

Now that you know how to pack your fishing rods, tools, and gears – don’t forget to plan what you’re going to wear. So, we’ve listed down the perfect clothes and accessories when fishing in summer or ice. These items of clothing will make you feel comfortable while catching your trophy fish.

Summer Clothing and Accessories. If you’re going to catch fish during the summer season, it is essential that you keep your body cool. UV rays can affect your skin and body in so many ways. So, make sure to wear these clothes and accessories with you.
1. Sun Screen – It is a must for outdoor fishing, especially on a sunny day. Start by protecting your skin. You can look for a sunscreen that is SPF 50, and won’t leave any greasy residue over time. Look for something hypoallergenic, oil-free, and, best of all, waterproof.
2. Thin T-Shirt – This kind of shirt should be a base layer while fishing in the summer. Look for 100% polyester fabric with 50+ UPF rating for better absorption of moisture from your body.
3. Shirts – It would be the top layer or over that thin t-shirt for protection from any dirt. Generally, you need a shirt that is from 100% breathable nylon with “Spills Technology” for feeling fresh and natural removal of stains. Choosing cool colors is better for denying the UV rays.
4. Shorts or Thin Pants – You can choose from either shorts or pants that have zip-off legs. This clothing is comfortable to wear when fishing in summer. The material must have at least UPF 50+ sun protection with wrinkle-resistant 100% nylon construction. Also, choose a short or pants that have plenty of pockets.
5. Shoes, Sandals, or Water Shoe – Any of these kinds of footwear will make you feel calm and comfortable when fishing. Just make sure that they are lightweight, well-ventilated, and have soft foot-bed.
6. Hats – It will serve as a protection to your head against sunburn, overheating, and overexposure to the sun. As much as possible, use a wide brim hat – not a cap. Also, it is essential that your hat as a breathable material for protecting your scalp.
7. Gloves – Even on a sunny day, gloves will protect your hands while adding more friction in holding your rod.
8. Sunglasses – Get something that has a 100% polarized lens for blocking yellow light to enter your eyes. Also, make sure that your sunglasses fit well but still breathable around your eyes.
9. Face Masks – Aside from protecting your sense of smell, wearing a face mask is additional protection for your face. Get a stretchy face mask with seamless microfiber polyester fabric so that it can absorb moisture well.

Ice Fishing Clothing and Accessories. The only way that you can survive ice fishing is when you wear the right clothes and bring with you the right accessories. Therefore, we have listed below how should you style yourself if you’re going to do ice fishing.
- Layers of Clothing – The key to surviving ice fishing is by wearing layers of clothes. Nope, it doesn’t mean that you’re not going to wear all your clothes. The correct layering should allow you to utilize each layer for a specific purpose.
  1. Base Layer – it should be lightweight and breathable materials. Its purpose is to keep you warm and dry.
  2. Middle Layers – These are from wool, fleece, or micro-down that are excellent in insulating your body and keep you warm even when it’s wet.
  3. Outer Later – this is the outer clothing that will give you some style. It can be any thick jackets that have no gaps for heat to vent out
- Footwear – As much as possible, you need a thick yet lightweight boots for ice fishing. It will give you protection from the cold and moisture while providing an adequate grip on the wet surface.
- Socks – Layered socks also work fine when it comes to ice fishing. It helps in keeping your bone dry while providing warmth and insulation from the cold.
- Gloves – You can choose either closed or open hand gloves for ice fishing to protect your hands from the cold. You must wear gloves because everything that you do in ice fishing requires your hands. So, once they get too cold, there would be reduced blood flow. It means that your fingers won’t be able to function well.
- Headwear – When it’s cold out there, don’t forget to put your hat on. You must keep heat through your head for it to function correctly. Unlike hats for summer, you need something like a fur-lined Russian hat. Make sure also to cover your neck and ears as well.
- A Pair of Sunglasses. It will help you in protecting your vision from harmful UV rays that bounce off the white snow. Sunglasses are essential so that you can see during these conditions, and act as an added protection for your eyes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can You Bring Fishing Gear on a Cruise Ship?

In most cases, you can’t bring your fishing gear and stuff on a cruise ship. First of all, even when you are not, the Cruise Ship will prohibit you from doing it because of the thought that you’re going to catch some fish. It is in their policy that no one can fish on and off the ship. On the other hand, most cruise websites will only allow you to bring such items for port use only.

Can I Take a Fishing Rod as Hand Luggage?

Generally, most airlines will allow passengers to carry fishing rods on their hand luggage for as long as it is not sharp. However, it is not a guarantee that the airport security will allow it because they might see it as a threat to the safety of other passengers. Therefore, what you can do is to call the airline and confirm it to the security of the airport. If not allowed, you must abide by their conditions and just put it in your checked luggage.

How to Pack Your Fishing Rod?

First, you must arrange your fishing pole according to their length before you insert it into the tube or rod cover. Take note that the most extended fishing rods must face the opposite way of shorter fishing rods. You can use a bubble wrap for each of your rod for security, and bundle them with packing tape.

Final Words

Ask any angler, and they know how it feels to transport fishing rods from point a to point b – safely and efficiently. It is because doing it exposes their fishing rods to risks of falling, breaking, and having some scratches. However, since they love this sport, they are willing to face the consequences just to catch fish. Start with packing your fishing rods, tools, and other gear.

Therefore, the best thing that you can do as an angler’s to make sure that you have the right setup and plan in transporting your fishing rods. If you want to avoid breakage or rod loss, get a rod case that will protect your fishing rods. Also, make sure to attach it to your vehicle securely. Generally, you should be carrying two when fishing. One hand for the rod and your other hand should hold a box, bag, or container with all your other fishing gear.

As simple as it may seem, we know how it feels and the hassle brought by packing fishing rods and its tools. In the end, if you love what you do, you would think of ways on how you’re going to fulfill it. The presence of mind is essential when it comes to transporting your fishing rods. Take measurements and always plan ahead of time.