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The Best Backpack Fishing Rod To Buy In 2020 – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Finding the right backpacking fishing rod for your next trip is a big deal. When you are backpacking, particularly if you are going on a multi-day excursion, being able to fish can bring you even closer to nature and test your survival skills. The ability to catch, prepare, and eat your own food while out in the wilderness is a deeply human experience that can connect us all. No matter our heritage – we all have ancestors who lived on a primarily fish-based diet.
However, most of the fishing rods today are large and clunky and not especially suited for long backpacking trips. Thankfully, there are now plenty of options that will fit with the rest of your gear with ease.
If you are ready to find the best backpack fishing rod for you, keep on reading. We will give you our top five picks, as well as what to look for when choosing a rod of your very own.
The Best Backpack Fishing Rods
Best Backpack Fishing Rod For Beginners – PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Full Kit
Best Value Backpack Fishing Rod – Eagle Claw PK56TS Pack-It Spin Combo Telescopic Rod
Best Backpack Fly Fishing Rod – Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Complete Starter Package
Best Collapsible Backpack Fishing Rod – Goture Travel Fishing Rods 4Pcs
Best Backpack Tenkara Fishing Rod – MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Tenkara Rod Carbon Triple Zoom
The Best Backpack Fishing Rods – Reviewed
1. PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Full Kit – Best Backpack Fishing Rod For Beginners –
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This telescopic fishing rod by PLUSINNO is a great choice for getting started. This rod is made of a high-density carbon fiber and fiberglass mix. This allows it to bend so you can hook fish with ease. It also includes a comfortable grip, so you won’t have to worry about the pole slipping from your hand if you make a big catch.
This fishing rod works in all types of environments, including freshwater and saltwater. So, it will double as a travel-friendly rod if you are ever going to a destination where you would like to saltwater fish.
This travel-friendly rod comes with a lightweight and waterproof carrying case, a spool of fishing line, and a tackle box with many lures and hooks. We also love that this rod can be shifted for left and right-hand use and that it comes in a shorter version for younger backpackers who are just learning how to fish.
Pros:
- Comes with everything you need to get started
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Not the most affordable option
- Some complaints with the quality of the telescopic mechanism and carrying case
2. Eagle Claw PK56TS Pack-It Spin Combo Telescopic Rod – Best Value Backpack Fishing Rod –
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This rod from Eagle Claw is a trusted favorite for backpackers and fishermen alike. The affordable prices as well as the higher durability make these traveling rods a great value. If you are looking for a rod that will last you for many trips, this is a great one to consider.
This rod isn’t going to catch you any big fish, but it is ideal for catching 2-3 pound fish in a lake. However, if you are a skilled fisherman, you can pull up a fish as large as 6 pounds with this rod.
We love this rod because it is a reliable and affordable option for backpackers. We also recommend it as a backup rod if you feel like you may need two because it is so portable and lightweight.
Pros:
- Durable and portable
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Does not come with a tackle box or kit
- Not suited for catches over 6 pounds
3. Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Complete Starter Package – Best Backpack Fly Fishing Rod –
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fly fishing rod is made with high-quality IM8 graphite which makes it lightweight and durable. It is easy to carry and is the perfect rod to carry if you want to do some fly fishing while on your backpacking trip.
Customers love how high-quality this travel-friendly fly fishing rod is, and compare it to rods that are hundreds of dollars more. The rod and reel cast out smoothly, ensuring that you are going to have an enjoyable fly fishing experience.
Wild Water also stands behind this product by including a lifetime warranty, which truly speaks to its amazing quality. The durable travel case also comes with flies and other items you need to get started.
Reported to be of comparable quality to much more premium setups, you can avoid paying top dollar with your first combo by going with this fly-fishing rod set.
Pros:
- Affordable for the durability and ease of use
- Comes with carrying case and flies
Cons:
- Won’t be able to catch larger fish
- There are some reported issues with the line that comes with the setup, so it may be better to replace
4. Goture Travel Fishing Rods 4Pcs – Best Collapsible Backpack Fishing Rod –
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This collapsible fishing rod comes in both casting and spinning versions, and a few different lengths, so you can easily choose the rod that is going to work best for you.
This rod breaks down into four pieces and comes with a tubular carrying case for easy transport. It is a medium power rod and will allow you to catch slightly larger fish than some of the other rods on this list, so this is a great choice if you are planning on going bass fishing while on your backpacking trip.
Goture gives you a lifetime guarantee with this rod and will send you replacement parts if something breaks. That along with the different options to suit your style makes this rod a great bet for anyone.
Pros:
- Comes in casting or spinning versions
- Comes with carrying case
Cons:
- Like many portable rods, does have some complaints with snapping
- Does not come with tackle box or other accessories
5. MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Tenkara Rod Carbon Triple Zoom – Best Backpack Tenkara Fishing Rod –
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the first things we notice about this rod is that it is a rod that is three different lengths in one. That makes it perfect for backpacking trips where you might be fishing out in the open one day and in deep vegetation the next.
This rod comes with a carbon tube and cotton sleeve that keep the rod protected during travel. The different segments of the rod telescope outwards, so you just stop extending when you reach the length that you would like.
This rod will catch small to medium-sized fish, and the zoom feature will help you if you think you’ll encounter different casting conditions on a single trip.
Pros:
- Three different lengths in one rod
- Easily portable and versatile
Cons:
- Does not come with accessories such as lures or hooks
- Will not allow you to catch larger fish
Buyer’s Guide – Best Backpack Fishing Rods
Now that you have seen our top five picks for the best backpack fishing rods, let’s take a look at what you need to look at to choose the best rod for yourself. There are plenty of options out there, so if none of our options caught your eye, let’s discuss what you need to look for instead.
Rod Power
When we are talking about fishing rods, power refers to the rod’s resistance to bending. The higher the power of the rod, the larger lure you can use, and the larger fish.
You may think you would always want to get a high-power rod, but that is simply not the case. If you are backpacking through areas that have primarily smaller fish, you are going to have a hard time catching anything as your rod will not have enough bend in order to snag a small fish. Instead, they’ll likely simply take your bait and leave.
For beginners who are new to fishing while backpacking and aren’t sure what they need, we suggest a medium-light rod.
Rod Action
Action is the term used to describe which part of the rod is going to bend when you get a fish on the line. A fast-action rod, for instance, is going to bend near the tip.
You will be able to feel a bite a lot more quickly with a fast-action rod. However, lighter lures and fish may be more suited to a medium-action rod. For beginners, you likely do not want to get a fast-action rod for your first rod, particularly if you’ll be fishing in streams and small bodies of water that have smaller fish.
Rod Length
When you’re choosing a backpacking rod, you will need to consider length. There are pros and cons to both shorter rods and longer rods, so you’ll have to consider where you will be fishing and how much room you have for gear as factors in making the right decision.
While a longer rod has a longer cast and can help you reach over obstacles, we suggest shorter rods for most backpackers as they are easier to use in dense vegetation, easier to carry, and lighter weight.
Rod Types
You can choose between spinning reels and baitcasting reels. Baitcasting reels allow you much more control and more accurate casts. However, for beginners, a spinning reel is going to be a lot easier to use. Baitcasting takes quite a bit of practice, and you don’t want to get frustrated on your first backpacking trip.
Additionally, you can choose a tenkara rod. A tenkara rod has a fixed length of line attached to the end of the pole. This will be a different type of fishing to get used to, but there are fewer parts to break and they are very lightweight, which makes them ideal for backpacking.
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