Choosing the best Travel Fishing Rod for anglers who like to pack light and bring a fishing rod in their luggage requires a bit of planning, an understanding of the available options, and consideration of the fish you might encounter on your travels. At TRAVELS.EDU.VN, we help you select the right fishing travel rod so you are ready for your next adventure. Consider factors like rod size when disassembled, the number of pieces, type of rod, and how you plan to transport it.
1. Our Top Picks For Travel Fishing Rods
Here are some top picks for travel fishing rods, perfect for various types of fishing and travel:
1.1 Shimano Zodias Pack Rod
The Shimano Zodias Pack Rod brings high-end bass rod quality to a travel-friendly design. This 5-piece rod condenses to 19 inches when packed, making it easy to take anywhere. When fully assembled, it offers the same high-quality features as one-piece blanks. The 5-piece construction provides a more uniform bend than a 2-piece model.
Shimano Zodias Pack Rod
The CI4+ reel seat offers lightweight strength, while the full carbon monocoque grip eliminates EVA, enhancing sensitivity. Hi-Power X construction reinforces the blank with carbon tape, providing precise actions and added strength. This rod allows you to confidently lean into fish, making you forget it’s a travel rod. According to Shimano’s official website, the Hi-Power X construction enhances the rod’s overall strength and reduces blank twist, leading to more accurate casts and better fish-fighting ability.
1.2 F5 Double Barrel Concealed Carry
F5 Custom Rods produces some of the finest big swimbait rods available. The Double Barrel Concealed Carry is their new packable travel big swimbait rod.
These 5-piece custom-made rods feature an extra-long cork handle and high-quality blanks and ferrules, capable of handling 2-6 ounce swimbaits with ease. The kit packs down to just 24 inches, fitting easily into any travel bag. At $269, this rod lets you chase trophies all over the country and beyond.
1.3 St. Croix Trout Series Pack Rod
The St. Croix Trout Series Pack Rod is the ultimate adventure rod for those needing a light and packable option to reach remote locations. Ideal for trout, bluegill, crappie, and even smallmouth, this beautifully built rod weighs only 2.9 ounces and comes in 3 pieces, compacting down for easy backpack storage.
Paired with a small 1000 spinning reel and 4-pound line, this rod excels in remote streams and creeks, effortlessly casting small baits and providing a nice backbone for its light weight. It’s a joy to fish with and will become a staple travel rod.
St. Croix Trout Series Pack Rod
1.4 Ark Rods Genesis Rods
The Ark Rods Genesis is a reliable two-piece travel rod that comes with a padded bag. Its narrow blanks are durable and sensitive, making it versatile for various fishing techniques. The rod performs exceptionally well. The 6-foot, 8-inch MH and 7-foot, 6-inch MH models are suitable for flipping, frogging, spinnerbait fishing, jigging, cranking, popping topwater poppers, and burning buzz baits.
1.5 Shimano Convergence Travel Rod
The Shimano Convergence Travel Rod is a versatile 7-foot, 4-piece rod suitable for various species and lures in the 1/4 to 3/4 ounce range. It breaks down to 25 inches and includes a hard case with a shoulder strap for easy carrying. Well-made and compatible with various reels, this rod is a great do-it-all travel option.
Shimano Convergence Travel Rod
1.6 St. Croix Triumph Travel Rod
The St. Croix Triumph Travel Rod is a 6-foot, 6-inch workhorse that serves many purposes, making it great for fishing in tight quarters. Its small form factor of 24 inches makes it ideal for keeping in your vehicle or throwing in your bag on long trips. This strong, sensitive, and light rod is divided into 4 pieces. It’s a fantastic travel version of the popular Triumph line.
1.7 Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod
The Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod is a high-end option with a hard case that breaks down to 30 inches (32 in its case). Its V-flex ferrule joint system allows for quick assembly and disassembly. The rod features a high-modulus blank, Fuji Aluminum Oxide guides, an unsanded micro-pitch blank, a split Eva grip, and a machined nut hood. It pairs nicely with your favorite bait caster and is available in 7-foot medium, 7-foot medium heavy, and 7-foot, 6-inch medium heavy models.
Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod
2. Telescoping Rods and Combos
Telescoping rods are easy, spur-of-the-moment options for probing nearby waters.
2.1 Daiwa Travel Combo
The Daiwa Travel Combo is a great option with a good reel, a telescoping rod, and a sling carry bag big enough for several travel rods and reels. Compacting down to 26 inches, it’s perfect for car or plane trips. The rod is a 7-foot, 2-inch Medium power fast action rod, while the reel is a 2-bearing Daiwa Crossfire LT 2500 with a smooth drag. Offered in EVA or Cork grips, this combo costs $149 and is a quick, easy choice for pairing rods and reels.
2.2 BnM Poles Little Mighty Telescoping Rod
The BnM Poles Little Mighty Telescoping Rod extends to 20 feet and breaks down to barely 22 inches. While not technically a travel rod, it’s a telescoping rod that’s perfect for crappie and bluegill fishing.
Extend the rod small sections first by pulling out the string tab on the tip. Avoid sliding sections out by dumping the open end to prevent sections from getting out of order. When breaking it down, start with the big sections first and leave the string out when putting the cap on.
2.3 Zebco 33 Spincast Telescopic Combo
The Zebco 33 Spincast Telescopic Combo is an affordable option at $30-40, great for catching panfish around a campsite or off the dock on vacation. It’s not designed for larger fish, as the rod bends easily at the tip under load and the line cuts across the rod to the next guide. For $25, you can catch plenty of panfish with this setup.
Zebco 33 Spincast Telescopic Combo
3. Understand The Types of Travel Rods
Consider the different types of rods available, including spinning, casting, telescoping, fly, and specialty rods:
3.1 Spinning Travel Rods
Spinning travel rods are ideal for light lures and lines. If you plan to target bluegills or crappies, a long telescoping rod or a small spinning rod like a trout rod might be suitable.
3.2 Baitcasting Travel Rods
Baitcasting travel rods are best for larger quarry, requiring a beefier rod with a reel that can hold heavier line. These are suitable for bass or big fish like walleye, pike, musky, and stripers.
3.3 Specialty Travel Rods
Specialty rods like travel swimbait rods or extra-long jigging rods are ideal for probing unknown waters for specific types of fishing, such as jigging brush for crappie or casting oversized swimbaits for trophy bass and stripers.
3.4 Travel Fly Rods
Travel fly rods are perfect for fly fishing, with high-end and mid-range options that allow a 9-foot fly rod to fit into an overnight travel bag.
4. Consider Telescoping Rods For Travel
Telescoping rods are convenient for spur-of-the-moment fishing. Some anglers keep telescoping rods in their trucks for quick fishing trips during travels, lunch breaks, or after work. While typically lower quality, newer options are making a comeback for bass and panfish.
Telescoping Rods
5. A Travel Combo Might Make More Sense
Travel rods are available as rod and reel combos, often with telescoping options. Better quality multi-piece travel rods come with decent spinning reels. For unplanned fishing trips, a reasonably priced telescoping rod/reel combo can quickly get you in the fish on an unexpected hot spot.
6. Travel Fishing Rod: Case, Bag, or Roll
Travel rods come with a hard case, a roll, or a bag. Protect the pieces of the rod to prevent damage during travels.
6.1 Hard Cases
Hard cases may consist of a cloth case with a hard shell inside that zips closed, with sleeves for the pieces. Others feature a hard outer shell with a soft interior. These are ideal for carrying travel rods separately or keeping them in a vehicle.
6.2 Travel Rod Rolls
Travel rod rolls are cloth sleeves with individual pockets for each piece, rolling up with a flap and ties. These are great for putting a rod or two into other travel bags or a small compartment in your vehicle.
6.3 Travel Bags
Travel bags can be cloth or padded foam bags that protect the rod. Padded bags are preferable, as they prevent pieces from falling out and offer added protection.
7. Top Travel Rod Brands
In the freshwater space, the best travel rod makers often align with the best rod makers:
- Shimano
- Daiwa
- St. Croix
- Megabass
- Ark Rods
- Fenwick
Other lesser-known brands offering good travel rod options include Favorite, Bass Pro, and BnM Poles.
Here are the travel rod brands we reviewed and liked:
- Shimano
- Daiwa
- St. Croix
- Megabass
- Ark Rods
- Fenwick
- Sixgill
- Bass Pro
- Favorite Fishing
- B’n’M Poles
- Ugly Stik
- Hardy
- Orvis
8. FAQ About Travel Fishing Rods
Here are some frequently asked questions about travel fishing rods:
8.1 What Is a Travel Fishing Rod?
A travel fishing rod is a multi-piece (typically 3-5 pieces) or telescoping rod designed for easy transport. It allows anglers to bring their fishing gear on trips without the bulk of a traditional one- or two-piece rod.
8.2 What Are The Benefits Of Using a Travel Fishing Rod?
The main benefit is portability. Travel rods break down into smaller sections, making them easy to pack in suitcases, backpacks, or car trunks. This allows anglers to fish in various locations without the hassle of transporting large rods.
8.3 What Types Of Fishing Are Travel Rods Suitable For?
Travel rods can be used for various types of fishing, including freshwater and saltwater fishing. There are travel rods designed for specific species like trout, bass, and even larger fish like salmon and musky.
8.4 How Do I Choose The Right Travel Fishing Rod?
Consider the following factors:
- Type of Fishing: Determine the species you’ll be targeting and the techniques you’ll be using.
- Rod Material: Graphite rods are more sensitive and lighter, while fiberglass rods are more durable and affordable.
- Number of Pieces: More pieces mean a smaller packed size but can sometimes sacrifice sensitivity.
- Length and Power: Choose a rod length and power that matches the size of the fish and the type of lures or bait you’ll be using.
- Action: Fast action rods are more sensitive and better for lure fishing, while slow action rods are better for bait fishing.
8.5 Are Travel Rods As Good As Regular Rods?
While travel rods may not offer the exact same level of performance as high-end one-piece rods, modern travel rods are designed to provide excellent performance. The quality of materials and construction has improved significantly, making them a viable option for serious anglers.
8.6 Can I Use a Travel Rod For Saltwater Fishing?
Yes, there are travel rods specifically designed for saltwater fishing. Look for rods with corrosion-resistant components and the appropriate power and action for the species you’ll be targeting.
8.7 What Is The Best Way To Transport a Travel Rod?
Most travel rods come with a case or bag for protection during transport. Use this case to prevent damage to the rod sections and guides. When packing, make sure the rod sections are securely placed inside the case.
8.8 How Do I Maintain a Travel Fishing Rod?
- Rinse the rod with fresh water after each use, especially after saltwater fishing.
- Check the guides for damage and replace them if necessary.
- Lubricate the ferrules (joints) with a silicone-based lubricant to prevent sticking.
- Store the rod in its case or bag in a cool, dry place.
8.9 What Are Some Popular Travel Fishing Rod Brands?
Some popular travel fishing rod brands include:
- Shimano
- Daiwa
- St. Croix
- Okuma
- Ugly Stik
8.10 Are Telescopic Fishing Rods Good For Travel?
Yes, telescopic fishing rods are a convenient option for travel because they collapse down to a very small size. However, they may not offer the same level of sensitivity and performance as multi-piece travel rods. They are best suited for casual fishing or situations where portability is the primary concern.
Planning your next fishing adventure? Let TRAVELS.EDU.VN take the hassle out of your travel arrangements. Our expert team can help you choose the perfect travel fishing rod and create a customized itinerary to suit your preferences and budget. Contact us today at 123 Main St, Napa, CA 94559, United States, or WhatsApp us at +1 (707) 257-5400. Visit our website at TRAVELS.EDU.VN to explore our exclusive Napa Valley tour packages and start planning your unforgettable getaway. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the best of Napa Valley with travels.edu.vn, where luxury meets adventure! Get in touch for personalized service and a seamless travel experience. Let us turn your dream vacation into reality.
