As an avid angler, I like to fish as often as I can. Any opportunity to get away from work and home and get out on the water is highly valuable. But it isn’t often enough, as life has its ways of interrupting even the best laid fishing plans. A lot of times, I am stuck fishing crowded, nearby waters. My work and family responsibilities often don’t allow me to get away too far, so the popular fishing spots that are close are often my only option. This is not ideal, however. I love backcountry fishing. Getting away from the popular fishing waters and fishing remote locations is what I live for. They often require some sort of travel, whether by plane, boat, car, horseback, or on foot. Backpacking is a great way to explore new fishing waters, especially when the trail follows a river or stream. Utilizing high quality travel fishing rods and other gear is essential for a successful fishing trip. Let’s look at the reasons below.
Why Travel Fishing Rods Are So Important
Whenever I am able to plan an extended fishing trip, I like to make it a trip that goes as far away from work and civilization as possible. If that means taking a float plane to the far reaches of Canada or Alaska, or flying down to Chile or even as far as New Zealand, then that is what I am doing. Remote fishing is the best fishing possible. But you need to plan and prepare for such trips.
Travel fishing rods are fishing rods that are portable, compact, and lightweight. There is no reason why you should be lugging a one piece, 8 foot fishing rod on a plane to your fishing destination. There is a better way – going with travel fishing rods and reels.
Types Of Travel Fishing Rods
There are many types of travel fishing rods. There are telescopic travel fishing rods. These rods are one piece, but they collapse down to 10-14 inches from 6 feet or more. They are very compact and portable. A telescopic fishing rod or collapsible fishing rod is ideal for backpacking, as they are lightweight and easily stow-able in a backpack. The best travel fishing rods will be a combination of lightweight, portable, and stow-able, so look for these characteristics in your options. Below is the image of the Eagle Claw Pack-It telescopic fishing rod combo. This is a great example of an affordable travel rod and reel combo. Click the image for more information.
Another type of travel fishing rod is 3 or 4 piece travel fishing rods. Rather than being a telescoping fishing rod, these fishing rods break apart into multiple pieces. Fly fishing rods usually come in this configuration, allowing you to break down a 9 foot fly rod into smaller sections for easy portability. Below is an affordable option of break apart fly rods – the Redington Crosswater combo. Click the image for more information, or to purchase yours today.
Protecting Your Travel Rods
When traveling far distances to fish, make sure that your fishing rods are protected along the way with the appropriate fishing rod tubes or fishing rod bags. You will definitely want to protect your investment, especially if you are getting on a plane. The best travel rods will pack into a small enough package for you to be able to carry them on your back. Look for good collapsible options or break down options that fit this criteria.
Shopping Tips
When shopping for travel rods and reels, make sure you read plenty of travel rods reviews online, as this will allow you to find the best possible options for the best costs. A lot of telescopic fishing rods are cheap travel rods options, because they just don’t usually cost that much. This is great if you are going into an area that they might get damaged, lost, or stolen. Shimano makes better quality travel rods than most companies, but Shimano travel rods usually cost more money. Make sure you do your homework when shopping for the right travel rod options.
The Bottom Line
Read up on some online travel fishing rods reviews to find the best deals and quality rods. Once you have your travel fishing kit, make sure you protect your investment with a good fishing rod bag or fishing rod tube. You don’t want them breaking on you in transit.
Even though we are all not lucky enough to have world class fishing in our neighborhood, we all have the option of traveling to a great fishing spot. Make sure you have the right gear for your travels, and especially the right travel rod. Good luck and as always, happy fishing!
Where is your favorite fishing destination? What fishing rig do you bring along? Please leave your answers or any other comment you may have in the section below. Thanks!
