When you’re looking to buy a fishing rod rack, certain factors and features must be at your consideration. And storing fishing rods are very important because not all the anglers go on an offseason fishing trip. So for proper storage, the use of rod racks is very effective and safe. There are several types of rod holders. Each has its own characteristics to fulfill your needs.
- The rod holder should be designed elegantly and carefully so that no rod will be wrecked or damaged when it is stationed upon the rack.
- The design also has to portray as less space demanding. Because very few of us have a lot of spare space.
- The positioning of a rod rack is either vertical or horizontal especially when it comes to storage type.
- The positioning of the rack will vary depending on whether you are storing or just placing the rod on the go.
- A rod rack or holder that can rotate and twist to our accordance is more preferable. It also shows that it can be durable.
- The durability lies within the materials used for rod rack construction.
- The build quality should be optimal enough for the rod rack to be resistant against scratches and cracks.
- The rod rack should be easier to set up and easier to mount at your preferred spot.
- Choose a rack with a higher rod holding capacity.
Rod rack materials
The rod rack is built typically from materials like steel, aluminum, and high-strength plastic. All these components are exceptional but specific material will work well in particular circumstances.
- Steel: Steel rod racks are more durable and stronger compared to other components. They are probably the best choice for professional fishermen, charter services and for those who like to hook giant fish in the rough water.
- Aluminum: Not as rigid as the steel racks, but has still some relevance among pro anglers. The powder-coated aluminum rack is very well known among anglers because it does not overheat when you’re boating around in the open sea.
- High-strength plastic: Many rod racks or holders in the market today are built from high-strength plastic to reduce expense and extra weight which is convenient for budget anglers. The set up may be sufficient for part-time anglers but not at all suitable for those who are fishing in the rough condition.
Wooden Rack
Some enthusiastic angler has the skill and passion to make a beautiful, custom rack according to their needs. The product finishing may not be top class, but, we are trying to store some rods, not win the best woodsman trophy.
Readers who have some spare time and some planks, woodworking tools in the garage or basement, step right in, we’re gonna build a fishing rod rack. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, but at least good enough for holding the rods in place.
Straight up rod racks
This is the smartest way to store your rods and reels. What’s more wonderful about this rack, it looks like decorative furniture. It doesn’t require any permanent fixing or assembly. From soft plastic sets to the different size rods and reels, the rack is capable to hold nearly all of it.
Wall-mounted rack
This kind of rack requires a drilled down installation. You can drill it and assemble it yourself or better, call up a professional.
The rack is super compact, almost takes zero space to exist. Most of the wall-mounted design only store the rods, no other equipment. Look for aluminum and steel made wall-mounted rack if you don’t like the wooden one.
Ceiling rod rack
With this rod rack, you can store your rod up above the ceiling of your basement, garage, storage room and even in your truck or SUV. This rack is extremely popular for being compact and practically invisible unless you look up. Just keep your other gears in the right place and put your fishing blanks in this rack with confidence.
Vertical double-sided rod rack
This type of rod rack lets you store a higher number of rods. It. It is very sturdy and durable enough for any kind of moving vessel. There are several single-sided vertical rod racks but, why opt for less storage?
A couple of methods
There are a lot of types of rod holders in the market to meet your divergent fishing situations. Some holders are designed to be compatible with curtain rail and bar system, while the rest has universal usability whether it is mounting or anchoring.
Rod holder for floating vessels
Most of the rod racks in the market which are designed for boats fall into one of these four basic types.
- Clamp-on: These rod holders are suitable for those anglers who fish frequently from different vessels. The spring-loaded clamp is easily detachable as well as attachable.
- Threaded: This kind of rod holder has a machined end which is devised to screw into a threaded receptacle mounted on the boat. This rod holder is very safe but only useful with a compatible receptacle on a boat or a kayak.
- Rail mount: Nowadays, some kayaks and boats are provided with rails or tracks, and some rod holders are compatible with attached to them. Note that, this holder can’t be attached to a boat without the rails or tracks.
- Flush-mount: Some might not be happy with this holder as it needs to be bolted and inserted into your boat body. This type of holder is designed to be fixed permanently. For emergency reasons, it can be moved, but not without special tools and considerable effort.
Holders for bankers
Relax, just being sarcastic, it’s about this bank anglers and their rod holders. Those anglers who only hunt near the shoreline will require a rod holder that anchors to the ground rather than on a boat.
- Standard stake: This simple rod holder attributes nothing more than a metal or wooden spike which you can put into the ground. These works excellent for an angler who is hunting fish from shorelines with gravel, mud, sand, or on the hard-packed soil.
- Tubular stake: Tubular stake rod holders are like a hollow pipe. But they are more than a section of PVC or aluminum tubing. One end goes into the ground, and at the opposite end, you place your rod. This holder works fluidly in Sandy Beach where a simple stake won’t keep secure.
- Screw-in: Well, you guess it right, this rod holder uses a screw to keep the large barrel attached to the ground. This type of holder works well I’m soft sand and mud.
My suggestions
You need to be patient and logical when you need to choose a fishing rod rack. Follow these few tips to avoid any pitfalls and get the optimal relevance out of your rod holder or rack.
- Keep a few spare rod holders for your racks especially when going into deep seas.
- Most budget rod racks do not come with a self-drain system like the premium models. So if you are a budget rack owner, be sure to keep clean and prevent water from piling up at the bottom of the holders.
- Make sure to pick up a holder with a quick-release system, which allows you to easily pick up your rod once a fish takes your line. This system will be very useful if you are angling alone with multiple baits in the water at once.
- A good rod rack is essential for those who frequently enjoy a vacation on their boat with loved ones. Safekeeping the rods in a rack will prevent from any harm.
Final thoughts
It’s not easy to choose a fishing rod rack right away, especially when the market is masked with inferior products. My thoughts are absolutely transparent on what is it that you should decide on.
If you can spare some extra dollars, I would recommend you to opt for a steel rack with chrome-plated brass or zinc. But if you want to settle for a vintage model, the buy a homemade rod rack which will be easier on your budget. A premium rod rack will not only last you a lifetime but also be valuable if you ever decide to give up your fishing adventure.
