Travel Fishing Rod and Case?

[NikonF5user]

In prep for a future fly-in trip(s) where space and weight will be at a premium, I am debating getting a travel fishing rod that breaks down small enough to ship (and/or fit in duffel bag for travel). I know there are many options, so I am curious to hear from the experiences of others. Has anyone had a travel rod failure or successes? I think I am aiming for more of a collapsible spinning rod rather than a telescoping rod, and ideally a rod with a case that does not require removal of the reel (although this may be a necessity regardless with a collapsible rod). Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated!

 

[recped]

I'm not much of a fisher, rarely take a rod on trips. ,about 20 years ago I was doing a trip in the far north where I knew that even an idiot could catch fish in Northern Quebec so I bought a mid-grade 3 piece rod and just used the plastic "case" it came in. On that trip I was a very successful "idiot" fisher.

I would measure it for you but it's buried VERY deep in my gear pile. I agree on the telescoping rods, pretty much garbage

 

[lowangle al]

I only take pack rods on trips.The ones I have came in a tube or soft case. The tubes for my 9 foot, four piece fly rods are tuff to fit horizontally in a pack, but it is no problem with shorter four piece spinning rods.

BTW, from what I have seen, good quality fly rods are either one piece or four piece. I didn't see any two piece ones, the four piece flex better. You are not stepping down in rod quality by going with a pack rod. I don't think you can say the same about the telescopic ones.

 

[RBourg]

I think Diawa still markets a very nice compact fishing rod and reel in a case.

 

[Ralph]

I have a 6 foot 6 inch, 4-piece, Ugly Stick rod that fits into a pack very well. It has proven to be very durable. It can be paired with a variety of reels. I think the odds of breaking the reel are much higher when it is attached to the rod so, depending upon the upcoming day I might take the reel off and pack it separately because but, on many days I will leave the reel attached and put the rod behind the back seat. On portages I do try to be careful when carrying the rod & reel and I'm careful where I put it down at the landings.

 

[dramey]

Depending on what I am fishing for, I take either my 5 wt fly rod or my 8 wt fly rod in a case with reel.

 

[Cruiser]

Typically, I pack the reels in a small tupperware container and the rod gets broken down and placed in a length 2" PCV tubing cut to fit, 2 end fitting and it becomes a custom case that protects the rod with minimal weight and space ... I usually just lash the rod tube with the spare paddle.

Brian

 

[scoutergriz]

Typically, I pack the reels in a small tupperware container and the rod gets broken down and placed in a length 2" PCV tubing cut to fit, 2 end fitting and it becomes a custom case that protects the rod with minimal weight and space ... I usually just lash the rod tube with the spare paddle.

Brian

most of my rods are custom made and I try to give them the best care I can, to that end I have several PVC or ABS tubes ranging in size from 2" to 6" and in length from about 2' to 7', all with one cap glued on and the other friction fit- I take a dremel and cut a shallow groove in the cap from the lip to the inner end if the gluing surface to break suction- I've seen people smash the cap when the case goes from a warm basement to a near freezing riverside- the air contracts as do the parts, making it impossible to remove, I also wipe a little vaseline in the cap to aid removal.
My reels go in individual small plastic boxes acquired over time, I learned my lesson years ago when I slipped on mossy rocks and landed on top of my rod, snapping the stem and bending the reel shaft of my cherished Cardinal 3 trout reel, I almost cried over that...