How To Pack and Ship Fishing Rods Safely & Cost Effectively

Fishing is one of the most popular hobbies. It is enjoyable both alone and with family as well as friends. It is a great way to relax & release your stress. 

Fishing is fun but packing fishing gear can feel troublesome. Especially for someone inexperienced. So, if you have to pack and ship your fishing set, how can you pack and ship fishing rods safely & cost-effectively?

Fishing rods are fragile. Fancy fishing rod carriers will ensure protection. But it adds a decent amount to the total cost. Besides, it is not a thing that would be used regularly either. If you want to save some money, then you should think of an alternative way. 

A good handmade case can also ensure safety while transporting. You can make a decent case out of the materials that are available at the back of your garage, plus a few items that cost next to nothing. The materials you need to pack your fishing rods with are given below: 

• Bubble wrap
• Heavy-duty cardboard tube or a PVC pipe
• Packaging paper
• Packing tape
• A measurement tape and a saw, or a similar cutter

The cardboard will be the main framework. Alternatively, a PVC pipe, plus a couple of end caps, does the magic too. The bubble wraps will be a cushion layer to absorb any potential impact. The packaging paper and tape, you will need plenty of. There are plenty of options available that you can use. 

For example, you can easily replace the bubble wraps with foam or soft pieces of clothes if you have plenty available at hand. Take your time, make plans, and prepare the items. So –

How To Pack The Fishing Rod Properly?

Once you have all the materials, you can start packing. Let me break it down. Approaching the task step by step will make it simple. Here are the steps: 

For Foldable Fishing Rods

If your fishing rods are foldable, simply fold them and put them in a box after wrapping them with the bubble wraps properly. Transporting a smaller box is easier and safer than a full-sized box. In this sense, foldable fishing rods are more convenient. 

For Non-Foldable Fishing Rods

Not everyone owns or needs to transport a foldable fishing rod. It is much more common to need to send a regular fishing rod. If your case is relatable, then it is slightly more complicated. However, it is not deal-breaking by any means. Here is a simple way you can do it.

• The Fishing Rods

Check and make sure the fishing rod(s) that you want to transport are in good shape for the journey ahead. If the rod(s) need any maintenance or other sort of attention, take some time at it.

• The Packing Framework

Decide whether you want to go for cardboard boxes or PVC pipes. They are both fairly cheap and easily available. Or if you have some lying around, you can use them too as long as they are in fairly good condition. 

For a cardboard box, you will need planks with a width of 5-inches or more and a length larger than your fishing rod. If you want to use a PVC pipe, then get a pipe with at least a diameter of 4-inch. 

• Preparing The Box

Next, you will need a cutter and measurement tape. Measure the length of your longest fishing rod. Now, for PVC, measure and mark the tube with a length of at least 4 inches more than the rod. Cut both ends carefully using a saw or a blade. Also, find and prepare two end caps that will fit on the pipe.

For the cardboard box, though, it will be slightly complicated. You will need four planks with the length as I mentioned for the pipe and width of 4-inch. Glue them or nail them together to form a box with both ends open along the length. Two more 4-inch x 4-inch pieces will be needed to seal them later on.

• Preparing The Rods

Now, remove the reels from the fishing rods. Otherwise, they won’t fit in the tube or pipe. With the reels off, wrap them in plenty of bubble wrap. These will act as the main buffer layer or the first line of protection.

Wrap every single rod individually. The tip of a fishing rod is the most fragile part of its body, so you have to wrap it extra carefully. After wrapping every single rod, use packing tape to secure the wrapping. 

Pack the reels and/or other smaller items separately in another smaller box. Don’t forget the bubble wraps.

• Packing The Rods

With the box/pipe ready, and the rods wrapped, we can start packing them. But wait, before putting them inside the box or pipe, you should remember to arrange them properly. This will let you put them inside the tube or box easily. 

Place your two longest rods the opposite way and follow the same step for the next two, and so on. When you are done, bundle them together and use packing tape to secure them together. 

You can directly slide the bundle(s) inside the tube or pipe. Nothing complicated here. But do it carefully. It is much better to slide them in horizontally. I mean, lay the pipe down on the ground and insert the rods that way. 

Do not try to do this with the pipe standing. It’s risky if you know what I mean. You should have an inch or so of empty space on either side. 

• Testing The Setup

Before calling it done, it is always recommended to do a jerking test; I mean shaking test. Shake the tube or pipe up and down. If your packing is secure, you won’t feel anything moving inside. However, if you hear something, then take out your fishing rods and add another layer of bubble wrap to increase the overall diameter. 

• Seal The Box

Your packing is almost done. Now use two PVC caps/cardboard pieces on either ends and secure it by using tape or glue/screw. Seal both ends. Overdoing with the bubble wraps is fine for the most part. As long as you are not forcefully pushing it in the box.

• Finishing Touches

If you are going to send it via courier, which most likely you are, then it is time to label the container. Lebel it with your full name, address, and also the receiver’s information. The receiver’s information is the most important part here.

Conclusion

If you sell the used fishing rods and reels and you are sending it to a customer living at a long distance, safety is obviously one of the main concerns, especially when they are not being handled directly by you. Thus you, almost have to be prepared. Both PVC pipes and decent cardboards are sturdy enough to handle the kicks and throws they possibly have to endure. 

The bubble wraps will make sure that the rods do not get damaged inside. However, packing is not the only concern, especially when transporting internationally. The service from the courier and the airport personnel is also a big factor. 

You should take your time and do your research before booking an entry. Different companies throw different price tags. It varies a lot, as much as the quality of the service. Anyway, with proper preparation and enough research, you should be able to expect that your goods will be delivered safely and in one piece.

And that’s how you can pack and ship fishing rods safely & cost effectively. Happy travels.