fly fishing travel rod

The 5 Best Travel Fly Rod in 2024 – Buyers Guide

• Written By: Ben Kepka
• Last Updated: December 20, 2023

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If you like to travel around and visit new fly fishing spots, you’ll need to kit yourself out with a travel fly rod. The best fly fishing rods break down into 6, 7, or even 8 different sections, making them very  portable . They also tend to be  lightweight without losing out on performance.

Backpackers are big fans of travel rods, but they can also be handy when you don’t want to check luggage on a flight. Here’s our  complete guide to choosing the best travel fly rod for you!

The Best Travel Fly Rods: The Reviews

We aim to review the best products so that you can quickly and easily pick out the best compact fly rod for you!

Echo Trip 8 Piece Travel Fly Rod

Echo fly rods has designed the ultimate travel fly rod, breaking down into 8 pieces that  measure just 18 inches . If you need to hit the road and travel light, fly cross country, or go backpacking with your rod, this fly rod is fit for the job.

Available in 5, 6, or 8 weight rods,  you can take your pick and choose the weight that best fits your needs. The aesthetics on this rod are attractive, with black wraps, silver trim, stripping guides, and chrome snake guides.

This 8-piece rod is  quick and easy to fit together  thanks to the alignment dots on the ferrules. The whole rod feels sturdy to use, with the perfect balance of action and power despite it being ultra-compact.  The Echo Trip excels in the mid-long distance range, with plenty of sensitivity and impressive accuracy.

If you’re looking for a travel rod that packs down to a tiny size but could pass for a traditional fly rod, check out the Echo Trip!

• Cool glossy design
• Super compact - 18"
• Fits in your backpack
• Great performance
• Lifetime warranty included
• Doesn’t perform well with big fly patterns
• Just one uplocking ring

Overall Score

* How we test and review products .

Redington Classic Trout

The Redington Classic Trout has an admirable reputation as a  superb trout rod with impressive accuracy and sensitivity.  But what many anglers don’t know is that it also makes a brilliant travel fly rod.

While most of the versions are 4-piece rods, the Redington CT is also available in a 3 weight and a 5 weight rod. Both versions measure 9 foot and break down into 6 separate pieces. The rod  measures just 17.5 inches , making it the perfect size for travel. You can pack it into your backpack, your carry on, or your suitcase with ease.

Although the Classic Trout isn’t built to withstand strong winds, it casts beautifully and will catch you plenty of fish. There’s no shoddy workmanship or cut corners here.

If you’re looking for an amazing travel fly rod that could double up as your main rod, go for this one. You won’t be disappointed.

• Very accurate casting
• Ideal for trout fishing
• Packs down compactly into 6 pieces
• Not great for long casts
• Difficult to cast in windy conditions

Maxcatch Traveler Fly Fishing Rod

The Maxcatch Traveler could easily be the  best travel fly rod for under $100 . This impressive carbon fiber rod has a solid aluminum fly reel and boasts a high-quality, AAA-grade cork grip. The best news is that you can break it down into 7 small pieces and take it anywhere with you, and the affordable price makes it an accessible travel rod for any angler.

The Traveler performs well on all sorts of rivers and can shoot line out there with power and accuracy.  If you’re used to an expensive, high-end rod, you’ll notice the difference, but it certainly gets the job done. The attention to detail in the aesthetics and the construction is clear to see, with alignment dots making it simple to put together.

Without a doubt, the Maxcatch Traveler is the  best budget travel option  around today. If you need a reliable travel rod without breaking the bank, this is the one to go for.

• Packs plenty of power
• Excellent build quality
• Suitable for catching big fish
• Affordable price
• Closer to medium-fast action than fast action

Hardy Demon Saltwater Fly Fishing Rod

The Hardy Demon has a  sturdy build,  with an anodized aluminum double uplocking reel seat, fighting butt, full wells cork handle. It has an  attractive aesthetic  with darker blue wraps and light blue blank.

The rod weighs just 3.81 oz and measures 21 inches, so it’s slightly longer than other travel rods. But it’s still reasonably compact, and the  accuracy in the short-mid range is incredible . Saltwater rods need to pack plenty of power to get your fly out and haul in large fish like tarpon and bonefish, hence the larger size.

You also get a  lifetime warranty,  and Hardy’s customer service is excellent and responsive.

• Great for saltwater fly fishing
• Suitable for BIG fish!
• Lightweight
• Super-fast recovery
• Expensive for a travel rod
• Bigger than some other models
• Less accurate casting in the long-distance range
• Small cork handle

Orvis Clearwater Frequent Flyer Fly Rod

The Orvis name stands for top quality, superior fishing gear in the fly fishing world. When you see Orvis on a fly rod, you know it’s worth checking out! The Orvis Clearwater Frequent Flyer is an  awesome fly rod that breaks down into 7 pieces , making it very easy to transport.

This ultra-light rod guarantees  effortless control and accuracy . If you like to fit some fishing in while you’re backpacking, this is the perfect solution! It won’t weigh you down, and you’ll catch lots of fish with this responsive rod. You can strap it onto your backpack and you won’t even know it’s there!

When it comes to performance, this rod raises the bar. It’s both  versatile and a delight to cast,  so you can fish almost anywhere with this model.

Although Orvis is no longer manufacturing the Clearwater Frequent Flyer, there are still a few around. Snap up this excellent travel fly rod before it disappears off the market entirely. We can only hope that Orvis brings this superb rod back into production soon!

• Great Control
• Helios technology
• Reasonable price
• Excellent, quality construction
• No longer in production
• Hard to find

How to Choose the Best Travel Fly Rod

There are a few things you need to look out for to make sure you get the right travel fly rod for your needs. Here are the most important factors on how to pick a fly rod.

You’ll find fishing rods that break down into 6, 7, or even 8 pieces. The more parts a rod has, the more compact it will be.  Travel rods tend to vary anywhere between 16 inches and 22 inches.

If you need to fit your rod into your backpack or carry on, make sure you’ve checked the dimensions and verify whether the rod is the right size for you.

Weight is another important factor for travel rods, especially when you’re hiking all day with it strapped on your back. You’ll be amazed at how lightweight travel fly rods can be thanks to the best of modern technology. If you love backpacking up a mountain to get to those remote streams,  go for the lightest rod available.  You’ll be glad you did!

Take a close look at the materials and build quality of the rod from the reel seats to the finishing of the wraps. If anything looks rushed, low quality, or not as sturdy as you’d like, it’s a good sign that you should move on and check out another product.

Graphite fly rods tend to be the most durable, higher quality products . Many travel rods are made from carbon fiber these days, but we always prefer a graphite rod. It’s worth spending a little bit extra if your budget allows, as the rod will be able to stand up to more fishing trips and last you longer!

If you’re going for a rod and reel combo, take a close look at the fishing reel.  Many people underestimate the importance of the fly reel. If your fishing reel isn’t powerful, you won’t be able to land those fish you’ve been hunting for.

Performance

You might be looking for an ultralight, compact rod, but you still want it to perform well on the water. When you’re hunting for fish, whether it’s salmon, trout, or bass, you need a rod that is  accurate, powerful, and sensitive.

Travel fly rods have a bad reputation compared to normal rods, but they have definitely improved in recent years. Many rod manufacturers have worked hard to redesign their portable rods, making them stronger and more precise. As always, try to read a review or two of the rod you’re thinking of buying to see what other anglers think.

Find out what the action is on the rods you’re comparing.  Fly rods range from slow action right up to stiff, fast action rods, and there’s a big difference in how they will behave in your hands. A medium action rod is a good place to start if you’re not sure what to go for.

Make sure you shop around before buying – you can find some great deals on Amazon as well as in your local fly fishing shops. 

Travel Fly Rod FAQ

In this section, we’ll answer the most common questions about fly rods for you!

What is the best brand of fly rod?

There’s a wide range of fly rods to choose from, so it can get pretty overwhelming. When it comes to picking out the best brand, it helps to identify what you want to use the rod for first. Fishing manufacturers normally have a range of models for different situations.

Do you want a durable all-rounder that you can use anywhere? Take a look at the Sage X. After something that will work wonders for trout fishing? The Redington Classic Trout is just what you’re looking for. If accuracy is essential for you, the Orvis Helios 3 should suit you well.

Well-known brands like Redington, Orvis, and Sage all tend to be safe bets , no matter which model you go for. These fly fishing companies will surely satisfy your fly fishing needs.

What is the shortest fly rod?

The shortest fly rod that adults can comfortably and effectively use measures around 7 foot 6. If you go much shorter than this, you won’t have the same ease of casting, versatility, and line control as with a longer model. The most common length tends to be a 9 ft rod.

Are telescopic rods good?

Telescopic rods can be a good solution if you’re tight on space , as they are portable and easy to transport. However, we prefer multi-piece rods here.

The reason for this is that they tend to be more durable, made of better quality materials, and have an improved action compared to telescopic rods.

If you’re an enthusiastic angler who goes on frequent fishing trips, you’ll be better served by a multi-piece rod instead. Telescopic rods are a suitable choice for hobby anglers who only fish on occasion.

The Wrap Up

So there you have the complete review and guide to the top travel fly rods around. Whether you like to hop on a plane to check out new fly fishing locations all over the world, or you’re more of the hiking type, there’s the right travel rod for every angler .

I would suggest the Redington Classic Trout for a new travel fly rod. But you won’t go wrong with any of our recommendations. We’ve selected the best rods for travel, and all our recommendations are compact, lightweight, durable, and perform well on the water. Now, all that’s left for you to do is select a rod and plan some fun fishing trips.

If you’ve found this guide and review helpful, why not give it a share on Facebook or Twitter so we can reach even more readers? Drop us a comment or an email to let us know which travel fly rod outfit you’ll be going for! Don’t miss our other reviews of fishing reels, accessories, and more on the blog!

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Best Travel Fly Fishing Rods | Buyer’s Guide (2023)

Page Contents

Chucking Bugs On the Go

Obsession knows no bounds, and I am obsessed with catching fish on the fly. If you’re like me, the chance to wet a line in an unfamiliar body of water is not just a challenge, but an opportunity to come into contact with different species of fish than you may normally target. 

To do this effectively, a dependable and functional travel fly rod is a must. Here, I’ll review some travel fly rods so that you can buy with confidence and be ready for those unexpected opportunities to fish at a moment’s notice. 

In this article we’ll cover:

• Best overall travel fly rods
• Best travel fly rod for the money
• Best telescoping fly rod
• Travel bags & accessories
• What to look for in a traveling fly rod?
• And much more!

Let’s dive in!

Best Travel Fly Rods (Overall)

These are our picks for the top performing travel fly rods while on the water and during travel.

1. Orvis Clearwater 6 Piece, 5 wt

The Orvis Clearwater model has consistently proven itself to fly fishing enthusiasts from the east coast to the west coast as an affordable and durable travel fly rod. 

The Orvis name is usually indicative of quality, and the Clearwater six-piece is no exception to the hype. With a $249 price tag, you get a lot of bang for your buck and the Orvis 25-year guarantee.

Many anglers that reviewed the Orvis Clearwater made note of the fact that, although it is a six-piece travel rod, it quickly found its way into everyday use due to its ability to pack small and perform big.

Features/Specs

9’ length six-piece, chrome snake guides, gray rod tube included, orvis 25-year guarantee.

View on Trident Fly Fishing →

The 5 wt is the standard for multi-species fishing, but it also comes in a lighter 4 wt for creeks and blue-lining, and up to an 8 wt for bass and pike. The rod tube that is included is as durable as the rod itself and is a valuable bonus for the price.

Whether you’re stowing the rod in your backpack to bring along while hiking or keeping it in your truck for pond-hopping on the way home from work, the Orvis Clearwater is a well-rounded, dependable fly rod for the money. 

It’s hard to get fly fishermen to agree on some things, but the Orvis Clearwater is an agreed-upon standard when it comes to travel fly rods and is highly recommended.

For more on this setup, see this dedicated Orvis Clearwater review

2. Echo Trip 8 Travel Fly Rod

The Trip takes travel fly rods to the next level. It is an eight-piece rod that packs into an 18” case. There’s no real reason not to take this compact rod with you on your travels. 

The case packs so light, Echo recommends taking it along as a backup wherever you’re fishing. As someone who has experienced the horror of a broken rod tip after a two-mile hike, this is a valid selling point.

Echo’s advancement in ferrule technology means that this eight-piece performs like many four-piece setups.

9’ Length Eight-Piece

18” segments, low friction snake guides, medium-fast action, improved ferrule technology, echo lifetime guarantee.

View on Amazon →

The Medium-Fast action allows the user to throw dries as well as streamers with ease, and I find this particularly useful in a travel rod meant for varying conditions. The dark green finish is elegant and goes well with the chromed snake guides aesthetically. 

Echo honors a very forgiving lifetime return policy, but I must say, the durability of their travel rods may mean you won’t have to use them. With a $279 asking price, it is only slightly more expensive than the Clearwater, and packs smaller. 

Here again, people that use the Trip extensively say that although they purchased the rod as a backup, its ease of use and versatility often means it ends up as a mainstay on fishing trips where more than one rod accompanies the angler. 

It is highly reviewed and definitely worthy of consideration when choosing a travel fly rod.

Increase efficiency with euro-style streamers

3. Douglas Upstream Ultralight Fly Rod

With this series of rods, Douglas has bridged the gap between graphite and classic bamboo . Upstream rods are incomprehensibly lightweight. 

I have never thrown a fly rod this light, and can only imagine the sensitivity and delicate presentation that they provide. 

I am a big fan of pursuing native brook trout in a small stream setting, and these conditions were exactly what the Upstream series was created for. Fishing high mountain streams call for precise placement of small flies , and the Upstream excels at this.

2-4 wt Models

Incredibly light (1.13 oz–1.75 oz), 6’6” two-piece to 8’0” six-piece models, graphite construction emulating traditional cane, brushed aluminum rod tube and sock.

Douglas has used everything that is good about graphite and combined it with the moderate-slow action that a classic bamboo fly rod would have. 

These rods are not for big water! However, regarding their inclusion here as travel fly rods, I can think of no better rod to accompany me up the mountain or to a hidden spring creek. 

Some models of the Upstream break down into six pieces for transportation, and every model, from the 2 to 4 wt, are feather-light and pack small (in a traditional brushed aluminum rod tube).

The Upstream series may be more expensive than the rods previously reviewed here, but this price reflects the uniqueness of the product. 

In a world where bamboo is becoming highly sought after (and EXPENSIVE) these rods stand out as a modern angler’s solution to achieving that classic feel and action.

 Other Fly Rod Related Articles

Best 3wt Fly Rods

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Looking for something inexpensive for your next vacation? Check out this option. This rod packs down small and delivers great fishing performance, at a much more affordable price.

4. Maximum Catch 8 Piece Travel Fly Rod

MaxCatch is a company that I’m sure plenty of anglers on a budget are familiar with. 

They make affordable products meant for heavy use and abuse, and their eight-piece travel rod is a perfect choice for an all purpose rod. 

The action on these rods is fast, so the 5 wt can stand up to throwing some chunkier streamers and indicator rigs. It packs easily into a backpack for on the go use and comes with a cordura tube to store it in while traveling. 

9’ Eight-Piece Construction

Fast action, included 17” cordura tube, ceramic stripping guide, cork handle, affordable price.

Some people that reviewed the MaxCatch said it was a bit stiff, but at this price point, that is hardly a game changer. If you’re looking for something reliable and affordable that still packs light, I would recommend the MaxCatch for your first travel rod, or as a backup companion to the rod you already use.

Best Telescoping Fly Rod

Telescoping rods are more common for spin fishers or Tenkara fishing . However, we found a great telescoping fly rod that even comes with a fly reel and line!

5. REYR Telescoping Fly Rod

REYR has done something special with this telescoping fly rod. When I got into fly fishing, I quickly realized how much trouble it was to try to fish a stream that was covered with overhang and brush. 

It was a nightmare to try to navigate a rod and line into deep holes for trout and then back out to hike to the next pocket of water. 

I was told by fishermen more experienced than I was then, to avoid telescopic rods, and that they were usually cheap and meant to catch the fisherman, not so much the fish. REYR has made the telescoping rod relevant again here. 

19” Collapsed, 9’ Extended 4 wt

Quick setup, no knots, aluminum cnc reel included, internal line feature, neoprene case.

This rod collapses to 19” for travel purposes, which is manageable, but its internally routed line feature is what really makes it stand out. The line runs up through the rod internally and comes out the tip. 

This not only means you can leave a fly attached and ready for use on the rod, but also that you can extend it to the length you need and start casting. There’s also less exposed line to become tangled in branches and brambles. 

The rod does sacrifice distance due to the friction of this internally routed line feature, but you don’t need to cast long distances on small water. 

I still find most telescoping rods to be stiff and fragile, but REYR has put a lot of time and effort into redefining what a telescoping rod can do. It’s definitely worth considering especially if you hike and backpack near mountain streams. 

Best Travel Fly Fishing Bags

It can be challenging to keep all your fishing gear neat and organized while traveling. These two gear bags are perfect for those traveling by air or taking a road trip. 

6. Allen Company Fly Fishing Rod and Gear Carrying Case

Allen Company has created a rugged and dependable travel bag for when you know you’ll be spending some time fishing. 

This bag holds an impressive 4 four-piece rods, meaning you can cover just about any desired method of fly fishing (light dries to bigger streamers and in between) with what you can bring along. 

The bag has a slim profile and packs small for what it can carry.

Fits up to 4 Four-Piece 9.5’ Rods

Eight exterior adjustable dividers, 31.5” long, 9.5” high, padded shock-absorbing construction.

The exterior dividers and zippered pockets can hold a variety of reels and a selection of fly boxes . This bag does not skimp on organizational aides. 

The case is padded and can withstand long distance travel. A few satisfied customers said that the slim profile of the bag enabled them to easily keep it at hand on flights and trains. 

7. Fishpond Teton Rolling Carry-on Bag

Fishpond has created the perfect companion for the frequent flyer and fly fisherman. 

Their Teton Rolling Carry-on bag is a suitcase for your fly gear that can hold everything you’ll need for an extended stay where there’s water. 

This bag was designed for use on planes and fits the size requirements of most airlines. The Teton would work equally well packed into a loaded van.

It is secure and tough and can hold the supplies necessary to keep you fishing longer while traveling. 

Carry-on Size Rolling Luggage with Handle

Compression molded bottom, ventilated mesh on interior pockets, multiple exterior pockets.

With numerous organizational options and enough pockets to keep this bag as decked out as your vest, Fishpond’s commitment to quality and functionality makes this bag a must when transporting high-end rods, reels, and everything in between. 

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Best wading pants for fishing | buyer’s guide, best fly fishing reels for the money (complete guide), what makes a travel fly rod.

A travel fly rod is usually a many-ferruled rod that packs smaller and lighter than a two or four-piece rod, for ease of transportation. 

Whether it’s kept in your vehicle for use on your commute to or from work, or packed into a hiking bag to prospect a spring creek, the characteristics of a travel fly rod are usually the same; light construction with all-purpose line weight and length, the ability to pack down to a manageable size, and the durability necessary to withstand the dangers of transportation. 

What will it be used for?

Some things to look for in a travel fly rod are directly related to what it will be used for, and your own definition of “travel.” Many of us won’t be taking our rods with us on an airplane, but some might. 

You may only need your travel rod for fishing on the banks, or for use when you don’t have access to waders or watercraft. 

Durability is a must , and while I respect the anglers that can take a 2 or 3 wt rod into overgrown and complicated areas, I usually opt for a heavier line weight to endure the inevitable snags, brush, and obstacles that come with trailblazing and tough conditions. 

Using your travel rod as a backup should something happen to your pricey primary rod is another option. It only takes one bad event to leave you deep in the water with a broken tip or busted eyelet, and having another rod with you can save an otherwise ruined day. Know what the intended purpose of your travel rod is and buy accordingly. 

Reeling it in

There was a time when a travel rod consisting of more than four ferrules lacked play, and durability and took a hit to performance, but with all the modern advancements in graphite and ferrule technology, I would wager those days are for the most part over. As mentioned above, some of these travel rods perform so well and pack so light, they find their way into a fisherman’s normal rotation of rods. 

A travel rod is worth the investment, even if it just remains in the front seat. Not having to sacrifice much in terms of performance is a plus, and the ability to get an hour of fishing in at a moment’s notice is priceless. Consider one of the options reviewed above to stay ready and keep those fish fly educated!

Related Reading :

• Some of the Wildest Fishing Destinations on Earth
• Strategies When Traveling With Fishing Gear
• Fly Fishing Alaska | Complete Guide, 2020 (interactive map)

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8 Best Travel Fly Rods: 2024 Buyers Guide

To be honest, I don’t own or use travel fly rods myself, however, since I have guided hundreds of traveling clients that have come from as far away as Africa and Australia, some of them bring their travel fly rods so I’ve had plenty of opportunity to cast and fish with some good travel fly rods, and some not so good travel fly rods.

If you are on a budget, the best travel fly rod is the Redington Classic Trout, which sells for about $189, or the Orvis Clearwater Travel Fly Rod for $249, or if you’ve got the cash, the overall best travel fly rod is the Hardy Aydon Travel Fly Rod.

I’ll discuss other travel fly rods from $79.00 to over $500.

To be honest, some of the discount travel rods and the telescopic travel rods I’ve tried really suck! They just don’t load well, which means they cast poorly, and when fishing with them they either feel like a pool cue or are whippy like a wet noodle. As a fly casting and fly fishing instructor, I know that learning to cast on these very cheap rods will be harder.

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What Is A Travel Rod?

Travel rods are like regular fly rods except that they are six or eight pieces, and when they are broken down, they are often less than 20 inches, making them perfect for a suitcase on a plane or for stuffing in a backpack and hiking into a secluded fishing spot.

A travel fishing rod or travel rod uses a lightweight design crafted of graphite or carbon fiber .

Travel rods do not typically come with a reel unless you are buying some of the cheap ones on Amazon. You can find travel rods designed for various applications and weights from three-weight to ten-weight for big salmon.

Although they are called travel fly rods, they can be used anywhere and all the time if you want.

These are my reviews of the top travel fly rods available today, and I’ll let you choose which one best fits your needs.

Common Travel Fly Rod Lengths, Weights, and Pieces

While travel fly rods can reach up to 14 feet in length, those designs remain pretty rate. The typical lengths for these rods range from 8.5 to 10 feet, with the most common lengths including:

What’s the perfect length for a travel fly rod, you ask? Choose fly rods of up to nine feet in length to gain the best accuracy, but if you need greater flexibility or for custom methods, choose a rod of greater than nine feet. Nine feet offers the sweet spot for a fly rod.

Because travel rods are made with more pieces than a two-piece or a four-piece they are slightly heavier. This is due to the ferrules and the extra resins. Many five or six weights are around 3 to 4 ounces on average. However, the actual weight of the rod will depend on how long the rod is and the rod weight rating.

Some of the really cheap Fiberglass fly rods weigh the most, between six and 15 ounces (between 170 and 425 grams), but graphite and composite rods weigh less. Fly rods don’t come imprinted with their ounces or grams weight but you can find that on the manufacturer’s website.

Typically, you use the same line weight as the rod weight rating, so if the manufacturer recommends a weight rating of five, you’ll read a 5wt on the side of the rod or its packaging.

Pro Tip: Rod weight matters a lot. Use a fly rod with a weight of one to four for small trout or panfish or really for any small stream fishing. When fishing in large streams or rivers, use a four to six-weight rod to catch trout and small bass.

If you can only pack one rod for a trout fishing trip, choose a five-weight for its versatility.

Bass, carp, pike, and steelhead fishing requires a six to eight-weight fly rod and line, while large salmon, steelhead, musky, or saltwater fishing requires eight to 10-weight rods.

Fly fishing for big game fish like Tarpon takes the heaviest weight rod and line of 10 to 14.

Pro Tip #2: With any fly rod the sections can come apart when casting. I’ve seen hundreds of rod tips go flying off when casting. With travel rods, there are even more sections that can potentially come off.

To lower the chance of this from happening, when lining up your ferrules, instead of lining them up and then pushing them tight, have them slightly misaligned and then twist them into alignment as you push them together tight. This twisting locks them in place better, and rarely do my rod pieces ever come apart during casting.

Best Travel Fly Rods: All Price Ranges

Now that we’ve covered the common weights, lengths, and pieces, and what sizes are best per species, let’s dive into the greatest depths of fly fishing gear to explore the best travel fly rods.

I’ll cover a variety of rod weights and lengths, so you can find one that suits your needs whether you want to fish the shallows of the Oklahoma River, or the deep waters of the Hudson River, or the Niagara River.

Douglas Upstream Ultra-Lite Fly Rod

I really loved fishing the Douglas Upstream Ultra-lite Fly rod in both the 4-piece and the 6-piece travel rod.

It is super smooth casting and is a light rod that is great for small stream trout and panfish.

This is, as the name implies, a lightweight rod, and it only comes in 2, 3, and 4 weight sizes.

Douglas offers its Upstream Ultra-Lite fly rod in eight lengths, ranging from six feet six inches to eight feet eight inches.

Choose between a simple two-piece fly fishing rod or a more complex six-piece design in this.

Only the six-foot-six-inch rod comes in the two-piece design. The seven feet three inches, eight feet, eight feet three inches, and eight feet eight inches rods come in four pieces. You can get the seven feet, seven feet six inches, and eight feet lengths in a six-piece design.

Every option uses the same bamboo-like handle design made from cork. This rod features spigot ferrules to enhance energy transferability and a sliding ring reel seat to reduce weight.

Every rod comes with a 1 5/8” brushed aluminum rod tube and sock to make packing it easier.

Hardy Aydon Travel Fly Rod

When you want the best medium fast rod action travel rod, try the Hardy Aydon travel fly rod, offering four length options from 3 weight to 10 weight:

This six-piece rod handles line weights of four through 10, depending on the length of the rod. The design combines a cork rod handle with a ceramic guide of lined titanium stripper and a chrome single foot.

The overall rod uses Sintrix multi-modulus carbon fiber, so it weighs less than a fiberglass rod. Some individuals may find this an easier rod to use because of the keyed fly reel seat slide band that doesn’t weigh much.

Depending on the rod length you choose, the design either uses aluminum or wood spacers.

One of my favorite things about the Aydon model rod comes from its packaging. Hardy provides a travel tube that helps keep all of the pieces of the fishing rod together in your backpack or suitcase.

Greys Wing Travel Fly Rod

Okay, I feature this rod, hence the link to another page on this website, so you know I love it.

It’s my favorite when I need a medium-fast rod action. Greys Wing six-piece travel fly rod comes in four lengths, but I recommend the nine-foot length because it offers the greatest versatility in various fishing situations.

Here are all of the length options:

• 11 feet four inches

Depending on the length you choose, you can use a 3wt, 5wt, 8wt, or 9wt line with this six-piece rod.

You get two handle choices – RHW or TPSF. Like most travel rods, this design uses a cork rod handle. Greys Wing’s design features a lined stripper with a stainless steel snake on a Powerlux carbon rod in a grey and red color combination.

Depending on the length of the rod you pick, this design uses either single or double-foot snake guides and either wood or alloy spacers with an alloy fly reel seat. Its reel features dual locking nuts with a nylon cushion ring.

Similar to the Douglas Upstream, it uses a keyed and milled reel seat slide band. I love that Greys Wing makes it easier to safely pack this rod by supplying a hard tube and rod bag for it.

Echo Trip Eight Piece

The other fishing rods reviewed offer a bevy of lengths, but Echo’s Trip travel rod comes apart in eight pieces for truly simple packing.

Each piece measures 15 inches, and its case measures 18 inches. That means you can easily fit it into any suitcase or backpack.

Echo chose to offer its travel fishing rod only in a nine-foot length.

It does offer three versions catering to three line weights: 5wt, 6wt, and 8wt.

By choosing to design this rod in only nine feet, Echo has focused on providing power and fast action for its travel rod.

Orvis Clearwater

You can get excited with the price of the six-piece Clearwater Travel Fly Rod, $249. It is a great rod for that price.

To get the whole outfit, you’ll pay the same price as you would for the other options in this article – about $500 to $550.

Now, on to its design. This snazzy-looking black chrome rod with white accents features a chrome snake and a stripping guide with a ceramic insert.

The sleek looks continue with its black nickel aluminum reel seats. It does just look cool, Orvis used composite tips on the fighting butts to add to the durability of the rod.

Like many other travel fly rods, it comes with a rod tube. This one’s in gray.

Redington Classic Trout

The Redington Classic Trout fly rod is specifically designed for trout. Why? It’s in the name.

I have had the opportunity to try this rod a few times, and if I were going to buy a travel fly rod under $200, this would be it.

The Redington Classic Trout Rod comes in four pieces and six pieces.

While all the four-piece rods come in lengths and weights, starting at 7 feet six inches and ranging up to nine feet in length.

The Redington Classic Trout travel rod only has one model, which is a 9 foot 5 weight that comes in 6 pieces to make traveling easier.

This rod’s moderate action works well for all anglers, and it’s good in small creeks, rivers, or from the comfort of your boat.

Because it only weighs 3.1 ounces and offers great flexibility, it provides a superb alternative for a long day of fishing.

Choose from two configurations – a four-piece or a backpack-optimized six-piece. Various fly fish rod lengths work with different line weights. Here’s a quick guide:

• 7 feet six inches, 2wt or 3wt
• 8 feet, 4wt
• 8 feet six inches, 3wt,
• 9 feet, 5wt, 6wt.

As usual, the nine feet in length option offers the greatest versatility in application.

Redington Trailblazer

Another Redington winner is the Redington Trailblazer.

While the Classic Trout specializes in trout fishing, the Trailblazer was made for backpacking and traveling and can work for essentially any fishing situation.

The compact design breaks apart into six pieces and comes in two length options.

Choose either a 7 feet six-inch design that works with a 3wt line for small stream fishing, little tout, and panfish, or a nine feet option that works with a 5wt line for bigger rivers, lake fishing, nymphing and streamer fishing, bigger trout and bass, and any waterway requiring a loner casts.

Redington includes a compact storage tube to help keep all parts safe and organized.

According to the manufacturer, the Trailblazer provides the lightest rod they’ve offered.

Also, if you care about such things, this rod comes in a jaunty red blank streaked with neon green.

Getting down to the mechanics of this rod, it uses single-foot snake guides and an anodized aluminum reel seat, resulting in a travel rod that weighs less but also proves more durable.

M MAXIMUMCATCH Travel Fishing Rod

Best Tavel Fly Rod Under $100

One of my clients had this rod with him, and since I’d seen it on Amazon and since it was very inexpensive, I decided to try it out.

Although the M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Traveler Fly Fishing Rod casts 40 feet of fly line pretty well, this is still my least favorite of all the rods on this page.

I felt that the rod felt a bit heavy and a bit stiff compared to most rods and my concern is the durability of the rod. It just didn’t feel as good when casting and fishing and when fighting fish.

However, If you are a total beginner or you have a young child who is hard on gear and you don’t want him using a $200 rod, then this is a good option, and that is why I’m recommending it.

It comes in a range of 5 to 8 weight and is only made as a 9-foot rod.

If you are looking for an entire setup, check out my recent article on the best fly fishing combos and kits , and if you need a reel to go with your rods, check out the Best Fly Reels page.

Best Fly Rods For Traveling Summary

If you are looking for the best fly rods for travel, these are them and they range from $79 to over $900.00. My advice when choosing a travel fly rod is to choose the best one that fits your budget.

Tight Lines,

Professional Fishing Guide and Author At Trout And Steelhead

Graham Bristow is the owner and lead author here at Trout and Steelhead.net, and he has been writing about fishing since 2015.

Since September 2000, Graham has guided over 3000 clients over his 22 years as a guide and it now recognized as a top fishing guide.

Graham specializes in fly fishing, float fishing, and lure fishing for trout, steelhead, and salmon. About Graham

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How Do I Choose a Fly Rod?

Start by determining which weight of fly rod you need, based on your target species. If you’re interested in mid-sized or larger trout, look for a 4-, 5-, or 6-weight fly rod. For bass, look at a 6- or 7- weight fly rod. Steelhead and salmon will require a 7-, 8-, or 9-weight fly rod.

Then think about length. Rods in the 8’6” and 9’ range are the most versatile and most common. But small stream anglers tend to like easy-to-maneuver rods in the 6’ to 7’ range.

Finally, consider other aspects of your fishing to determine which rod will suit you best. Orvis designs and produces fly rods that fulfill the specific needs of expert anglers, as well as affordable, incredibly well-made fly rods that welcome newcomers to the sport.

What Does the Weight of a Fly Rod Mean?

The weight of a fly rod is the size of the fly line that rod is designed to cast. Heavier lines can be cast farther; can cut through wind on open saltwater flats and big rivers; and can help punch bigger and heavier flies through the air. Heavier lines put more force on a rod, and thus require a sturdier fly rod. Lighter-weight lines allow for delicate presentations of smaller flies, and so lightweight fly rods are built with precision presentation in mind. Choose your rod weight and fly line weight based on which type of water you’ll primarily be fishing. You can get by within 1 to 2 weights of the ideal rod/line weight for a piece of water. So if you’re fishing a big river for big trout and should be using a 6-weight rod and line, for example, you could get away with a 5- or 7-weight.

What Is the Best All-Around Fly Rod Weight?

The best all-around fly rod weight for freshwater is a 4-, 5-, or 6-weight in 8’ 6” or 9’ lengths, and for saltwater an 8- or a 9-weight in a 9’ length. A tremendous variety of fishing can be accomplished with these options.

Which Orvis Fly Rod Should I Use?

• Helios: If you’re an experienced angler who demands precision and accuracy, explore our Helios line of fly rods. We engineered the Helios rods to reduce the variables and harness the energy behind each cast—translating to impressive accuracy. No window is too small for this precise rod, thanks to the increased hoop strength that reduces vibration for a truly accurate cast. Place flies right where you want them—every time—with the enhanced power and pinpoint accuracy of our Helios fly rods. Cast the Helios D if you’re looking for reliably easy distance; it blends unmatched power with incredible accuracy. For tricky water, spooky fish, and tiny dries, rely on the finesse-focused Helios F , which will consistently present a fly at 60 feet, with a delicate presentation and surprising sensitivity. The Helios fly rod offers power, accuracy, and feel, whether you’re fishing a stream or the flats.
• Clearwater: In our bestselling Clearwater series , you’ll find the ideal weight and flex for any application. Our budget-friendly Clearwater Switch & Spey rods put the world of two-handed casting within reach.
• Recon: Our Recon series of fly rods is designed with the adventure angler in mind. Four-piece construction allows for easy storage, and convenient straps secure the rod to a backpack when trekking deep into parts unknown. This rod is incredibly lightweight, yet stands ready to tackle the toughest fish on the greatest adventures.
• Superfine : Our Superfine fly rods have the power and precision to accurately present flies with a delicate touch to avoid spooking fish. You’ll crave the crisp, clean cast and slow action offered by this fiberglass rod. Superfine glass boasts modern technology that mingles with a decidedly classic look in a fly rod you’ll want to show off.
• Encounter: Our affordable Encounter fly rod outfits are armed with high-grade components perfect for new anglers, and for seasoned anglers looking for a bargain on a spare. The Encounter fly rod outfit comes equipped with a large arbor Encounter reel, weight-forward floating fly line, backing, and leader.

Our fly rod selector tool can help narrow your search to specific rods of the right series, weight, and length, based on your fishing environment, target species, fly box, and other variables that are important to you.

How Do I Choose a Fly Rod Weight?

Choose your fly rod weight based on your target species. The size of what you’re fishing for determines the weight fly line you’ll need, and your line weight matches your fly rod weight. For example, if you’re heading to a local stream for brook trout, a 5-weight rod with a 5-weight line will do. For chasing barracuda or permit in saltwater, you’ll need a 10-weight rod and line. Generally, 1- to 4-weight rods suit smaller trout. A 5-weight rod is a great all-around option, and a 6-weight is suitable for larger trout, bass, or smaller steelhead. Seven- to 9-weight rods are at the top of the freshwater spectrum, and rods weighted from 10 upwards are reserved for bigger saltwater species.

What Weight of Fly Rod Should I Use?

Use the fly rod weight that best supports the fly line that will handle your target species. In other words, you should choose your fly rod weight based on the type of fish you hope to catch. Here are some general guidelines for fish size and fight with the corresponding rod weight:

• 1–4 WT rod:  smaller trout, panfish
• 4–6 WT rod:  bass, average-to-larger trout
• 6–8 WT rod:  carp, salmon, bass, monster trout, some smaller saltwater species like bonefish or redfish, steelhead
• 9–10 WT rod:  big salmon, steelhead, striped bass, muskie
• 10–14 WT rod:  tarpon, mahi-mahi, bluefin, giant trevally, sailfish

Do Heavier-Weight Fly Rods Cast Farther?

A heavier-weight fly rod does not guarantee a farther cast. As a rule of thumb and all things being equal, a longer rod will cast farther than a shorter rod, and a heavier weight line can go farther than a lighter weight line. A long 5-weight rod is capable of swinging as far as 90 feet, although most anglers will need to cast only to about 50 feet. In the end, what matters most for longer casts is proper technique.

What Is a 5-Weight Fly Rod Good For?

A useful all-around fly rod, the 5-weight is good for trout, grayling, and bass.

What Is a 7-Weight Fly Rod Good For?

A 7-weight fly rod is good for huge trout, carp, salmon, and bass.

What Length of Fly Rod Do I Need?

Rod lengths vary greatly, but there are only a few variables to consider when deciding which length you need. Shorter rods between 6 and 8 feet perform well on small creeks with obstacles you’ll have to cast around, such as logs or rocks. Longer rods between 8 and 10 feet suit larger bodies of water where you need to make lengthier casts to reach fish, or gain added reach to avoid drag. If you’re a beginning fly fisher, any rod with the right line weight between 8 and 9 feet long is probably a reliable choice.

The Best Fly-Fishing Rods in the Industry

Browse our large selection of premium fly rods, fly rod combos, and fly-fishing outfits to find the perfect setup for any species or budget. With more than 150 years of rod building experience, it’s no wonder anglers look to Orvis for the highest-quality fly rods in the industry. Our fly rods are the best on the market, the culmination of cutting-edge technology, precision, and expertise. Explore our collection and find exactly what you're looking for to equip your next fly-fishing adventure. Discover a fly rod for every excursion—saltwater, freshwater, Spey casting, small creeks, and warm-water adventures. When you’re ready to choose a new fly rod, start by determining which weight of fly rod you need, based on your target species. If you’re interested in mid-sized or larger trout, look for a 4-, 5-, or 6-weight fly rod. For bass, look at a 6- or 7- weight fly rod. Steelhead and salmon will require a 7-, 8-, or 9-weight fly rod. Then think about length. Rods in the 8’6” and 9’ range are the most versatile and most common. But small stream anglers tend to like easy-to-maneuver rods in the 6’ to 7’ range. Finally, consider other aspects of your fishing to determine which rod will suit you best. Or start with our handy fly rod selector to get an idea of the best option for you. Orvis designs and produces fly rods that fulfill the specific needs of expert anglers, as well as affordable, incredibly well-made fly rods that welcome newcomers to the sport. We take great pride in outfitting fly fishermen and women around the globe, as we have for well over a century. Our goal remains the same as it was in the beginning—providing a superior collection of quality fly rods at reasonable prices for the discerning angler.

16 Best Fly Rods Reviewed & Tested (Hands-on Guide)

Patrick Morrow

February 16, 2024

When you’re new to fly fishing, buying your first fly rod can be intimidating.

Even if you’re a veteran angler shopping for your twentieth rod, fly rod technology progresses so much each year that figuring out what’s what can be more challenging than hooking a spring creek brown trout.

To help you kick off your fly fishing career the right way, this guide covers everything you need to know about choosing the right fly fishing pole for you.

But first, let’s dive into some recommendations to give you an idea of what’s available.

The 16 Top Fly Rods of 2021: Outdoor Empire Reviews

These are our top recommendations for fly fishing poles in 2021:

• Best for the money :  Get the Orvis Clearwater
• Best beginner : St. Croix Rio Santo
• Best for trout :  Get the Redington Classic Trout
• Best cheap fiberglass rod :  Get the  Eagle Claw Featherlight
• Best combo: Get the Orvis Clearwater Combo
• Best starter kit: Get the Wild Water Fly Fishing Starter Package ( Read 400+ Amazon reviews )
• Best saltwater: Scott Meridian 909-4
• Best for travel: Get the Cabelas Stowaway 6

This comparison is based on the 4-weight rods of each manufacturer.

1. Best Fly Rod for the Money:  Orvis Clearwater Fly Rods

Orvis is without a doubt the biggest name in the fly fishing industry. Their rods range from ultra-affordable to ultra-high-tech. Every year, they come out with new rods that push the envelope of design and performance.

The Orvis Clearwater series combines both affordability and high-performance. It’s perfect for new and experienced anglers alike who want to get the ideal rod for their dollar.

There are over 20 models in this series, each designed to excel at a particular style of fishing — freshwater, saltwater, switch, or spey.

Anglers who primarily fish freshwater species like trout and bass should choose one of the Clearwater Freshwater rods — the 9-foot 5-weight model is a great all-around size.

Orvis Clearwater Freshwater rods are made of graphite and features a mid-flex action profile designed using Orvis’ award-winning Helios technology.

In terms of performance, they have a strong backbone to achieve long casts with powerful strokes, yet are forgiving enough to form picture-perfect loops with minimal effort.

They are great as first rods but are in no way an entry-level nor cheap. So if you’re looking for a serious fly rod that can serve you well as you grow in skill, the Orvis Clearwater is one of the best you can buy.

Continue to the full Orvis Clearwater review…

View on Amazon

2. Best Rod For Beginners:  St. Croix Rio Santo

Generally speaking, learning how to cast is the most challenging and frustrating obstacle for a new fly angler to overcome.

After all, if you can’t cast, you can’t fly fish. So to shorten the learning curve, it’s wise to choose a forgiving rod that makes casting tight loops attainable from the beginning. For this, you won’t find a better rod than the St. Croix Rio Santo.

It is a graphite rod available in typical freshwater line sizes — 4, 5, 6, and 8.

It has a moderate fast action with a powerful butt and a soft tip.

With the soft tip, you can feel the rod load even at very short casting distances which is critical when learning how to cast. But with the stiffer butt section, you still have enough power to perform long casts with heavy flies.

Another aspect that appeals to new anglers is its fair price. If you’re looking for a complete setup, the St. Croix Rio Santo is available as a combo which includes:

• St. Croix die-cast aluminum fly reel
• weight-forward fly line

Though it is designed to be beginner-friendly and isn’t as accurate or powerful as more technical rods, it’s one of the ideal fly rods on the market for the new angler who’s learning how to cast.

Then as your skills improve and you inevitably upgrade rods, the Rio Santo makes a great backup or hand-me-down rod to help another new angler get started.

3. Best Trout Fly Rod:  Redington Classic Trout

The truth is, just about any fly rod can be used to catch trout. But if trout is your primary target, why not buy a fishing pole that’s designed specifically for the specie? That’s exactly where the Redington Classic Trout fly rod comes into play.

It’s a trout rod through and through with an emphasis on casting delicate dry flies to rising fish. But if nothing’s hatching, don’t think you can’t tie on a nymph or a streamer because it can easily serve as your do-it-all trout rod.

Aesthetically, there’s nothing fancy or extraordinary about it. It has plain brown blanks and a straightforward reel seat which isn’t the most eye-catching but gets the job done. Luckily, fish don’t care what your rod looks like.

The most defining feature of the Classic Trout, and what makes it ideal for trout fishing, is its progressive action. It has a consistent taper from tip to butt, resulting in the rod bending progressively further down its length as more casting force is applied by the angler.

This translates into a rod that casts equally well at 10 feet as it does at 50 feet. Further, the softer rod tip offers enough shock absorption for lighter tippets to be used when casting your smallest dry flies.

Though the Redington Classic Trout is a specialized rod, it doesn’t come with a “specialized” price.

Continue to the full Reddington Classic review…

4. Best Cheap Fiberglass Fly Rod:  Eagle Claw Featherlight

If you walk into any specialty fly shop to buy a new setup, you’re looking at spending at least $100 for the rod and another $50 for the reel. Add a fly line, leaders, and flies to the mix and you can easily spend over $200. It all adds up fast.

But what if you want to get into fly fishing for as dirt cheap as possible? Enter the Eagle Claw Featherlight — a bright yellow fiberglass rod with a distinctly old-school vibe.

Even though it’s absurdly cheap, it performs astonishingly well. Made of fiberglass, it has a notoriously slow action as the rod bends in one smooth arc from tip to butt.

Since it is slow to load, the caster must be patient during the casting stroke. While this slow action might feel mushy to fans of fast-action graphite rods, certain anglers find it very appealing and fun to fish with.

It is only available in three sizes — a 6’6″ 3/4 weight, a 7’0″ 5/6 weight, and an 8’0″ 5/6 weight. While two different line weights can be used for each model, the rods tend to perform best with the heavier line option.

Along with the vintage-inspired yellow blanks, it has surprisingly nice components:

• real cork handle
• cherry wood reel seat insert
• gold-colored single foot line guides

If you’re looking for a cheap fly rod to get into the sport or you simply want a fun rod to play around with at the local pond, you won’t find a finer fly rod for the price than the Eagle Claw Featherlight.

5. Best Fly Rod and Reel Combo: Orvis Clearwater Combo

And while many such combos are designed for beginners, there are a few combo packages on the market that will provide the quality intermediate and advanced anglers demand.

The Orvis Clearwater Combo is a great example, as it not only performs well on the water, but it’s backed by the manufacturer’s 25-year guarantee.

A lightweight combo that is perfect for catching trout in small streams, the Orvis Clearwater Combo comes with a 9-foot-long, 5 weight rod and a high-quality aluminum reel. The rod breaks down into four pieces, and it comes with a protective travel tube to make it easier to hike through the woods with it to reach those out-of-the-way creeks.

Finally, the reel also features a premium disc system, which ensures it’ll spin smoothly during casts.

Learn more about the Orvis Clearwater Combo.

6. Best Fly Fishing Starter Kit: Wild Water Fly Fishing Complete 5/6 Starter Package

The Wild Water Fly Fishing 5/6 Starter Package is a great choice, as it not only comes with a rod and reel, but preinstalled line, backing and leader, a rod sock, a rod case, a fly box, flies, and a detailed instruction book too.

This 4-piece, 5/6-weight rod is backed by a lifetime warranty and features a slow action and a mid-flex, IM8 graphite design. The rod also includes an aluminum reel seat and a stainless-steel stripper guide.

The reel is made from die-cast aluminum and features a large arbor design. It also comes with a disc drag system that allows quick and precise adjustments. This rod is best suited for relatively small fish, including trout, panfish and bass living in shallow streams.

7. Best Saltwater Fly Rod: Scott Meridian 909-4

In this category, the Scott Meridian 909-4 is clearly one of the best options.

The 909-4 certainly isn’t cheap, but it provides great performance for your fishing dollar and isn’t as expensive as some of the models that professionals use.

A powerful, 9-foot-long, 4-piece rod, the 909-4 will allow you to cast more accurately and prevent many of the false casts that commonly occur with lesser rods.

This isn’t the ideal rod for super-long casts, but it will perform very well for those who typically cast between 20 and 60 yards. It also has the backbone you’ll need to wrestle feisty redfish and other species to the boat or shore.

8. Best Travel/Backpacking Fly Rod: Cabela’s Stowaway 6

And while the travel rods of years past were rarely very good, modern travel rods – like the Cabela’s Stowaway 6 – are often great fun to use and will allow you to catch plenty of fish.

Even though these rods break down into six separate pieces (and they’ll fit in most carry-on luggage bags), they perform as well as many high-quality two-piece rods do. Made from 30-ton graphite, these rods load smoothly and allow you to cast with the kind of precision you’ll need while fishing in crowded creeks and streams.

These rods (which are available in 8 different weights and lengths) feature aluminum reel seats, chrome-plated, stainless-steel snake guides and AA-grad cork handles for maximum comfort. These rods are sold with tubes that’ll help prevent damage while your hiking around.

View at Bass Pro Shops

View at Cabela’s

9. Good 3 Weight Fly Rod: Orvis Clearwater

And, like many other Orvis rods, these come with the manufacturer’s 25-year warranty, so you can shop with confidence.

10. Good 4 Weight Fly Rod: Sage X 4-Piece

While 5-weight fly rods may be better suited for catching trout and panfish in a variety of rivers and lakes, you’ll usually want to step down to a 4-weight rod when trying to use a delicate presentation in shallow-water creeks and streams.

The Sage X 4-weight fly rod is a great choice for these scenarios, and it is Sage’s top-of-the-line freshwater model. This 9-foot-long, four-piece model provides incredible casting accuracy and allows you to animate lightweight lures with precision.

11. Good 5 Weight Fly Rod: Hardy Zephrus Ultralite

A 5-weight rod is usually considered the ideal “all around” choice for freshwater anglers, so it is usually wise to select a very flexible rod, which will work well in a variety of circumstances.

The Hardy Zephrus Ultralite allows you to employ a very delicate presentation, but the medium-fast action provided by the SINTRIX 440 blank construction will still allow you to set the hook with authority. This rod measures 9 feet and 9 inches long which will make long casts a breeze.

12. Good 8 Weight Fly Rod: Sage Pulse Fly Rod

Fly rods in the 8-weight range are great for larger freshwater fish, including largemouth bass and pike, among others. Accordingly, you’ll want a heavy-duty rod that provides the power you’ll need to catch these types of fish.

The Sage Pulse 8-weight fly rod provides exactly this and will help you wrestle big fish out of the water. These graphite rods with Fuji ceramic stripper guides are available in 8-foot lengths for anglers fishing in tight quarters, and 13-foot-6-inch-long lengths when maximum casting distance is important.

13. Best Fly Rod for Salmon: Temple Fork BVK

To reliably catch salmon, you’ll usually want an 8- or 9-weight rod with a very fast action to help you deliver powerful hooksets and better control these big fish. You’ll also want a pretty lengthy rod, which will make it easier to cast long distances in the windy conditions that typically occur in good salmon streams.

The Temple Fork BVK satisfies all of these criteria and more. It features rich translucent olive blanks, braided carbon fiber reel seats and ultra lightweight chromium stainless snake guides to keep this 4.3-ounce rod as light as possible.

14. Best Bamboo Fly Rod: Orvis Penn’s Creek Bamboo 4-Weight 7-Foot Full Flex Fly Rod

Many fly fishers love the nostalgia and performance a good bamboo fly rod provides, and the Orvis Penn’s Creek fly rod is one of the best around.

Ideal for fishing for trout in mountain streams, you’ll love the full-flex design, which provides plenty of casting range, and the high-quality cork handle will ensure you retain a good grip on the rod and that your hands won’t get tired while fishing all day.

Learn more about the Orvis Penn’s Creek Bamboo Full Flex Fly Rod.

15. Most Expensive Fly Rod: Oyster Legacy Series Bamboo Fly Rod

You may feel nervous using it and most anglers would probably just hang it on the wall, but if you’re looking for the most expensive rod around, the Oyster Legacy Series Bamboo Fly Rod brandishes a five-figure price tag.

For this, you’ll get a 4-piece bamboo rod, with plenty of gold hardware and exquisite detailing. You can even select the artwork included on the rod. Just don’t drop in on a rock!

16. Best Custom Tuned Fly Rods : Epic Studio Fly Rod Series

This responsiveness is part of what makes fly fishing such a challenging yet fulfilling sport.

Epic Studio sells individually handmade and customized fly rods, tuned by hand for being as responsive as possible.

All fly rods that come from Epic are handmade in New Zealand over the course of several weeks after your order is placed.

But the technology used is anything but old school. Epic pays a lot of attention to material research. For one thing, they use the best material for each purpose.

For example, their fiberglass is not standard, cross-woven fiberglass. It’s unidirectional S2 FastGlass. All of the fibers are parallel, which strengthens the rod and improves the casting feel while saving weight and thickness.

This is the same fiberglass used in military helicopter rotor blades!

Epic’s carbon fiber rods are similarly light and responsive. They’re all carbon, without any scrim (heavy reinforcement).

Then, despite each rod being custom made for you, you have a 30 day trial period so you can see if you love the rod. If you do, then Epic has a lifetime warranty. If not, then it won’t cost you anything to return the rod.

Here are some great rods we found in their collection:

The 4wt Packlight is a good choice for ultralight hikers.

The 10wt Bandit FastGlass is great for fishing for Pike and Musky, even from a kayak.

And the two-handed DH13 Spey is great for trout and salmon.

All of the above are custom-tuned when they’re built for smooth casting and responsiveness.

Plus, if you don’t want a custom-tuned fly fishing rod, you can purchase a rod blank or a rod building kit.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing

One of the the reasons that make fly rod selection so confusing is the fact that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all rod.

Practically, any fish specie can be caught on the fly and therefore, different rods are needed to handle the wide variety of quarry. That’s why most fly anglers who’ve been fishing for some years end up with at least three different rods:

• one for small streams and ponds
• one for larger rivers and lakes
• one for saltwater fishing

All the terminology associated with fly rods may seem complicated. But when you break it down, there are only four aspects you need to understand to make an informed purchase — line weight, length, action, and material.

Line Weight 

Every fly rod is designed to cast a line of a particular line weight.

If the line used is too light, it won’t have enough weight to load (bend) the rod sufficiently to complete the cast. If the line is too heavy, it will load the rod too much, causing your casting performance to suffer and could even break the rod in extreme cases.

Luckily, as long as you use the proper line weight your rod was designed to cast, you shouldn’t have any problems with it being too light or too heavy. And don’t worry, a rod’s proper line weight is almost always labeled on the blank near the grip.

But we’re talking about choosing a fly line weight before you buy a rod. So which should you choose?

Your fly line weight selection comes down to two factors:

The good news is that fly size and fish size are almost always related. Simply put, heavier lines cast larger flies and catch bigger fish while lighter lines cast smaller flies and catch smaller fish.

With that in mind, here’s a quick breakdown of the different fly line weights and what they can be used for:

These ultra-light lines are made for the most nimble fly rods and are typically reserved for pursuing the smallest fish species with the tiniest flies — think small stream brook trout and panfish.

If you have a lot of size 28 or smaller Adams dry flies in your box, go ahead and grab a 1-weight rod. Otherwise, better go up a few sizes.

3 and 4-weight lines and rods are still on the light end of the scale and are the line weights of choice anytime light tippets are used to make subtle presentations with small flies to fish like trout and panfish.

The most common line sizes for all-around trout fishing. Five weight rods are by far the most popular fly rods in existence and can handle 90% of the trout fishing scenarios you’ll encounter.

Six and seven weights are also very versatile and are helpful when casting larger streamers and poppers or in windy conditions.

The go-to sizes for saltwater species like redfish, bonefish, and small to medium-sized tarpon. They are also employed on rivers when fishing for salmon and steelhead when super long casts with big, heavy flies are needed.

• 11, 12, 13 & up

These extra heavy line sizes are reserved for true big-game fishing. 11 and 12 weights are used for bigger-sized tarpon as well as other inshore and nearshore species like barracuda, amberjack, and giant trevally.

Line weights 13 up to 16 are primarily used for offshore fishing when marlin, tuna, and sharks are the target.

While fly line weight is a relatively fixed parameter based on your target species and fly size, fly rod length is based more on personal preference.

Fly rod models of certain weights are offered in different lengths. For example, a 5-weight Orvis Clearwater as mentioned earlier is available in lengths of:

• 7’6″
• 8’6″

It’s widely agreed that 9-foot fly rods offer the best balance of casting performance and accuracy, which is why there are so many 9-foot fly rod models on the market. If you’re shopping for a first fly pole, go with a 9-footer and you’ll be safe.

However, there are times when shorter or longer fly rods are beneficial. If you primarily fish small mountain streams lined with thick vegetation and overhanging trees, a 7-inch rod may give you an advantage when casting in tight pockets.

Keep in mind that shorter rods move less line on each casting stroke which can make long casts more difficult.

Some anglers find longer rods in the 10 to 12-foot range that are helpful when they need to keep as much line as possible off the water. This is often the case when performing specialized techniques such as Euro or Czech nymphing.

Another use for longer rods is when using two-handed techniques like spey or switch casting which require different style fly rods altogether — let’s stick with single-handed rods for now.

If you have to place your fly rod order, just remember that 9-foot rods are the easiest and most accurate to cast.

Basically, a fly rod’s action refers to its flexibility and how it loads the weight of the fly line during a casting stroke.

It plays a significant role in how it casts, how it handles the weight of a fish, and most importantly, how it feels in the hand — something that’s difficult to put in words and must be experienced.

Some fly pole manufacturers describe a rod’s action in terms of a flex profile or flex index which describes how much and at which point the rod flexes.

A rod’s flex index is determined by its taper or the physical shape of the rod blanks from tip to butt.

• Some rods have soft, flexible tips and stiff butt sections.
• Some are uniformly stiff throughout the entire length.
• Other rods, like the Redington Classic Trout, have more gradual tapers that start out soft at the tip then consistently become stiffer towards the butt.

You’ll also see rod action described in terms of “fast” and “slow.” This refers to the rate at which the rod rebounds after being bent which is a reflection of the rod’s stiffness — a stiffer rod has a faster action, while a more flexible rod has a slower action.

Fast action rods are often preferred when power, distance, and accuracy are needed. Slow action rods offer a better feel of both the line in the water and the fight of the fish.

Most fly rods that are geared towards beginners have moderate actions — not too fast nor too slow. They load quickly for smooth casting, offer a good feel of the fish, yet stiff enough for the occasional long cast. When in doubt, go with a moderate action fly rod.

The vast majority of today’s fly rods are made of graphite. These fishing sticks  are:

• incredibly strong
• lightweight
• easy to cast
• has a great feel

Fly rod designers and manufacturers love graphite because it can be rolled into practically any taper imaginable, leaving endless room for performance improvements.

Different grades of graphite are used in fly rod construction. Generally, the higher the grade, the lighter, stronger, and more expensive it is.

Before graphite became the material of choice, the best fly rods were made of fiberglass.

Fiberglass is very robust and durable while being very flexible, resulting in fly rods with a distinctly slow action. Today, anglers are rediscovering fiberglass as a relevant fly rod material, praising it for its unique feel when casting and fighting a fish.

Bamboo (AKA Cane)

Before fiberglass revolutionized fly rod performance, any fly rod worth its salt was made of bamboo.

Unlike graphite and fiberglass rods which can be produced on a large scale with machines, bamboo fly rods are made exclusively by the hands of craftsmen. For that reason, they are among the most expensive rods available.

They load with minimal effort, making quick, delicate casts a breeze. Although it’s easier to load it, they aren’t optimal for shooting line or casting great distances.

Cane rods excel at close-range dry fly fishing where subtle presentations are the key to success.

Look Into These Aspects Too!

How Many Pieces?

As we mentioned, the most common fly rod length is 9 feet. You might be wondering how one transports a 9-foot rod. Strap it to the roof of the car?

Practically, all modern fly rods break down into two or more pieces. Connection points in the rod, called ferrules, allow quick assembly and disassembly, turning a 9-foot rod into four easily manageable pieces. Slide those pieces in a case and you’re ready to go.

These days, four-piece rods are the most common. You can still find two-piece rods but these are typically shorter in the 6′ to 7’6″ range.

Six, seven, and even eight-piece fly rods have become popular in recent years especially among anglers who travel a lot or take their rods on backpacking trips.

When these travel-friendly rods first came out, they didn’t offer the best casting performance compared to their four-piece alternatives. But as rod technology advanced, this has become less of an issue.

If you’re interested in a packable travel fly rod, check out the Orvis Clearwater Frequent Flyer , Redington Classic Trout 6-Piece , or the Echo Trip 8-Piece .

Should You Go for a Fly Rod Combo?

The rod is only part of the fly fishing gear equation. Once you get a rod, you still need:

For a new fly angler, choosing all those separate components can be a serious hurdle to getting into the sport. Manufacturers realized this and now, many offer fly rod and reel combos — package deals that have everything a new angler needs to get started.

In many ways, fly rod and reel combos are a great convenience and make the purchasing process easier. The problem with these is that many times, the reels and fly lines are of inferior quality compared to what you’d buy separately.

There’s a high likelihood that you may end up replacing these components in due time, so it might be better to buy the good stuff from the beginning.

Although it’ll take more time to research and shop around, you’ll end up with a nicer overall setup if you assemble your rod and reel yourself. However, if you’re simply testing the waters of fly fishing, a combo kit is an excellent way to get started.

Like we mentioned before, the St. Croix Rio Santo is offered as a rod and reel combo and is one of the nice package deals on the market. Orvis and Redington also offer combos worth considering.

Leading Fly Fishing Rod Brands

When you’re ready to upgrade your starter fly rod, these are the four top-tier rod manufacturers you want to check out.

Sage makes fly rods with a heavy emphasis on high performance and innovation. The company was founded in 1980 by Don Green and Bruce Kirschner in Bainbridge, Washington and has been producing “specialty products for specialty anglers” ever since.

In the 1980’s, Sage was one of leading manufacturers producing graphite fly rods.

These early graphite rods were built with the company’s Graphite II Technology which utilized a concept developed by Don Green called Reserve Power — the idea that a fly rod should never run out of casting power.

They became known for these fast action rods capable of achieving tremendous line speeds for super long casts. Through continuous development, they became the first manufacturer to produce fly rods built specifically for saltwater anglers.

Their latest innovations in fly rod technology are centered around several proprietary graphite materials including Konnetic HD, Generation 5, and Graphite IIIe, each offering unique benefits for their particular rod designs.

One of the most defining aspects of their products is that every rod is designed and built by hand in their factory at Bainbridge Island in Washington.

They make all their graphite rod blanks in-house unlike most companies that buy pre-rolled blanks from outside sources (often overseas). This important fact is the reason for the exceptional quality and top-shelf price of their fly rods.

Most Sage fly rods feature fast or ultra-fast actions. They are primarily designed to suit the needs of advanced anglers, which makes it the only downside of their rods.

Although they offer significant performance benefits, beginning fly anglers may find them difficult to cast.

The G. Loomis rod company was started by an avid sportsman who was also a genius-level machinist — the one and only, Gary Loomis.

Inducted on the IGFA Hall of Fame in 2007, Gary Loomis had an enormous impact on the fishing world as a whole. His early designs and innovations set the pace for the future of rod design.

Although he is still hard at work, designing and making parts and materials that extend far beyond the fishing world, he is no longer a part of the G. Loomis rod company. It is already owned by Shimano though the rods are still branded as G. Loomis.

Despite this changing of hands, G. Loomis fly rods are still renowned for being high-performance products. One of the main reasons why their rods are still good is because of their lead rod designer — world champion competition fly caster, Steve Rajeff.

Their newest and most premium fly rod, the Asquith series, is designed by Rajeff as a collaboration of G. Loomis and their parent company Shimano.

Using Shimano’s proprietary Spiral X graphite, the Asquith fly rods are incredibly strong yet feel light in the hand even in the heavier line weights.

Although G. Loomis is owned by Japan-based Shimano, all G. Loomis fly rods are still built by hand from start to finish in Woodland, Washington. Its quality has remained consistently high over the years.

But some customers feel that their customer service has gone downhill since its original owner left.

Founded in 1856, the name “Orvis” has become synonymous with fly fishing. As one of the oldest and longest-running manufacturers and suppliers of fly fishing gear and apparel, no other company has as big of an impact on the fly fishing lifestyle.

Although the brand now encompasses a wide sphere of products and services — everything from casual clothing and dog beds, to custom shotguns and shooting schools — they continue to produce some of the best fly rods on the market.

While Orvis has a broad lineup of lower-priced fly rods such as their Encounter and Clearwater series, their high-end offerings are what turn the heads of the savviest anglers.

Currently, their top-shelf offering is the Helios II series which has won numerous awards and is their strongest fly rod ever created — 20 percent stronger than the original Helios.

Orvis makes their Helios II rods in a wide range of line weights and tapers, each designed for specific fly fishing uses including freshwater, saltwater, big game, and two-handed spey and switch.

Their fly rods are made by hand in their workshop at Manchester, Vermont by true craftsmen and women of the trade.

On top of that, Orvis is a big proponent of natural conservation, committing 5% of their pre-tax profits to a diverse set of conservation groups and projects.

R. L. Winston Rod Co.

The R. L. Winston Rod Co. started in 1929, producing bamboo fly rods using processes and designs that revolutionized the fishing world.

In those early days, Lew Stoner (the “L” in R. L. Winston) developed a patented technique for building hollow fluted bamboo rods, greatly reducing their weight while increasing their power.

These were the top choice among competition casters of the day — both fly and conventional — and were used to set and break several world records.

Although the R. L. Winston Rod Co. has changed ownership several times, their efforts in innovation have never ceased. In the 1970’s, they produced some of the leading fiberglass rods and quickly moved to graphite.

In the 2000’s, their rods rose to a new level of performance with the company’s heavy focus on proprietary blends of graphite and boron — a chemical element turned into fine tungsten wires that are lighter than aluminum but five times stronger than steel.

Now, Winston makes some of the most solid casting rods in the world where boron is a critical component.

Though R. L. Winston took a space-aged turn for the better, they still produce their all-time classic bamboo rods. If you stick with fly fishing long enough, you’ll end up craving for one of these handcrafted pieces of functional art.

Better start saving up now because a bamboo Winston will cost you.

Final Thoughts

Fly fishing is a gear-centric sport, but no gadget or tool is more important than a well-made fly rod. Choosing the right rod may seem difficult but keep in mind that there’s a good chance of ending up with more than one gear.

So if you’re just starting out, it is suggested to choose a smooth casting rod that can handle a wide variety of fishing scenarios then get busy casting a fly rod .

When you’re ready for an upgrade, find a good local fly shop that carries some of the premium brands we covered and test cast as many different models as you can.

This article is part of our fishing gear guide.

Why are fly rods so expensive?

There are fly rods available in a wide range of prices, some more expensive than others. Generally, the price of the rod increases as more features are incorporated.

Modern fly rods are made using modern technology and a variety of composites to reduce weight or increase performance. Some are handmade or produced in limited quantities. Many are covered by extended warranties. Each of these factors results in increases in price.

Of course, it often comes down to something much simpler — supply and demand. Anglers are willing to pay the increased price, so manufacturers continue to charge more.

Can a broken fly rod be fixed?

Most fly rods are backed by a warranty, so trying to fix it is usually not worth the effort. However, if you are in the field and break a rod, you will not have the ability to get a replacement right away.

In this case, you can try temporary fixes for broken guides or tips and be relatively successful. But if the rod breaks more than 3 or 4 inches from the tip, the chances of success are low. Even if you do manage to mend the break, the action and strength will be compromised.

Can I take a fly rod on an airplane?

TSA regulations permit rods and reels as both checked or carry-on luggage. However, depending on the size of the rod tube, it may not meet maximum size limitations for a carry-on.

It is best to check with your carrier before traveling to confirm whether it will fit in the overhead compartment.

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Best travel fly rod – ultimate buyer’s guide.

Last updated on December 21st, 2023.

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One great aspect of fly fishing is to explore new places. It’s much easier with a travel fly rod, since you can pack it into almost any bag.

Most modern fly rods come as four-piece rods. To protect them they are stored in a cordura or metal rod tube that usually measures somewhere around 30″. That means you can pack them into a big bag but won’t be able to take them on the plane in your hand luggage for example.

Here is where travel rods come into play. Instead of the usual 4 pieces they break down into 6 or even 8 pieces. This means they pack into a much smaller rod tube that you can carry along in the smallest of bags. Together with a reel and line this allows you to take your fly rod wherever you want.

The most common line class for travel rods is a #5. This is the ideal rod to fish for trout , char and even small bass. However, you can get a fly rod for traveling from a #2 class for small creeks all the way up to a #8 to target big species like pike. In this test we want to give you an overview of some of the best travel fly rods out there. In the second part of this guide we’ll tell you what to pay attention to before purchasing. We’ll look into aspects such as size and weight, material and performance of a travel fly rod. Let’s jump right in.

Disclaimer: All products in this guide are independently researched by our team. We only recommend products we believe in and never get paid for the reviews. Learn more about our review process here .

Table of Contents:

Best Travel Fly Rods Quick Answer List

Review of the Best Travel Fly Rods

Choosing the Best Fly Rod for Traveling

1. Orvis Clearwater

2. Echo Trip

3. Douglas Upstream

4. Epic 4wt Packlight

5. Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot, 7-Piece

6. Orvis Encounter Spin/Fly Combo

7. Epic DH13 Spey

8. Nam Delgado

Best Travel Fly Rods on the Market in 2023

Now we want to give you an overview of the best travel fly rods out there on the market. We’ll take a closer look at all of these and tell you their strengths and weaknesses. We made sure to include travel fly rods from all price ranges so you can make an informed decision.

Notice: We take part in affiliate programs. If you click on one of the links in the text and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we are convinced of.

Orvis Clearwater 6 Piece

Key features:

– 6 piece rod

– Length: different lengths and weight classes available

– Cordura rod tube

– 25 year guarantee

Why we picked it:

The Orvis Clearwater 6 Piece is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a high quality travel fly rod at a decent price. The great thing about this rod is the fact that it can easily become your go to fly rod for every day fishing. Its performance can keep up with 4-piece rods. The Orvis Clearwater 6 Piece packs into a rod tube of only 22.5″, which makes it easy to fit this travel rod into any bag.

The Orvis Clearwater 6 Piece is available in five different configurations, ranging from a #4 weight for small creeks and streams , all the way to an #8 that allows you to target big species like bass or pike. The black aluminum reel seat gives the Orvis Clearwater 6 Piece a high-end look and feel.

– Highly packable at only 22.5″ in the tube

– Lots of weight classes to choose from

– Not for the most demanding fly caster

GET IT AT BASS PRO SHOPS

GET IT AT ORVIS

Echo Trip 8 Piece

– 8 piece rod

– Length: 9ft (#5, #6 and #8 available)

– Lifetime guarantee

– Action: medium-fast

The Echo Trip 8 Pi e ce is one of the most popular travel fly rods on the market for a reason. Echo is another manufacturer known to build high quality rods at moderate prices. Behind the company is world class fly caster, Tim Rajeff, one of the most respected figures in fly fishing.

The Echo Trip 8 Piece breaks down into eight segments of only 18″. You’ll have a hard time coming up with a reason not to bring along this rod. The rod is available in three weights: #5, #6 and #8. Alignment dots on the ferrules make sure you align this travel fly rod properly for precise casting.

As most travel fly rods, the only weakness of the Echo Trip 8 Piece is the long range casting. This is where an 8 piece rod simply can’t keep up with a 4 piece when it comes to the ultimate in casting performance. For all other purposes the Echo Trip 8 Piece is an excellent choice. Comes with a lifelong guarantee.

– Most packable travel fly rod in this test

– Lifetime warranty

– Solid casting performance across the board

– Medium fast action is not for beginners

GET IT ON AMAZO N

GET IT AT TRIDENT

Douglas Upstream Fly Rod 6 pc

– Length: 6’3″ to 8’8″

– Weight classes: #2, #3 and #4

American rod maker Douglas Outdoors has established themselves as a newcomer with exceptional quality. Their Sky G Series has earned a lot of praise for its overall performance. If you are looking for a travel fly rod, their Upstream series is one of the best travel fly rods you will find out there.

The Douglas Upstream is an excellent choice for small creeks and streams since it comes in sizes from #2 to #4. The #2 8ft rod weighs in at an incredible 1.43 oz, making it an ideal option for remote backcountry fishing for small cutthroat trout for example.

The Douglas Upstream comes in 6 pieces packed into a very sturdy metal tube protecting it from damages during travel. The medium-slow action rod shines on short distances and comes with a lifetime warranty for the original owner.

– Beautiful blank finish

– Surprisingly good casting performance in our test (considering the weight classes)

– Limited weight classes

– Slower action is for more experienced casters only

GET IT AT BASS PRO SHOP S

GET IT ON AMAZON

Epic 4wt Packlight

– 5 piece rod

– Length: 7’6″ as a #4

Here’s a fantastic travel rod option if you are looking for something special: the Epic 4wt Packlight . This 5 piece fiberglass beauty will follow you anywhere. Weighing in at 2.54 oz and measuring only 19.5″ it is small and light enough to pack into any backpack and head out to the water.

The Epic 4wt Packlight is available in a light green and a salsa red. You can customize it further with two different reel seat options. If you’ve never fished a fiberglass rod before you might think they are a bit too soft to perform at a high level. Pick up the Epic 4wt Packlight and you’ll be surprised what it can deliver. If you’ve ever dreamed of building your own fly rod check out our story about the Epic Rod Building Kit .

The Epic 4wt Packlight is a great choice if your are looking for a special kind of travel fly rod.

– A lot of power for a 4wt

– Beautiful medium-fast action of a fiberglass rod

– Fiberglass is extremely delicate, not a workhorse

GET IT AT EPIC FLY ROD S

Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot, 7-Piece

– 7 piece rod

– Length: 9ft

– Set includes: rod, reel, fly line, tippet, nipper, fly box and flies

The Wild Water 9 Foot, 7-Piece is the perfect choice if you are new to fly fishing. If you are going on a trip and think there might be a chance to try fly fishing, the Wild Water 9 Foot, 7-Piece comes with everything you need to make your first casts.

The Wild Water 9 Foot rod is broken down into 7 pieces that fit into a rod tube of only 21.5″. With it comes a reel pre-spooled with a WF5 line and backing and a 9′ 5x tapered monofilament. Tie on a fly that also comes with the Wild Water 9 Foot, 7-Piece and you are ready to catch your first fish.

Don’t expect the same performance from this rod as from the Dougla s Upstream or the Orvis Clearwater 6 Piece . But for less than $100 this set is a great option to take on your first fly fishing trip.

– Set includes everything to make your first cast

– Good travel bag

– Solid value for money

– All components are entry level and not meant for years of use

GET IT AT WILD WATER

Orvis Encounter Spin/Fly Combo

– Fly rod and spinning rod in one set

The Orvis Encounter is a unique travel rod option because it combines a travel fly rod and a spinning rod in one set. In some fishing situations, a spinning rod can have advantages over a fly rod. For example when fishing the depths of a lake.

The Orvis Encounter makes sure you won’t encounter a situation like that. The twist about this set is the fact that some of the rods’ parts can be used to create a spinning as well as a fly rod. On top of that the set includes the reels for both methods of fishing. The reels even come equipped with the respective fly and fishing line.

The travel case of the Orvis Encounter makes sure everything is stored safely. Comes with the limited Orvis warranty.

– Unmatched versatility

– Covers every fishing situations you might encounter

– Blank is compromised a little for multi purpose use

Epic DH13 Spey Fly Rod

– Length: 13 ft

– Weight classes: #5, #7 and #8

As one of the last products in our review we made sure to include a double handed travel fly rod if in case you are looking to target bigger species such as steelhead . The Epic DH13 Spey is a high end double handed fly rod that features titanium stripping guides, Japanese silk wraps and a CNC machined reel seat.

The Epic DH13 Spey comes in three different line weight options: a 5/6, a 6/7 and a 7/8. The 7/8 is a great choice if you are fishing for Atlantic salmon on smaller rivers for example. The 5/6 is an excellent option if you are targeting any kind of trout in bigger rivers.

The Epic DH13 Spey is a medium-fast action rod that has enough power to deliver bigger flies and handle big fish.

– Fantastic casting performance

– This rod will make you stand out at the water

– Lifetime warranty for the original owner

– This is a specialty rod for spey style fishing – not the most versatile rod in this test

GET IT AT EPI C

Nam Delgado 6 Piece Fly Rod

– Length: 13’3″ as a #8/9

– Color: Dark grey

If you’re looking for something off the beaten track, look no further than the Nam Delgado 6 Piece Fly Rod . This is a minimalistic looking double-handed rod that performs like a rocket. We used the 13’3″ #8/9 version to fish for Atlantic Salmon in Norway (if you are looking for a line to fish this rod with, we can highly recommend the Rio Scandi Versitip fly line).

If your focus is on steelhead, you can take a look at the 12’3″ #7/8 version, or if you’re after the biggest of Kings or Atlantic Salmons, you can go all the way up and pick the 15’7″ #10/11. Whichever one you pick you can be certain to turn heads when your buddies see how the Nam performs.

– Fantastic cork quality and handle

– Understated design

– A lot of power, especially on long casts

– An aluminum tube would be nice for a rod in this price range

GET IT AT NAM

Choosing the Best Travel Fly Rods

As you can see from the wide range of travel rods we introduced you to in this buyer’s guide, there is a travel fly rod for every fishing situation. Here are a few aspects to consider before making a purchase.

Size/Length

The most important factor when choosing a travel rod is the length it breaks down into. Most often travel fly fishing rods come in between 16 and 22 inches. If you are looking for the utmost in packability, take a look at the Echo Trip 8 Piece .

Besides the length of your rod, the weight is another important aspect to consider. If you want to head out on a backpacking trip into the back country, less weight in your backpack might mean more fishing time because you’re less tired. If you are looking for the ultimate light weight travel rod, check out the Douglas Upstream Fly Rod .

As with any fly rod you purchase, it is important to ask yourself beforehand what species you will target. To make sure there is a good option for every fishing situation we included travel rods ranging from #2 all the way to an #8 in this test.

The most common material for a travel fly rod is graphite. It’s well known for its durability. Carbon fibre is another option frequently used in rods, yet it’s a bit more delicate. The same holds true for fibreglass rods such as the Epic 4wt Packlight . On the upside, this rods delivers incredible feel and precision which makes it a joy to cast.

Performance

As a rule of thumb travel fly fishing rods have a reputation to perform worse than “normal” rods. This has long been the case because a 6 or even 8 piece rod tends to deliver less power and accuracy than a 4 piece. However, in recent years, the performance of travel rods has increased a lot.

While ten years back fro example, most salmon rods were 4 piece or even 3 piece for increased performance, many salmon anglers use 6 piece rods such as the Epic DH13 Spey nowadays. Big brands such as Orvis or Echo have used their experience from decades of rod making to increase the performance of travel rods.

In the smaller line classes such as #2 – #4, you will have a hard time feeling a difference in a 4 piece or 6 piece rod.

Conclusion on the Best Travel Fly Rod

As you can see from our review of the best travel fly rods, there is a range of options to choose from. The most important question you have to ask yourself before making a purchase is: what species will I be targeting with my fly rod?

Once you know that, you can define your budget and think about what rod suits you best. All of the rods in this test are lightweight, highly packable and will perform well in almost any fishing situation.

Read more of our Gear Guides here:

Ultimate Guide: Best Wading Jackets

Buyer’s Guide Best Wading Boots

A Guide to the Best Sling Pack

Top 6 Best Fly Fishing Nets

A Guide to the Best Fly Fishing Starter Kits

Building your own Fly Rod

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Best Travel Fly Rod 2020: The Ultimate Guide

- Buying Guide -

The best travel fly rods come in 6- or 8-piece sections. The most important reason to choose a travel fly rod is portability. If you want a fly rod to easily fit into a duffel bag, carryon luggage, backpack, or even a fly fishing sling pack, a travel fly rod is for you.

While most fly rods are already very lightweight, travel fly rods excel with backpackers because they are so easy to stow into a backpack. Once you invest in a true backpacking fly rod, hauling a 4-piece fly rod in the mountains seems mildly annoying.

Still, 4-piece fly rods that are 9′ long are already very portable — travel fly rods just take portability to a whole new level. Because the ferrels overlap, the standard section length of a 9′ 4-piece fly rod is around 28 inches. On the other hand, a 6-piece fly rod has sections that are only 18 inches long. That’s a huge gain in portability, and it just gets better with 7-piece or even 8-piece travel rods.

Best Travel Fly Rods: How Well Do They Cast?

Because of improvements in ferrel technology, travel fly rods are getting closer to the smooth performance found in 4-piece rods. Travel rods are not as fantastic as the best 4-piece fly rods, but they’re surprisingly good. I’ve found that with a firmer casting motion, travel rods will perform remarkably well. For instance, I was able to cast large October caddis flies with a 9’ 5-weight Cabela’s Stowaway 6 with good distance and decent accuracy. Read my full Cabela’s Stowaway 6 review for more detail. At the other end of the travel rod spectrum, I was able to cast heavily weighted steelhead nymphs and egg patterns with a 9’ 8-weight ECHO TRIP.

Both rods performed even better when I used smaller flies.

Don’t expect any travel rod to be liquid smooth, but they’ll get the job done and let you focus on the fishing. As it turns out, I personally learned a lesson the hard way: Always Take the Rod .

Best Travel Fly Rods: The Manufacturers

There are three major contenders for the best travel fly rod that will fit most people’s budgets: Cabela’s , Echo , and Orvis — and we’ll get into these options in detail below.   However, this isn’t the full story.

L.L.Bean has a travel fly/spin fishing rod combo — noted below — but the company no longer makes a dedicated travel fly rod. On the upside, the L.L.Bean outfit comes with two complete rods and reels , so technically you could choose the L.L.Bean option for the fly rod . . . and gain an extra spinning rod whether you want it or not.

Hardy makes a drool-worthy high-end travel fly rod in 6 pieces, but the price-to-value ratio is a tough sell unless you’ve got the budget to buy the “best” high-end travel fly rod.

Redington makes a 3-weight and a 5-weight 6-piece version of its Classic Trout rod, but it’s sometimes hard to find because most stores stock the 4-piece versions.

Let’s take a closer look.

Best Travel Fly Rod: Cabela’s Stowaway 6

There is a lot to like about the Cabela’s Stowaway 6 fly rod, starting with the wide variety of configurations. Cabela’s makes an ultralight 8’6″ 3-weight as well as a 7’6″ 4-weight. There is also an 8’6″ 4-weight, which is a super versatile combination for smaller streams, as well as the most common 9′ 5w. In addition, you can pick up a 9′ 6w or 9′ 8w.

As for fit and finish, the Stowaway 6 is great. The cork and guides are good. While the varnish is a bit thicker than you see on truly high-end rods, it all comes together in a package that’s better than its price range would imply. The woven graphite reel seat looks fantastic in the sun. We’re big fans.

The action is medium fast, with a stiff butt section and relatively soft tip.

Meanwhile, Cabela’s offers two different Stowaway 6 Rod and Reel and Fly Line combinations if you’re looking for a travel fly rod and reel outfit. The Stowaway 6 Fly Rod with the Prestige Plus Fly Reel Combo is the most affordable, and the reel is pretty good overall. For an upgraded reel with a smoother drag and better build, Cabela’s offers the Stowaway 6 with the RLS+ Fly Reel, which also comes with upgraded fly line. Both are great, can’t-go-wrong options.  Highly recommended.

• Cabela’s Stowaway 6 Fly Rods
• Cabela’s Stowaway 6/Prestige Plus Combo
• Cabela’s Stowaway 6/RLS+ Combo

Best Travel Fly Rod: ECHO TRIP

The ECHO TRIP takes portability to a whole new level with its new ultraportable 8-piece backpacking, travel, and backseat fly rod. ECHO builds the TRIP in just three configurations, which covers 80% of the size and weight interest in this space. ECHO makes a 9’ 5w and a 9’ 6w, both of which are a rich green color. ECHO’s 9’ 8w has a fighting butt and is a dark blue, and ECHO also markets this rod for saltwater use.

The action is medium fast, and for a rod that has 8 pieces that are just 15 inches or so in length, the ECHO TRIP casts surprisingly well. As with all of these travel fly rods, you’re going to get your best results with a firm and intentional casting motion. Casting and overall action is similar to 6-piece rods — the TRIP just gets you a form factor that pushes the portability factor even farther. So cool.

ECHO doesn’t offer the TRIP in a combo package, but the ECHO ION Reel is a very good, very affordable reel.

• ECHO TRIP 8 Piece Fly Rods
• ECHO ION Fly Reel

Shop ECHO TRIP travel fly rods at Fishwest.com and get FREE shipping over $89!

Orvis Clearwater Travel Rods

With the recent redesign of its popular midrange Clearwater fly rod series, Orvis is offering four models of its new  Clearwater 6-Piece Fly Rods . These rods use some of the new rod-building technology and techniques Orvis learned when it developed its high-end Helios 3 rods, but Orvis packages it all up at an affordable price point. Better yet, Orvis stands behind its Clearwater fly rods with a 25-year guarantee. If your fly rod fails — or if you simply break your fly rod — Orvis will repair or replace it. The only downside is that you’ll have to pay a $60 handling fee (which is the new standard for high-end rod repair and replacement guarantees these days).

Meanwhile, what about the six-piece Clearwater rods? Orvis covers the basics by offering a 9′ rod in a 5w, 6w or 8w option. For 8’6″ fans, Orvis also offers a 5w. We’re big fans of the Orvis Clearwater series overall — read our review of the 4-piece Clearwater combo outfit for more detail. Overall, you can expect a thoroughly decent casting experience in a rod that delivers an excellent price-to-value ratio.

• Orvis Clearwater 6-Piece Fly Rods

 Shop the Orvis Clearwater Travel Rods at Bass Pro Shops and get FREE Shipping!

Best Travel Fly Rod: Hardy Demon Smuggler

Hardy makes some of the very best fly rods in the world, and the Demon Smuggler is aimed at frequent travelers who also want a high-performing rod with fantastic fit and finish. At just under $650, the Hardy Demon Smuggler is the most expensive travel rod on this page by a long shot. It is, however, beautiful and has a truly kickass name.

It is a 6-piece fly rod and Hardy offers an 8’ 4w, 9’ 5w, 9’6w, 9’ 8w, 9’6” 7w, and a 14’6” 10w.

The action is medium fast. The Demon Smuggler comes with a sweet aluminum rod tube.

If you’re in for a Demon Smuggler, pair it with the can’t-go-wrong Hardy Ultralite MTX-S Fly Reel and you’ll end up with an awesome travel combo. Long story short: If you have the budget, nab a Demon Smuggler and don’t look back.

• Hardy Demon Smuggler Rod
• Hardy Ultralite MTX-S Fly Reel

Best Travel Fly Rod: Redington Classic Trout

Redington’s Classic Trout fly rod series is primarily a 4-piece lineup . . . BUT Redington offers two 6-piece versions of this rod — an 8′ 3w and a 9′ 5w. The Classic Trout is a moderate action fly rod, which can be helpful when fishing with tiny flies for skittish trout. On the other hand, we tend to prefer moderate-fast or fast-action fly rods, so choose the 6-piece Redington Classic Trout if you know you want a moderate action. That said, the Classic Trout rod looks great and has a good price-to-value ratio. It has handy alignment dots on each section, and the rod comes with a divided nylon rod tube. (The model  590-6 is the 6-piece 9′ 5w while the 380-6  is the 8′ 3w.)

• Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod — make sure you select the 6-piece version and not a 4-piece version

Best Travel Spin/Fly Combo

Both L.L.Bean and Orvis make a nifty spinning and fly fishing combo. Both are a great value and aimed at those who just want to make sure they always have a rod handy. Better yet, both make for great backup rods as well as superb gifts.

L.L. Bean Spin/Fly Combo Outfit

The L.L.Bean Spin/Fly Combo Outfit actually includes two separate rods — an 8’6” 5-weight 6-piece fly rod as well as a 6’ medium/light 4-piece spinning rod. Both include basic reels that come preloaded with line. Both rods come in a padded case with foam-molded cutouts for the rod sections and reels. As an added bonus, L.L.Bean includes a small fly box and a small lure box . . . which means you could keep this outfit in your vehicle all in the case and be ready to fish at a moment’s notice.

Orvis Encounter Spin/Fly Combo

The Orvis Encounter Spin/Fly Combo comes with two interchangeable butt sections with two reels, one for spin fishing and one for fly fishing. The fly rod is a 7′ 5-weight while the spinning rod is also 7′ and aimed at lightweight gear: 2-6 lb test and 1/16 to 3/16 ounce lures. It comes in a padded case.

So, what’s the #1 best travel fly rod?

There isn’t one , exactly. If you want the highest overall quality and fit and finish, the Hardy Demon Smuggler wins hands down. If you want the best overall value? The Cabela’s Stowaway 6 in the Prestige Plus Combo package generally takes the lead.

If you’re looking for ultimate portability, the ECHO TRIP line comes in 8 pieces — gotta love ECHO for pushing the edge here and still building a highly fishable rod.

On the other hand, Orvis offers a 25-year guarantee with its Clearwater 6-Piece Fly Rods , which offers some peace of mind if you break a tip.

What if you want a backup rod and aren’t looking for fantastic quality or mind-blowing performance? The L.L.Bean Spin/Fly Combo Outfit  gives you two rods in one very affordable package.

So the best? That’s really up to what you want and need most. More importantly, the best rod is the one you have available when you’re on the water.

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Travel & Telescoping Fly Rods

We started this company to make smart & innovative fly fishing gear, and knowing that you travel to every fishing hole - why not make it travel better too?! We have 2 lines of rods to offer either Ultimate Performance (BCR Series) Or Ultimate Versatility (First Cast Series)  - - reach out to the founder and rod designer with any questions  [email protected] 

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Fly Rods - Specifcally For Travel

Welcome to the Travel Fly Fishing Rod collection at REYR Gear! Here you will find a wide selection of fly fishing rods that are designed specifically for travel. These rods are lightweight and compact, making them perfect for anglers on the go. Whether you're heading out on a backpacking trip, a road trip, or a long-distance flight, these travel fly rods are the perfect companion for your journey.

The Collection

In this collection, you will find a variety of fly rod lengths, specs and materials to choose from. Some of our rods are made from high-quality graphite, which is known for its strength, sensitivity, and responsiveness. Others are made from a blend of graphite and fiberglass, which provides a more moderate action and a softer feel. One of the great features of our travel fly fishing rods is the fact that they are pre-assembled and ready-to-use. Their innovative design makes it easier for you to set the fly rod up almost instantly, going from pack to cast in 30 seconds! Another key feature is their lightweight form, which means you can easily fit a travel rod in your luggage, backpack or even a purse, making it a great option for the ones always on the move.

Is it for Beginners or Advanced Anglers?

Our collection also includes travel fly fishing rod kits and accessories, making it easy for you to get started with your fishing adventure. These kits are perfect for beginners who are just getting into fly fishing or for experienced anglers who are looking for a convenient, all-in-one option. No matter what type of fishing you're planning on doing, whether we have a travel fly rod that will suit your needs. Browse our collection today and find the perfect travel rod for your next fishing adventure!

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The Best Travel Fishing Rods of 2024

By Pete Robbins

Updated on May 24, 2023 5:36 PM EDT

15 minute read

Best for Bass

Abu Garcia I.K.E. Signature Series Travel Casting Rod

Best budget.

Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Travel Spinning Combo

Best premium.

Megabass Triza Travel Rod

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Travel fishing rods are easy to pack for a trip, and the good ones fish like a one-piece rod. Over the past several decades, rods have gotten longer because more length typically equals better casts and more leverage on big fish. For example, the 5-foot 6-inch pistol grips that dominated bass fishing into the 1980s have been replaced almost entirely by rods that are 7 feet and up. Unfortunately, luggage costs and rules have also exploded at this same time, meaning that it’s not always feasible to take an oversized 7- or 8-foot rod tube on distant trips. That’s doubly true if you’ll be getting on a floatplane or your luggage size is otherwise restricted.

Travel rods aren’t solely for air travel, though. If you’re an urban angler getting on a subway, they may be your best choice. If you want something to keep in your car or backpack in case you pass by a tasty-looking fishery, they’re prime choices. In the past, the options were often limited. Either manufacturers took an existing blank and added rudimentary ferrules, or it was a bargain basement combo that required a staple remover to get out of the package and that couldn’t stand up to farm pond bluegills. Fortunately, many manufacturers have recognized the need for better travel tools, and they’ve heeded the call. 

I get to do a lot of traveling with fishing rods as a writer and host of exotic fishing trips. I’ve been to the Alaskan wilderness, through the Amazon jungle, and on every major bass lake in the U.S. and Mexico. Those destinations require a plane ride, and while I don’t always pack multi-piece rods, it’s given me the chance to test out many of the best. Here are my picks for the best travel fishing rods.

• Best for Bass: Abu Garcia I.K.E. Signature Series Travel Casting Rod
• Most Innovative: Daiwa Ardito-TR Travel Casting and Spinning Rod
• Best for Inshore: Falcon Traveler Coastal Spinning Rod
• Best Budget: Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Travel Spinning Combo
• Best Finesse: Wild Side Light Spinning Rod
• Best Premium Casting: Megabass Triza Travel Rod  
• Most Versatile :  Toadfish Travel Spinning Rod
• Best Bait Finesse :  KastKing Kestrel 3-Piece Rods
• Best Premium Spinning : Shimano Zodias 5-Piece Travel Spinning Rods

How I Tested the Best Travel Fishing Rods

I’ve taken these travel rods all over the globe and all over the country, fishing for species both exotic and mundane. More importantly, though, I’ll admit that I’ve abused them. They’ve been shoved in suitcases, walked through dense forests, and used for lures outside of their supposed range. That’s the nature of the travel game. Coming home from Mexico, officials forced me to check a carrying case that I’d carried on for the trip South of the Border, and my rods returned in one piece—or rather in their original configurations of multiple pieces. When possible, though, I like keeping them at my side, and I’m usually able to do so. It also enables me to bring a rod and reel or the occasions when I travel for a non-fishing purpose but might be able to sneak away to make a few casts.

Best Travel Fishing Rods: Reviews & Recommendations

Key Features

• Length: 7 feet
• Packed Length: 28 inches
• Three pieces
• Comes with both medium (1/4-3/4 ounce lures) and medium-heavy (3/8-1 ounce) tip sections
• Soft travel case included
• Versatility means you only need to carry one rod
• Comfortable E.V.A. handle
• Great value
• Included case isn’t crushproof; should not be checked on airlines

Abu Garcia, worked with Bassmaster Classic champion Mike “Ike” Iaconelli, to design the Ike Signature Series Travel Rod. Ike is known for his wins on the pro bass circuit, but he’s also known for his urban angling adventures. Traveling by bus, bike, plane, and train to those urban fishing spots were the inspiration for his travel rod. 

The best feature of the rod is the included interchangeable tip sections that provide different actions. They are a tremendous value, since the rod doesn’t sacrifice on components. They include 36-ton graphite blanks, stainless steel guides, and a premium Fuji reel seat. Ike carried this rod worldwide on his television fishing exploits for a wide range of species, but his heart remains with bass, and that’s where this rod excels, for everything from soft plastics to crankbaits to spinnerbaits . Anglers who expect to use finesse presentations can buy the spinning version.

• Length: 7 feet 
• Handle converts from spinning to baitcasting
• Three-piece rod, includes six total pieces 
• Lure Weights: ¼ to 1 ounce 
• Extreme versatility
• Handles wide range of lures
• Sensitive yet strong graphite construction
• Included case not crushproof; should not be checked on airlines

Daiwa has built a rod—and specifically, a rod handle—that will accommodate both spinning and baitcasting reels when configured appropriately. That means you don’t have to choose one or the other when you’re limited to one travel rod. What’s most impressive is that they’ve somehow developed a blank that doesn’t feel awkward in either role. It includes X45 graphite construction that prevents blank twisting and truly performs like a one-piece. I took this rod to Zambia for tigerfish, where it performed admirably with a baitcasting reel, and then used it at home to skip Senkos under docks with a spinning rod. It’s not truly a finesse spinning rod, but could handle light baits with plenty of backbone to extract hard-pulling bass from gnarly cover.

• Medium action
• Lure weight: ¼ to ½ ounce 
• Bargain priced
• Durable full cork handle
• High-quality components
• Some anglers may not like the moderate action

If you’re chasing redfish or speckled trout on the Gulf Coast, or bonefish and snook in the Everglades or Keys, you need a rod that will simultaneously make pinpoint presentations that also has the heft to muscle outsized, super-strong fish away from cover. This rod is light but mighty and fits the bill. The Coastal Traveler series also has a baitcasting model in the lineup. They’ll both do double-duty in freshwater, although Falcon also provides Lowrider series travel rods for that purpose. All of them include cork handles (full in the case of the Coastal, split-grip on the Lowriders), Fuji K-Frame tangle-free guides, and a blank through reel seat. All come with a crushproof, three-section Cordura-coated case with the rod’s specifications printed on the outside.

• Lengths: 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet 6 inches 
• Comes with matching reel
• Three or four pieces
• Rod and reel packaged together for the price of one
• Four-bearing spinning reel
• Strong guides will stand up to braided line
• Cloth rod and reel travel bag cannot be checked

The Ugly Stik brand has been synonymous with strength and value for decades, and Shakespeare continues to refine the products while keeping them at rock bottom prices. These three spinning combos—one light action, two medium action—all come with a four-bearing reel and rods that combine graphite and fiberglass construction. While the cloth carrying case may not be crushproof, this combo will stand up to just about anything you can dish out. That makes it a great option for kids or beginners, but you’ll be surprised at the wide range of species it can handle across the globe without any fear of failure.

• Length: 6 feet 3 inches
• Packed Length: 22 inches
• Action: Light
• Five pieces
• Ultra compact 
• Innovative ferrules maintain one-piece feel
• High modulus graphite

Wild Side’s U.S. distributor Arundel Tackle claims that this rod is “made for the overhead bin, NOT baggage claim.” It comes with a rectangular carrying case that weighs a mere 2 ounces and will slide easily into your carry-on. More importantly, they’ve somehow taken a five-piece rod and eliminated any traditional multi-piece imprecision. That might be because they use refined spigot ferrules that do a solid job of maintaining a one-piece flow. This has become a go-to Ned Rig rod when I’m bass fishing at home, but it has so many other uses where it’ll excel. These include stream trout fishing, pan fishing, and light saltwater use. The high-quality cork and E.V.A. split handle are comfortable for all day fishing and match up with any lightweight spinning reel.

Best Premium: Megabass Triza Travel Rod  

• Lengths (casting): 6-feet, 6-inches; 6-feet, 8-inches; 6-feet, 9-inches; 7-feet; 7-feet, 2-inches   
• Available in five baitcasting and two spinning models
• Lure Weights: 1/32 ounce to 3 ounces
• Wide range of actions for a full range of techniques
• Built one at a time for attention to detail
• Gorgeous peacock wood reel seats and hand-drawn graphics

Megabass makes everything from the best swimbaits to some of the nicest production rods available. The Triza Travel Rod has typical Megabass quality in a rod that fits in a backpack. Megabass has a lot of experience making travel rods for their Japanese customers, who are often more constrained in terms of space and transportation, and therefore demand them. These premium travel rods are now widely available in America and cover just about every bass fishing technique under the sun—while at the same time being superior for some saltwater and multi-species use. They’re a gorgeous piece of art that would look great displayed, but they’re too solid to sit on the sidelines. Megabass claims they are constructed to their “Triangle” ideal—with a tip section that maximizes tension, a belly section that maximizes torque, and a butt section that maximizes torsional rigidity. These are workhorses that present like show horses.

Most Versatile:  Toadfish Travel Spinning Rod

• 7 feet 2 inches
• Medium/Medium heavy action
• Interchangeable mid and tip sections
• Incredible versatility
• Kigan tangle free guides
• Extremely durable
• Included case is strong but quite heavy

This rod comes with one handle section, two mid-sections, and two tip sections, allowing for five different configurations, making it the most versatile travel rod on the market. That uniqueness is also a huge bonus if you slam a section in a car door or otherwise break one – you lose a bit of that trademark versatility, but you’re not completely out of luck. What’s also nice is that it comes with extremely durable components, including soft-touch rubber handle inlays and a handle that will stand up to the most you can dish out, including saltwater exposure. It’s fairly sensitive for a five-piece rod, and the spigot ferrules hold well. The case may be heavy, but you can check it through on the airlines without worrying about damage.

Best Bait Finesse:  KastKing Kestrel 3-Piece Rods

• Light-fast action
• IM8 ultra-high modulus graphite blank
• Extremely reasonable price
• One of the few rods in its category
• Very sensitive IM8 high modulus graphite blank
• No case included

The biggest problem with many travel rods is that they’re too vanilla – understandably made to cover a wide range of conditions and species. That’s fine if you just want one for random use, but it doesn’t help anglers with specific needs. KastKing has entered the market with a lot of BFS options and wisely chose to build a three-piece rod in that category. It can handle lures as light as 1/10 ounce, yet, with a balanced baitcasting reel, still has the winch-like power that spinning cannot provide. The rod comes with quality components, including American Tackle Ti forged guides with aluminum oxide Duralight rings, so whether you’re chasing panfish, Alaskan trout, stream smallmouths, or light saltwater species, it’s meant to stand up to a beating. In Asia and Japan, manufacturers have historically made a wider range of multi-piece rods than they do in North America, so it’s a good sign that KastKing is willing to take a calculated risk on this specialty stick.

Best Premium: Shimano Zodias 5-Piece Travel Spinning Rods

• Medium-Light – Fast
• 1/8 – 7/16 ounce lures
• CI4+ Reel Seat maximizes ergonomic comfort
• Fuji guides hold up to the rigors of travel and different kinds of line
• At 5 pieces, incredibly transportable
• Rod case not included

Shimano and brand partner G.Loomis have dipped in and out of the travel rod market for years, producing some top-notch products. Shimano’s bargain-priced Convergence Series is a great value and quality product, but the Zodias will fill the needs of more demanding anglers. It looks and feels like an expensive JDM product, and despite the multiple ferrules functions like a one-piece rod. I liked the Carbon Monocoque grip, and felt that it enhanced sensitivity, even with light lines. It’s also available in a baitcasting rod if that’s your stylistic preference, or if you want to use heavier lines on bigger fish.

While most standard rods are one or possibly two pieces, most travel rods are three or more pieces. Alternatively, they may be telescoping. Either way, they “collapse” or “compress” or “break down” to lengths that will fit in a suitcase or in a small separate carrying case. That makes them easy to take on a plane or stuff under the seat of your vehicle for impromptu fishing adventures.

Many anglers believe that one-piece rods are superior in all instances and will do whatever they can to take them on long-distance fishing trips. Of course that is possible, and there are hard-sided carrying cases that extend up to nearly 10-feet long to transport them. One problem, however, is that the airlines are increasingly restrictive on checking such bags. Even when they allow it, they may be costly. Furthermore, rough baggage handling may result in destruction of or damage to your valuable gear.

Typically commercial airlines will not allow you to carry full-sized rods on airplanes, but they’ll often allow you to carry properly-cased and appropriately-sized travel rods on board. In fact, the T.S.A. guidelines explicitly state that fishing rods are permitted in carry-on and checked bags but note that “passengers should check with the airline to confirm that the fishing rod fits within size limitations for carry-on items.” Some foreign airports and foreign carriers will not allow the same, so be sure to check ahead of time and carry a crushproof case that can be checked if necessary.

Things to Consider When Buying a Travel Fishing Rod

What will you be fishing for.

The same travel rod that excels for panfish might be a liability chasing big saltwater fish in the surf. Today there are enough specialized options that you should be able to cover most extremes and many technical presentations. The trouble comes when you need to do double duty. That may require the purchase of a second rod, or perhaps even making compromises—using a single rod that is a jack of all trades but a master of none.

How compact must it be?

Fewer ferrules or connectors usually (but not always) means better performance. However, the ideal travel or “pack” rod will fit into a small case, which may or may not need to fit within your suitcase. Take careful measurements of your possible dimensions, adding a slight bit for the padding of the case and any internal rod sock that protects your tool.

How will I carry my travel rod?

The best possible scenario is to keep your rod or rods with you at all times, in a padded, crushproof case. That reduces the chances of loss and breakage. However, in the instance that you need to check it, make sure it fits in your other luggage or run the risk of paying a surcharge. Many of these rods come with tubes or cases. Some are better than others, so don’t hesitate to invest in an aftermarket product for peace of mind.

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Fishing Rods

As I’ve amassed an arsenal of travel rods over the past several years, I’ve seen a shift in my thinking. Previously, I reserved them exclusively for exotic travel to places like Zambia, Mexico, Brazil, and Alaska, and then relegated them to a garage shelf when I returned home. Increasingly, however, I’ve found myself using some of them in my day-to-day angling, in places where I could still take a 7- or 8-foot one-piece rod but now choose instead to take the multi-piece tool. 

Many of the more inexpensive multi-piece rods are still notably less fluid than their one-piece counterparts, but that’s not always the case. Furthermore, if you’re a one-piece snob, you may be surprised at how refined these options have become.

Shop / ZT Double Hand Travel Rod

ZT Double Hand Travel Rod

USD  820.00

In early 2020 the world of travel came to a standstill. But rather than wait out the disruption, we got to work creating the ultimate travel rod. Read more

• In stock for immediate delivery.

Line Recommendation

• Free shipping on orders over $150
• We ship globally
• Express shipping

Model chart

Product description.

In early 2020 the world of travel came to a standstill. But rather than wait out the disruption, we got to work – with the aim of creating the ultimate fly fishing travel rod.

After nearly two years of research, development and rigorous testing, the world started to open up again, and we we launched the LOOP ZT.

As a travelling angler you can never be fully sure what conditions you might face at your destination, but the majority of travel rods are usually a compromise between two parameters – fast sinking lines vs. floating lines with fine presentation. Or, they have been designed to heavily favour one or the other.

With this in mind, we felt an obligation to produce a series of multi-piece rods that perfectly combines strength and lightness, whilst also maintaining the progressive casting taper that has become synonymous with LOOP. Thanks to the unique incorporation of graphene particles into the nano resin, we firmly believe that we have achieved this perfect balance.

Made using 40-45 ton nano graphene carbon fibre of the highest specification available – ensuring the smoothest, most powerful action of any travel rod we’ve ever come across – the ZT series also features a AAA+ grade cork handle, specially designed lightweight reel seat, ceramic lined titanium stripping guides and titanium plated stainless steel snake guides.

Available in 5 unique models and a 6 piece format designed for easy and safe transportation no matter what the destination – the ZT series is simply the best fly fishing travel companion you’ll ever have.

Model Specs:

6122 – The 6122 is a smooth but still powerful rod that is perfect when stealth, delicacy and presentation is required. Bombers and hitch flies on this rod are amazing but of course it handles the smaller tubes or hook flies equally well. An absolute gem when fishing salmon, sea trout or migrating browns.

7130 – “Steelhead 101” but perfect for medium sized salmon rivers as well. A rod with a smooth, deep, powerful action that is perfect for the Skagit style angler. Although, a Scandi line is an absolute joy to pair this rod with.

8132 – If you are fishing medium to larger rivers the 8132 will cover most situations. The rod works equally well with Scandi style casting as with Skagit style, floating or sinking lines. If you are in need of distance there is certainly enough power in the rod to provide that.

9140 – The all year around rod for most salmon rivers. Just like the 8132, this rod covers most situations you might encounter. The 9140 has even more power to lift and cast sinking lines the way you like it. Still, the rod has very good accuracy and enough finesse to make fishing with floating line and small flies a real pleasure.

10150 – The big gun in the ZT series. Look no further if you are fishing bigger rivers and are in need of a rod that can lift those heavy sinking lines and send them straight over the river again. It is not only a sinking line rod though. If you want to fish floating lines, the rod performs exceptionally with both shooting heads and long belly lines.

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The Best Fly Fishing Rods of 2020

We scoured the internet, asked experts, and shuffled through the newest fly rods out there so you don’t have to. Behold, the best fly fishing rods of 2020.

A fly rod is a timeless piece of equipment. With simple care and safe storage, it can last a lifetime or more. Yet the technology keeps improving, rods are becoming more refined, and there’s always that one rod you’d like to add to your quiver.

Whether it’s expanding your current capabilities, buying a rod for that dream trip to the mountain rivers or the salt flats, or just leveling up to a nicer rig, we pulled together the top rods available in 2020 to consider. And not only that, but we’re also going to help you figure out what rod is best for you and the action you’re looking to pursue.

Most of these rods are higher-end choices. Looking for a budget fly fishing rod? Check out our article titled “ The Best Fly Fishing Rods Under $150 .”

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for:

• Best Overall
• Best Freshwater
• Best Do-It-All Series
• Best Starter Package
• Best Budget
• Best Midlevel Rod
• Best Tenkara

Best Fly Rods of 2020

Best overall: scott sector series.

The Sector Series ($985) offers strength and accuracy while being ultralight in hand. That’s thanks to a new carbon fiber technology called Scott’s Carbon Web, which is continuous-strand graphite.

This new composite reduces microfractures in the rod, allowing it to retain accuracy over time. And it’s quick and accurate, allowing for fast and easy pickup of the line while casting.

This technology isn’t just lip service. It earned the Sector Series Best Overall at the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show in October. And so far, consumers agree. The line of 18 different combos of length and weight has earned in-depth, detailed praise from  Telluride Angler’s pro staff and Trident Fly Fishing .

These rods, while extremely high-priced, are the cream of the crop for saltwater over the gamut of angling scenarios.

Check Price at Trident Fly Fishing

Best Freshwater: Sage Trout LL

The delicacy of short, quick casts lies in the flexible tip of this particular rod. The agile action allows for roll casting and effortless recasting without an unneeded backcast into the willows.

You won’t be making big, fast, 80-foot casts, but you’ll be pretty damn accurate up close. The Konnetic HD blanks provide a durable backbone against the elegant nature of this rod.

It carries a five-star rating with the Madison River Fishing Company , and the anglers at Trout Unlimited gave it a seriously stoked nod as well.

Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Backcountry

Best Do-It-All Series: G. Loomis NRX+ Series

G. Loomis’s NRX series ($795-895) covers a lot of bases . From flinging flies for bass to the salt and back to trout again, there are 20 individual models to pursue in this rod family alone. Overall, the series is built for fast action, feel, and finesse.

The biggest thing to note in the entirety of the series is the mega drop in weight. Loomis’ blank technology GL8 nets a 15% reduction in heft from its previous NRX offering.

Choose from the NRX+ LP , Freshwater , Saltwater , and Spey + Switch offerings. And check out this lights-out review from the folks at Yellowstone Angler , a renowned fly shop near the banks of the — you guessed it — mighty Yellowstone.

Check Price at Trident Fly Fishing Check Price at Amazon

Best Spey: R.L. Winston Air TH

The new two-handed spey rod from the folks at R.L. Winston ($1,250) is designed for versatility while steelheading or chasing salmon. And the incorporated SuperSilica resin system and Boron III technology echo earlier sentiments of lightweight materials meeting both action and durability standards.

This rod took home Best of at the 2019 European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition . And steelhead experts in Oregon and Washington state have gone nuts for this setup, from the folks at Gorge Fly Shop  in Hood River to the Spokane experts of Silver Bow Fly Shop .

Available in weights from 5 to 9 and lengths from 11’6″ to 14’6″, there’s a two-handed spey rod for a bevy of situations on the water in this collection.

Best Starter Package: Orvis Clearwater Package

Updated for 2020, the Orvis Clearwater ($311-651) setup is one of my favorites in my collection. It’s a high-performing, easy-on-your-wallet collection that covers so much ground, you might as well buy a few.

Plus, it’s just a great first rod for rookies. From freshwater to the brand’s  big game and saltwater rods , switch and spey, and a collection of  travel (six-piece!) rods , the Clearwater collection isn’t messing around.

I’m not the only angler who loves the new Clearwater. It won Yellowstone Anglers’ Best Inexpensive Power Rod in its Annual 5-Weight Shootout. I have to second that. This rod can swing.

You can buy the rods on their own, or Orvis sets up a nice package, which I highly recommend for folks just starting out. Also, these are backed by Orvis’ generous 25-year guarantee . If you like to break rods like I do, #worthit.

Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Orvis

Best Budget: WETFLY Nitrolite Tactical Pro Rod Series

The folks at WETFLY aim to make fly fishing an affordable sport, and through that, the brand has created a line that matches functionality to frugality. Its new Nitrolite Tactical Pro Rod Series ($200) is made from multilayer-wrapped carbon fiber to cut weight while retaining strength.

It has a five-star rating on the full Nitrolite package on Amazon. And with high ratings on a ton of WETFLY’s other products, including its previous Nitrogen rod series , I’d expect to see that stay stable.

Available in five 9′ weights from 4-8 and a 3/4-weight 10’5” nymphing rig, it covers a lot of the basics. And that’s just what it intends to do.

Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Wet Fly Fish

Best Midlevel Rod: Fenwick Streamflex & Streamflex Plus

In looking for the best midlevel rod, the Streamflex Plus ($230-285) just kept coming up.

“It’s a great rod for the price point. You get quality material and a bit more power and versatility than the [budget model Fenwick] AETOS ,” Yellowstone Angler guide Chloe Nostrant told us. “Plus, it’s superlight in hand and casts well at most distances.”

And here’s the kicker: Open up the butt of the Streamflex Plus rod, and you’ll find a fifth 6-inch piece to add on should you want to switch over to a nymphing setup . The only problem is that the rod is so well-loved and sold out everywhere. But  Fenwick expects to have this model available by June 1, 2020.

The action across the board is medium-fast, with the High Modulus 3M Powerlux 1000 Carbon Blank material providing a strong yet responsive backbone for accuracy. The Streamflex is available in 14 options, and the Plus has three to choose from.

Check Price at Amazon

Best Tenkara: Tenkara Co. Beartooth

A Kickstarter runaway victory, Tenkara Co. ‘s new Beartooth rod ($200) is tiny . It collapses down to 14 inches from 10 feet — 14 inches, y’all!

If you’re unfamiliar with Tenkara, it’s a Japanese style of fly fishing that tends toward extreme minimalism. But even amidst the pared-down business of it all, you can certainly still catch fish.

All you need to Tenkara is a rod, a line, and a fly. So if you’re looking to shave ounces and still have a fish-catcher in the backcountry, the new Beartooth is worth a try.

This is a brand-new offering in 2020, and the Kickstarter recently finished, so the big reviews aren’t out quite yet.

How to Choose a Fly Rod

Choosing a fly rod really comes down to three components: where you’re fishing, what you’re fishing for, and what flies you’ll be tying to the end of the rod. Rods are broken down mainly into length and weight, but the third component you’ll hear experts talk about is the rod’s action.

What Is Action?

Typically, a rod will be fast, medium, or slow action. This delineates the amount of flexion versus stiffness in the rod. A slow-action rod is more flexible throughout to allow for short, accurate casts. A medium (or moderate) action will be stiffer throughout but still allow for a modicum of flex for accuracy, offering a meeting point between stiffness and agility.

And a fast-action rod has a minute amount of flexion, allowing for a stiff backbone to set against a powerful fish or cut through the wind with speed and power.

The Best Fly Fishing Rods Under $200

From slow-action rods to the perfect nymphing setup, these are the best budget fly rods of 2020. Read more…

Length and Weight

Figuring out the right rod weight for your target fish species is generally pretty simple. The smaller the fish, the lower the weight. And depending on where you’re fishing, a shorter rod might be desirable.

A typical wade-and-walk, small-stream, slow-action rod might be a 7’6″ 3-weight rod. A more compact length and light weight combined is great for casting small flies in a small stream surrounded by brush or trees that can snag your fly on a backcast.

The classic fly rod that most people will have in their setup is a medium-action 9′ 5-weight. Living in Montana, I can’t seem to have too many of these. I can catch little brookies in the high alpine or decent rainbows in bigger water, no problem. The medium action allows for accuracy in tight spots and stiffness with bigger fish on the line .

This also works well for bass, although a lot of people will go a little heavier for these tough-fighting fish. Popular bass rods tend to range from about 5 to 7 weight.

If I asked my pals in Washington what they throw for steelhead, they’d tell me a 9’6″ 7-weight rod is the most versatile. But if they were to be spey casting , they’d go for a 13′ 7- or 8-weight rod. Anglers will go back and forth on whether they want medium-fast action or fast action in a steelhead rod, but the bigger the fish, the more backbone you’ll need.

And, of course, rod weight can go way up in the saltwater world, where fish like tarpon and marlin call for super-stout rods in the 10- to 16-weight range!

Packability

The final thing to consider is packability. If you plan on traveling a ton, you’ll want to look at a four-piece rod or something that can be easily thrown into a pack or carried onto a plane. If you’re planning on fishing close to home, a two-piece can work just fine.

Rods all come in varying lengths and weights. If I were you, I wouldn’t take their designation of freshwater or salt too closely to heart. Most rods are able to perform in multiple scenarios.

And if you learn a bevy of casts beyond the standard — like false casting , roll casting , or slack line casting  — you’ll be able to dial in presentation for any number of setups or weather conditions.

Nicole Qualtieri has been writing about hunting, fishing, and the outdoors for 8 years.

From 2014-2017, Nicole worked for ZPZ Productions. There, she partnered with multiple hunting outlets and personalities on social media and e-commerce, including MeatEater, Randy Newberg, and Remi Warren. She also managed online communications for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers for nearly two years, and she spent six years prior in Corporate sales. Additionally, she served a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in Bridgewater, MA, coordinating volunteers for a therapeutic recreational facility.

Based in Montana, Nicole is an avid hunter and angler. She’s a lifelong horsewoman and animal lover, and she’s recently ventured into the world of bird dogs with her young Boykin Spaniel, Bob.

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The Best Travel Rods Reviewed: Real Performance for Serious Fishermen

Anglers who travel a lot and want to get some fishing in or who need to pack rods in carry-on luggage know that real fishing tackle that meets their needs is in short supply.

Yes, you can opt for some of the products that promise performance - Plussino comes to mind - and you’ll see these rods recommended by sites where the writers probably don’t fish themselves. 

But if you want a real rod that can perform, casting and fighting like the rods you left at home, you’ll need to look carefully.

We’re here to help, and we’ve put together a list of some our favorites, as well as buying guide to get you on the right track.

Quick glance at the best travel fishing rods:

St. Croix Triumph Travel Rod

• Excellent, sensitive blank
• Good guides
• Excellent handles
• Fishes like a premium rod should

Tackle Direct Bass Pro

Fenwick HMG Travel Spinning Rod

Goture Travel Fishing Rod

• Great price for what you get
• Good, sensitive blanks
• Nice handles
• Fishes well

Smuggler 7 Travel Fishing Rod

• Very compact
• Good, sensitive blank
• Interchangeable fiberglass tips

KastKing Blackhawk II

Table of Contents (clickable)

• 1.1 St. Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rod - Best Light/Medium-Light Power Travel Rod
• 1.2 Fenwick HMG Travel Spinning Rod - Best Medium Power Travel Rod
• 1.3 Smuggler 7 Travel Fishing Rod
• 1.4 KastKing Blackhawk II
• 1.5 Goture Travel Fishing Rod - Best Budget Travel Rod
• 2.1 Avoid the toys
• 2.2 Modular probably beats telescopic
• 2.5 Handles
• 3 Final Thoughts

Related: 

• Best Telescopic Fishing Rod
• Best Travel Fly Rod

Best Travel Fishing Rods Reviewed

St. croix triumph travel spinning rod - best light/medium-light power travel rod.

Length: 6’ or 6’ 6” Power/action: light or medium-light/fast Line and lure weight: 6’ (4-8 lbs. 1/16 - 5/16 oz.); 6’ 6” (4-10 lbs. 1/8 - 1/2 oz.) Material: carbon fiber Handle: continuous cork Guides: Sea Guide Atlas Performance SS304 stainless steel guides Pieces: 4

Most anglers already know that St. Croix is a premium rod manufacturer, but you may be new to the sport and have no idea - and there’s nothing wrong with that!

For serious anglers looking for a “real” travel rod that can perform with the best of them, the Triumph is very hard to beat.

Available in two lengths, 6 feet or 6 feet, 6 inches, the shorter rod is light powered while the longer rod is medium-light. Both offer a fast action.

St. Croix has chosen a carbon fiber blank for these rods, and that means fantastic sensitivity. For panfish, trout, perch, flounder, specks, and the like, these rods will perform masterfully, allowing you to feel every bump, nudge, and nibble.

And when the fight does start, you’ll find the backbone of these blanks quickly, about 25% from the tip. And don’t be shy about that medium-light rod: it’s a real beast if you’re working with a good reel and a properly set drag, and you can fight any smallmouth in the world with it, as well as most largemouth.

Both rods wear premium continuous cork handles, though the shorter rod has a shorter handle.

The stainless guides that St. Croix chooses are excellent performers in the real world, especially if you skip braid, which can be abrasive to any guides.

Overall, this four-piece travel rod fishes like a premium two-piece, and that’s saying something.

Fenwick HMG Travel Spinning Rod - Best Medium Power Travel Rod

Length: 7’ Power/action: medium-light or medium/fast Line and lure weight: medium-light (8-17 lbs. 1/4 - 3/4 oz.); medium (10-20 lbs. 3/8 - 1 oz.) Material: graphite Handle: continuous cork Guides: stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts Pieces: 3

Fenwick is another brand that’s built a long-term, dedicated following by producing premium rods, and their HMG travel rod is no exception.

Where the St. Croix dominates on smaller fish, the Fenwick’s heavier power medium rod would be my choice for travel when I’m looking for species like snook, reds, blues, walleye, bass, and anything else that might test a medium-light rod to its limits.

That’s not to knock the medium-light Fenwick but rather to applaud the medium rod.

Capable with mono lines as heavy as 20 pounds, and more than able to launch a 1-ounce lure like a rocket, this is another rarity in travel rods in that it fishes like a premium rod rather than a toy.

Expect a beautiful, continuous cork handle and excellent stainless guides with zirconium inserts.

In a hard fight, you’ll appreciate those well-made guides, and you’ll find the blank’s backbone quickly, just as on the St. Croix. Sensitivity is excellent, too, making this a superb choice for the angler who travels and wants a heavier rod.

Amazon  

Length: 7’ 8” and 8’ 6” Power/action: ??? Line and lure weight: 5-20 g. or 15-40 g. Material: graphite with a fiberglass tip Handle: split EVA fam Guides: stainless steel with silicone inserts Pieces: 7

Smuggler is a British company that’s put together a very portable seven-piece rod. Innovative in many ways, if space is truly at a premium, this is a rod you’ll want to look at.

Offered in two lengths, Smuggler is shy about stating the action and power you can expect, in part because British expectations and terminology differ on this point. But given that the larger rod can cast a 40 gram, or 1.4-ounce lure, I’d guess that it’s in the medium to medium-heavy range, with a fast action given the graphite blank.

The shorter rod can cast a 20 gram, or .7-ounce lure, and I’d make that about medium-light.

In either case, graphite is very sensitive material for a blank, and these rods should allow you to feel even the lightest strikes.

In terms of innovation, they come with interchangeable fiberglass tips that alter the feel as well as the action of the rods, allowing you a bit of customization.

Expect a split EVA foam grip and stainless guides with silicone inserts.

One thing that concerns me is that customers report quality control issues, especially with guide finishing. If you do pick the smuggler, check each guide carefully for polish and finish, and definitely contact the manufacturer if you get a lemon.

• Guide finish quality can be iffy

Length: see chart Power/action: see chart Line and lure weight: see chart Material: Toray 24-Ton Carbon Matrix blank with a fiberglass tip Handle: split EVA foam Guides: ??? Pieces: telescoping

Telescoping travel rods can be a nightmare, and most are made as gimmick offerings for new anglers who don’t know better. That needn’t be the case, and KastKing delivers a real rod that’s capable of actual fishing.

Now, to be fair to its premium competitors, you’re not going to get the sensitivity, backbone, fighting power, or durability of the St. Croix or Fenwick. That’s a simple fact, and I mean no disrespect to KastKing.

By design, a telescoping rod just can’t compete with a segmented rod.

But the carbon fiber blank on the KastKing is sensitive, and guide quality seems to be OK. I personally wouldn’t put much faith in the rods of medium power and above, as the joint construction on a telescoping blank is going to be abused by a hard fight with a big fish. 

Maybe it’ll take it; maybe it won’t - but I wouldn’t bet my fishing trip on it. The segments tend to loosen with casting - but don’t collapse. That’s not confidence-inspiring, because I’m sure that places greater stress on the joints, and with a heavy power rod and big, mean fish on the other end, I wouldn’t count on the rod to survive.

Instead, I’d stick to the lighter end of the powers - medium light and medium - and try not to push this rod too hard.

If that sounds like a serious reservation, that’s because it is. 

Now keep in mind that the Blackhawk II is about 1/3rd the price of the St. Croix and Fenwick, and if you’re just looking for an easy rod to pack and want to hit the water for a few hours, there’s nothing wrong with the product.

But as serious competition for the premium rods on our list, the Blackhawk II isn’t going to make the grade.

• The Segments loosen after casting, and I wouldn’t trust this rod in medium-heavy or heavy actions with big fish and hard fights

Goture Travel Fishing Rod - Best Budget Travel Rod

Length: see chart Power/action: see chart Line and lure weight: see chart Material: carbon fiber Handle: split EVA foam Guides: stainless with ceramic inserts Pieces: 4

For anglers on a budget too tight for the St. Croix or Fenwick, Goture offers a nice travel rod at a reasonable price. Available in powers ranging from ultralight to medium-heavy, and actions that vary from medium, to medium-fast, to fast, these are dependable travel rods that won’t break the bank.

The blank on every rod in this lineup is made from carbon fiber, promising great sensitivity and plenty of backbone. Powers and actions are matched well, and there are some great surprises in this series, like a light rod with a medium action that would be just perfect for small crankbaits.

Expect well-made, split EVA foam handles that provide plenty of territory, even for big hands.

The guides are stainless steel with ceramic inserts and clearly designed more for fresh-water fishing than the salt. They’re small - I’d say a bit undersized for salt - but perfect for enhancing sensitivity for species like bass when using a worm.

One word of caution: the ferrules are meant for a .6” gap, meaning that they should not be tightened down till they touch.

The carbon fiber blanks prove plenty sensitive and strong, and these are really good rods for the money. Anglers on a tighter budget should definitely give these rods a close look.

• Not going to compete head-to-head with premium alternatives like St. Croix and Fenwick

What to Look for in a Good Travel Rod

Avoid the toys.

When angling sites recommend products, there’s a real difference between content farms and those where the researchers and writers are fishermen themselves.

That’s a fact.

And just because a product is popular on Amazon doesn’t make it good.

Many of the telescoping travel rods with awesome reviews are disappointing if you’re more than a once-a-year angler, and you can chalk up the positive responses to people who really don’t fish a lot not using these rods much or knowing what they’re missing out on.

That’s not to insult anyone, and if you just need a rod for a few days a year and space is tight, go ahead: you probably won’t be disappointed.

But if you’re a serious angler and you try one of these out, I promise you, you’ll burn with frustration.

That’s why our list is populated with real rods that are high on performance, especially the St. Croix, Fenwick, and Goture.

Modular probably beats telescopic

On that front, modular rods are almost always better than telescoping designs. 

Being more mechanically simple, there’s much less to go wrong, and as ferrule technology has improved since the 80s, you’re not sacrificing sensitivity much at all by increasing that number to three, four, or even five.

And to be painfully honest, companies like St. Croix and Fenwick have hard-earned reputations that they’re not going to sacrifice by offering underperforming designs.

What this all adds up to in the real world is that modular is usually the way to go.

There are a variety of blank materials on the market, ranging from fiberglass and fiberglass composites to graphite to carbon fiber.

Let’s look at the strengths and weaknesses of each choice:

• Fiberglass and fiberglass composites - are well known for being heavy but very, very durable. They tend to be very flexible as well, but they can be made stiffer through the introduction of carbon fiber or graphite.
• Carbon fiber - is a common blank material, combining light weight with awesome stiffness and sensitivity. Not as durable to hard knocks as fiberglass, it’s still prized for its strength to weight ratio and its reliable backbone for hard fights.
• Graphite - is the lightest and stiffest of the rod materials out there, but it’s also the most fragile. A hard knock against a piling or rail can result in micro-fractures, so blanks made from graphite need some care in handling. But they’re awesomely sensitive and very strong, offering a fantastic performance.

Good guides are essential.

When you have a fish on your line, the stress on the line and rod is transferred through the guides, meaning that they need to be strong. But they also need to be as smooth as they can be, protecting your line from the heat caused by friction. 

If your line gets hot, it will fail!

An easy test of guide quality is to take a length of the line, pass it through the guide, and saw like mad against the guide. Excellent guides will leave your line intact.

Whether you prefer the warm feel of cork or the durability of EVA foam, look for handles that are long enough to give you a two-handed grip and really put some muscle into a fight.

That’s a tall order on a travel rod, but the best ones deliver just that.

Final Thoughts

Good travel rods are in short supply, and if you’re a serious angler, it can be a frustratingly difficult task to find one that fishes well.

What we can promise is that if you pick one of the rods we recommend, you’ll be more than happy with your purchase. The St. Croix , Fenwick , and Goture rods fall at different price points and quality levels, and the premium rods are definitely better choices if you can afford them, but all three of these products are real tackle designed for real-world fishermen.

We can’t tell you which one is best for you - only you can do that - but we can guarantee that these three will put a smile on your face.

As always, we’d love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below.

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6 Best Fishing Rod Travel Cases for Airline Travel & More

The easiest way to carry multiple fishing rods is with a fishing rod travel case..

Whether you need to pack five spinning rods and fly fishing rods for a weekend full of fishing , or just need a simple way to carry two rods out to the pond, consider a fishing rod travel case. Since carrying them by hand will no longer be a burden, your hands will be free to carry other bags full of fishing or essentials.

We rounded up six fishing rod travel cases to hold a different number of fishing rods, including fishing gear. See which fishing rod case works best for your needs. These bags are durable, budget-friendly, spacious, and even make great gifts for any time of the year.

Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Spaces are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 

Also Consider

We previously rounded up top-rated fishing vests  and fishing backpacks to hold your fishing gear. These fishing vests have lots of storage pockets, perfect for the angler that likes to keep their tools and gear on their person. Even better, some of the vests double as life jackets. You can never be too safe.

As for the fishing backpacks, these fishing bags have storage for tackle boxes, light systems, and even rod holders. We rounded up our top six options, so see which one you won't fish without.

Since you'll also need to carry your rods, we're also a fan of these fishing rod travel cases. They keep fishing rods packed securely and keep them from getting super dirty.

Best Fishing Rod Travel Cases

1. allen company cottonwood fly fishing rod & gear bag case, best for 4 fishing rods.

Allen Company Cottonwood Fly Fishing Rod & Gear Bag Case - Amazon (Price Varies) 

If you have four rods (4-piece 9.5-inch rods), then this is the best rod case organizer for you. There are eight adjustable dividers for rods, reels, and gear. There are also zippered pockets that are see-through for easy access.

Related Content

No really, that's a pocket fishing rod disguised as a pen, the best fishing rod holders for boats, storage, travel, and more, organize your rod collection with a fishing rod rack.

As for comfort, the padded carry handle makes the bestselling 4-piece rod holder comfortable to carry on your shoulder.

The outer dimensions are 31.5'' x 9.5'' x 6 inches. Main compartment inner dimensions are 30.5'' x 8.75'' x 3.75 inches.

2. Bass Pro Shops Double Travel Rod Case

Best for 2 rods.

Bass Pro Shops Double Travel Rod Case - Bass Pro Shops, $49.99 

We picked this $50 double rod case bag for many reasons. It's water-repellent, UV-resistant, and can hold a pair of 2-piece, 7-foot spinning, casting, or fly rods.

The PVC tube lined with nylon protects rod sections, and there are two removable dividers (so you can configure the storage space to your liking).

Use the additional storage space for reels, phones, a camera, GPS unit, and tackle.

3. Plano Airliner Telescoping Rod Case

Best for 8 rods.

Plano Airliner Telescoping Rod Case - Amazon. $65.99 

This fishing rod tube is basically the iFly luggage of fishing pole cases. The case extends to 88 inches and collapses to 47 inches in length for easy storage. It can carry up to eight 7-foot rods.

The three-tier design is truly top-tier. Here's a five-star review: " It is huge. But it collapses to cover all my needs. Solid even completely extended. I bought it for a trip to Alaska and will keep rods in it in my Bronco because of trail conditions. Great investment and I feel like I got over once. Great value. It far exceeded my expectations.I have 2-10 foot two piece rods in mine, and its not all the way telescoped out ."

4. Fishing Rod Bag Pole Holder Fishing Rod Carrier Case

Best for 5 poles.

Fishing Rod Bag Pole Holder - Amazon, $22.99 

This isn't a carry case to necessarily keep your fishing poles protected. It's not our best pick for rod storage, but it'll make a great carry bag as you venture down to the pond or lake.

The bag will hold up to five rods and reels on the outside. The shoulder strap is durable, so you don't have to worry about it ripping. The fishing rod bag has a large capacity, perfect for more fishing gear like a fishing chair, fishing tackle, and more.

The pole bag material is waterproof and abrasion-resistant. It's under $23, making it an affordable purchase for your next fishing trip.

5. fishpond Dakota Carry-On Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Travel Case

Best for multiple rods (and airline travel).

fishpond Dakota Carry-On Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Travel Case - Amazon, $189.95

Our first thought about this case is that it would make a fantastic holiday present. The bag is nearly $200, but it's stylish and heavy-duty.

There's a padded compartment with a protective lid that holds up to four rods in their rod socks (depending on length). You can remove the interior dividers if needed. The bottom is waterproof, perfect for airline travel. The dimensions are 35 x 13 x 6 inches.

A five-star review said: " This exact model was recommended to me. I bought it for a trip to Central America carrrying 4 rods and 3 reels, plus fly boxes. Plenty of space, and adjustable. Fits in airplane overhead compartment easily enough ."

6. Booms Fishing PB1 Fishing Rod Case

Best for 1 or 2 poles.

Booms Fishing PB1 Fishing Rod Case - Amazon, $26.99 

This $27 fishing rod carrying case is lightweight and perfect for organizing two poles with two fishing reels. The dimensions are 4.6 feet wide by 55 inches in length. It's easy to carry, thanks to the adjustable and anti-slip shoulder straps. This will help free up both hands for your next fishing trip.

READ MORE: 5 OF THE BEST WATERPROOF AND WATER-RESISTANT BACKPACKS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

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Pocketwater Glass Fly Rods

With their full-flex, easy-loading slow action, our Pocketwater glass fly rods will bring you back to the roots of fly fishing. They're perfect for short, delicate presentations, roll casting and protecting very light tippet.

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Why Every Angler Needs an Ultralight Fishing Rod

Jason sealock.

• Aug 14, 2024

The product recommendations on our site are independently chosen by our editors. When you click through our links, we may earn a commission. 

Some anglers will scoff at the notion of using ultralight fishing gear. Likewise, I’m not here to convert die hard bass anglers into something else. I’m hopefully viewed more as an advocate for helping folks enjoy fishing more and for helping spread the fun of fishing to other folks, especially young folks. It’s hard to argue that one of the easiest ways to do that is with an ultralight rod and reel combo. I won’t go too far into the weeds on which rods and reels you should pick as we have covered best ultralight rods , best ultralight reels and best travel rods in great detail already. So I will focus mostly on the why an ultralight rod is great to always have on the ready.

I think it boils down to several key points as to why an ultralight rod is a good addition to have in the boat, on the kayak or in the truck. They are usually affordable, simple and quick to get a bait in the water. All of these things can lead to a lot of fishing enjoyment in your travels and days off.

And, I’ve also had a bunch of cases where an ultralight rod really saved the day on fishing trips to new bodies of water and on days when I intended to do one thing but when I got on the water, I found something else going on that I was unprepared for and the ultralight rod was the perfect tool.

If you’re still on the fence, let’s run down some key points on why an ultralight rod is a great fishing tool to have at your disposal at all times.

CHEAP WAY TO A BETTER FIGHT

You can spend a lot on a ultralight combo. I have a few myself. But day in and day out I’m using a $25 reel and a $25 rod. And for that money, I’ve had a ton of fun memories. I’ve caught big bass, nice crappie, big shellcrackers, nice trout, a bunch of giant bluegill, some big catfish, a few nice white bass, some sauger and some other fish I’m probably forgetting.

The nice thing about it ultralight fishing is you can make it very inexpensive and then it’s all about you playing down a fish when the fight ensues. If you’re going to spend money on an ultralight rod and reel combo, put the money into the reel so that you get a little better drag. I’ve used some good reels but for the money, the Piscifun Viper X can be had on Amazon for around $29. I’ve caught it on sale a bunch of times for $25. The Handing M1 is also available on Amazon for $22 and is pretty good, although the Piscifun has a bit better drag.

Rods there are some good rods between $30-$50. If you catch them on sale, you will get down in the $25 range. I like the Handing rods, B’n’M rods, and a few JDM rods that are bit pricey. But day in and day out. I’m using a Handing Magic L Ultralight and a Piscifun Viper X to do most of my damage on panfish, trout and bass with an ultralight setup.

The fight is just too much fun with these setups. I’ve caught shellcrackers over 2 pounds, crappie over 2 pounds, smallmouth bass over 4 pounds, catfish over 7 pounds, white bass over 3 pounds. So even with 2-4 pound line, you can handle fish with these setups. You just have to be patient, use your drag and play the fish down first. And that makes it a lot of fun.

GREAT FOR GETTING PRESSURED FISH TO BITE

The best part of an ultralight fishing combo is that it can actually save a fishing day when the fish are in a negative mood or they are pressured with more power baits. I’ve caught a bunch of nice fish on small jigs, small topwaters and small buggy baits fished on an ultralight when they wouldn’t hit anything else.

I grew up fishing creeks in Arkansas and spent a lot of time landing nice smallmouth on 2 to 4-pound line with 1/16 and 1/8 ounce jigs and baits. Ultra clear water, very specific precision casts in and around cover with current. That taught me a lot about being adept with light line and catching fish I see that others couldn’t get to bite.

It’s worth your time to hone your skills with an ultralight rod. The numbers of fish you catch will impress the hardest of power fishermen.

WILL LET YOU DO MORE THAN MOST OTHER RODS

One of the nice things about an ultralight setup is that it can do a lot more than most rods. It can get a bait in tight quarters from a distance. It can often throw down-sized versions of your favorite baits a lot better than you throw your standard version on your standard gear.

Another key point is that they are usually 2-piece rods that are packable. Because of this, I have one in my vehicle at all times. And when it’s broken down, it stays strapped to my sling pack so I can grab and go anywhere anytime on my travels. Its portability makes it a lot more functional than most fishing combos.

MOST NEW ANGLERS JUST WANT CONSISTENT ACTION

When you are introducing people to fishing, an ultralight is a great way to go. A small bait that just gets bit on light line and letting them hear that drag sing while they fight a hard-pulling fish is what makes memories. For most people starting out, catching lots of fish will keep them engaged and coming back. Then as they start getting better quality they will get the bug. And that one big fish on an ultralight has been some of my fondest memories over the years.

ELEPHANTS EAT PEANUTS

It is worth mentioning that sometimes bigger fish are keyed in on smaller bait. So there are times when you need to throw a much smaller bait that can sometimes be difficult on conventional tackle. We see it a lot in the summer when the shad are very small and the bass are busting tiny shad out over open water. Same with fish on docks. They can sometimes be keyed into very small baits. Yes you sometimes want a stiffer rod to work a fish away from potential snags. There are also times when you want to throw something very small a very long ways, and an ultralight fishing combo is the best way to do that.

BYCATCH BOUNTY

Probably my number one reason to urge anglers to get an ultralight rod is how many times I’ve been out fishing for bass or something else and stumbled onto something and wished I had a small rod and small jig rigged up. I’ve had so many times where I found a big shell cracker bed, a big, a bunch of crappie out suspended in open clear water that I had to stay way off of. A fish in uber shallow clear water that I wanted to land a tiny little light bait on to get the bite. Whatever you encounter when fishing, having a jack-of-all-trades ultralight rod handy can make for a super fun sideline tangent to your planned fishing.

Whether it’s catching fish easily, catching tough pressured fish, being ready for unplanned encounters or just wanting to enjoy a fight on light gear, an ultralight fishing combo can really be one of your favorite fishing setups if you’ll pick it up and use it.

Currently working as Senior Advisor to Wired2fish. Former COO and Publisher, Jason Sealock came to Wired2fish shortly after inception in January of 2010. Prior to that he was the Editor-in-Chief of FLW Outdoors Magazines. He worked up from Associate Editor to Photo Editor and finally Editor in Chief of three magazines FLW Bass, FLW Walleye and FLW Saltwater. He set the content direction for Wired2fish while also working directly with programmers, consultants and industry partners. Sealock has been an avid angler for the better part of 40 years and has been writing and shooting fishing and outdoors content for more than 25 years. He is an expert with fishing electronics and technologies and an accomplished angler, photographer, writer and editor. He has taught a lot of people to find fish with their electronics and has been instrumental in teaching these technologies to the masses. He's also the industry authority on new fishing tackle and has personally reviewed more than 10,000 products in his tenure. He has a 30-year background in information technologies and was a certified engineer for a time in Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, and HP. He mostly fishes for bass and panfish around the house. He has, however, caught fish in 42 of the 50 states in the US as well as Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada and hopes to soon add Finland, Japan, Africa and Australia to his list.

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West Coast Rail-Rod Techniques to Catch Huge Tuna

• By Jim Hendricks
• August 15, 2024

My first experience with rail-rod fishing occurred far from its origins. The technique was born in the tropics of Mexico, where West Coast long-range sport-fishing boats have used it for decades to beat big, tough yellowfin tuna. 

Yet I was indoctrinated aboard my 21-foot center-console by Ben Secrest and Doug Nilson, both from Accurate Fishing, just 15 miles off Dana Point, California, in 2015.

On this midsummer day, we found school upon school of 100-pound-class bluefin tuna tearing up little baitfish, and it did not take long for Nilson to hook one using a small metal jig he cast into the middle of a feeding frenzy. What happened next truly impressed upon me the remarkable effectiveness of rail-rod fishing.

As the fish began its circling vertical battle, Nilson moved forward on the upwind side of the boat, laid the rod foregrip on the bow rail and, while crouched on one knee, went to work.

Meanwhile, I started to prep my GoPro and SLR camera to chronicle the battle, but before I could get things ready, Nilson called for the gaff—two gaffs, in fact. The fish was nearly boatside. He had beat the 100-pound bluefin in under 10 minutes. Secrest and I sunk the gaffs and hauled it aboard.

I have since used and seen rail-rod techniques utilized on even bigger bluefins up to 250 pounds—and the effectiveness always astounds me. 

Rail-rod techniques were forged in the heat of battle aboard the vaunted long-range boats based in San Diego—big passenger sport-fishing vessels such as Royal Polaris , Royal Star , Excel , American Angler and others during extended multiday trips down the coast of Baja and beyond. 

Big yellowfin tuna represent the primary quarry on many trips aboard these boats that possess relatively high rails and no fighting chairs. Long-range boats often fish on anchor for big tuna, which can require that an angler quickly follow a fish around the boat and over or under the anchor line while dodging fellow anglers. This is difficult while strapped into a fighting harness, but anglers still used harnesses with big reels like 50-wides for many years. 

Braid Revolution

Things changed, however, with the advent of braided line, which enabled higher line capacities and, as a result, allowed the use of smaller reels on par with a Shimano Talica 25 two-speed and comparatively lighter rods for big tuna. Harnesses and even rod belts became irrelevant as long-range anglers instead switched to laying the rod on the rail to battle big tuna. The lighter ­tackle and eschewing a harness also granted anglers greater agility when following a fish around the boat. 

As a result, a long-range boat’s tall rail, rather than being viewed as an impediment, has become a tuna angler’s best friend. Crewmembers encourage their long-range fishermen to lay the rod foregrip on the rail. This might go without saying, but rail-rod techniques work only with conventional tackle in which the guides and line run above the rod. Spinning gear is not compatible.

Gaining Leverage

The rail-rod technique can vary slightly depending on the size of the fish, the power of the rod, and the rail height and configuration. Accurate’s Secrest developed his rail-rod techniques while fishing for cow (over 200-pound) yellowfin tuna on boats out of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and has learned as much over the years from the fish he has landed, as well as those that were lost, he says. 

“The whole idea centers around using the rail as a fulcrum, which turns the rod into a powerful lever,” Secrest explains. This also takes strain off the angler’s arms and back while exerting maximum pressure on fish. But fighting a tuna on the rail still requires major energy, as well as the need to pay close attention to the fish’s behavior, Secrest advises. 

“Every fish acts a little differently, so you have to be ready to lift the rod up and follow the fish or change your location,” he says. “For example, if you are fighting the fish in the bow, you probably will eventually need to move to the stern area when the fish is ready to gaff.”

Arms, Hands and Butt

Since the foregrip is on the rail and under tremendous pressure, anglers sometimes can’t hold on there. So, rod and grip positions vary from traditional big-game techniques. On a passenger boat, if you are right-handed, place the rod butt under your left armpit. Put your left hand over the top of the reel (rather than on the rod foregrip) and use your right hand to hold and turn the reel handle. For lefties, do the opposite. 

“I sometimes use my left hand to support and stabilize the reel,” says Capt. Brandon Nelson, who hosts charter guests aboard his Yellowfin 32, Lucky B , in pursuit of bluefin tuna and other species off the coast of Southern California. “When fighting a tuna on the rail, you want to semi-crouch with the rod butt under your arm to lift the rod, then stand up and crank line,” Nelson says.

Secrest describes it a bit differently. “Put weight on your ass to pull back on the line and put a bend in the rod,” he explains. “Then stand and wind line onto the reel and repeat. 

“You might gain only 2 or 3 inches of line at a time, but the point is to keep the pressure on the fish,” he adds. “You will learn over time how much pressure you can apply as it circles to the outside and how much line you can gain as it makes its inside turn.”  

Both Nelson and Secrest agree that keeping a deep bend in the rod is critical to beating a big tuna as quickly as possible on the rail. “Don’t point the rod at the fish,” Secrest advises. “Remember that the rod catches the fish, the reel gathers line. So, you want a rod with some bend and need to keep it bent to maintain pressure.”

One of Secrest’s favorite rods for tuna is the 7-foot Accurate Valiant BV-70XXXH model. He matches this to an Accurate ATD Platinum 30T, an open-top reel he loads with 100-pound-test braid for tuna. “Reels like this are easier to handle than big 50s while fighting a fish on the rail,” he points out. “I have caught bluefin over 300 pounds with this gear.”

A Shimano pro staffer, Nelson likes to use a Shimano Talico 25 two-speed, and he removes the harness lugs atop the reel to facilitate the rail-rod technique. Loaded with 100-pound-test braid, the open-top design of the reel also allows Nelson to apply a little extra drag pressure with his hand on the spool when necessary. He matches the reel with a G.Loomis 9080 Pro Offshore 7½-foot XXH rod, with which he has caught bluefin up to 305 pounds. 

Another key feature of a rail rod is an extra-thick and long neoprene foregrip to cushion the rod on the rail while battling a fish. The Shimano Terez 72XXH 7-foot-2-inch rail rod, for example, features a thick foregrip that extends forward from the reel nearly 20 inches. 

Read Next: Choosing a Slow-Pitch Jigging Rod

Rail Height

The height of the boat rail represents a major factor in rail-rod fishing. On West Coast passenger fishing boats, this dimension is fairly consistent at about 40 inches high around amidships and the aft cockpit. As a result, it is the de facto standard height for most rail-rod fishing.

On private boats, however, rail heights vary considerably, not only from bow to stern, but also from boat to boat. In the opening scenario aboard my 21-foot boat, for example, the bow rail was so low that Accurate’s Nelson needed to kneel down to use it as a fulcrum point, which is not very comfortable. 

To help raise the fulcrum point, Nelson has used a trident in the rod holders of his Yellowfin 32, which has worked well for his charter guests over the years. However, a system used to raise the fulcrum point emerged a couple of years ago. A new device known as the RAP—Rail Assist Pipe—is gaining popularity among tuna anglers, according to company owner Joe Russo. It is happening on the West Coast, as well as the East and Gulf coasts, he says.

“The RAP consists of a high-strength stainless-steel pipe with a gimbal base that drops into a gunwale rod holder and locks into the cross pin at the bottom,” Russo says. “At the top of the pipe is a U-shaped cradle that holds the rod and swivels to help ­follow a tuna as it circles below.”

The pipes are available in models to fit 30-, 15- and zero-­degree angled rod holders that are 10 inches deep. Each is offered in three heights—the standard model extends 15 to 16 inches above the gunwale, the Tall Boy adds 21 inches of height, and the new Stubby provides 10 or 12 inches of elevation. The different heights accommodate different gunwale heights, as well as the varying statures of anglers.

“The RAP system is also great for boat owners who don’t want to drag the rod across the rail cap and damage the finish,” Russo has discovered. “There also are some anglers who use spinning gear with the RAP system because it keeps the line from getting pinched under the rod.”      

IGFA Controversy

Just in case you’re thinking of pursuing an IGFA record, keep in mind that using rail-rod techniques will disqualify a potential record under the organization’s rules. Some big-game purists might raise an eyebrow at the mention of rail-rod techniques. 

At the same time, other anglers question the elitist point of view, given that the use of a fighting chair with a deck hand pivoting the chair to follow a fish is allowed in the IGFA rule book. Perhaps the organization will consider changing its rules with regard to rail-rod techniques in years to come.

In the meantime, rail-rod techniques are gaining acceptance among anglers from coast to coast to coast. And rightly so, as few fish-battling methods have proven as effective when it comes to beating big tuna quicker and with less effort.  

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Summer Camp for Grown-Ups: Flyfishing 102 brings more zen

C LEVELAND, Ohio – After learning to cast a fly on dry land , I went to the water to catch fish. Instructor Mike Kainec of Chagrin River Outfitters chose an inland lake for my debut because lakes are easier for an aspiring flyfishing person. Moving streams and rivers add an extra depth of challenge.

This is part of a summer-long series from cleveland.com designed to introduce Clevelanders to fun, new activities. Follow Summer Camp for Grown-Ups at this link .

For the original assignment — I tried Flyfishing 101 — I learned about equipment and casting. I liked it so much that I followed up with Flyfishing 102, actually getting on a lake and plucking small panfish from the water.

The day before Summer Solstice, we started at 8 a.m. That’s late on the second-longest day of the year. In summer, fishermen usually get on the water at sunrise to avoid heat. That cloudless June morning temperatures were already climbing toward 90 F. Think sunscreen.

It’s good that I arrived 15 minutes before Kainec, because I’d forgotten to purchase my fishing license. I resolved my oversite by logging into ODNR Division of Wildlife License Sales using my mobile phone.

As an adult Ohio resident I paid $25 for a one-year license and downloaded my permit.

While I finished the digital “paperwork,” Kainec dropped his green raft – a sophisticated Outcast PAC1400 – at the boat ramp. He loaded equipment, including a box of flies that he’d tied himself.

Then, we tracked the perimeter of the 50-acre lake for nearly four hours. It was too bright to see my phone screen, so I ignored it and got lost in time and space.

Gas-powered motors are forbidden, so my guide rowed to move the boat and to prevent drifting into the shoreline.

My “job” for the morning was to stand in the thigh bars, cast the fuzzy popper fly and catch fish. Like many area lakes this was full of panfish like bluegill and sunfish as well as bass and trout.

This was the first time I’d seen thigh bars in a boat. I was worried I wouldn’t comfortably fit into them, especially because I’m short and they were more like “hip hooks” for me. Using them, I stood the entire morning without falling into the lake.

Polarized sunglasses are essential to see into the water. Wearing them, I could spot underwater structure, fish nesting holes and fish themselves. That’s important because fish tend to hang out/hide out near structure such as trees and rocks as well as nesting holes.

I started with a nine-foot, five-weight Orvis Helios rod and at some point, traded for the four-weight version.

“Weight” rating is chosen based on the fish size targeted. The five-weight was more appropriate for small bass, while the four-weight was better for small bluegill and sunfish.

The Orvis Helios retails for $1,198 at Chagrin River Outfitters, 100 North Main St., Chagrin Falls. No wonder I loved this luxury rod. Beginner setups can be purchased for about $200.

My first step was to cast beautiful arcs through the air, strip (or pull) the line toward me and hope fish would bite the fake fly.

The first hour I clumsily knit together the casting steps in pursuit of perfection. I learned to use only my elbow for movement and keep the rod tip close to the water after casting.

The second hour, as the fish started hitting, I couldn’t “set the hook” and the fish swam away. I kept practicing the swift, hard jerk required for a good hook set. At five-foot-tall that felt more challenging than it looks. As a novice, I lost more fish than I caught.

But catch fish, I did. I caught about a dozen small bluegill and sunfish and released them. The bass outsmarted me.

Somewhere into the second and third hours, as I worked through the steps, I “got” it. The Zen of Flyfishing. At least beginner Zen.

It’s different from spin fishing. There’s a rhythm, a dance. It’s hard to explain but once in the zone I wanted to stay in the zone. I was one with the equipment. And nature. It was almost more important to strive for a perfect, targeted cast than it was to catch fish.

Many hours later, asleep in my bed I was sleep-fishing. I woke up twitching as I tried to set the hook in an imaginary bass.

I met my goal: To understand at a visceral level what others get from the sport and why it can be so obsessive. Watch my IG account @pariswolfe for future flyfishing experiences.

Those who want to try flyfishing can pay $75 for a group lesson from a Chagrin River Outfitters’ instructor. Follow the shop and instructors on IG at @chagrin_river_outfitters , @ mikethatflyguy and @steelhead_junky.

I have deliberately not revealed the lake’s location at the request of Kainec.

“It’s just a thing that fishermen do, especially if it’s something that will draw a lot of attention to a lake or river, just something we do to keep the fishing good,” he said.

Being trusted with the secret makes me feel like an insider.

Send dining, drinking and culture story ideas to Paris Wolfe at [email protected] . Review her previous stories here. Follow Paris Wolfe on Instagram @pariswolfe.

©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit cleveland.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Taganrog city, Russia

The city of Rostov oblast .

Taganrog - Overview

Taganrog is a city in Russia, the second largest city of the Rostov region. It is located on the northern shore of the Taganrog Bay (the Azov Sea), about 50 km from the mouth of the Don River and the border with Ukraine, 1,144 km south of Moscow, 77 km west of Rostov-on-Don (the capital of the region).

The population of Taganrog is about 245,600 (2022), the area - 95 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 8634, the postal codes - 347900-347942.

Taganrog city flag

Taganrog city coat of arms.

Taganrog city map, Russia

History of taganrog.

In the 7th-6th centuries B.C., according to archaeological research, there was a Greek settlement on the territory of present Taganrog. Today, there are no remains of this settlement. It was founded in the second half of the 7th century B.C. and destroyed in the second half of the 6th century B.C., probably by nomadic Scythians.

Taganrog was first mentioned in written sources in 1698. It was founded after the capture of Azov by Peter’s I order as a fortress and harbor for the Russian Navy. Taganrog became the first Russian naval base and seaport on the open coast. It was also the first Russian town built on a regular plan.

The fortress was originally called Troyetsk, then Troitsk and finally Taganrog. Peter I even intended to transfer the capital of the country to Taganrog. But Russia lost the war against Turkey and it determined the fate of the town.

More Historical Facts…

Under the terms of the peace treaty, Russia was to destroy the harbor and the town itself. By February 1712, these works were completed. In 1769, during another Russian-Turkish war, the restoration of Taganrog began by Catherine’s the Great order.

Taganrog lost its military importance after the founding of Sevastopol in 1783. The town turned into the largest trade port in the Russian Empire.

In 1820, A.S.Pushkin stayed in Taganrog during his trip to the Caucasus. He spent the night in the house of P.A.Papkov, the mayor of the town. In 1825, the Emperor Alexander I died in this house (corner of Grecheskaya Street, 40 and Dvortsovy (Nekrasovsky) Avenue). Later, the memorial museum of the Emperor Alexander I was opened in the house.

In May 1855, during the Crimean War of 1853-1856, the English-French squadron entered the Sea of Azov, trying to deprive the Russian army in the Crimea its rear bases. The squadron bombarded Taganrog and tried to make a landing. The gunboat “Jasper” was destroyed by Cossacks during the landing operation near Taganrog. In August, the squadron stopped unsuccessful attempts and left the Sea of Azov.

Fertile agricultural regions located close to the town contributed to its development. Taganrog became an important center for the wheat and flax trade. In 1869, the railroad connected the town with Kharkov and Rostov-on-Don.

In the 19th century, Taganrog continued to be a major center of trade. Today, there are several houses of Italian and Greek merchants that retained since that time. At the end of the 19th century, the local industry began to develop quickly; metallurgical, boiler and machine-building plants were constructed. In 1908, the first power station was built.

In 1918-1920, during the Russian Civil War, the General Headquarters of Denikin (the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian South) was located in Taganrog. Since 1937, the city is part of the Rostov region. Taganrog was occupied by the Germans for almost two years during World War II. After the war, the local economy recovered rapidly.

Taganrog views

Taganrog - the view from above

Author: Egor Selyanko

On the seafront in Taganrog

Author: Ann Genergart

Taganrog street view

Author: Andrey Kholyavkin

Taganrog - Features

Taganrog is a seaside city located in the south-west of the Rostov region. The climate is relatively dry, temperate continental. The average temperature in December - minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 24.6 degrees Celsius.

The city got its name from Taganiy Rog Cape on which it is located. It is a large industrial, scientific, cultural, and historical center, one of the largest seaports in the south of Russia.

The largest enterprise of the city is Taganrog metallurgical plant: steel production, steel pipes for the oil and gas industry. Mechanical engineering is well developed in the city: boiler equipment for power stations, forge and press equipment, harvesters. Also there are military, chemical, light and food industry plants.

Public transport is presented by trams, trolleybuses, buses, and minibuses. Railway connects Taganrog with Rostov-on-Don, the cities and towns of the Donetsk region (Ukraine). The highway Rostov-on-Don - Mariupol (Ukraine) passes through the city.

Taganrog gave Russia and the world a lot of outstanding people: A.P.Chekhov (his 150th anniversary was celebrated in 2010), F.G.Ranevskaya, K.A.Savitsky, A.K.Kuindzhi, K.G.Paustovsky, I.D.Vasilenko, A.A.Durov, Ye.V.Obraztsova, M.I.Tanich.

Attractions of Taganrog

Passenger ships and yachts carry out walks in the Azov and Black Seas, the Don River. The following river cruises are available: Moscow-Taganrog-Moscow, Samara-Taganrog-Samara, Moscow-Taganrog-Yeisk-Moscow. The city has a yacht club, boat stations, piers.

Taganrog stone stairs (Depaldo Stone Steps), connecting Grecheskaya street with Pushkinskaya Embankment, is one of the main attractions of the city (the length - 108 m, the width - 6.5 m). Park of Culture and Rest named after Gorky (Petrovskaya Street, 104) is the main resting place after the sea, a park for a family holiday.

• Taganrog Local History Museum (Frunze Street, 41),
• Taganrog Museum of Art (Aleksandrovskaya Street, 54),
• Museum of Urbanism (Frunze Street, 80),
• Literary Museum of Anton Chekhov (Oktyabrskaya Street, 9),
• Museum “House of Anton Chekhov” (Chekhova Street, 69),
• Museum “Chekhov’s Shop” (Aleksandrovskaya Street, 100),
• Taganrog Military Museum (Lesnaya Birzha Street, 20b),
• House-Museum of I.D.Vasilenko (Chekhova Street, 88),
• House-Museum of A.A.Durov (Glushko Lane, 44),
• Gallery “Piter” (Chekhova Street, 2),
• House of Tchaikovsky (Grecheskaya Street, 56),
• Taganrog Museum of Aviation Technology (Tsiolkovsky Street, 42).

Theaters and other cultural institutions

• Drama Theater named after Chekhov (Petrovskaya Street, 90),
• Youth Theater named after N. Malygina (Petrovskaya Street, 89),
• Theater “SaD” (Petrovskaya Street, 104),
• Taganrog Circus (Chekhova Street, 100).

Taganrog city of Russia photos

Pictures of taganrog.

Taganrog architecture

Author: A.Levushkin

Egyptian Pyramid Sculpture in Taganrog

Author: Pavel M. Vasiliev

Taganrog seaport

Author: Alena Amplieva

Taganrog places

Taganrog railway station

Author: Sergey Kholodilnikov

Taganrog university

Author: Max Ivanuk

Taganrog water park

Sights of Taganrog

Chekhov's House in Taganrog

Ranevskaya monument in Taganrog

Peter I monument in Taganrog

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This port city on the Taganrogsky Bay of the Sea of Azov can trace its history centuries back to the days when it was an ancient Greek outpost, even being mentioned by the historian Herodotus. However the modern city named Taganrog can be given a specific date of foundation - 12 September 1698. On this day Peter the Great decreed the creation of a naval base for the Azov Flotilla of the Black Sea Fleet. The emphasis of the port later shifted from a military to commercial function, especially in terms of the export of Russian grain.

In 1825 Emperor Alexander I was at his summer residence in Taganrog when he unexpectedly died. His sudden death and the resulting confusion about his successor led to the failed revolution of the Decembrists. On a happier note though, the city is even more famous for being the birthplace of perhaps Russia’s most famous playwright and short story writer - Anton Chekhov - and the house where he was born has survived and is now a museum.

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