A travel-sized fishing rod is a must in any anglers’ kit. The ability to fish where you want whenever you want even without a fishing pole is a joy to anyone who loves angling.
After all, you never know when you may come across an unexpected site for great fishing, and there’s nothing worse than wishing you had some gear at the perfect fishing hole. Having an ultra-compact setup wherever you are can result in some of the best fishing you’ve ever had.
There are all sorts of travel-sized fishing rod setup available, from a fully encased setup to be kept in the back of your car, to a more compact kit for camping or backpacking where you might come across a great spot any moment.
If you still need to be convinced than no to worry, this guide is here to take you through some of the best options currently available in travel-sized fishing rods, and you’ll soon be wondering how you ever did without yours.
Never again will you be caught on the hop, fish wherever you want, whenever you want. We’ve also included a section to remind you about some of the features to look out for when picking your rod, and an FAQ section to answer your biggest and most important questions.
With a little bit of help from us, you’ll definitely find the right rod for you!
Top 5 Best Travel Fishing Rods
OUR TOP PICK
The Penn Battle II SpinnPLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
EDITORS CHOICE
OKUMA VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
BEST VALUE
Daiwa Mini System Mini spin Ultralight Spinning Reel
OUR TOP PICK
PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Full Kit
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First up we have an all in one setup that includes everything you could possibly need to get out on the water. This kit includes a telescopic fishing rod, a case to carry it in, and even some included tackle so it’s a pretty comprehensive kit.
The rod is made from high-density carbon, and it’s one of the most packable rods currently available on the market, capable of reducing down to around 16 inches in length.
The guides are made from stainless steel and carbon oxide making this rod very durable and capable of being used for years provided it gets the right amount of maintenance. The guides also reduce friction and allow a smooth flow of the line.
The reel has also been included with portability at the forefront of its construction. It’s a little smaller and stubbier than other reels which makes it more compact, without compromising in its ability.
This kit gives you a little bit more control over the kind of rod you end up with, which is unusual in these kinds of kits. There’s great versatility in the length of the rods available, with a range from five to nine feet, which gives you a little bit more control in ensuring you get a rod that suits your needs.
This is a kit capable of suiting a wide range of different fishing scenarios so how you use it is really up to you and your style.
If you’re certain that you want a travel fishing rod with all the accessories you need to get started than this is a good option for you. The rod has a great line in medium power and should be capable of catching a wide range of different sized fish with very few problems.
The inclusion of the protective travel case is a great guarantee that this rod is a great option to take with you on your adventures, and you’ll find the setup and takedown a breeze after the first few tries. If you want something that’s always going to be able to ready for the water, then why not give this one a go?
Pros
- Very compact design
- Easy setup and takedown
- Great range of accessories
- Lightweight
- Durable, capable of lasting several years
Cons
- Best for small to medium weight fish
- 🎣 Warm Prompt: Full Kit with Carrier Case include 1 FISHING ROD + 1 FISHING REEL + FISHING LINE + VARIOUS FISHING LURES + FISHING HOOKS + SOME NECESSARY ACCESSORIES + CARRIER BAG.
- 🎣 Full Kit with Carrier Case is special made for novice, including necessary accessories for fishing. You can use it without buying any other accessories from anywhere.
- 🎣 Perfect elasticity, high density Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass make your fishing pole hard & durable. Stainless Steel Hooded Reel Seats is anti-seawater corrosion; EVA Fore Grip for comfort. The telescopic fishing rod is portable, and closed length design is convenient carrying around. Power: Medium.
- 🎣 Instant anti-reverse; Power drive gear equipped for high strength. Deep aluminium spool with double color and one line holes; More short body with large spool and large line capacity. Line capacity: mm/M 0.20/240 0.25/200 0.30/140. Model: EW3000,HA3000; Gear ratio: 5.2:1.
- 🎣 It's the best gift to send father, son, husband, fiancé, boyfriend for the upcoming Christmas. Want to buy single rod or single reel? Please search the ASIN: B01M69P80W or B07YFP8KV3.
EDITORS CHOICE
OKUMA VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
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Okuma consistently brings out great products designed with their customers in mind, and this lightweight graphite rod measuring around 6-foot is a great example of their skill.
If you want something that can handle everything but the largest of fish than have a look at this model. The rod breaks down into 5 pieces, each of which is compact and easily packable making this a great compact option for those wanting to fish on the go wherever they are.
The kit includes a size 20 reel which is one of the reasons that this kit is capable of handling pretty much anything you want, perfect when you’re fishing in unknown waters.
The kit includes a range of accessories including a carrying case and tackle box. The case is particularly worth noting as it’s large enough for all your fishing gear to be contained within it, measuring 17-inch x 9-inch x 3-inch the case is padded and perfectly capable of protecting all your valuable gear with no hassle or worry.
If you want something that’s great value, capable of bringing in some decent catches, and is easy to set up and carry, then this option from Okuma might be perfect for you. The inclusion of the carry case is a nice touch, and you may find it soon becomes part of your regular set up.
Okuma has created a great rod that’s very compact and easy to take on the go. The rod will be able to handle anything you need it to, and Okuma has done very well to create such a compact rod without compromising on power.
Pros
- Durable and well-constructed
- Includes protective carry case suitable for all your kit
- Capable of handline pretty much anything
- Very comprehensive kit
- Reduces down into 5 compact pieces
Cons
- Fewer options in terms of sizes
- Convenient nylon travel bag
- Shock-resistant foam insert
- Adjustable shoulder strap
BEST VALUE
Daiwa Mini System Mini spin Ultralight Spinning Reel
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If ultralight rods are your thing then this rugged set up is ready for you to take it on some adventures. A 4.5-foot rod might seem a little small, but it’s perfect for fast and efficient retrieves thanks to the inclusion of a smooth ball bearing and multi-disk design.
The rod breaks down into five pieces that easily fit with the reel into the included carry case. The case itself is also very small, only about the size of a pint glass, so it’s perfect for taking on hiking or camping holidays. The whole set up is so light you’ll barely notice it in your backpack.
The kit doesn’t include tackle, but the case does have space within it for your own, and you may find that the freedom to customize your kit with whatever you need for your style of fishing a bit of a blessing in disguise. The case is capable of protecting whatever you put inside it and should be large enough for everything you need.
If you’re looking to pursue smaller fish than you probably won’t find better. The rod is rated for a 2-6 pound test line, and this is an excellent option for those surprise spots you find unexpectedly out in the country. If you’re always out and about and finding the best spots then this is kit for you.
The kit lets you customize your gear to what you know you need, and the case is hard-sided and capable of protecting your tackle while remaining compact and light.
It’s easy to stow in a backpack, car, or even luggage when you go on vacation. The portability alone makes it a great buy.
Pros
- Perfect for smaller fish
- Includes a hard compact carrying case
- Ultralightweight and portable
- Excellent efficient and fast retrieves
Cons
- Not suitable for larger fish due to its small length
- Terminal tackle not included
- Ultra compact hard case
- Perfect size for tucking in your luggage
- Designed for anglers on the move, compact tackle setup comes in its own hard case, and is ideal for stowing in luggage, backpacking, or keeping under a car seat
- Ultralight MS-S500T reel with smooth, ball bearing drive, multi-disc drag, 5.1-to-1 retrieve, GyroSpin balancing, and Twist Buster line twist reduction
RUNNER UP
St. Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rods
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It might be that you don’t need something ultra-compact, simply a full-featured rod that’s easily portable. In which case this next option may be the right one for you.
This spinning travel rod from La Croix is more portable than your average rod but doesn’t prioritize portability over power. Made from graphite, this rod is durable and strong and can be reduced down to less than 28 inches in length thanks to its superb 4-piece breakdown design.
It also is a rod that offers you a lot of choice in weights and length, from 5.5 feet to a more medium/heavy 6.5 foot. This rig is very customizable and you should be able to tune it to whatever you need it to do.
If you’re an angler who is just looking for the best possible performance and value than this is a good option for you because this option is literally just the rod. If you’ve been in the game for a while and want to pick something up that gives a consistent performance without a full kit behind it than take a look here.
The other options on this list are more portable and have more included with them, but this is a simple quality rod designed with easy travel in mind. If you just want a rod you can easily pack into your suitcase and take on vacation, knowing you’ll be able to do some quality fishing if you want to, then look no further.
Pros
- Breaks down into 4 pieces
- Very customizable
- Very lightweight and durable
- Well-constructed from quality materials
- Comfortable grip so you can fish for hours wherever you are without getting tired
Cons
- Not the best option for beginners who might not know what they need in terms of other gear e.g. tackle
- Ideal for for savvy anglers seeking the best in performance, value and convenience
- Four-piece designs
- Premium quality SCII graphite
- Hard aluminum-oxide guides with black frames
- 5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
RUNNER UP
Okuma NOMAD Travel Spinning Rod
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This is another rod that remains portable but doesn’t forget to prioritize performance. This is a rod designed to help you net those slightly larger fish. 7-foot in length and medium-heavy, this rod has very fast action and is a great option for saltwater fishing thanks to the non-corrosive stainless-steel guides and aluminum reel seat.
You might even be able to use it as a big freshwater rig if you wanted to, so this is really a rod that covers all the bases. It breaks down into a surprisingly compact 3-pieces though there are defiantly more compact options available if that’s something you really prioritize.
The pieces are held together by spigot ferrule connections which help to give its one-piece feel which some anglers prefer.
If you’re looking for a rod that can handle the bigger fish than this is a great option suitable for both freshwater and saltwater. It’s less packable than some of the other options on this list, but it should still be able to fit into your luggage or a large backpack with a bit of effort.
If you’re heading for the ocean and want something easy to take with you then this is a must.
Pros
- Capable of handling even the biggest fish
- Smooth fast action
- Durable and well-constructed
- Can be broken down into 3 pieces
- Suitable for saltwater and freshwater
Cons
- Not the most compact option on this list
- 3-Section break down for easy travel
- Two(2) tips with different actions with each rod
- European spigot Ferrule connections for true one-piece rod feel
- Alps 316 SS guide frames with Zirconium guide inserts
- Included components: Fishing Rod
Best Travel Fishing Rods Buying Guide
Now that you’ve seen some of the options available hopefully you now have a good idea about what sort of travel rod you want, or even if a travel rod is something you want to look into.
It could be though you still need a bit more convincing or want a little more information, and this section of the guide is here to take you through some of the features to look out for while making a decision about what travel rod option is right for you.
Material
One of the most important features is the material the rod is made from. Fishing rods are normally made from fiberglass, graphite, or a composite, and deciding what’s the best option for you is a great way to narrow down your options quickly. Graphite rods tend to be more lightweight, but they can also be more expensive.
Rods made from graphite are normally very sensitive and if you prefer to be able to sense even the smallest nibble on the other end of your fishing line looking at these is no bad idea. Composite rods are a blend of Graphite and Fibreglass and they tend to be both durable and high in sensitivity (as well as being a little cheaper).
Fiberglass is a very affordable option and they can be a great learning rod if you’re just a beginner. Most advanced anglers find they lack power and the sensitivity than they’re used to though, so it’s probably not a great option for an experienced angler.
Length
You’re probably aware that length is very important when choosing how powerful you want your rod to be, and this doesn’t change for travel-sized rods. Travel rods are generally between six to seven feet long, and as with any rod you have to think about the distance you want to cast, the type of fish your pursuing, and the bait you want to use.
What travel rods have going for them is their portability and make sure you have a good long look at how many pieces your rod breaks down into while retaining its full length when reconstructed.
You’ll be very surprised at how small some rods can be broken down into. Make sure the rod can fit into whatever you want to pack it in comfortably, or you may find you don’t get the use out of it.
Best Travel Fishing Rods - FAQ's
Why can’t I use my regular rod when traveling?
Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from using your normal rod, but you’ll probably find that your rod and gear take up too much space for long trips.
The beauty of a travel-sized rod is that it doesn’t replace what you normally use, but it’s there when it’s too much hassle to take your usual rod out. There are all sorts of rods out there, and you may find there’s a rod you want to keep in your vehicle for those unexpected fishing locations.
Are collapsible rods any good?
Collapsible rods like anything can be great, but it depends on which one you get. A quality collapsible rod can help you fish in places you wouldn’t be able to otherwise because you don’t have your normal gear.
There are plenty of reliable and well-made rods out there, it’s just a question of looking.