How many fishing rods have you had over the years? How many of those fishing rods were lost due to breaking? For some, it was more than they care to remember. Others can’t remember the last time it happened. You may be surprised to find out why this happens or doesn’t happen to anglers.

Big fish.

Of course, the first reason people think of when it comes to a broken rod is a big fish. Regardless of what may have happened, this is the reason that will be given as the story is recounted around the campfire. But this is rarely the case. Most big fish will snap a line before they break a rod. Yes, it may break while fighting a big fish, but it was not the fish that caused it.

Most breaks start long before the actual snap occurs. Over time, the rod is subjected to smaller trauma, which causes hairline fractures in the blank. Trauma after trauma intensifies the size and number of breaks until the rod finally gives way. Depending on the trauma, this could take days, weeks, or even seasons. Avoiding these occasional but repeated events is the key to a rod’s survival.

But what causes these traumas to occur?

The most obvious cause is an accident, such as jamming the tip into the ground or closing it in a tailgate. Accidents happen, and we are usually happy when the damage is minor. But even if the rod does not break at the time of the accident, it will be more prone to do so down the road.

The bigger but often overlooked cause is repeatedly hitting the tip or bending it unnaturally. This can include high sticking or letting the rod double under the boat, both of which are fatal to your rod’s continued use. But it can also include poor storage, improper transportation, and mishandling.

How many of you store rods in the corner of the garage or shed, leaning tip-first against the wall? A lot of you, no doubt. It’s been done for decades and is an inexpensive way to store gear out of sight when not used. But it is also causing damage every time you do it. Not only does the tip support the weight of the rod, but it is also usually bent at an unusual angle. This causes minor fractures every time you do it; the longer it is stored, the worse the fractures become.

How about traveling? Do you throw the rod in the pickup and head to the lake? Or is it lying at the bottom of the boat? Again, it is causing damage every time. As the rod bounces around, it is being flexed and smacked against the truck or boat bed, causing… you guessed it, tiny fractures. It is even worse if a loose weight or lure is hanging from the line, as these items will also bend and smack the rod throughout the ride.

There are a few simple changes you can make to avoid unnecessary damage to your rod, giving it a chance to truly be a victim of a trophy fish.

Use a rod holder. Whether it is an expensive cabinet similar to those your guns call home or a simple two-piece rake mounted behind the basement door, a rod hold will protect your investment almost as well as anything else available.

Transport tubes. Investing in a quality transport tube may seem like a big investment, but in the long run, it is cheaper than replacing a broken rod and better than a ruined trip. For those who have a little DIY in them, some pretty good designs can be built using PVC piping for a fraction of the cost.

Handle with care. Plenty of rod tips are broken due to snagging on branches or jabbing the ground while walking to your favorite hole. Avoid this by not leading with your rod. When moving through brush or uneven terrain, flip the rod around and have the tip behind you. This allows you to better control it and move obstacles out of the way.

Good luck, good fishing!