Choosing a travel rod for anglers who like to pack light and bring a fishing rod on their trips requires some planning to understand the options and the type of fish you might encounter. We’ve reviewed a wide variety of rods to provide you with excellent choices and recommendations for different types of fishing and travel scenarios.
Several factors need consideration when selecting the best travel rod for your fishing plans. These include the rod’s size when disassembled, the number of pieces, the type of case (hard case, roll, or bag), the rod type (spinning, casting, telescoping), and how you intend to transport it. Deciding whether a telescoping rod is suitable for your needs is also important.
Travel rods are available in configurations ranging from 2 pieces up to 5 pieces, and there are also telescoping travel rod options. If you plan to fit the rod in a suitcase, a model with more pieces will break down into a smaller footprint. Carrying the rod separately may offer more rod options. For protection during transit, especially with airlines, a hard case might be preferable to prevent damage. Alternatively, a rod wrap could be sufficient if the rod is packed within a hard suitcase.
OUR TOP PICKS
Shimano Zodias Pack Rod: The High-End Travel Companion
The introduction of the Shimano Zodias series quality into a high-end bass travel rod was truly exciting. The Zodias line is known for its performance, and this 5-piece travel rod version maintains that reputation.
When packed, this travel rod shrinks down to just 19 inches, making it incredibly portable for any travel scenario. Once assembled, it performs like a high-quality one-piece rod, retaining all the features of its standard counterparts. The 5-piece construction ensures a consistent bend, often superior to that of a 2-piece rod.
The rod delivers significant power and a consistent load during casting, quickly making you forget it’s a travel rod. It’s truly a high-end rod first and foremost, conveniently designed in 5 pieces for portability. Features include a CI4+ reel seat for lightweight strength and a full carbon monocoque grip, enhancing sensitivity by eliminating EVA material.
The Hi-Power X construction reinforces the blank’s outermost layer with carbon tape in an X pattern. This design provides more precise rod actions and increased strength, allowing you to confidently handle fish. It stands out as one of the finest travel rods tested, perfect for anglers seeking premium performance in a portable package, making it a top choice for a Good Travel Fishing Rod.
Close up of the F5 Double Barrel Concealed Carry travel swimbait rods showing the rod pieces and case
F5 Double Barrel Concealed Carry: Big Bait Performance, Travel Size
F5 Custom Rods is known for crafting some of the highest quality big swimbait rods available. These custom-made rods are meticulously built, from the blanks to the handles and accents. The Double Barrel Concealed Carry series introduces their exceptional packable travel big swimbait rods.
These rods are 5-piece constructions, custom-built with extra-long full cork handles. They utilize top-tier rod blanks and a robust ferrule system, resulting in a powerful and uniform rod capable of handling 2-6 ounce swimbaits with ease. Despite its 5-piece design, casting heavy baits like the 6 1/2 ounce Slide Swimmer presented no issues. Remarkably, the entire kit packs down to just 24 inches, fitting easily into any travel bag, ensuring you can bring a high-performance big swimbait rod on any trip.
Priced at $269, these rods are an investment, but their value is clear. They enable anglers to pursue trophy fish anywhere, with a pack of favorite big baits and a top-tier swimbait rod, making them an excellent choice for destination fishing trips.
St. Croix Trout Series Pack Rod: Adventure-Ready Light Tackle
For adventurers needing a light and highly portable trout rod to reach remote fishing spots, the St. Croix Trout Series Pack Rod is an exceptional choice. While designed for trout, this rod is also perfectly suited for bluegill, crappie, and even smallmouth bass in secluded streams and creeks. It’s beautifully crafted, weighing just 2.9 ounces and breaking down into 3 pieces for minimal bulk in a backpack.
Paired with a small 1000 spinning reel and 4-pound line, this rod is a joy to fish. It effortlessly casts small baits and possesses surprising backbone for such a light rod. It’s set to become a go-to creek travel rod, ideal for anglers valuing lightweight, packable performance for lighter species.
Angler holding a bent Ark Rods Genesis travel rod while fishing from a kayak
Ark Rods Genesis: The Proven Travel Performer
The Ark Genesis 2-piece travel rod has a track record of performance across various fishing locations, from Nebraska to Alabama. This rod, a reliable travel companion, comes with a quality padded bag for protection.
Read our full Ark Genesis 2-piece travel rod review
The rod assembles seamlessly and fishes exceptionally well. Its slender blanks are both durable and sensitive. Versatile in application, these rods have proven effective across various fishing techniques. Available in 6-foot, 8-inch MH and 7-foot, 6-inch MH models, they handle flipping, frogging, spinnerbaits, jigs, crankbaits, topwater poppers, and buzzbaits with equal competence. For anglers seeking uncompromised performance in a 2-piece travel rod, the Ark Genesis is a solid choice.
Shimano Convergence Travel Rod: The Versatile All-Rounder
The 7-foot, 4-piece Shimano Convergence Travel Rod is a superb all-around travel option. It excels with a wide range of species and lures in the 1/4 to 3/4 ounce range. Disassembling to 25 inches, it fits comfortably in most bags and includes a hard case with a shoulder strap for easy carry during hikes or travel. Well-constructed and versatile, it pairs effectively with various reels.
Shimano Convergence travel rod hard case with shoulder strap
St. Croix Triumph Travel Rod: The Compact Workhorse
The St. Croix Triumph Travel Rod is a robust and versatile option. Its 6-foot, 6-inch length is ideal for fishing in confined spaces, making it excellent for small streams. This rod is enjoyable for wading creeks or using on larger bodies of water during travels. Its compact 24-inch form factor makes it a great pack rod to keep in a vehicle or travel bag for extended trips. Constructed from a quality blank divided into 4 pieces, it is strong, sensitive, and light. It serves as a travel-friendly version of the popular Triumph series, perfect as a good travel fishing rod for anglers needing reliability and portability.
Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod: High-End Features, Travel Ready
The Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod brings high-end rod features to a travel-friendly format. It comes with a premium hard case and breaks down to 30 inches (32 inches in its case). Featuring a V-flex ferrule joint system, the Ardito allows for easy assembly and disassembly without jamming pieces together. A simple push until snug is all it takes, making setup and breakdown quick and efficient.
This rod boasts a high-modulus blank, Fuji Aluminum Oxide guides, an unsanded micro-pitch blank, a split EVA grip, and a machined nut hood. It’s a high-quality rod that pairs excellently with baitcasters. Available in 7-foot medium, 7-foot medium-heavy, and 7-foot, 6-inch medium-heavy models, the Daiwa Ardito is designed for anglers who demand performance and convenience in their travel fishing gear.
Telescoping Rods and Combos: Convenience on the Go
Daiwa travel combo rod and reel in sling bag
Daiwa Travel Combo: Best Telescoping Combo
The Daiwa Travel Combo stands out as the best combo option, featuring a good quality reel, a better-than-average telescoping rod, and a sling carry bag spacious enough for multiple travel rods and reels. Compacting to 26 inches, this combo is ideal for any type of travel, whether by car or plane.
The rod is a 7-foot, 2-inch medium power fast action model, proving to be sturdy and reliable during use. The included reel is a 2-bearing Daiwa Crossfire LT 2500. Despite having only 2 bearings, it operates smoothly with a consistent drag. This spinning combo is a solid, user-friendly choice, available with EVA or Cork grips.
Priced at $149, the Daiwa Travel Combo offers a hassle-free, all-in-one solution for anglers seeking convenience and decent performance without the need to match separate rods and reels.
BnM Poles Little Mighty Telescoping Rod: Reach New Lengths
The BnM Poles Little Mighty Telescoping Rod is surprisingly impressive. With a heritage in crappie and bluegill fishing, B’n’M Poles brings nostalgia and innovation together in this design. This telescoping rod extends to an impressive 20 feet yet collapses to a mere 22 inches, resembling a track baton when packed. It’s designed for quickly reaching out to crappie or bluegill.
A word of caution: extend and collapse the rod section by section, starting with the tip. Avoid shaking the rod to extend sections as this can misalign them. Proper handling ensures smooth operation.
Despite initial skepticism, testing this rod revealed its versatility and appeal. Its exceptional reach makes it ideal for various fishing scenarios. Once you adapt to handling 20 feet of rod with a fish on the line, it becomes a uniquely enjoyable fishing tool, especially for panfish anglers.
Zebco 33 spincast combo telescoping rod collapsed and extended
Zebco 33 Spincast Telescopic Combo: Budget-Friendly Fun
The Zebco 33 Spincast Telescopic Combo is an affordable option, priced between $30-40, ideal for casual fishing, particularly for panfish around campsites or docks. However, it is not designed for larger, more powerful fish. The rod tip is quite flexible under load, and the line can rub against the rod blank, so caution is advised when targeting bigger species.
For its price point, this combo is excellent for catching panfish and offers an accessible and convenient way to enjoy fishing without a significant investment, perfect for family trips and beginners.
Understanding Travel Rod Types
Consider the different types of travel rods available to best suit your fishing needs. These include spinning, casting, and telescoping travel rods, as well as specialized options like travel fly rods, swimbait rods, or trout and panfish rods.
If you plan to use light lures and lines, a spinning travel rod is likely the best choice. For targeting panfish like bluegill or crappies specifically, a long telescoping rod or a light spinning rod, such as a trout rod, can be very effective, offering versatility for both trout and panfish.
For larger fish species, a more robust rod capable of handling heavier line is necessary. Baitcasting travel rods are generally better suited for bass and larger species like walleye, pike, muskie, and stripers.
Specialty travel rods, such as swimbait or extra-long jigging rods, are tailored for specific fishing techniques and target species. Travel fly rods are essential for fly fishing enthusiasts, with high-end and mid-range options available that pack down to fit in overnight bags.
The Case for Telescoping Travel Rods
Telescoping rods offer a convenient, spur-of-the-moment fishing option. Their ease of use makes them ideal for quick fishing opportunities that arise during travel. Many anglers keep telescoping rods in their vehicles for impromptu fishing sessions during lunch breaks or after work trips.
Historically, telescoping rods were often associated with lower quality, basic combos for small panfish. However, newer, higher-quality options are emerging, making telescoping rods a viable choice for both bass and panfish, blending convenience with improved performance.
Angler holding a telescoping rod while standing by a river
Travel Rod and Reel Combos: Simplified Fishing
Travel rods are often available as rod and reel combos, particularly telescoping models. Multi-piece travel rods also sometimes come with decent spinning reels. While some anglers prefer to select their own high-performance rods and reels separately, travel combos offer convenience and value, especially for unexpected fishing opportunities during travel.
For those moments when you wish you had a rod and reel, a reasonably priced telescoping combo can quickly get you fishing in an unplanned hot spot, making it a practical addition to your travel gear.
Protecting Your Investment: Travel Rod Cases, Bags, and Rolls
Travel rods typically come with a case, bag, or roll to protect the rod pieces during transport. Proper protection is crucial to prevent damage during your travels.
Hard cases, which may feature a cloth exterior with a hard inner shell, or a fully hard outer shell with a soft interior, provide excellent protection, especially when rods are carried separately from luggage or stored in vehicles.
Travel rod rolls are cloth sleeves with individual pockets for each rod piece, rolling up and tying closed. These are suitable for carrying a rod or two within other travel bags or vehicle compartments.
Padded travel bags offer a balance of protection and convenience, preventing pieces from falling out and providing cushioning. Padded bags are often the preferred choice for safeguarding travel rods.
Selection of travel rod cases and bags
Top Travel Rod Brands
In freshwater fishing, many of the best travel rod brands are also leaders in rod manufacturing overall. Brands like Daiwa, Shimano, St. Croix, Megabass, and Ark Rods offer excellent travel rod options. Other notable brands include Fenwick, Favorite Fishing, Bass Pro, and BnM Poles.
Here are some of the travel rod brands reviewed and recommended:
- Shimano
- Daiwa
- St. Croix
- Megabass
- Ark Rods
- Fenwick
- Sixgill
- Bass Pro
- Favorite Fishing
- B’n’M Poles
- Ugly Stik
- Hardy
- Orvis
With a wide array of options available, choosing the right good travel fishing rod depends on your specific fishing needs and travel style. Consider these top brands and models to ensure you’re well-equipped for fishing wherever your travels take you.
