When it comes to finding the best hiking fishing rod, you want to make sure that you are choosing a quality product that will help you make the most of your fishing experience. In this blog post, we will review some of the top-rated hiking fishing rods on the market and help you figure out which one is right for you. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fisherman, there is sure to be a hiking fishing rod on our list that fits your needs. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Best Hiking Fishing Rods
1# Goture Travel Fishing Rod with Case
Looking for a great fishing rod to take on your next trip? Look no further than GOTURE Xceed Travel Fishing Rods! These rods are built with precision and quality in mind, and feature four-piece carbon fiber blanks, stainless steel guides, high-quality ABS reel seats, and EVA split grips. Plus, the hard carry case ensures your rod stays in good condition while you’re on the go. So don’t miss out – order your GOTURE Xceed Travel Fishing Rod today!
Pros
- Carbon fiber blanks for strength and sensitivity
- Stainless steel guides
- High-quality ABS reel seats
- EVA split grips
- Hard carry case included
- Portable
- Durable
Cons
- Lack of color options
- Ferrules could be smoother
2# Fiblink 4 Pieces Travel Spinning Rod
Ready to hit the open water? Make sure you’re packing Fiblink’s 4-Piece Travel Spinning Rod! This lightweight and portable rod is perfect for backpacking trips, and its fast tip allows you to work any bait well when you hook up on a fish. The durable, strong, and lightweight guides with stainless steel frames and ceramic inserts make for a smooth casting experience, while the graphite construction ensures that you’ll feel every nibble. So pack up your Fiblink 4-Piece Travel Spinning Rod and get ready to reel in some big ones!
Pros
- Light-weight with tremendous overall strength
- The fast tip allows you to work any bait well when you hook up on a fish
- Durable, strong, and lightweight guides with stainless steel frames and ceramic inserts
- Enhanced sensitivity of graphite; Powerful, versatile, and flexible
Cons
- Fiblink 4 Pieces Travel Spinning Rod is not good for heavy-duty fishing
3# Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
The Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager spinning travel kit is the perfect choice for anglers who want a light-action combo that can tackle trout, panfish, bass, catfish, and walleye. This compact kit includes a 6-foot fishing rod, 20-size spinning reel, small tackle box, and padded travel and storage case. Whether you’re keeping it under your vehicle seat or in your backpack, the Voyager combo is always protected and organized.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Perfect for beginners
- All components are protected and organized
- Tacklebox includes a variety of fishing lures
Cons
- It can be easy to lose small parts
4# EOW Travel Casting/Spinning Fishing Rod
This EOW Travel Casting/Spinning Fishing Rod is perfect for those who love fishing but don’t want to lug around a heavy rod. It’s made with meticulous attention to detail and features high-quality ceramic guides that make casting and reeling in your catch a breeze. Plus, the free case ensures your rod stays safe and protected while you’re on the go.
Introducing EOW’s Travel Fishing Rod – perfect for fishing enthusiasts who love to travel! This high-quality, four-piece rod is made of durable materials and features reinforced reel seats and ferrule gap construction. It’s also lightweight and easy to transport, making it the perfect choice for anglers on the go.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Superior sensitivity for detecting bites
- Smooth actions for casting and retrieving
Cons
- May not be as durable as heavier rods
- Guides may not be as effective in stopping line sticking
5# KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rod
Looking for an easy-to-pack, easy-to-store telescopic fishing rod? Look no further than KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rod. These expertly crafted rods are perfect for active anglers who want the best value in telescopic fishing rods today. Made with a graphite composite blank, each rod is light, sensitive, and durable – perfect for any fishing outing. So don’t wait – get your hands on a KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rod and Combo today!
KastKing is proud to introduce the Compass telescopic rods. These amazing rods are designed with a split rear handle that helps reduce weight and allows for perfect balance. The KastKing Compass Telescopic travel combo is perfect for your next fishing trip. You’ll appreciate the high-quality construction of these rods, including graphite spinning and casting reel seats and stainless steel guides frames with Titanium Oxide ceramic rings. They’re perfect for mono, fluorocarbon, or braided lines. Go ahead and take your next fishing adventure with KastKing’s Compass telescopic rods!
KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rods are a great value for the price. They are well-made, and the construction is very sturdy. The cork handles are comfortable to hold, and the guides are smooth, which makes them easy to cast. The reel seat is also well-made and feels very solid. Overall, I was very impressed with this combo.
Pros
- Graphite composite blank is light and sensitive
- Split rear handle design reduces weight and allows for perfect balance
- Guides frames are stainless steel with Titanium Oxide ceramic rings
- Perfect for mono, fluorocarbon, or braided fishing lines
Cons
- Cork handles are not as comfortable as other materials
- Guides could be smoother
6# KastKing Brutus Spinning Fishing Rod
Looking for a fishing rod that can take a beating? Look no further than KastKing’s Brutus spinning rods. These heavy-duty rods are made with a composite graphite/glass blank that is incredibly durable and able to withstand even the toughest fishing conditions. Plus, each Brutus rod comes with chartreuse “Strike Tip” technology for early strike detection in low light settings. With over 20 different models to choose from, there’s sure to be a Brutus rod perfect for your next fishing adventure!
This tough composite blank rod is available in both spinning and casting models, and in power ratings from ultra-light to heavy. Whether you’re freshwater bass fishing, trout fishing, salmon fishing, or saltwater fishing, there’s a Brutus model perfect for you. And if you need a travel-friendly option, check out the 3 & 4-pc Brutus rods!
These rods are built to deliver reliable performance, with braid-ready stainless-steel running guide frames and corrosion-resistant stainless steel rings. Plus, the tip-top guide is a Zirconium Oxide ring that is perfect for fluorocarbon, monofilament, or braided fishing lines. So don’t settle for an old-school ugly fishing pole – get a Brutus rod and experience the quality and technology that KastKing is known for!
Pros
- KastKing Brutus Spinning Rods are loaded with features and technology
- The tip-top guide is a Zirconium Oxide ring that is perfect for all fishing lines
- Brute Tuff composite graphite/glass blanks make these rods incredibly durable
Cons
- Expensive
7# Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod Portable
The Sougayilang Fishing Rod Telescopic Fishing Rod Portable is perfect for anglers on the go. This telescoping rod collapses down to a very portable size, and its 24-ton carbon fiber and E-Glass construction can handle up to 10 pounds of weight. The guides are made of stainless steel for tangle-free casting, and the CNC machined aluminum reel seat ensures a stable fishing experience.
Sougayilang telescopic fishing rods are perfect for saltwater or freshwater fishing and can cover many species. With corrosion-resistant and power control features, these rods are great for those who love spending time outdoors fishing. The comfortable EVA handle reduces fatigue, making it easier to spend a day out on the water catching your limit.
Pros
- Ultralight and well balanced, less fatigue
- Stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts
- Corrosion-resistant
- Power control
Cons
- Not durable and can break
8# PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Telescopic Fishing Rod
This PLUSINNO telescopic fishing rod is perfect for anglers of all levels. Our high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass construction makes it durable and hard-hitting, while the stainless steel hooded reel seat prevents corrosion from salt water. The s-curve oscillation system ensures a smooth winding experience, and the bail spring is made of hick-coiled metal for extra strength. With its large spool and line capacity, this fishing pole is ready to tackle any fishing adventure!
Pros
- The s-curve oscillation system ensures a very good line winding
- More short body with large spool and large line capacity
- Deep aluminum spool with double color and one line hole
- Right/left inter-changeable handle
- High tensile strength plastic body
- EVA Fore Grip for comfort
- Hickle coiled bail spring for extra strength
- S-curve oscillation system that ensures a smooth winding experience
Cons
- Not found
9# Daiwa Megaforce Travel Spinning Rod
Looking for a quality travel rod that’s also affordable? Look no further than PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod! These multi-part rods are made of carbon fiber and can be easily stowed away when not in use. They’re perfect for light fishing trips and come in different lengths and casting weights to suit your needs. So grab a PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and get ready to experience some great fishing!
Pros
- Multi-part and high-quality
- Very attractive price range
- Light and thin carbon fiber rods
- Even bending curve
- Comfortable and well balanced in the hand
- Suitable for lighter fishing to heavier pike and zander fishing
Cons
- Can’t be used for heavy fishing
- Not as durable as other professional rods
10# Bass Pro Shops Aventur1 Telescopic Casting Travel Rod
The Bass Pro Aventur1 Telescopic Casting Travel Rod is perfect for business trips, hunting safaris, or backpacking adventures. This durable and lightweight rod is built on a quality RT2 graphite blank and features EVA split grips with X-Wrap and a rubber cork butt cap. Fuji® aluminum oxide guides provide smooth, trouble-free casting. When retracted, it has an overall retracted length of 24-1/2″. Includes a protective cover to keep the guides safe during transport.
Pros
- EVA split grips
- Travel-friendly
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Built on RT2 graphite blank
Cons
- May not be durable for long-term use
- Telescoping sections may loosen over time
11# Profishiency Telescoping Micro Spinning Combo
The Proficiency Telescoping Micro Spinning Combo with Pocket Tackle Box is the perfect setup for your fishing adventures off the beaten path! The 5’L telescoping fishing rod slides down to just 18″, ideal for storage or transport, while a soft EVA handle fights fatigue when you get on the fish! The smooth 2+1 ball-bearing micro spinning reel boasts a 5.2:1 gear ratio and comes pre-spooled with line, so you can hit the water running! Plus, it includes a loaded tackle box complete with mini pliers, lures, and other essential tackle. Get ready to catch some bass with this bad boy!
Pros:
- Perfect for trout fishing in streams, ponds, or rivers
- Skeletonized design is not bulky when collapsed, but it’s full length when extended
- Ultra-strong and durable steel frame construction – won’t break like fiberglass poles
- Ergonomic design
- Retracts to 18″ for storage and transport
- Comes with a fully loaded tackle box that includes mini pliers, lures, and other essential tackle
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a carrying case
12# Bass Pro Shops Power Plus Graphite Telescopic Spinning Rod
Looking for a sensitive and accurate telescopic spinning rod that is also lightweight for ease of use? Look no further than the Bass Pro Graphite Telescopic. This top-of-the-line product is equipped with comfy EVA foam grips and smooth aluminum oxide guides, making it perfect for the professional angler.
The Bass Pro Shops Power Plus Graphite Telescopic Spinning Rod is perfect for those light-angling endeavors. But don’t let the light tackle fool you, this rod is more than capable of handling bass and walleye. The construction process combines graphite with fiberglass, yielding a blank that is both flexible and strong. And at a lightweight design, it’s easy to use all day long.
Pros
- Lightweight design for easy all-day use
- Ideal for light angling, especially for crappie and panfish, but ready to go toe-to-toe with those big bass and walleye, too!
- Probably priced too low, because these rods not only look great, they fish better than many rods costing twice as much 🙂
- Telescopes down to under 2′ for easy transport.
Cons
- None found
FAQ
How to use a telescopic fishing rod?
Telescopic fishing rods are a great option for anglers on the go. These rods are designed to collapse down to a very portable size, making them easy to take with you wherever you go. To use a telescopic fishing rod, first, extend the sections of the rod by pulling them apart. Next, slide the reel onto the rod and attach the line. Finally, hold the rod upright and extend the handle until it clicks into place.
What is a hiking fishing rod?
A hiking fishing rod is a type of fishing rod that is designed to be portable and easy to take with you on hikes and other outdoor adventures. Hiking fishing rods are typically telescoping rods that collapse down to a very small size, making them easy to transport and store. Hiking fishing rods are also typically made with a durable construction that can handle up to 10 pounds of weight. This makes them a great option for freshwater or saltwater fishing.
Which hiking fishing rod is best?
There are many great options when it comes to hiking fishing rods, and it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Some of the best options include the KastKing Brutus Spinning Rods, the Sougayilang Fishing Rod Telescopic Fishing Rod Portable, and the Eagle Claw Featherlight Hiking/Fly Fishing Combo. All of these rods are well-constructed and durable, and they come with a variety of features that make them perfect for anglers on the go.
Is the telescoping fishing rod good?
There are many great options when it comes to telescoping fishing rods, and they are a great choice for anglers on the go. Telescoping fishing rods are designed to collapse down to a very small size, making them easy to transport and store. They are also typically made with a durable construction that can handle up to 10 pounds of weight. This makes them a great option for freshwater or saltwater fishing.
Why are telescopic rods bad?
Telescopic rods are bad because they can be easily damaged, especially when they are extended. They also don’t offer the best performance because they are not as sturdy as other types of rods.
Conclusion
Hiking Fishing Rods are a great option for anglers who want a portable and durable rod that can handle up to 10 pounds of weight. Hiking fishing rods come in many different styles, and each one has its own set of pros and cons. Whether you’re looking for an ultralight rod that is easy to use or a corrosion-resistant rod that can handle saltwater fishing, there is sure to be a hiking fishing rod that meets your needs. Hiking fishing rods are a great option for everyone from avid anglers who spend all day out on the water to casual fishermen who only want to spend an afternoon relaxing by the lake.
Tags: plusinno telescopic, shimano telescopic, kastking blackhawk ii telescopic, sougayilang telescopic, saltwater, shakespeare telescopic, magreel telescopic, ultralight, goture telescopic, daiwa telescopic, surf, fly, carbon fiber, mini, high altitude, zebco
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
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As someone who loves fishing, I recently purchased an inexpensive Okuma travel rod that has exceeded my expectations. It’s the perfect setup for the fish I typically go after and I prefer it over the telescoping style. I did replace the reel with a lighter one, so I can’t really speak to the original reel’s quality.
While I don’t mind using budget gear, if you’re looking to treat yourself to something more luxurious, I highly recommend the St. Croix travel ultralight. I actually gifted one to my dad for trout fishing and was thoroughly impressed with its quality. It even comes with a soft fabric case, but I would suggest investing in a hard case or tube for backpacking purposes.
Overall, I’ve had a great experience with my Okuma travel rod and would definitely recommend it to other budget-conscious anglers. However, if you’re willing to splurge, the St. Croix option is definitely worth considering for its exceptional quality.
I have been using the Fenwick Methods rod as my go-to travel setup. This 3-piece rod comes with two additional pieces, allowing you to switch between medium to medium-light or medium to medium-heavy setups depending on the model you purchase. It’s perfect for inshore fishing and bass fishing.
For those looking to keep the total cost under $200, I recommend pairing the Fenwick Methods rod with a President X30 reel. It’s a great combination that won’t break the bank. However, I have found that my Penn Battle 2 reel is quite heavy for traveling. While it’s a fantastic reel, my hands tire easily after an hour or so of use.
As a result, I recently decided to replace my Penn Battle 2 with two Shimano Nasci reels. They are much lighter and more comfortable to use, making them a great option for extended fishing trips. Despite this change, I am still keeping my Penn reel as it is an excellent choice for certain fishing scenarios.
As someone who has been fishing for decades, I remember having an Eagle Claw Trailmaster model back in the 70s that was a real game-changer. It had a reversible butt that allowed me to switch between a spinning reel and a fly reel, which was really convenient. It was made of glass construction and was my go-to travel rod for a long time.
Recently, I stumbled upon the Eagle Claw Trailmaster Light Spin and Fly Rod, which is the closest thing I’ve seen to my old favorite. This 4-piece rod is made of graphite and measures 7 feet 6 inches in length. It looks like a really nice rod and I’m excited to give it a try.
Overall, I’m thrilled to see that the innovative design of the reversible butt is still being used in modern travel rods. I’m looking forward to testing out the Eagle Claw Trailmaster Light Spin and Fly Rod on my next fishing trip and seeing how it compares to my old faithful from the 70s.
I actually own the Eagle Claw Trail Master that the previous commenter mentioned, and I have to say, I really like it! I’ve only used it with a light spin reel, but it feels great in my hands. While I haven’t used it for fly fishing yet, I imagine it would work well for that purpose, too. Although, I have a dedicated fly rod for that.
That being said, I do want to offer a word of caution about the rod’s strength. While it’s fairly strong overall, it’s important not to overestimate its capabilities. I learned this the hard way when I snagged on a log and gave the rod a good tug with one hand about halfway up the length. Unfortunately, one of the top pieces snapped as a result.
Upon inspection, I discovered that the rod is made of hollow graphite with thinner walls than I expected. It seems that they may have sacrificed a bit of strength for the sake of weight. As an ultralight backpacker, I can appreciate that decision, but it’s still something to keep in mind when using the rod.
Overall, I think the Eagle Claw Trail Master is a great rod that offers a lot of utility for the price. At $70 CDN, it’s a bit expensive, but I’m still considering buying another one because of how useful it is. Just be sure to handle it with care and not put too much strain on it!
I own the Eagle Claw Trailmaster in the spinning/fly combo, and while it’s a bit noodle, I love the versatility it offers. It’s great for big panfish and trout with a handful of wooly buggers, but I also use it as a spinning rod for bass and other species.
It packs down really well, making it the perfect addition to my backpacking gear. I always bring along a small kit with a few Mepps, CD-3 Rapalas, and some wet flies to use with it.
However, I do want to offer a word of caution based on my own experience. I accidentally broke mine on the second-rod piece when I tugged too hard while trying to free a snag. The rod is quite whippy, so it’s important to take care not to apply too much pressure in those situations.
Despite the mishap, I still want to get another one because the utility of having both fly and spinning in one rod is just too good to pass up. In the end, it was my own fault for not being more careful.
As an avid hiker and camper, I’m on the lookout for a new ultralight and compact fishing rod and reel setup for my upcoming trips to the White Mountains, Adirondacks, Sierra National Forest, and Yellowstone. I’m open to suggestions for both spinning and casting rods as long as they are of high quality, packable, and lightweight.
Ideally, I’d like a premium rod that offers nice tip action for jerk and crank baiting but won’t add too much weight to my pack. I mostly use artificial lures, although I will use natural bait in certain situations. I fish for a variety of species, including pike, trout, bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie in clear waters. I’m willing to invest in a top-of-the-line setup that casts and retrieves smoothly and won’t fall apart easily.
If you have any recommendations for a fishing line or other tackle to match the rod and reel, I’m all ears. Cost is not an issue – I’m just looking for the best setup for my needs.
As someone who loves combining my two favorite hobbies, I know the struggle of finding the perfect ultralight and packable fishing rod for your next hiking or camping trip. So, I’ve compiled a list of the best hiking fishing rods out there based on my personal experience and expertise:
As for reels, I would recommend pairing these rods with a lightweight and compact spinning reel such as the Shimano Stradic Ci4+ or the Daiwa BG. For fishing lines, I prefer using a braided line such as PowerPro or Sufix 832 for their strength and sensitivity.
I hope this list helps you find the perfect hiking fishing rod for your next outdoor adventure.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a BFS setup, but I can highly recommend the standard Shimano Curado reel. It’s a fantastic option that you can customize with different sizes and weight spools for the BFS version. If you’re looking for something smaller and more affordable, the Shimano SLX XT is a great alternative.
While I don’t have any specific rod recommendations for BFS, I do know that Dobyns offers a line of BFS rods, and their Fury line is also an excellent choice with an unbeatable warranty. For Chinese-made options, I suggest doing some research and reading reviews online to find the best one for you.
I hope this information helps you in your search for a great hiking and fishing setup. If we happen to cross paths on the trail, I’d love to share some casts and talk fishing!
I picked up the DAM Shadow 5-15g telescopic rod paired with a Daiwa Laguna LT 2000 last year, and I must say, I’m quite happy with my purchase. Although I wasn’t planning on getting a telescopic rod, the pack length is incredibly short, making it handy for my camping and hiking trips. The entire setup cost me around €100 with monofilament included.
One of the things I love about this rod is its incredibly thin and sensitive tip. Even with just a 6g lure on it, the rod feels alive, and it casts great too. The oversized plastic cover that came with it to protect the tip and loops is an added bonus.
However, I must note that this might not be the ideal set-up if you’re planning on catching anything over 1kg. Additionally, it seems that asking for fishing gear suggestions on camping/hiking subreddits mostly leads to recommendations for fly fishing gear.
Overall, I’d highly recommend the DAM Shadow 5-15g telescopic rod for anyone looking for a lightweight and compact option for their hiking and camping trips.
If you’re looking for a good travel or pack rod, I highly recommend checking out the St. Croix Triumph series. They have both bait casting and spinning rod versions available, and they are of great quality. G. Loomis also used to make some high-end pack rods, but they can be harder to find. Another option to consider is the Diawa “Presso” pack rod, although it only comes in an ultralight version.
I personally own a few of the St. Croix Triumph spinning rods, and I’ve been really impressed with them. Keep in mind, however, that with supply chain issues, it might be hit or miss to find the specific action and length you’re looking for. Nonetheless, I highly recommend these rods to anyone in the market for a solid pack rod.
As an experienced angler, I can tell you that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing a rod and reel for hiking and fishing trips. You’ll have to prioritize what fish species you’ll be targeting and make some tough decisions.
For trout, panfish, and small bass (up to 1 lb), I would recommend a medium-light action spinning rod paired with a 1000 or 1500-size spinning reel spooled with a 6-8lb monofilament line. Fluorocarbon may work for some, but I find it too stiff for spinning reels.
If you’re going ultra-light, a 5′ UL spinning rod, like the St. Croix that I mentioned, paired with a 500-size reel and 4lb test line will do the trick. This setup is perfect for backpacking and catching trout and panfish. Of course, there may be bass in the water, but you can’t carry everything, so it’s best to go with the most likely fish you’ll catch.
For larger bass and catfish, a medium-heavy baitcasting rod and reel with a 30lb braid is the way to go. In clear water, a 15lb fluorocarbon leader may be necessary.
If you’re targeting pike, you’ll need even heavier gear and may want to consider using a wire leader due to their teeth. However, I don’t fish for pike, so I’m not an expert on this.
My advice would be to choose a couple of your favorite hiking and fishing destinations and do some research on the types of fish species you’re likely to catch there. Watch some YouTube videos to see what gear the locals are using and what techniques they’re using to catch fish. Don’t be afraid to start small and branch out as you gain experience.
When it comes to fishing while backpacking, it’s important to consider what you are fishing for. If I’m fishing for food, I prefer to take a 3-piece 5’6 inch spinning rod and reel that collapses smaller than a trekking pole and is easy to bushwhack with. However, if I plan on fly fishing, I opt for a Redington pack fly rod, which packs in a nice convenient tube and is around 18 inches long and 3 inches round.
While any short, lightweight spinner setup will work, I have found that the spinner reel can be awkward and bulky for its size. Space and weight are both at a premium when backpacking, which is why I prefer fly reels. However, it can be hard to find a short enough fly rod to make fishing in really small, overgrown forest streams and pools workable.
Although many people recommend Tenkara rods for backpacking, I have found that I prefer to move back to a true fly rod for extra control over line length. Ultimately, it’s essential to determine what you want to catch and do some research on the type of equipment and setup that will work best for your specific needs.
Fishing in the backcountry often involves targeting lakes, although this may not be the case for all areas. When fishing a lake, it’s important to be able to cover a large area and reach deeper waters beyond the shoreline shelf. For this reason, my go-to setup has been a good telescopic rod, a lightweight open-faced spinning reel, and a plastic bubble.
The telescopic design of the rod allows me to collapse it to a manageable length when navigating through brush or rocky terrain. Additionally, its ease of setup makes it very convenient for impromptu fishing while hiking with a pack.
Using a spinning rig, I’m able to fish with lures, flies, or bait, giving me the versatility to adapt to different fishing conditions. By using a float with a few feet of leader, I’m able to use dry or sinking flies equally well in still or moving water.
While this setup may not be the lightest option available, I find it to be the most versatile and reliable for my needs when fishing in the backcountry.
I have to agree that the Daiwa Presso 4pc is an excellent option for backpacking. The compact size of the rod makes it easy to carry, and the case is a great feature, allowing you to keep the reel on the butt section and zip up to both sides of the reel foot.
If you’re looking to save some weight, you could consider making your own short 4-piece rod sock to store the rod, similar to how fly rods are stored. It wouldn’t take long to measure and sew one up to fit the Daiwa Presso, and the weight savings could give you some extra space for lures or other gear.
While fly fishing might not be the best option for covering a lot of water in lakes, one significant advantage is that flies weigh practically nothing and are very space-efficient to pack.
I usually carry one fly box with me when I’m brook trout fishing in the Virginia mountains, and it can hold a few hundred flies in the space and weight that some other fly boxes might only have 50 or so. While you might not need every single fly in the box, having such diversity has saved the day enough times, especially when fishing with a friend, that I’m not planning on changing it anytime soon.
On the other hand, some spinning tackle boxes can be quite heavy, with most of the weight coming from lead or tungsten lures. I have some boxes that are literally 75% lead/tungsten by weight and make an ungodly rattle with every step, so those almost never go out in the woods with me.
However, I only hike to fly fish mountain streams because there aren’t any lakes to hike to around my area. So, your mileage may vary depending on the type of fishing you’re planning to do.
I’ve found a great way to carry my 2 piece Quantum spinning pole when backpacking is to use a fluorescent light bulb tube from Home Depot. I cut it down to size and added a few wraps of Gorilla tape to strengthen it in a couple of spots. I paired it with an Ultra Lite Quantum spinning reel and 4-pound line, and it’s been a great setup for me.
When it comes to Tenkara rods, I decided to invest in the Tenkara USA Sato rod, and I couldn’t be happier with it. It can extend to 3 different lengths, which makes it versatile enough to handle both tight streams and more open lakes. If you’re only looking to buy one pole, this is definitely a good option.
While Tenkara USA also sells a tackle kit, I’ve found that their tool to store line is a bit bulky and heavy for ultralight backpacking. Instead, I prefer to use this kit that uses foam spools to wind up the line. The foam spools are lightweight and you can even hook the fly directly into them. I also make small cuts in the foam where I can hook the line into it.
If you’re interested, you can check out the Ultimate Tenkara Starter Kit with 2 Furled Lines (12.5ft) that I’ve been using.
Carrying a lightweight spinning rod while backpacking has always been a must for me, and I used to take a Berkley Cherrywood 2-piece rod. I found that storing it in a side pocket on the outside of my pack next to my tent poles gave it enough protection.
Although I, unfortunately, lost it on a fishing trip, I liked the rod’s flexibility for casting light lures and baits on trout streams, especially considering how affordable it was. I definitely need to get another one soon.
While I’ve seen a lot of telescopic rods, I personally don’t see the appeal. In my experience, they all turned out to be of poor quality. Instead, I recommend checking out the Fenwick Methods for a great multi-piece rod, or even the multi-piece rod made by Quantum.
As an avid fisherman who enjoys backpacking, I have a suggestion for those who want to combine their hobbies. I have tried using collapsible rods, but in my experience, they are not worth the investment. Instead, I recommend a two-piece Ugly Stik with an ultra-light Okuma reel. I store my setup in a PVC pipe, and it has proven to be effective for catching alpine trout on my trips.
For those who prefer fly fishing, both March Brown and Orvis offer 7-piece travel fly rods that pack down to only one foot in length. While I may be a fly fishing snob, I can attest that these full-size rods are capable of taking large fish, and it is always fun to catch small brookies and sunnies on a fly rod.
I have also tried several telescoping rods, but they have all ended up breaking. Lately, I have been bringing just my spinning reel and two paper clips with me. I find a resilient bough, such as willow, and make a disposable rod on the spot. I use the paper clips for guides, create a small notch for the reel seat, and bind it all together with a paracord. It may not be the most durable option, but it certainly gets the job done!
As a fisherman who has tried Tenkara, I highly recommend it. I personally use a TenkaraUSA Sato, which is a high-quality carbon fiber rod that costs around $200. However, one downside of using a long rod like this is that it can be challenging to navigate brush and cover. If you have to cut your line, it can take some time to set it back up again.
If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable option, I suggest getting a Dock Demon for only $12. It’s virtually unbreakable and around 3 feet long. Plus, you won’t need to worry about a tippet or anything else. If you want to cast further, just add some lead.
Learning to cast with Tenkara can be challenging, but with a few minutes of practice and a YouTube video, you’ll be good to go. Compared to traditional fly fishing, Tenkara is also much more affordable. My first Tenkara rod was a cheap Dragontail Shadowfire, which only cost $90-$100, and I’ve never had a bad day fishing with it.
It’s always ideal to find out what works in the area you’ll be fishing from a local shop or someone who fishes there regularly. However, Soft Hackle (Kebari), Mosquitos, and Black Ants are universally known to work well for trout.