Protecting Your Gear

[shootermcbob]

Now that I have some "higher" end gear, I want to make sure I protect it. I have and use reel covers for both spinning and casting reels.

My question is what/how do you protect your rods???? Do you hang the hooks from the hook hangers and risk scratching the blank? or do you hang the hook from the reel itself and risk scratching the reel???

also, how many of you use rod sox??? and if so, what brand???

As always, I appreciate everyone's insight and advice.

[BASSclary]

I prefer Stik Jackets or something of the sort, and use Fuji E-Z Keepers to keep my cranks elevated off the blank atleast a little bit. Other than that, I don't ling them around and always set them down gently. No whacking em' around for me. Also, TW has a sale right now on Stik Jackets 25% along with Reel Grips.

[Hooligan]

Stick jackets, lure wraps, and reel pouches for all of my sticks in the boat. When I'm not in a hurry, I tend to remove all treble hook lures.

[northern basser]

Stick jackets, lure wraps, and reel pouches for all of my sticks in the boat. When I'm not in a hurry, I tend to remove all treble hook lures.

Removing trebles is definitely a plus if you can.

[BradH]

Yep, stick jackets on everything. I just bought a bunch more from ***, they might still be on sale. I also love the TW casting reel covers.

[webertime]

Coletackle rod socks, amazing price, custom lengths at no charge, tons of colors, your choice of tips on the sock. The only thing I can add to what a has been posted is to remove salty baits from your hooks to keep the hook-hangers nice.

http://www.coletackle.com/Coles-Rod-Socks_c2.htm

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Storing rods vertically standing on their butt in a rod rack is my preference. They can be hung horizontally as well just try to keep the hangers back away from the tip section. Hangers can be rubber coated or wrapped with some tape to protect finishes. Don't lean them in a corner and I don't like the idea of hanging weight from the reel. Actually I dismount the reels, wrap them and keep them in a tackle bag during the off season.

[Crankenstein Crony]

I agree with D.V.T. when my rods are at home I have them hanging vertically. I also take my reels off my rods in the off season. I don't have a reel bag to put them in, but I clean them up and put them back in their original boxes. I don't know if taking the reels off the rods makes a difference or not, but thats what I've always done since I've been buying higher quality gear.

When my rods are in my boat or my truck, I have Rod Gloves on my rods to keep them protected. I noticed rods get to bouncing around really easily in the back of my truck and in my rod box. I can't imagine how much damage could happen to my rods if I didn't have those Rod Gloves on them. They really make a huge difference.

[NCLifetimer]

I use rod covers on my more expensive rods, I'll probably buy them for all my rods eventually. I have both stick jacket and rod glove, rod glove is a little looser then stick jacket but stays on fine. I see no distinguishing difference, in the future I'll buy the cheaper one.

When transporting, I rigged a foam insert rod holder to the top of my SUV. The rods hang horizontally and don't bend like they use to when I put them over the back seats into the trunk. I usually transport the rods without lures, I'll leave the texas rig hook attached to the reel thou.

Hanging rods vertically or horizonally is better then leaning against a wall when not in use when possible, as mentioned above..

[shootermcbob]

Thanks for the replies. At home, i store my rods in a rod rack, standing up with the reels off in the offseason. During fishing months, still stored in rod racks but with reels on.

I was more concerned with travel to and from lake, and while at the lake in regards to who used what kind of rod sock/glove and their impressions of each product? I also wondered who hung their trebles/hooks from the hook holder on the rod or if they hung the hooks from the reel? Or if folks use some other system/tool to hang hooks from?

I do use reel covers now for both spinning and casting both at home, while traveling to and from the lake, and while fishing. It only takes a second to put on/take off and protects my reels.

I fish from the bank, so the chance is their to drop a rod/reel on the rocks or have the wind blow them over as I try to stand them up leaning against my tackle bag while fishing.

[LgMouthGambler]

Reel covers for sure. Always good to protect fom dirt while not using them . I fish a lot of shore too, and have no problem taking a couple seconds to cover and uncover. Sure some people may think its funny, but they may not take care of their equipment. As far as rod socks, I dont have them, but Im going to invest in some. Hook holders are built into my rods, so thats where they reside. Storage, standing up in a closet, we dont have say "offseason" in S Fl so they stay in assult mode all year.

[shootermcbob]

Reel covers for sure. Always good to protect fom dirt while not using them . I fish a lot of shore too, and have no problem taking a couple seconds to cover and uncover. Sure some people may think its funny, but they may not take care of their equipment. As far as rod socks, I dont have them, but Im going to invest in some. Hook holders are built into my rods, so thats where they reside. Storage, standing up in a closet, we dont have say "offseason" in S Fl so they stay in assult mode all year.

That was a good one. Made me both laugh and have feelings of ***. Thanks for your input.