6 Best RV Fishing Gear Storage Safety Solutions That Anglers Swear By
Keep your fishing gear safe and secure in your RV. Discover 6 angler-tested storage solutions to prevent rod and tackle damage while you travel.
There’s a sound every RVing angler knows: the sudden clatter-thump of a tackle box sliding across the floor during a hard brake. It’s followed by the sickening scrape of an expensive graphite rod shifting in the corner. Storing fishing gear in a moving home isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring safety on the road. Unsecured hooks, heavy sinkers, and delicate rods become hazards when your house is doing 65 miles per hour. This guide cuts through the clutter, focusing on six bomb-proof storage solutions that seasoned RVers rely on to keep their gear safe, organized, and ready for the water.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Securing Angling Gear on the Move in Your RV
The real challenge isn’t just finding a place for your gear, it’s making sure it stays there. In a sticks-and-bricks house, a pile of rods in the corner is fine. In an RV, that same pile becomes a dangerous projectile during a sudden stop or a sharp turn on a winding mountain road.
Your primary goal is twofold: protect your expensive equipment from damage and protect your living space from that same equipment. A 2-ounce casting spoon flying through the cabin can do serious damage to a window, a cabinet, or a person. Every storage solution must be evaluated first for its ability to contain and secure its contents while in motion.
This means looking beyond simple bins and boxes. You need systems with secure latches, non-slip bases, and a way to anchor them to the vehicle itself. The best setups often combine interior organization for sensitive items like reels with robust exterior storage for bulky, wet, or smelly gear.
Thule Rodvault ST: Secure Rooftop Rod Transport
Safely transport up to four fully rigged fly rods up to 10ft with the Thule RodVault 2. Its durable, corrosion-resistant aluminum construction and lockable, padded reel box protect your gear, while large internal openings accommodate big guides.
For the serious angler, especially fly fishers, keeping rods assembled and ready is a massive time-saver. The Thule Rodvault is a lockable, aircraft-grade aluminum tube that mounts to your RV’s roof rack. It allows you to transport multiple fully-rigged rods, protecting them from road grime, weather, and theft.
Imagine pulling up to a promising stream and being ready to cast in under a minute. That’s the advantage here. You don’t have to break down your rods, store them inside, and re-rig them every time you move spots. The reels are protected within the enlarged, lockable housing, safe from both the elements and opportunistic thieves.
Of course, there are tradeoffs. This is a premium solution with a price tag to match. It also adds to your RV’s total height, a critical factor you must always be aware of. Accessing it requires a ladder, but for those who have invested thousands in their rod and reel setups, the security and convenience are often non-negotiable.
Rod-Runner Express: Grab-and-Go Rod Protection
Safely transport up to 3 fishing rods tangle-free with the Rod-Runner Express. Its durable ABS construction protects rods and reels during transport in any vehicle, while convenient features allow for easy rigging and cleaning, maximizing your fishing time.
Not every solution needs to be bolted to your vehicle. The Rod-Runner is a brilliantly simple caddy system that solves the problem of transporting multiple rods from the RV to the boat or fishing spot without creating a tangled mess. It holds up to three rods securely, with interlocking legs for stability.
Inside the RV, it’s a perfect organizational tool. Instead of leaning rods in a corner where they can get stepped on or tangled, you place them in the Rod-Runner. For travel, the entire unit can be easily secured with a bungee cord inside a tall storage bay or even your shower stall, keeping everything upright and separated.
Secure your gear with the HORUSDY 31-Piece Bungee Cord Assortment. This set offers various sizes of durable, elastic cords with protective ABS-coated hooks, plus tarp clips for versatile use.
This is not a high-security device for preventing theft. Its purpose is protection from damage and supreme convenience. For the angler who frequently fishes from a boat or has to walk a ways to their spot, being able to carry three rigged rods, tangle-free, in one hand is a game-changer. It’s a simple, effective solution for a common frustration.
Plano EDGE Boxes: Ultimate Tackle Organization
Organize and protect your tackle with the Plano EDGE 3700. This waterproof box features Rustrictor technology and a clear DuraView lid for easy content identification.
Your tackle collection represents a significant investment, and moisture is its worst enemy. Plano EDGE boxes are a leap forward from standard utility trays. They feature a Dri-Loc O-ring seal that creates a waterproof barrier and are built with a proprietary, rust-inhibiting technology infused into the plastic.
Think about the humidity after a rainstorm or the condensation that builds up in an unheated storage bay. A standard box can trap that moisture, turning your prized lures and sharp hooks into a rusty pile of junk. The EDGE system actively prevents this, preserving your gear and saving you money in the long run.
The one-handed latch, durable steel-pin hinges, and crystal-clear lid are all practical features that make a real difference when you’re trying to find a specific lure quickly. While they cost more upfront than basic boxes, the cost of replacing rusted-out terminal tackle and lures makes the investment easy to justify for any serious angler.
YETI LoadOut GoBox: Contain Wet Waders & Gear
Protect your gear with the YETI LoadOut GoBox 30. This waterproof and impact-resistant cargo case features a removable tray for organization and a stackable design for easy storage.
Bringing wet, muddy waders and boots into your clean RV is a recipe for a mess and a lingering damp smell. The YETI LoadOut GoBox is the perfect solution. It’s a completely waterproof, dustproof, and virtually indestructible gear case that acts as a portable mudroom.
Picture this: you finish a long day on the river. You peel off your muddy waders and boots, toss them directly into the GoBox in your outside storage bay, and close the lid. The mess, the moisture, and the smell are completely contained, leaving your interior living space pristine. It’s also lockable, so you can leave it outside your rig at a campsite without worry.
This box is incredibly versatile. Use it for storing sensitive electronics like fish finders, keeping tow straps and recovery gear clean, or organizing your camp kitchen essentials. Its "bomb-proof" construction means it can handle being bounced around in a storage bay or used as a step stool or seat at the campsite. It’s a multi-purpose workhorse for managing the gear you don’t want inside your home.
Engel Live Bait Cooler for Fresh, Secure Bait
Keep bait fresh for up to 48 hours with the ENGEL 13 Quart Live Bait Cooler PRO. This portable bucket features a USB-C rechargeable aerator, durable stainless steel hardware, and excellent insulation for both bait and beverages.
If you fish with live bait, you know the struggle of keeping it alive and, more importantly, contained. A tipped-over minnow bucket is a catastrophic mess in an RV. The Engel Live Bait Cooler is a professional-grade tool designed to solve this exact problem, with a powerful 2-speed aerator and a leak-proof, gasketed lid.
The high-performance insulation keeps the water temperature stable, and the aerator keeps bait frisky for days on end, which is essential for multi-day trips off the grid. Most importantly, the strong latches and airtight seal mean you can drive down bumpy roads with confidence, knowing that bait water isn’t sloshing into your carpets or storage compartments.
This isn’t a single-use item, either. Pull out the aerator pump and hose, and you have a top-tier personal cooler for drinks and food. It’s a perfect example of investing in quality, multi-functional gear that earns its place in a small living space.
StowAway2 Carrier: Lockable Hitch Storage Box
When interior and bay storage just isn’t enough, a hitch-mounted cargo box is the ultimate expansion. The StowAway2 Max is a standout because of its rugged, lockable design and its ingenious swing-away frame. This allows the entire loaded box to pivot away from the back of the RV, giving you full access to rear doors or storage compartments.
This becomes your external gear locker. It’s the ideal place for bulky tackle bags, multiple coolers, the YETI GoBox full of wet waders, and other large items you don’t want or can’t fit inside. By moving this gear outside, you free up an enormous amount of valuable interior and pass-through storage for other essentials.
You do need to account for the added length to your vehicle and the potential impact on your departure angle when navigating steep driveways. However, for families who fish or any angler with a serious amount of equipment, the ability to add 16 cubic feet of secure, weatherproof, and easily accessible storage is a transformative solution.
Choosing Your Ideal RV Fishing Storage System
The perfect setup is deeply personal. It depends entirely on what you fish for, how much gear you carry, and the specific layout of your RV. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, so start by doing an honest audit of your equipment and identifying your biggest storage and transport headaches.
Create a system by combining solutions. A modular approach often works best:
- The Weekend Warrior: A Rod-Runner to keep a few rods organized and a set of Plano EDGE boxes for tackle might be all you need.
- The Dedicated Fly Fisher: A Thule Rodvault on the roof is a must, paired with a YETI GoBox for waders and boots.
- The All-In Angler: A StowAway2 hitch box provides the mass storage, while specialized solutions like the Rod-Runner and Engel cooler handle the details.
The goal is to build a system that makes you want to go fishing more, not less. The right storage removes friction, protects your gear, and keeps your mobile home safe and uncluttered. Start with the solution that solves your biggest problem first, and build from there.
Ultimately, smart fishing gear storage is about creating a seamless transition from driving to casting. By securing your equipment, you’re not just protecting your rods and reels—you’re protecting your peace of mind and the safety of your home on wheels. The right system pays for itself in saved time, preserved gear, and more days spent enjoying the water.
