How To Ship A Fishing Rod

Fishing rods are extremely delicate and knowing how to ship a fishing rod can be a bit tricky. The last thing you want is for customers to find their rods have been damaged due to mishandling. On top of that, the post office may refuse to cater to long items, and some couriers will charge you an extra fee when your package gets to a certain length.

The good thing is that if you do your research well, you will find different couriers who know how to ship a fishing rod and have no problem shipping such long items. Here are a few tips to guide you on how you can package your fishing rods and ensure they arrive at their destination safely.

How to ship a fishing rod has various options depending on the type of fishing rod you are shipping. Mailing a two-piece rod or a telescopic fishing rod is not that complicated. However, you may have a more limited option when shipping a one-piece rod.

If you are also into aquariums, we have an article here about using fishing weights in an aquarium that you might be interested in.

How To Ship A Fishing Rod With The Correct Supplies

• Bubble Wrap
• Packing Peanuts or Foam
• Packaging Tape
• Shipping Box
• Protecting Container

All of these items should be self explanatory except for the protecting container. Ideally you’d put the rod inside of a fishing case but if that’s not an option an alternative is buying a PVC pipe from the store and cutting them according to the rod’s size. Remember, there should be some space left on both ends once the rod goes in.

How to ship a fishing rod in an easier, cheaper way is by going to a fishing tackle shop and checking whether they might have tubes from the fishing rods that have been delivered to them.

How To Package A Fishing Rod For Shipment

1. Wrap The Rod In Bubble Wrap

How to ship a fishing rod starts with wrapping your rod in two layers of bubble wrap, then using the packaging tape to secure it. If you are shipping a fishing rod that is more than one piece or a telescopic one, condense it to the shortest size possible. Ensure the handle and the tip are well wrapped as they are the most sensitive parts of the rod. Finish by wrapping it up with brown packing paper for maximum protection.

2. Fill The Shipping Box With Packing Peanuts or Foam

In the next step, you take your shipping box and layer the bottom with packing peanuts or bits of foam. The idea is to ensure the rod is suspended between the chips. Place the rod and cover it with more packing chips, ensuring the rod is fully covered. Check that no part of the rod is touching the box.

If you are packing multiple rods, wrap each with bubble wrap and then secure them as one bundle but on the ends. This is to prevent them from colliding when in transit, resulting in damage.

3. Seal The Box With Packaging Tape

The next step is sealing your box with packaging tape. Wrap it at least twice or thrice in each direction. You can shake the box a bit to check that the rod is not moving inside. If it is moving, then it can easily be broken. You can now attach shipping details to a clear space on the box where the transport team can easily see and understand.

This same process applies if you are shipping the rods in a PVC pipe instead of a box. If the tube is wide enough, you can put in more than one fishing rod. However, check that there is enough space for padding. Do not ignore padding, as it protects the rods from bumping into each other and getting damaged. You will also need to wrap the rods individually in bubble wrap before putting them together in one tube.

Fishing Rod Shipping Considerations

How to ship a fishing rod also includes other considerations like shipping fees and insurance. The charges for shipping fishing rods or poles are determined by the weight, size, and destination of your package. You might also want to consider shipping insurance for your package. This ensures you have some compensation in case rods are damaged in transit. Finally, get quotes from multiple couriers that have good reviews and choose one that is affordable.

Note that once you have shipped your package, it will be handled by different people at different times. If it is passing through sortation depots and is being transported with other goods, they might be placed on top of it. Therefore, ensure your packaging has been done well to prevent damage. Knowing how to ship a fishing rod will ensure that it reaches in time for the next fishing adventure.