This project was built and designed by Mike from Oregon Makers. It’s a clever and practical solution for organizing fishing rods and gear in the garage using scrap cedar and basic tools.
Fishing gear often ends up jumbled in corners, leaning awkwardly against walls, or buried under other items. Mike takes on this common challenge and turns unused wall space into a clean, accessible setup that keeps rods upright and accessories neatly stored.
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Solving a Common Garage Problem
Many anglers struggle with keeping rods and gear organized. Without a proper system, rods get tangled, reels fall off, and hooks can catch on just about anything.
Mike’s approach starts by identifying a specific garage corner to reclaim. Instead of purchasing a pre-made rack, he designs a custom holder that’s easy to replicate and durable enough to hold up over time.
Using What’s on Hand
For this build, Mike uses scrap cedar tongue and groove boards left over from another project. Cedar is ideal for this kind of work—moisture resistant, easy to work with, and visually appealing.
The first step involves breaking the material down into workable pieces. With the right cuts, these offcuts become the framework for both the rod holder and a matching set of wall shelves for accessories.
Building the Rod Holder
The design is inspired by the vertical holders often seen in sporting goods stores. Rods are held upright by holes drilled in a horizontal board, with an angled support piece below to stabilize each one.
Spacing is important. Mike measures carefully so that the rods sit comfortably without bumping into each other. This is especially helpful when reels are already attached, as it avoids crowding and makes it easy to grab a rod without disturbing the rest.
Drilling Clean, Even Holes
A drill press ensures that each rod hole is consistent in size and depth. Mike marks out the positions first, then takes his time drilling to maintain clean edges.
Accuracy here pays off later. Proper alignment means the rods will sit straight, and you won’t need to force them in or worry about them falling out.
Assembling the Structure
The holder starts coming together with a base board, a support ledger, and the angled rest. Mike uses glue and nails to attach the ledger first, then clamps the assembly while it dries.
The angled piece is attached with screws after pilot holes are drilled. This keeps the support from splitting and adds long-term stability to the rack.
Mounting to the Garage Wall
To secure the holder to the wall, Mike uses a hammer drill to bore into the concrete garage surface. Anchors and screws are added to make sure the rack won’t budge, even when loaded up.
This step adds confidence to the final result—whether you’re storing five rods or a dozen, the holder stays rock-solid and doesn’t tip or wobble.
Bonus Storage: Wall Shelves for Tackle and Gear
Above the rod rack, Mike installs matching cedar shelves to hold tackle boxes, bait containers, line spools, and tools. These shelves are made from the same scrap wood and blend in nicely with the rod holder below.
Using pocket holes and ledgers, Mike makes the shelves adjustable in height. This allows flexibility for different-sized containers and keeps everything in reach without overcrowding the space.
Putting the Setup to Use
With everything installed, it’s time to load up the gear. Rods slide easily into place, reels stay protected, and tackle boxes are stacked neatly on the shelves.
Mike demonstrates how organizing this way not only makes it easier to grab what you need, but also helps prevent wear and tear on your equipment. It’s the kind of small change that improves both storage and usability.
A Tidy Corner for Every Angler
The finished wall setup looks clean and intentional. Everything has its place, from long rods to small containers, and there’s still space left over to expand.
By using leftover cedar, Mike shows that useful shop projects don’t require new materials or complicated plans. The key is to solve a real problem with straightforward design and solid construction.
Simple, Smart, and Built to Last
This fishing rod storage system is a great weekend project with lasting benefits. Whether you’re a regular angler or just someone looking to clear up clutter, this design makes excellent use of wall space and repurposed wood.
It’s functional, cost-effective, and makes your garage feel more like a workspace than a storage bin. With a few simple tools and some attention to layout, this kind of project is easy to replicate.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Mike’s channel: