Fishing is not a static hobby. You cannot call yourself an enthusiast if you just hit the local pond once in a while. Fishing also includes traveling, both for professional reasons or leisure. Let’s say you’re going on a little vacation to France and you’re going to stay in a cabin by a wonderful pond where fishing is allowed.
How you can’t take your best travel fishing rod with you? Maybe you’ll not be able to transport a full-size fishing rod when you’ve got a plane to catch, and that is why you should invest in the best budget travel fishing rod that is both compact and also does the job well.
It’s good to have one in your bag for when an unexpected chance to go fishing arises. Maybe you don’t want to invest the same amount of money you invested in your full-size professional rod, but that’s why I’m making sure I’m presenting you with the best budget travel fishing rod out there.
If the idea of purchasing the best travel fishing rods that you can take with you anywhere is rather vague, then let’s jump right to them. We’ve compiled a list of the best choices you have, right now, on the actual market and laid out the things we liked and didn’t like about them.
Top 10 Best Travel Fishing Rod Reviews in 2022
The travel fishing poles we’re going to present below are not exactly specialized for a particular kind of species, but they are versatile and can manage a series of situations relevant to the size of fish you’re going for. In the world of the best fishing rod for travel, every manufacturer aims at making its product more compact, lightweight, but also sturdy and durable.
Finding the perfect travel fishing rod for you can be a quite exhausting experience, especially if you are not a fan of compact designs and think they are just flimsy and fragile. We think they’re not like that. There are a bunch of really good travel fishing rod reviews on the market, and they deserve our utmost attention.
After all, you want to be able to fish almost anytime the opportunity presents itself; why not make that possible? So, Let the Hunt for the Best Travel Fishing Rod Begin! Here Are Our Top 10 Picks!
1. PLUSINNO Travel Fishing Rod with Reel Kit
This medium-use telescopic rod comes as a combo deal with a reel. The telescopic rod is easy enough to carry around. The rod itself is made of carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass, which makes it durable and robust.
The line guide rings are also highly durable and provide low friction. The instant-reverse aluminum spool has a gear ratio of 5.2:1, and the spool features S-curve oscillation for smooth winding.
The thick coiled bail spring also aids smooth action when fishing. The stainless steel hooded reel seats are durable and resistant to corrosion even when using them in seawater. The handle also has a comfortable EVA foam grip for improved grip and overall comfort.
- Strong rod made of carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass
- Instant-reverse aluminum spool with a gear ratio of 5.2:1
- Smooth action with coiled bail spring
- Many reviewers said the rod is of cheap quality that does not last long
2. KastKing Blackhawk II Fishing Rods
This KastKing Blackhawk II is known for delivering good strength and performance, while also keeping durable in the long term. It might have the best travel fishing rod reviews at the moment, although it detaches into six separate pieces to fit in your backpack easier.
Six pieces that come into one and can very well compete with a one-piece without much fuss. It comes with multiple floating guides for better casting performance and the six pieces are tightly kept together by some really good ferrules.
The one important thing about KastKing is that it offers a broad spectrum of variants of different lengths and unique features. All in all, the KastKing Blackhawk is a versatile baitcasting rod for every angling-enthusiast who wants to be ready for fishing at any time, anywhere. The rod looks quite easy to install, and also, to fit it back in your backpack, you just have to twist each piece from the bottom up, until it collapses.
- The rod segments are kept tightly together, without giving you too much to worry about
- It can even fit in a little 10L backpack
- Great build quality and smooth casting
- When extended to full length, the six segments could loosen up a bit, but without the peril of breaking of coming off
Also Read: Best Surf Fishing Rods – Review for Recreational Fishing
3. Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
Third, on our list, you will find this Fiblink portable surf spinning rod made of two graphite pieces. It comes in two variants, one is 12 feet long, and the other is 10 feet.
The body is made of carbon fiber which promises very good durability. The guides are stainless steel and ceramic and help minimize friction to a more manageable level. The handle is made of non-slip rubber with a tapered rear grip.
All in all, this looks like the best fishing rod for travel, with a lightweight design and high-quality build. It looks more expensive than it actually is and you wouldn’t say it’s just a 2-piece traveling fishing pole. Moreover, it seems that it is very sensitive.
- It looks and feels like a one-piece professional fishing rod
- The guides are really good quality
- It is quite lightweight but looks durable enough to put up a fight
- You’ll have to loop the hook near the eyelets when packing it up and it will feel quite frustrating doing that
4. Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod
Chinese- made travel fishing rods should not be overlooked. They can offer some top-notch performance when you least expect it. Such could be the case with this Sougaylilang Telescopic Fishing Rod which is made of 24T carbon fiber and stainless steel on the reel seat and guide rings.
The guide rings are also ceramic for better hit dissipation and the EVA handle looks soft and comfortable for long fishing hours. I personally love the color on this rod, and I think it’s got an overall cool design. Overall, the rod looks lightweight and quite convenient, and portable.
It can handle both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and the manufacturer mentions bass and trout, saltwater surf fishing, and inshore fishing as their strong points. Moreover, it comes in six sizes, and I think that also makes it a perfect birthday gift for your significant other.
- Very compact; it collapses to a very small size that fits in almost any traveling bag
- Easy to extend and collapse
- It handles very well
- The cork handle might fall off, as a factory issue; you can mend it with some super glue or ask for another one
5. Sougayilang Speed Bass Fishing Rods
Time to review the cheap budget best travel fishing rod on our list. This is a fishing rod you can purchase if you don’t want to spend too much money on the travel option in your backpack, but rather focus on your professional one-piece fishing rods.
However, although Chinese, this Sougayilang should not be underestimated or laughed at. It’s got a carbon fiber body, with in-built shock resistance and chemical corrosion resistance. In matters of the handle, this fishing rod has got a Golf material lever arm handle design, that displays good grip and looks breathable enough for enhanced comfort.
The reel it comes with has got a CNC aluminum spool which is good at reducing line twist and fatigue and helps to avoid line breakage. It also features a 13+1 ball bearings system with waterproof and dustproof bearings and Zinc gears.
- The rod looks like it’s got good balance and great action power for a traveling fishing pole
- It can serve as a good traveling beginner combo for fishing
- It works both in fresh and saltwater
- It’s come with a bag to carry it all with you
- You might have some problems fitting the rods together
Also Read: Best Jigging Rods – Fishes in Salt and Freshwater
6. CAPACI Telescopic Rod and Reel Combos
This fishing rod combo comes with a rod, reel, carry bag, fishing line, and accessories. This rod is designed for novices, but advanced anglers can enjoy it too. The rod is made of high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass, so it is durable and robust.
It also has a high elasticity. The lightweight guide rings are exceptionally durable and provide low friction. The sealed reel also features waterproof and dust-proof bearings.
The line roller features a new design that helps prevent line twisting and line fatigue. Aside from this, this feature also reduces the chances of line breakage. Meanwhile, the anodized reel seat caps are anti-corrosive and keep the reel firmly in place.
- All-in-one combo kit for a novice
- Has accessories as well as a convenient carry bag
- Strong, durable telescopic rod with high elasticity
- Like most combo packs, this one lacks quality
7. Goture Travel Fishing Rods
Goture is another good choice for good travel fishing poles. It is constructed from a 30-ton carbon matrix, and its design promises good balance. The reel seat is made of high-quality material, while the EVA split grips look comfortable enough for a spontaneous fishing trip.
The rod is made of 4 fishing poles which you can detach and reattach easily, as you wish. They’re quite small and can fit in almost any travel bag you’ve got, even your backpack. The rod looks quite lightweight, but apparently, it does not compromise on balance either.
The guides are corrosion-resistant and have ceramic inserts for better performance. They do indeed reduce friction and make for a smooth activity. Moreover, it seems Goture offers their customers a lifetime-warranty and it sounds almost too good to be true.
- Good performance for a travel fishing pole
- The rod has a really good backbone
- It seems like it can cast quite nice
- Some models might have some factory performance issues if you’re unlucky enough
8. Okuma Citrix Travel Rod
This heavy-duty travel fishing rod is made of high-quality material and should resist even the wildest fights. Quite surprising, considering the fact that it is made of 4 pieces coming together, right?
The rod comes with a traveling case that might come in handy at times. The rod looks lightweight and surprisingly sturdy. The legend goes that it can put up a fight with big 40’’ kinds of fish. From a first glance, yes, you can already say that the materials are very high quality and ready for the job.
- Very portable
- Lightweight
- It’s got good quality ceramic line guides
- The reel seat is made of plastic
Also Read: How to Catch Striped Bass – Steps for Successful Fishing Expeditions
9. St Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rods
We’ve arrived at the best value travel fishing rod option and we’ve selected this St Croix Triumph Spinning reel to represent this category. Power and smoothness are St Croix’s main features. Moreover, it is quite versatile and compact, which makes it a fitting travel spinning reel companion.
It might not fully replace your huge, reliable fishing rod, but it will definitely make your travels much worthwhile anytime a fishing occasion arises. The overall design of this spinning reel looks sleek and nice at the first glance.
I’m not too sure about the lower end of the rod’s grip which seems a little bit smaller than usual. Maybe after a few casts, you will get used to it and become “normal”. No one likes a thin handle, but after all, this is a traveling rod that needs to be both compact and small enough to fit in your backpack and also offer good levels of performance.
Overall, the rod looks like good value. If you will not get discouraged by its rather slim design and appearance, it would make a fine purchase and save you a lot of space in the car when you go on traveling adventures with your friends and family.
- It can prove an accurate long caster if used with the right weight lure
- Great sensitivity and feel
- Very compact and versatile
- Lightweight enough for a travel fishing rod
- The reel seat needs continuous tightening
10. Fenwick Dual Power Travel Casting Rod
Fenwick seems like a loved product because it’s got some of the best travel fishing rod reviews at the moment. Whether it is worth the hype, or not, we are going to see. First things first, it’s flexible and versatile, like any good travel fishing rod should be; it should be ready for any body of water, anytime.
Moreover, it seems you can use it in salt water, as the materials it is constructed of are corrosion-resistant. It seems people love fishing from shore with it but have tried any spontaneous kind of fishing and it did the job well.
One thing that stands out at this travel fishing rod is its adaptability, and simplicity which means you can carry and store it almost anywhere. It features a cork full grip handle that looks really nice and big, so you can use both hands to pull the fish in. The guides look performance-bound, and like you won’t regret making this purchase. You might end up using it almost all the time, not only during travels.
- It comes with a protective case
- Good overall performance
- Nice handle design and reel seat
- It might be a little top-heavy
What Makes a Travel Fishing Rod the Best?
After a few frustrating attempts to pack your full-size bulky fishing rod in your traveling bag, and after a few regrets you haven’t brought your fishing rod with you on a few memorable occasions, you’ve probably decided that a telescopic fishing pole might not be a bad idea. But how to make sure you make a good purchase, and it won’t break after the first big fish you’ve attempted on.
Well, there’s no quick answer to that question, but we’ve got the best travel fishing rod buying guide here that might help you make the right decision for you and your fishing style. Just like with any fishing type of gear, there are a few key qualities you have to look at before making the purchase of your travel fishing rod. Let’s see! We’ll be quick and methodical.
Make a Checklist of the Best Travel Fishing Rod Important Features
Ok, take a pen and a sheet of paper and make a checklist:
Material
The graphite rods are the most expensive, usually, but they offer the best sensitivity, flexibility and they’re easy to carry. They can also resist heavy fish fights. However, carbon fiber could also be a good choice. Don’t forget about the stainless steel reel seat, for corrosion-resistance (that if you want to fish in saltwater). Also, the guides should have ceramic in them for heat reduction.
Handle
This is for your comfort and for the overall performance of the rod, as well. Go for the EVA Foam Grip or maybe a cork-like grip, although I recommend EVA if you have that choice. With cork handles, they usually tend to come off and that’s frustrating.
Length
Here, you should decide what kind of fishing you want to perform. If you are a beginner or want something versatile, I recommend around 7ft.
Action
This is purely up to your preferences and you make the decision. It’s important to be self-aware of it, and not just go with the flow, because afterward you’ll be frustrated the rod does not have the desired action when you hadn’t cared to look.
If you’re new to this, you should know that a fishing rod action resumes how much you want the rod to bend when it is pressured on the tip. Most anglers these days prefer fast action, but you don’t need to follow their “fashion”. It’s your choice.
Case
Some travel rods come with a full kit; usually, the kit is mostly for beginners, but they’re all nicely organized in a traveling case and I think that’s a nice touch. Furthermore, some traveling rod manufacturers do provide a carrying case, which is ideal if you don’t want to think about your traveling bags and in which they will fit and in which not, and so on. You probably relate to this fuss.
Reel Seat
This is quite an important part of a fishing rod, any fishing rod for that matter. This is the part where the reel is attached and you shouldn’t make any compromises here. This part should be stainless-steel, maybe have an additional corrosion-resistant coating and it should also be cushioned hooded for the reel to fit nicely when tightened. This matters because it can greatly influence the stress your gear can put up to when in the middle of a fight.
A Few Tips on How to Best Maintain Your Travel Fishing Rod
With a little bit of care, your travel fishing rod should last for a few years without a problem. First, you need to check on it regularly, not only right before you’re going to use it. Cleaning it with a damp rag from time to time will be a good idea. Make sure that you won’t leave it with all sorts of debris on the guides for a long period of time.
Also, make sure you clean any threads or connecting points. Also, if the rod didn’t come with a case of its own, you should make sure you find one and always keep it in that case. Moreover, you should make sure the case is clean of any unwanted debris which can also damage your fishing rod in time.
Also Read: Casting Rod VS Spinning Rod – Guideline for Beginner’s
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How to Travel With a Fishing Rod?
A: Whenever you are traveling with your fishing gear, you face the problem of transporting your fishing rods as they are heavy. There are many ways to transport your fishing rod; for instance, you can pack your rods and reels in a case (Box) explicitly made for them. You can also transport the rods through the car by placing them on the back. Moreover, there is also a way to get your fishing rods through flights but don’t trust the airlines with your gear.
Q: How to Find the Best Traveling Fishing Rod?
A: First of all, your fishing rod must have the capability to travel easily because that is the main reason you are buying a fishing rod for traveling in the first place. Second, your fishing rod must be strong because you do not want it to break when you struggle with fish. Also, make sure that you are getting a rod with a moderate weight, which you can handle.
Q: Which Is the Best Traveling Fishing Rod?
A: We would suggest you buy a telescopic fishing rod as they have extendable size even though most travelers use this rod when they travel. With a telescopic fishing rod, it doesn’t matter the medium of your traveling because these rods can be highly portable fishing tools to carry along with your fishing gear.
May You Have Happy Fishing Times!
We’re ending this on a positive note, thinking you already know which travel fishing rod to choose and after reading this, you’ll click “add to your cart” on your choice. On that, I wish you happy fishing and stay safe! May we travel to the wildest places and try all the best swimming spots in the world, and may we catch big fish with our best travel fishing rod!
