January 24, 2018

Keep Fishing Rods From Tangling With These Two Inexpensive Items

It’s super annoying when you pick up one fishing pole and two more are snagged on it, that's why you should try these items to keep your rods from tangling.

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How to Keep Fishing Rods From Tangling

Picture this:

It's time to go fishing and you have your fishing rods in the back of your truck.

When you finally meet your buddy at the ramp, all of the rods have become a jumbled mess and pulling them apart without breaking anything is like solving a Rubik’s Cube.

It’s a total pain in the ass for you, not to mention an accident waiting to happen to on your fishing trip.

But it doesn't have to be like that. Instead, use these simple and inexpensive items to protect your fishing investment.

Why You Don’t Want Tangled Fishing Rods

You don’t want to keep rods from tangling because:

  • you can break a guide
  • or a rod tip
  • rash from your boat or truck
  • rod could break on hookset
  • tangles can knick fluorocarbon

How can I keep my fishing rods from tangling?

I've found it's best to use hook bonnets and rod socks. They're relatively inexpensive and do more than keep fishing rods from tangling, they will keep your hooks sharp and rods protected from damage.

Al's GoldFish Lure Co. Hook Bonnets

These are a lifesaver! 

Hook Bonnets

They’re good for storing lures/rigs with treble hooks, but also for securing your bait on your rod.

You can do this by making a simple modification with a pair of scissors, cutting off one side and exposing a single hook to secure the bait.

Hook Bonnet kigan
Where to get hook bonnets to keep fishing rods from tangling

You can get these treble hook covers at almost any local fishing tackle store, but I've purchased mine off Amazon.

I've found the medium-sized hook bonnets work best for us inshore anglers (green indicates that the hook bonnet is a medium size).

Rod Socks

I run a bass boat (I know, I know….explanation here) and it comes with a rod locker that is amazing for rod storage. Seriously!

Rod Socks

But even inside that fancy rod locker things somehow get tangled. :/

To combat this I slip rod socks over the rods not being used so they cannot tangle.

bass boat rod locker to keep fishing rods from tangling

When I used to run my flatboat, I didn’t have rod holders at all and I’d lay my rods down, leaning them against the aft deck.

Using rod socks helped protect them from boat rash and certainly kept them from tangling.

I do not recommend putting rod socks on a vertical rod holder, like the kind you see on bay boats.

You’re just asking for it to fly off on the highway! Or worse, break your rod.

Where To Get Rod Socks To Keep Fishing Rods From Tangling

Rod socks are available at virtually any tackle store, but they can be $5-$7 apiece, and that adds up quick.

If you don’t mind waiting, you can get rod socks for less than $3 apiece on eBay or Amazon.

Conclusion

A good angler takes care of his tackle to protect his investment and execute fishing trips more smoothly.

Hook bonnets and rod socks help in that endeavor.

Tight lines, y’all.

Captain Devin

About the Author

Devin is a former fishing guide and lifelong inshore angler. He founded Louisiana Fishing Blog in 2012 to share his ideas as a charter captain and still writes in it today. Since then he's created a fishing university — LAFB Elite — where he teaches inshore anglers how to safely navigate Louisiana's coast and catch more fish.

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