Telescopic fishing rod and reel for backpacking?
I want to get my dad a fishing rod for christmas so he can take it backpacking. It needs to be light weight, but fairly sturdy, and it needs to be collapsible so it can fit into a backpack. Can anyone recommend a good rod and reel? Try to keep it under $40
Thanks for you input so far, you guys are helping alot. I am looking for something light weight, as it will most likely have to be carried distances over 7 miles, with all sorts of hunting equipment. Light Weight is a MUST! Thanks again.
1.) Telescopic rods have a tendency to break easily and have next to no durability.
Imagine your dad hiking into a remote area where the fish are abundant and easily caught and his rod or reel breaking.
For this reason alone I would be VERY cautious about purchasing a telescopic rod. The only Telescopic rod I’ve ever heard of with an "ok" reputation was an Ugly Stik, (and even then the action was a joke!).
Light weight is important when hiking, but if your fishing outfit is too "flimsy" for the rigors of a hike and you arrive at an OUTSTANDING fishing hole with a broken rod…..Whats the point?
In my opinion, you need a decent "pack rod" with a solid reel.
Pack rods break down into 4 pieces and have the durability and action of a one-piece rod.
Here is a suggestion:
1. Eagle Claw Trailmaster 3 Travel Rod- Currently at http://www.cabelas.com for $41.99. This rod has excellent feedback for such an inexpensive rod.
Match the Trailmaster rod with a Mitchell 308 Xe (about $40-$44) and you have a very decent outfit that should be much more reliable than a dirt cheap pack rod outfit or telescopic rod/reel that will break the first time you don’t "baby" it.
(I know my suggestion is closer to $90 than $40 but, honestly, there just aren’t any good pack-rod combo’s (OR even general fishing outfits) in your requested price range! In fishing tackle the old saying,"You get what you pay for" is very applicable.
Here’s a couple questions you should ask yourself before spending only $40 on a hiking pack-rod outfit:
Would you buy a car from Walmart for $500?
How long do you think your $500 Walmart car would last?
PS: Bassplayer gets my vote for best answer. Thumbs bro.
a 4 piece rod would be better than one of those telescopic things. look up fenwick or eagle claw and see what they have to offer. some of the bass pro shop or cabela’s store brands are good. give them a look, too. avoid shakespeare if at all possible. years ago, they used to be one of the best. now it is cheap crap made in china. shakespeare in name only. you may as well go for steve’s instant fisherman. thumbs to fisher k.
References :
hey there, you can go to or order from bass pro shop or your local walley world. both carry a shakespear package like that. at both places it is under 30 dollars. you can not go wrong with anything shakespear brand. i have 3 of their rods and 2 reels in boat right now and i will be takin them fishing tomorrow. below i will leave you a link that you can take a look at the combos. i hope this helps you a bit. good luck good fishin be safe and remember to share the experience
http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS307US307&resnum=0&q=collapsible+fishing+rod&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title
References :
1.) Telescopic rods have a tendency to break easily and have next to no durability.
Imagine your dad hiking into a remote area where the fish are abundant and easily caught and his rod or reel breaking.
For this reason alone I would be VERY cautious about purchasing a telescopic rod. The only Telescopic rod I’ve ever heard of with an "ok" reputation was an Ugly Stik, (and even then the action was a joke!).
Light weight is important when hiking, but if your fishing outfit is too "flimsy" for the rigors of a hike and you arrive at an OUTSTANDING fishing hole with a broken rod…..Whats the point?
In my opinion, you need a decent "pack rod" with a solid reel.
Pack rods break down into 4 pieces and have the durability and action of a one-piece rod.
Here is a suggestion:
1. Eagle Claw Trailmaster 3 Travel Rod- Currently at http://www.cabelas.com for $41.99. This rod has excellent feedback for such an inexpensive rod.
Match the Trailmaster rod with a Mitchell 308 Xe (about $40-$44) and you have a very decent outfit that should be much more reliable than a dirt cheap pack rod outfit or telescopic rod/reel that will break the first time you don’t "baby" it.
(I know my suggestion is closer to $90 than $40 but, honestly, there just aren’t any good pack-rod combo’s (OR even general fishing outfits) in your requested price range! In fishing tackle the old saying,"You get what you pay for" is very applicable.
Here’s a couple questions you should ask yourself before spending only $40 on a hiking pack-rod outfit:
Would you buy a car from Walmart for $500?
How long do you think your $500 Walmart car would last?
PS: Bassplayer gets my vote for best answer. Thumbs bro.
References :
Go with the Shaespeare package, as someone mentioned above. I`ve had the same rod and reel for backpacking for 12 years now and it hasnt failed. Also, if it did fail Shakespeare has a lifetime warranty on it, so no fuss. Also, the action is aweome on the lightweight rod!!
References :
NY Backpacking Guide
Eagle Scout
Own the telescoping Shakespeare package for 12 yrs now