Leave your heavy and expensive one-piece fishing rod at home. For your next out-of-state fishing trips, opt for these best travel fishing rods.
They are more compact and can also provide you with the performance you need for a successful day out in the water. Some even have features comparable to a premium one-piece fishing rod!
What You Should Consider Before Buying a Travel Fishing Rod
The price tag of a travel fishing rod is not the only factor you should consider. You should also look into the rod length, type, material, action, and power of a fishing rod for travel.
Multiple Piece Rod vs. Telescopic Fishing Rod
A travel fishing rod can either be telescopic or a multiple-piece.
A multiple-piece travel rod consists of several parts (mostly between 2 and four) that you connect together to form one piece of rod. On the other hand, a telescopic fishing rod is collapsible. For instance, a 10-foot telescopic rod can fold half its size, allowing you to put it inside a backpack or luggage.
These two types of travel fishing rods are portable, durable, and perfect for out-of-state fishing trips. However, the multiple-piece fishing rod works if you are looking for a simple fishing set-up and optimal tackle load distribution.
On the other hand, the telescopic fishing rod will fit in a small fishing rod travel case and offer a comfortable grip and more flexibility.
Rod Action and Rod Power
Rod action refers to the fishing rod’s ability to bend and revert to its original shape when under pressure. Travel fishing rods can be slow, medium, or fast rod action.
But some fishing rods indicate the rod power rating instead. Here is a closer look:
Ultralight
The ultralight action relates more to rod power or the rod’s ability to withstand pressure. Ultralight rods are bendy and can only handle pressure from smaller lures, weighing approximately a quarter of an ounce.
Fast Action
Fast-action rods bend right below the tip and are perfect for attracting large fish in fresh and salty water. The quick action and sensitivity to bites make these rods ideal for strong hook settings, especially for single hooks.
Slow Action
Slow action rods are incredibly flexible, bending from the tip to the butt of the rod. These rods are ideal for casting smaller lures and work well for smaller fish species.
Medium Action
As for medium or moderate action rods, they can bend from the tip to the middle of the fishing rod. This gives you a wider casting distance and impressive hook setting abilities. In addition, the rods are versatile, meaning you can use them to catch small and big fish in different waters.
Medium-Heavy
If you want to hook a catfish or bass, you will need a medium-heavy rod. Medium-heavy refers to the rod’s ability to handle weight pressure. Medium-heavy rods handle bigger fish and larger lures, weighing one to four ounces.
Rod Type
Many travel fishing rods are usually spinning rods because they are easier to handle, simple to use, and versatile. Moreover, they provide extra stability because the included spinning reel is just below the rod.
You can also find fishing rods for travel with a baitcaster or fly reels. However, these rods are slightly more technical and should be used for seasoned anglers.
Expert Tip: A surf rod can be more suitable if you don’t intend to spend much time in the water. It has a more extended handle and a wider casting distance for shoreline fishing.
Rod Length
You should also consider rod length because it determines casting distance and the type of fishing you can do. For example, you will need a longer rod for surf fishing, but a shorter rod length is ideal for accurate casts.
The average rod length for a travel fishing rod is approximately 4 to 14 feet.
Material
Travel fishing rods can be made from fiberglass, carbon fiber, synthetic, and graphite.
- Fiberglass is the most common material due to its endurance, flexibility, and affordability. If you’re an amateur angler, you will enjoy using fiberglass rods for slow to medium action.
- Carbon fiber rods feature high-tech carbon material, contributing to their tensile properties and high price tags. In addition, the fishing rods are highly-sensitive and lightweight for travel.
- Graphite can also detect nibble vibrations. In fact, the sensitivity and lightweight nature of this material allow you to cast farther and control movements.
- Composite is also a fun and reliable material that combines the benefits of graphite and fiberglass materials.
Additional materials include bamboo, hardwood, titanium, and other synthetic materials.
What Are the Best Travel Fishing Rods?
The best travel fishing rods include the St. Croix travel rod, Daiwa Procyon travel fishing rod, and Shimano travel rod. These rods score high in terms of versatility, durability, action, power, and overall performance.
And, of course, they are more convenient to carry for your next out-of-state fishing trip.
1. St Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rod
St Croix is known for its high-quality fishing rods, and the Triumph travel spinning rod is no different.
The company uses high-quality carbon fiber material for rod sensitivity and durability. As a matter of fact, you get a five-year warranty!
This four-piece travel rod has a medium-heavy power and fast action rating, making it ideal for catching larger fish like largemouth bass, catfish, or pike.
Don’t worry, though. It is also available in different variations (rod length, rod power, rod action, and the number of pieces), allowing you to have a fishing rod traveling buddy to match your preferred fishing style.
But that doesn’t mean the St. Croix is only for seasoned anglers because it’s a travel spinning rod.
Despite being a carbon fiber rod, we don’t recommend pushing its limit. Always stick to recommended line, drag, and lure weight to prevent the pole from breaking.
2. Daiwa Megaforce TeleSpin Telescopic Fishing Rod
Are you fishing in freshwater bodies on your trip? Well, this Daiwa travel rod promises an all-around fishing experience.
Like the St. Croix, this fishing rod is made from carbon fiber. But not just any type of carbon fiber.
Daiwa opted for an HMC+ carbon fiber blank that makes the pole ultralightweight while offering a high strength-to-weight ratio. As a matter of fact, when you cast, the fish rod will quickly resile without skipping a beat.
This Daiwa fishing spinning rod also has a telescopic design that measures 7.87 feet when expanded. Surprisingly, when you fold it down, it is only 24.80 inches – over 50% less than its retracted size!
3. Okuma Voyager VS-605-20 Travel Kit
The Okuma Voyager embodies travel because you get everything you need.
You won’t only get the rod, but you will also receive a spinning reel, an aluminum spool, and a case. Since it has a rod and reel combo, this travel rod kit is fit for first-time use and impromptu fishing expeditions.
You also get a tackle box for your fishing lures, hooks, and other accessories. Another extra perk is its nylon travel bag!
The spinning reel is great, but it can loosen or come off. Therefore, always check the connection and tighten the nut before you start fishing.
Overall, the Okuma Voyager is affordable and worth the price.
4. Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
The Orvis Clearwater is arguably one of the best automatic fly fishing rods.
As you may know, fly fishing is challenging, especially for a beginner. You need stability and a rod that quickly recovers the line after setting the hook.
The Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod features a strong fighting butt and an automatic fly reel that work simultaneously to make fly fishing easier.
Since the travel rod comes as a full kit, including the fishing rod, a fly reel, fly line and backing, and carrying rod tube, you can save money on additional gear.
The downside is Orvis Clearwater rods are more expensive than most travel fishing rods, but with the 25-year warranty, you won’t worry about replacements and repairs.
5. Fiblink Offshore 3-Piece Travel Baitcasting Rod
The Fiblink Offshore is designed for surf fishing. Although it’s only a 3-piece rod, the travel rod is long (rod length can be 7ft or 8ft long). This means you can have a wider casting distance, even from the shoreline!
You don’t even have to break the bank to get this 3-piece baitcasting rod.
Unfortunately, the downside to this 3-piece is the reel seat tends to loosen up occasionally. One quick fix is to tighten the reel seat. If everything else fails, you can utilize the one-year warranty from Fiblink.
6. Shimano Fishing Tiralejo Surf Rod
If you want a better quality surf fishing travel rod, this Shimano travel fishing rod is what you need.
Unlike the Fiblink, it uses a Fuji reel seat which is 100% tougher. The seat’s design is also compatible with Shimano’s well-loved reels – the Ultegra XTD and Ultegra Ci4+.
This fishing rod is also made from graphite to keep the weight down. Its rod action is moderate fast, allowing you to target large fish species and experiment with different lure weights.
The only downside for Tiralejo surf rods is the high retail price, but the quality and durability make it worth it.
7. Moonshine Rod Co. The Drifter Series Fly Fishing Rod
All fly fishing enthusiasts must try the drifter series rod from Moonshine Rod Company at least once.
The drifter is a medium-action rod easy for beginners and seasoned pros. Furthermore, it comes as a lightweight five-piece rod that’s easy to assemble and disassemble during travel.
Generally, with a good fly reel and line, you will enjoy smooth loads and a wider cast. The wooden handle also gives extra grip to tackle a big catch.
If you break the tip, Moonshine adds an extra rod tip in each package and offers a lifetime warranty.
8. PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Many anglers refer to the Plusinno rod and reel combo as the best travel fishing rod.
It is a premium telescopic rod that features high-quality and durable fiberglass material. You can collapse the rod to two feet and fit it in your backpack, making it ideal for travel.
As a matter of fact, we’ve named the Plussino Fishing Rod and Reel Combo the best telescopic fishing rod!
If you have children, they will love this fishing rod. The rod and reel combo ensure the specifications align, ensuring the child stays in control after the hook set.
Plusinno includes a fishing line, a pack of lures, and a carrier bag, which saves you money. However, we suggest swapping the free tackles if targetting a large and aggressive fish.
Why Invest in a Travel Fishing Rod?
Travel fishing rods are often considered flimsy and subpar compared to a standard rod, but not anymore.
The best travel fishing rods are robust and can compete head-to-head with one-piece fishing rods. Since they are designed to be more compact and portable, they are the perfect companion for your next out-of-state fishing trip by air or road!
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