Would you love to prolong the lifespan of your fishing rod? If your answer is “yes,” then you’ll find this article interesting.
How many times have you stored your fishing rod on the floor, only to find it scratched and damaged in a little while? A lot, I guess. Say goodbye to this bitter experience by buying a fishing rod rack.
Having this useful piece of equipment helps you keep the lines from getting tangled and the rods from getting scratched because it features rod holders. Moreover, it usually comes with cushioned edges or rubber foam, guaranteeing no scratches at all.
Besides, fishing rod racks are an excellent addition for those with multiple rods and not enough space to store them. Can you believe that some rod racks hold up to 24 rods without taking up much of your storage space!
Like buying anything, purchasing a rod rack might be confusing because there are various factors to consider. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of the best fishing rod racks on the market, along with the factors that you should consider.
List Of the Best Fishing Rod Racks:
- KastKing Fishing Rod Rack – Best Overall
- LUXHMOX Fishing Rod Holder Rack – Runner-Up
- Rush Creek Creations 16 – Most Decorative
- Berkley Fishing Rod Rack – Budget Choice
- Rack’em Overhead – Best Ceiling Fishing Rod Rack
- Pactrade Marine 24- Cheapest 24-Rod Rack
- Castek Rod Caddy – Best Portable Fishing Rod Rack
Comparison Table:
|
Rod Rack |
Weight | Capacity |
| KastKing Fishing Rod Rack | 3.03 lbs. |
24 |
|
LUXHMOX Fishing Rod Holder Rack |
5.9 lbs. |
24 |
|
Rush Creek Creations 16 |
5.5 lbs. | 16 |
|
Berkley Fishing Rod Rack |
0.5 lbs. | 6 |
|
Rack’em Overhead |
2.2 bs. | 12 |
|
Pactrade Marine 24 |
4.6 lbs. |
24 |
|
Castek Rod Caddy |
3 lbs. | 4 |
The 7 Best Fishing Rod Racks in 2021
1. KastKing Fishing Rod Rack – Best Overall
Allow me to introduce you to the ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) award winner for excellent design: the KastKing Fishing Rod Rack. If you think that it made it to our list for this reason only, I’m happy to inform you of the other impressive reasons below.
KastKing Fishing Rod Rack caters to many anglers as it comes in two sizes. The larger size accommodates up to 24 fishing rods, whereas the smaller one holds 12 rods. Not only that, but either can double as a rod holder and a place to store rods on your boat.
If you ask for my opinion, I‘d say that you should go for the larger one because it guarantees that you won’t run out of rod holders to place your rods and it’s made to accommodate all types of fishing rods and combos. On the contrary, the 12-rod model can only hold freshwater rods.
No matter which model you choose, you’ll love how durable and portable it is, as both are made of lightweight aluminum. Even if you decide to go for the 24-rod rack, you’ll easily transfer it as it weighs 3.03 pounds.
Moreover, both models have sufficient spacing between the cushioned rod holders, preventing the rods from overlapping and the lines from tangling.
If you have a small garage and worry that your rod rack might take up a lot of the floor space, the compact KastKing Fishing Rod Rack is there for you. You’ll love how both models easily fit into tight places as the dimensions of the 24-rod rack and the 12-rod rack are 28.5 ×29 ×13 inches and 15.5 ×17 ×12-inches, respectively.
Even though its assembly is said to be a piece of cake, as it’s supposed to be quick and tool-free, we’ve read some complaints claiming that it’s not as easy as it should be.
Pros:
- Comes in two models
- Portable
- Durable
- Compact
- Toolless assembly
- Rods don’t overlap
Cons:
- Assembly could have been easier
Bottom Line
KastKing Fishing Rod Rack is excellent for avid anglers looking for a versatile, portable, and durable rod rack. It’s the lightest rod rack with an ability to accommodate up to 24 rods. It’s also suitable for people who don’t have a lot of floor space as it’s compact.
2. LUXHMOX Fishing Rod Holder Rack – Runner Up
LUXHMOX Fishing Rod Holder Rack is yet another excellent rod rack that’s relatively lightweight at 5.9 pounds. Even though it’s heavier than the above model, you can still take it to the shore with ease. Moreover, it’s made of durable, rust-resistant, and robust aluminum that allows it to last for years.
Its compact size won’t take up much space in your place. Besides, having a compact rod rack guarantees that your rods will always be within easy reach.
Moreover, it comes with a 24-rod capacity without the reels attached, which is above average compared to rivals. However, if you need to store the rods with the reels attached, it will only allow you to stack up to 12 rod and reel combos.
Plus, the lower and top racks are adjustable. Why does that matter? Well, it’ll make all the difference in the world in case your reel happens to be the same height as the rack, so that they don’t bump in each other, causing scratches.
This is also ideal for those who have long rods because it lets you place the rods horizontally, allowing you to store longer ones. Moreover, the cushioned edges protect the rods, walls, and floors from any scratches. This way, you can rest assured that your rods and reels are stored in a safe place.
Its assembly is pretty easy, given that it’s toolless and takes less than five minutes. However, its assembly is a bit more challenging than that of the KastKing’s. Given that it’s cheaper than KastKing Fishing Rod Rack, you can either buy it and save money, or buy the latter and spend more time assembling it.
Pros:
- Accompdates 24 rods and reel combo
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t take up much floor space
Cons:
- Not decorative
- 12 rods
Bottom Line
This fishing rod rack is a tough competitor of the KastKing rack that I mentioned above. Not only is it as durable and has the same capacity, but it’s also cheaper. However, it’s not the one to buy if you’re looking for a decorative fishing rod rack.
3. Rush Creek Creations 16 – Most Decorative
In case you think that having 16-rod holders is enough, I’d say you should confidently go for Rush Creek Creations 16 -that holds up to 16 rod and reel combos- for plenty of reasons.
To start with, it’s got a decorative design, so if you are proud of your rod collection and want to display it in your living room, you can! You can even choose the design that best suits your place out of its six designs: Barn Wood, Dark Walnut, American cherry, Camo, Americana, and Bas.
Rest assured that the rods will stay out of harm’s way because they are supported from the bottom and the top. To illustrate, there are slots built in the base of the rod rack whose job is to hold the rods in place, and the soft rod clips on the upper section adjust to any type of rod taper.
The above two rod racks are not the easiest to assemble; however, this one is. You will easily and quickly assemble it without using any tools. How great, huh? Do you want to transfer it to the shore? You absolutely can, thanks to its 5.5-pound lightweight.
Besides, it’s an ideal choice for anyone who needs a compact rod rack as it perfectly fits in tight places because it has a 13.8 x 5.2 x 1-inch footprint.
However, note that if you have large saltwater rigs, you might not be able to stack 16 rods at the same time. There have also been some complaints about the clips being weak as they are made of rubber foam.
Pros:
- Compact
- Holds 16 rods
- Six styles
- Easy and toolless assembly
- Decorative
Cons:
- Not the sturdiest
- Clips are made of foam rubber
Bottom Line
Rush Creek Creations 16 is one of the best rod racks if you’re looking for a decorative one to place in your living room. Its ability to stack up to 16-rod holders and keep them from any harm is excellent as well. However, coming at a relatively high price, it should have been sturdier.
4. Berkley Fishing Rod Rack – Budget Choice
If you don’t have any floor space to spare, buying a wall-mounted rod rack would be an ideal choice. You can mount it to wood, drilled brick, or concrete. What’s even better is that the mounting hardware is included so that you won’t pay any extra money for it.
Speaking of money, the corrosion-resistant Berkley Fishing Rod Rack is one of the best affordable models. I believe that it is reasonably priced, given that it holds up to 6 rods only. So, I see that it’s suitable for beginners because they usually don’t have a lot of rods.
Having a high-strength plastic frame and foam grip pads, it’s pretty durable. Putting the rod in and taking it out is so simple because all you have to do is place it in the slot and push until the rod locks in place in the foam. However, people have made some complaints stating that if they’re not careful with putting the rods in and taking them out, the foam will wear out.
Are you looking for versatility? If you buy this rack, you’ll be purchasing a two-in-one model because it allows you to choose between the vertical and horizontal mount options. Moreover, you’ll love this 0.5-pound model, if you’re looking for the most lightweight choice on the list.
Moreover, like Rush Creek Creations 16, you can rest assured that the rods are well-secured due to the existence of foam grip pads. I find it hard to believe that you may not be impressed yet!
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
- Budget-friendly
- Foam friction lock
Cons:
- Not very aesthetically pleasing
- Takes 6 rods only
Bottom Line
Berkley Fishing Rod Rack is ideal if you’re on a budget. It’s also suitable for those who don’t have enough space on the floor because it’s wall-mounted. Besides, if you have less than 6 rods, you won’t regret buying it.
5. Rack’em Overhead – Best Ceiling Fishing Rod Rack
Rack’em Overhead is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to mount the rod rack on the ceiling. This is an excellent way to keep your rods from any harm, and it’s a great space-saving solution. It’s exceptionally durable as it’s made of heavy-duty steel which makes it resist the damaging effects of the sun and salt.
Moreover, it’s the second most lightweight choice after Berkley Fishing Rod Rack, given that it weighs 2.2 pounds.
Now you might want to ask why you would go for the second most lightweight rack instead of the most lightweight one, and the answer is because this rod rack holds up to 12 rods instead of 6. Plus, it holds all types of fishing rods/reel combos, including heavy-duty saltwater rods, fly rods, and ultralight panfish rods.
You’ll also appreciate how customizable it is, as you can adjust the width between the two hooks, thanks to its two rack sections. Since there is about 5” between each rod holder and its neighbor, you might need to stagger them.
Unlike Rush Creek Creations 16, Rack’em Overhead allows you to store 12 rods at the same time if you alternate the rods’ directions, creating more space between them. However, you might need to take off the reels so that the rods fit better.
Sadly, it’s not decorative. So, if you’ll mount it in the living room -for example- you might want to reconsider. Plus, it’s a bit overpriced.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Compact
- Excellent design
- Space-saver
- Holds 12 rods
Cons:
- Not decorative
- Overpriced
Bottom Line
Rack’em Overhead is a perfect space-saving rod rack because you can mount it on the ceiling. Moreover, it’s very lightweight and takes up to 12 rod and reel combos simultaneously, which is a nice combination.
6. Pactrade Marine 24 – Cheapest 24-Rod Rack
This is yet another excellent rod rack made of aluminum alloy to keep your rods safe. It’s rust-resistant- so even if it gets wet, it won’t be damaged. Moreover, you’ll have no problem with assembling it as it comes with very clear instructions and requires no tools.
If you love keeping your rods in a vertical position, you should go for it. It also features cushioned holders that provide full protection to the rods’ handles as well as lock them firmly in place so that they don’t fall while you’re transporting the 4.6-pound portable rod rack from one place to another.
Whether you have freshwater or saltwater rods, this rod rack is for you as it accommodates both. However, it’s worth mentioning that it lodges up to 24 freshwater rods, whereas it can only hold from 10 to 12 saltwater ones.
Even though this is not the only 24-rod rack on our list, it’s pretty distinctive as it’s the cheapest among the other rod racks that hold 24 rods, namely, KastKing Fishing Rod Rack and LUXHMOX Fishing Rod Holder Rack.
Sadly, there isn’t enough spacing between the rod holders, so if you put 24 rods at the same time, it will be very crowded. Moreover, it might not be able to hold anything bigger than a bass rod. Plus, few people claim that the rod rack isn’t sturdy enough to handle 24 rods with their reels. So, you may need to find another place to store your reels.
Pros:
- 24 freshwater rods
- 12 saltwater rods
- Durable
- Easy and toolless assembly
Cons:
- No enough spacing between the rod holders
- Not suitable for storing rod and reel combos
- A bit flimsy
Bottom Line
Pactrade Marine 24 is an excellent fishing rod rack if you’re looking for an affordable one that holds up to 24 rods. It’s specifically ideal for those who have freshwater and saltwater rods as it accommodates both types. However, you must note that if you have more than 12 saltwater rods, it won’t be convenient for you.
7. Castek Rod Caddy – Best Portable Fishing Rod Rack
If you’re searching for a versatile and portable rod rack that you can easily take to the shore or even have on your boat, the beautiful Castek Rod Caddy is the one for you. Its simple design and lightweight -3 pounds – allow you to hold it single-handedly with next to zero effort.
What’s more, it features an easy-to-set-up automatic stand. This feature keeps your rods upright when you’re at the shore, allowing you to simultaneously employ multiple rods.
Moreover, it doubles as a rod holder like KastKing Fishing Rod Rack, and this comes in handy when you want to bait your hook or change your lure.
It also comes with a mounting bracket, giving you the freedom to choose between mounting it vertically, horizontally or at any angle. This way, you can mount it on a garage wall or a truck and then take it when it’s time to hit the shore.
We know that the manufacturers are determined to keep the rods safe because this is apparent in their choice of the tough anodized aluminum alloy of which it’s made. It’s also obvious in the presence of a rubber strap that holds the rods tightly without scratching them.
There’s also a built-in tip protection that allows you to transport two-piece rods in half so that they can fit in your small car or any other small space.
What I don’t like about Castek Rod Caddy is that it holds up to 4 freshwater rods only, including spinning, baitcasting, fly rods, and ice fishing. When you compare its capacity to that of the other models on our list, you’ll notice how low that is. What’s even weirder is that it’s one of the most expensive rod racks on the list.
Pros:
- Portable
- Automatic Stand
- Comes with a mounting bracket
- Doubles as a rod holder
Cons:
- Holds 4 freshwater rods only
- Expensive
Bottom Line
Castek Rod Caddy is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a portable rod rack that works as a rod holder while fishing as well. Its simple design and lightweight help you transport it with ease. However, it’s pricey and holds up to 4 freshwater rods only so, put that in mind before purchasing it.
How to Select a Fishing Rod Rack
Choosing a worthy rod rack isn’t an easy task, given that they come with different features, models, and styles. For this reason, we’ve made you a buying guide where you’ll find the factors you should consider before purchasing a rod rack.
1. Capacity
Fishing rod racks vary in terms of the number of rods they can accommodate. For example, most of the compact models can hold from 4 to 6 rods, where larger ones hold up to 24 rods. So there’s a huge difference as you can see.
Buying a small one is risky because you may buy many rods and outgrow the rod rack’s capacity. On the other hand, if you go for a larger model, you won’t have this problem. You can even use the empty rod holders to hold two-piece kayak paddles, fishing nets, and other fishing equipment.
2. Portability
Portability shouldn’t be on your checklist if you’ll keep the rack in your garage or mount it on a wall. However, portability becomes an essential factor if you’ll frequently transfer the rack from one place to another. You wouldn’t appreciate having to exert a lot of effort to move the rack from your garage to the car and then the shore.
3. Design
Won’t you love to display the racks that you very proudly own? If so, get a rod rack that has an elegant design. This way, you don’t have to hide it in your garage, and you can display it with pride anywhere in your home.
Final Thoughts
After reading the article, I believe that buying the best fishing rod rack doesn’t feel as hard as you thought. In case you need more help choosing, let me recommend some models for you.
KastKing Fishing Rod Rack is the cream of the crop, given that it comes in large and small models that take up to 24 and 12 rods, respectively. It’s ideal for people who don’t have wide storage space as it’s compact. Moreover, you’ll appreciate how light and compact it is.
If you’re looking for rod racks with the highest capacity beside KastKing Fishing Rod Rack, you can either go for LUXHMOX Fishing Rod Holder Rack or -the cheapest out of the three- Pactrade Marine 24.
In case money is your priority, you won’t regret buying Berkley Fishing Rod Rack. It’s a space-saver because you can mount it on the wall. However, this will only be suitable if you have less than 6 rods to store.
Do you want to mount the rod rack to the ceiling? Rack’em Overhead is the best choice. Moreover, it has got an excellent capacity, as it takes up to 12 rods.