I was so excited to go fishing, that is, up until the moment I saw the tangled mess my rods were in. Que the rod rage – the instantaneous fury that occurs when the lines are twisted in an unruly mess that will inevitably require time and patience to unwind into a useable item.
How could they become so intertwined after a short ride in the back of the truck or a stint in the closet? It was in this moment that I nearly swore off two-piece fishing rods forever. The frustration of untangling lines and rods is enough to keep many folks from fishing, but I was very determined for many years (or, more likely, just a slow learner). Eventually, the RodKnee appeared on my radar, and I was eager to test it out. I wanted to see if this piece of gear came through on its promise to remove the rod rage from my fishing adventures.
RodKnee Review
I received the RodKnee in the mail a few months ago, when most (definitely not all) of my fishing rods were in storage for winter. After untangling one of those rods, I installed the Rodknee and placed it back into the closet. Now, it’s time to see if it’s entangled in the other rods or if the RodKnee did its job of keeping rod rage at bay.
I opened the door to the closet where I keep some of my rods and noticed that the rod with the RodKnee on it was not in a tangled mess with other lines and rods, but it wasn’t completely free from them. Another reel handle was wedged between the line and the reel. However, it was much simpler to remove than in the past.
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During transportation, I found the RodKnee shining brightest. Since the rod is in two pieces, hauling it (and a few others) in my truck’s cab is much easier and less risky (I’ve broken a rod tip or two trying to cram it in my truck). Again, the lines and reels can intermingle, but it’s never as bad as the tangled chaos that I had to deal with in the past.
Pros
- Made in America
- Recyclable
- Compact
- Removes the need to cut your line for storage and transport
- Keeps the rod organized
- Fits multiple rod sizes (One-size fits most)
- Multiple ways of storage
Cons
- Can get pricey
- Rods can still tangle
- Rod tip is at risk of being broken
What I Love About The RodKnee
I’m a big fan of products that choose to be designed and made in the USA. There are plenty of companies that jack up the prices, despite having their gear made overseas for pennies on the dollar. RodKnee is not one of those products; it is designed and manufactured in America, and I’m happy to support American companies.
Generally, I’m not a fan of plastic products because we already have enough waste as consumers. However, the compact and recyclable nature of the RodKnee eases my frustration with plastic. Plus, it’s very durable, so it should last for many years.
If you own multiple rods of various sizes, you don’t have to worry about ordering the wrong size. The RodKnee fits my catfish rods just as easily as my ultralight rods.
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Instead of cutting my line for storage or transport, I keep everything together, except the two-piece rod (which is quick and easy to join). This means I’m fishing in no time at all, instead of spending my time untangling or respooling line.
Besides getting me on the water faster, the RodKnee also helps keep my rods organized. The rods and line don’t intermingle, and storage is easier, whether you hang the rods on the wall or use a rod stand.
Where I Think RodKnee Can Improve
At $20, the RodKnee isn’t all that expensive, especially considering the cost of most fishing gear, and since the RodKnee is made in the USA. However, if you’re like me and own 10+ rods, then the RodKnee begins to quickly eat away at your fishing budget.
Despite the claims to stop rod rage, I’ve already mentioned that my lines and reels still tangle, but again, it’s not nearly as bad as it was before I used the RodKnee, so there is a measurable improvement.
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While the RodKnee keeps the rod and line organized, it does nothing to protect your rod tip. The tip is still at risk of catching on things and breaking.
Last Cast: RodKnee Review
The RodKnee is ideal for anglers with 10 or fewer rods who are fed up with untangling lines every time they go fishing. It does a good job, but not a perfect one, of keeping rods and lines organized and tangle-free. If your excitement to go fishing has ever been squashed by a mess of tangled rods, then you should seriously consider getting a few RodKnees for your fishing rods.
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