As a father, one of my favorite memories is fishing for bluegill along the shores of Canyon Lake with my boys. There is nothing like seeing the ear-to-ear smile spread across their faces when they reel in a catch on their own.
In our neck of South Texas, we are surrounded by state parks that have excellent rivers, lakes, and ponds for spending a day reeling in all sorts of fish.
Family+ Sunny Day Hike + Good Fishing Spot = Slice of Heaven
Albeit, lugging along your traditional fishing gear can be a bit cumbersome when you’re trying to keep it light on the trail. Fortunately, for us, we don’t have to!
In this article, we’ll be discussing the best backpacking fishing poles and rods to make your next trip a trail-conducive angling success.
Collapsible and retractible fishing poles are the best way to enjoy some angling while backpacking and car camping, as they are much smaller and lighter than your average fishing rod.
These poles can be easily stored in your backpack (or lashed to the side) or in a car loaded with camping gear and set up in a matter of seconds when you reach your destination.
With a good lightweight, compact rig, you’ll be reeling in the makings of flakey fish roasted under a starlit sky while camping along the water’s edge.
Sounds nice, don’t it! (Redneck grammar intended!)
- OFHQ’s Favorites
- Best Backpacking Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
- 1. Daiwa Mini System Minispin
- 2. Sougayilang Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
- 3. Shakespeare Wild Series Rod and Reel Combo
- 4. Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Freshwater Travel Kit
- 5. PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
- 6. PLUSINNO Telescopic Reel and Rod Combo
- 7. PLUSINNO Freedom Fishing Rod Kit
- 8. Eagle Claw Pack-It Fishing Rod Spin Combo
- 9. MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Tenkara Rod Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Outfit
- 10. Wild Water Standard Fly Fishing Starter Package
- Best Telescopic Fishing Rods for Backpackers
- Best Collapsible Fishing Rods for Backpacking
- Best Fly-Fishing Rods for Backpacking
- What to Look for In a Backpacking Fishing Pole?
- Wrapping Up Best Backpacking Fishing Poles
OFHQ’s Favorites
1. Dragontail Tenkara Shadowfire 365
I’ll admit, tenkara fly-fishing is not for everyone; however, we chose the Shadowfire as Best Overall with backpacking squarely in mind.
When you’re on the trail, every ounce becomes a pound, thus, the minimalist approach. Tenkara fishing originated in the rural countrysides of Japan where villagers had to make do with what they had to catch for dinner.
That often meant a bamboo pole with braided horsehair tied to the end.
The Dragontail Shadowfire bares tribute to this ancient tradition … and it works! True, without a reel, you’ll be pulling that trout in hand-over-hand. True there’s a learning curve.
But there’s a reason it’s a fast-growing pastime here in the west.
Look into it!
- One-Time Rod Replacement Warranty (for a fee)
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile power rods
- Durable materials
- Best beginner’s backpacking fishing kit
- Casting could be difficult in small ponds and streams due to the length
2. Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Freshwater Travel Kit
An impressive balance between cost, craftsmanship, convenience, and performance. Grab some line and hit the bait store and you’re ready to go!
- 1-year limited warranty
- Offers size 20 voyager reel
- Lightweight and portable
- Includes mini tackle box and custom travel bag
- Highly sensitive rod
- Great casting power
- Excellent value for money
- Travel bag quality could be better
3. Wild Water Standard Fly Fishing Starter Package
The Wild Water is a ready-to-go all-in-one package that makes an ideal backpacking companion. And with a Lifetime Warranty, you know that Wild Water thinks so, too!
- LIFETIME warranty ... for a fee.
- Convenient and simple fly combo
- Offers great casting distance
- Suitable for both professionals and beginners
- Well-equipped with a protective rod case, fly reel, fly box, and 9 flies
- None determined
4. Eagle Claw Pack-It Fishing Rod Spin Combo
Sometimes you just need an every-once-in-a-while rod that’s ready to go just in case you stumble across a lonely pond or lake that needs some company.
No frills here. Not even a carrying case. Just a basic rod for some basic fishing.
- 1-year warranty
- Easy to store and carry
- A decent rod and reel for pennies
- Easy and comfortable
- Suitable for both right- and left-handed people
- Doesn’t come with a tip protector to hold the rod in the closed position
- No accessories included
Best Backpacking Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Usually, combo products come with two or more average-quality items that typically fail early in the game. However, that’s not the case with the following best backpacking fishing rod and reel combos.
If you want a full package that’s ready to go out of the box rather than taking the time to piece together a rig, these are for you. Have a look!
1. Daiwa Mini System Minispin
The Daiwa Mini System Minispin is a ready-to-travel combo that comes in an ultra-compact hard case. It’s highly durable and comes with a 4.5-foot long, five-piece ultralight rod along with a powerful reel.
The equipped reel features a smooth and fast ball-bearing drive with 5.1 to 1 retrieve and multi-disc drag, making it great for catching medium-sized freshwater fish.
Specs and Features:
- Weight: Undetermined
- Rod Material: Aluminum alloy
- Gear Ratio: 5.1 to 1
- Bearing System: Ball bearing drive with a multi-disc drag
- Line Weight: 2 to 6 pounds
- Length: 4 feet 6 inches
- 2-Year Limited Warranty
- Compact design
- Sturdy hard case for easy storage and transport
- Affordable price tag
- Great for live or dead bait fishing
- The lower reel gear ratio provides good torque for winching in larger catches
- Unable to determine weight from the manufacturer's description or any of its sellers
2. Sougayilang Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
The Sougayilang Fishing Rod and Reel Combo feature a premium-quality spinning reel and telescopic rod. The top-class build quality is the most notable feature of this backpacking fishing rod.
It uses a mixture of fiberglass and high-density carbon fiber and the rod of this combo can stand the test of time.
The gear ratio of this product is 5.5 to 1 and its reel has a total of 13 + 1 ball bearings for enhanced performance. We also liked its compact and lightweight spinning reel which allows you to pack this rod and reel combo easily.
Specs and Features:
- Weight: 5.29 – 7.94 oz depending on the length chosen
- Rod Material: Carbon fiber
- Gear Ratio: 5.5 to 1
- Bearing System: Corrosion-resistant 13 + 1 smooth ball bearings
- Line Weight: 8 pounds
- Open Length/Closed Length: 3 sizes available
- 1-year limited warranty
- Compact and lightweight
- Good mid-range gear ratio
- Good quality for the price
- Fully equipped with spare spool, line, lure kit, and carry bag
- A heavy power rod may present a learning curve for beginners
3. Shakespeare Wild Series Rod and Reel Combo
The Shakespeare Wild Series Rod and Reel Combo are one of the best backpacking fishing pole combos for trout fishing. It comes with an extremely lightweight spinning rod that features a two-piece design.
Not only does it make packing this rod easy but it also enhances maneuverability.
The line weight of 2 to 8 pounds is also impressive and along with 4 + 1 bearings. However, the gear ratio is 4.4 to 1 which is less than many fishing poles listed here.
But it’s still one of the best backpacking fishing rod and reel combos that offers great performance.
Specs and Features:
- Weight: Undetermined
- Rod Material: Aluminum, Graphite
- Gear Ratio: 4.4 to 1
- Bearing System: 4 + 1 bearings
- Line Weight: Rated for 2 to 8 pounds
- Open Length/Closed Length: 5 feet 6 inches (non-collapsible)
- 1-year limited warranty
- Durable aluminum and graphite build
- Excellent line weight rating
- The line is not included
- We could not determine the weight from the manufacturer's description or any of its sellers
4. Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Freshwater Travel Kit
The Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Freshwater Travel Kit comes with a dynamic design, high-quality materials, and durable build. This kit provides you with a complete fishing experience.
It features a 6-foot-long five-piece fishing rod and a size 20 Voyager reel. The package also includes a tackle box and a custom travel bag for easy portability and storage.
The reel features a ball-bearing drive system along with a line weight of 6 pounds.
Specs and Features:
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Rod Material: Synthetic
- Bearing System: Ball-bearing drive system
- Line Weight: 2-10 pounds
- Length: 6 feet
- 1-year limited warranty
- Offers size 20 voyager reel
- Lightweight and portable
- Includes mini tackle box and custom travel bag
- Highly sensitive rod
- Great casting power
- Excellent value for money
- Travel bag quality could be better
5. PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
The Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo come with an elastic and quality rod made of high-density carbon fiber and fiberglass. It has ultra-light spinning reels and a portable telescopic rod that delivers smooth and fast action.
One of the best features of this telescopic fishing pole is that it comes in multiple actions and lengths so that you can choose the one that suits your style the best.
This backpacking spinning rod is ideal for traveling because of its collapsible functionality.
Not only can you purchase the complete telescopic fishing rod combo package but you can also buy just the rod if you want.
Specs and Features
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Rod Material: fiberglass mixed with high-density Carbon fiber
- Gear Ratio: 5.2 to 1
- Bearing System: 12 +1 shielded bearing system
- Line Weight: 6 pounds
- Open Length/Closed Length: 70.8/15.7 inches
- 1-year limited warranty
- Ultra-compact when stowed
- Durable and sturdy build
- Fully equipped with a carrier bag, line, lures, and mini tackle box
- The reel has some quirks (a little stiff, bail can get stuck ...)
- Big game fish can break the delicate tip
6. PLUSINNO Telescopic Reel and Rod Combo
The PLUSINNO Telescopic Reel and Rod is one of the best backpacking fishing pole combos available on the market. The package comes with a high-quality rod, which is specially designed to be portable, lightweight, and compact.
It can be your best choice if you’re going on a camping or fishing trip and need a long and sturdy fishing rod. The 7 feet long rod can turn into a 20-inch small package that you can easily store in your backpack.
The rod features a carbon oxide wireline and a carbon fiber frame that makes it easy to catch fish.
In simple words, this telescopic fishing rod offers a perfect balance between functionality, affordability, portability, and quality.
Specs and Features:
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Rod Material: Carbon Fiber
- Gear Ratio: 5.2 to 1
- Bearing System: 8 + 1 ball-bearing system
- Line Weight: 6 pounds
- Open Length/Closed Length: 7 feet/20 inches
- 1-year limited warranty
- Nicely priced
- A great option for beginners
- High-quality carbon fiber rod
- Includes carry bag (for rod only) and stocked mini tackle box
- Um ... why make a carrying case that doesn't have room for the reel?
7. PLUSINNO Freedom Fishing Rod Kit
The PLUSINNO Freedom Fishing Rod Kit is the best backpacking fishing pole combo for beginners. It comes with a 7 feet long six-piece fishing rod along with a carrier bag, fishing tackle, fishing line, and spinning reel.
The carbon fiber rod offers smooth medium action and generates a great response without showing any resistance. It’s also extremely lightweight and compact so that you can easily carry it on the go.
Specs and Features
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
- Rod Material: Carbon Fiber
- Bearing System: 8 + 1 ball-bearing system
- Line Weight: 10 to 16 pounds
- Open Length/Closed Length: 7 feet/15.7 inches
- 1-year limited warranty
- Ultra-compact when stowed
- Lightweight and durable
- Equipped with carrying bag, lures, hooks, weights, and mini tackle box
- Plusinno cheaped out on the carry case
8. Eagle Claw Pack-It Fishing Rod Spin Combo
The Eagle Claw Pack-It Fishing Rod Spin Combo comes with a fishing line, spinning reel, and a lightweight fishing rod. The length of the rod is 5 feet 6 inches and it’s very easy to control. Additionally, it features a size 10 aluminum spinning reel with a 5 to 1 gear ratio.
One of the best features of this combo is that its fishing line is preloaded allowing you to start catching fish right away.
Specs and Features
- Weight: 0.4 pounds
- Rod Material: fiberglass
- Gear Ratio: 5 to 1
- Bearing System: Eagle Claw ball bearings
- Line Weight: 4 to 10 pounds
- Length: 5 foot 6 inches
- 1-year warranty
- Easy to store and carry
- A decent rod and reel for pennies
- Easy and comfortable
- Suitable for both right- and left-handed people
- Doesn’t come with a tip protector to hold the rod in the closed position
- No accessories included
9. MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Tenkara Rod Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Outfit
Here’s one for the minimalists. Tenkara fishing is a far-eastern take on western fly-fishing: basically, they disposed of the reel to focus more on the fishing and less on the equipment.
So why does MaximumCatch include a reel in their tenkara kit, you ask? Um . . .
Well, we assume it’s to offer versatility –use the reel, or don’t.
Either way, the Maxcatch Tenkara Rod is one of the best-equipped fly-fishing combos that come at an affordable price. It features a carbon fiber rod made of five different layers of carbon, a pre-spooled aluminum reel, and several other thoughtful inclusions (see below).
The rod has three different lengths for fly fishing so that you can adjust its height based on your particular situation.
Specs and Features
- Weight: 2.29 pounds (total package)
- Rod Material: Carbon fiber
- Line Weight: 5 pounds
- Bearing System: One-way bearing system
- Length: 9 feet
- 1-year limited warranty plus a lifetime repair warranty
- Easy to set up and use . . . good for beginning fly fishers
- Portable and lightweight
- Balanced and durable
- Includes pre-spooled fly reel, fly box with 12 dry and wet flies, neoprene reel case, zinger and line nipper, and a sweet-looking fishing cap
- The reel is okay; but, don't expect especially smooth drag or reeling. Consider replacing with a better one down the line.
10. Wild Water Standard Fly Fishing Starter Package
Wait. A fly fishing rod with a LIFETIME WARRANTY!?!?
Well, yes … with a catch (no pun intended): Wild Water will guarantee your fly rod for life IF you submit the warranty registration within 30 days of purchase AND follow their “How to Avoid Breaking Your Fly Rod” guide to the letter.
In other words, they won’t cover it if they determine you misused or abuse it in any way. If you break it, a $35 fee applies. Still, it’s more than the others offer at this price point; so, do with it as you may.
The Wild Water Standard Fly Fishing Starter Package comes with a 9 feet long fly rod and a high-quality reel seat featuring double lock rings.
The package of this fly-fishing rod also offers a dedicated protective case for the rod and a bag for the reel.
Another great feature of this product is that it comes with nine flies and a plastic fly box that allows you to store up to 372 files. It’s perfect for fishing in ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams.
Specs and Features:
- Rod Material: Graphite
- Bearing System: One-way clutch bearing
- Length: 9 feet
- Line Weight: 5 to 6 pounds
- Rod Action: Medium-fast
- Rod Weight: 4.4 oz.
- Flies Included: 9
- LIFETIME warranty ... for a fee.
- Convenient and simple fly combo
- Offers great casting distance
- Suitable for both professionals and beginners
- Well-equipped with a protective rod case, fly reel, fly box, and 9 flies
- None determined
Download this guide to get your kids outside and off screens.
Download The FREE Guide NowBest Telescopic Fishing Rods for Backpackers
If you are looking for the best telescopic fishing rod for backpacking, but prefer to select your own after-market reel, take a look at the following quality rods that telescope to a nice compact, portable size.
11. Sougayilang Telescopic Ultralight Fishing Rod
The Sougayilang Telescopic Ultralight Fishing Rod is one of the best-looking products available on the market. Not only does it look good but it also offers a great performance as well.
It’s a telescopic fishing pole that’s extremely lightweight, compact, and portable.
It features a high-density carbon fiber construction and offers the same durability as heavier telescope rods. One of the best features of this Sougayilang fishing rod is its affordable price making it a great option for people on a tight budget.
Specs and Features:
- Weight: Varies depending on the size selected (5 available)
- Rod Material: E-glass and carbon fiber composite
- Line Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
- Open Length/Closed Length: 5 lengths available
- 1-year limited warranty
- Affordable price
- Comfortable, ergonomic grip
- Lightweight and compact
- Less durable than most telescopic rods ... best for light action
12. KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rod
Specs and Features:
- Weight: Varies depending on the size selected
- Rod Material: Graphite
- Line Weight: Varies depending on size and weight selected
- Action: Fast
- 1-year warranty
- Excellent cost-to-quality ratio
- Impressive sensitivity
- Light to heavy options for catching a wide range of species
- Rod and reel combos are available
- Nothing but good things to say
Best Collapsible Fishing Rods for Backpacking
Collapsible fishing rods tend to be more compact than telescopic rods when broken down. The following rods come without the reel, allowing you to be selective about piecing your own rig together.
13. Goture Xceed Travel Fishing Rods
Goture offers some of the best fishing rods and the Xceed Travel is no exception. You can carry this product with you wherever you go fishing. It’s made of a 30-ton carbon matrix that features a premium quality reel seat for enhanced rod power, strength, and sensitivity making it great for larger fish
This collapsible rod also features a four-piece design and weighs only 1.1 pounds. All these features make it one of the best travel fishing rods that offer consistent and reliable performance.
Specs and Features
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Rod Material: 30-ton carbon matrix
- Action: Fast/Medium Fast
- Length: 7 feet
- 1-year warranty
- Collapses into four pieces
- Available in multiple sizes
- Good cost-to-quality ratio
- Great tip sensitivity
- Includes a carrying case
- Carry case could use an upgrade
14. Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod
The Daiwa Ardito is a great fishing rod for traveling because of its five-piece design and ultra-lightweight. The rod is made of high-quality graphite that ensures great sensitivity, strength, and flexibility.
You can use this fishing pole to reel even big fish.
The high point of this rod is its sensitivity … you can feel everything, especially when paired with the Daiwa Ballistic LT2500 or 3000 Reel and some sensitive line
You may have to shell out for this rod, but it will pay for itself in an exceptional trawling experience.
Specs and Features
- Weight: 0.34 pounds
- Rod Material: Graphite
- Line Weight: 8 to 17 pounds
- Length: 7 feet 6 inches
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- High-quality materials
- Sensitive to bites
- Offers great performance
- Only the price ... but it's worth it!
15. CAPACI Portable Travel Casting & Spinning Pole
The CAPACI Portable Travel Casting & Spinning Pole comes with a six-piece collapsible design and 24-ton carbon construction. But it still feels like a one-piece fishing pole because of its sturdy build. It’s powerful and sensitive which allows you to catch small and medium-size fish easily.
Specs and Features
- Weight: 0.3 pounds
- Rod Material: 24-ton carbon
- Line Weight: 6 to 14 pounds
- Length: 6.89 feet
- Lightweight and portable
- The 24-ton carbon construction makes it suitable for any fishing method
- Affordable price tag
- The carrying bag is a joke, to be real ...
Best Fly-Fishing Rods for Backpacking
If you’re looking for an extremely lightweight fishing pole, a fly-fishing rod will suit you the best. The following is the list of the best fly-fishing rods that you can currently buy from the market.
16. Dragontail Tenkara Shadowfire 365
Fishing. Simply. That’s Tenkara.
The Dragontail Tenkara Shadowfire 365 is perhaps THE ideal backpacker’s fishing rod: minimalist, capable, quality. It’s one of the best Tenkara fishing rods and it can be your best option if you want a durable and lightweight product for a backpacking trip.
It’s a longer rod at 12 feet that weighs only 0.18 pounds and can be set up within three minutes for fishing. The Dragontail Tenkara Shadowfire 365 fishing rod is suitable for any skill level and is most suitable for catching small fish.
Specs and Features
- Rod Material: graphite
- Length: 12 feet
- Rod Action: Soft 6 to 4 action
- Line Weight: 3 to 3.5 pounds for best performance
- Rod Weight: 0.18 pounds
- One-Time Rod Replacement Warranty (for a fee)
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile power rods
- Durable materials
- Best beginner’s backpacking fishing kit
- Casting could be difficult in small ponds and streams due to the length
17. Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Pole
The Piscifun Sword features a PVC tube for protection, unlike most pole and reel combos. The 8 feet 6 inches long IM7 graphite casting rod comes with a four-piece design for easy portability.
Additionally, it offers instant pulling power and precise fly placement for a great fishing experience. It’s important to note that the rod features a slow action for catching small trout and sunfish in small streams and ponds.
Specs and Features
- Rod Material: IM7 graphite
- Length: 5 sizes available
- Line Weight: 7 pounds and above
- Rod Action: Slow
- Rod Weight: Varies based on size selected
- 3-Year Warranty
- Tough and strong build
- Resistant to corrosion
- Sensitive to bites
- Reasonably priced
- Heavier than many other fly-fishing rods
18. MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Fly Rod
The MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Fly Fishing Rods are specially designed for beginners to get into fishing. It’s made of high-quality carbon (featuring five-carbon layers) and offers a fast action design.
You also get a high-density aluminum reel seat and a pure A+ contoured handle to ensure enhanced performance and a comfortable grip.
If you are planning to buy a fly-fishing rod for the first time, you can’t go wrong with the MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Fly Rod.
Specs and Features
- Rod Material: Carbon
- Length: 9 feet
- Line Weight: 3 to 8 pounds
- Rod Action: Fast
- Rod Weight: 0.7 pounds
- 1-year limited warranty plus a lifetime repair warranty
- Lightweight and compact
- Can be used for both fresh and saltwater fishing
- Great construction quality
- Affordable price
- A little stiff
19. St. Croix Rods Mojo Trout Fly Fishing Rod
The St. Croix Rods Mojo Trout Fly Fishing Rod comes with a durable carbon construction and an extremely comfortable cork handle. Whether you’re an expert angler or a beginner, this fly rod will serve you well.
It features a moderate to fast action for 2 to 7 pounds line weights and offers a smooth and reliable performance. The reel seat of this lightweight rod is made of machined aluminum and you can use it for both saltwater surf fishing and freshwater fishing.
Specs and Features:
- Rod Material: Carbon
- Length: 9 feet
- Line Weight: 6 pounds
- Rod Action: Moderate to fast
- Rod Weight: 0.2 pounds
- 5-years warranty
- Versatile rod power
- Offers great control
- Excellent bite sensitivity
- Very expensive, but, other than that, no bugs on this pole
What to Look for In a Backpacking Fishing Pole?
Finding the right fishing pole for backpacking is like finding the right dog for a hiking companion: a LOT weighs on personal preferences. While you’re ruminating on which you’ll settle on, here’s some food for thought:
Weight
The weight of the fishing rod and reel matters a lot if you need to pack it while traveling. Especially if you’re backpacking, ounces become pounds very quickly. Make sure that you choose a lightweight product for easy storage and portability.
Still, keep in mind that ultralight fishing rods are usually made for catching small fish. So, you’ll need to compromise on weight a little if you’re planning to catch medium or big-size fish using your backpacking fishing pole.
Packing Size
All the fishing rods that we have mentioned in this list come with a collapsible design to offer a small packing size. It allows you to store your fishing rods easily in your backpack while on the move.
Make sure you select a collapsible or retractable model; otherwise, you’ll need to carry it in your hands … not an ideal backpacking situation.
Carefully consider the available room in your pack before choosing a rig. If it doesn’t fit, you could lash it to the exterior.
Durability and Warranty
Durability is one of those factors that you must never overlook while choosing the best backpacking fishing rod. You might need to pay a little more money to buy a durable product from a reputable brand but it’ll save you a whole lot of money in the long run.
Pay attention to the material used while checking the durability of a product you’re considering buying. For example, a fishing rod made of high-quality carbon will last for years to come.
A sub-quality fishing pole will cost less but it’ll break after a few uses and you’ll need to pay the same amount of money to buy a new one.
In addition, most durable products offered by popular brands come with a warranty to protect your investments and, oftentimes, the length of the warranty reflects the company’s faith in their product.
If the warranty is questionable, it’s likely that so is the durability of the rod.
Rod Length
If you want a fishing rod that can cast a great distance, you should go with long backpacking fishing poles; however, if you plan on fishing in a small pond or stream, then shorter rods will serve you better.
Generally, 7-foot -long fishing rods are great for balanced and accurate casting.
Rod Power
The rod power of a fishing pole is essentially the pressure that it can withstand whenever a fish hooks on. If you want to catch small fish, we recommend you go with light or ultralight rod power.
On the other hand, if you are planning to catch medium or big-size fish you should go with a heavy or medium-power rod.
Skill Level
Some fishing rods are specially designed for beginners and novice fishermen. While others are made for professionals and experienced anglers. You should pay attention to your skill level and choose the most suitable fishing rod.
Casting speed, rod action, and handle grip are some of the most important features that allow you to determine the ease of use of the fishing rod based on your skill level.
Rod Types
There are different types of fishing rods available in the market. The most common types include spin fishing rods, casting fishing rods, telescopic fishing rods, fly-fishing rods, and tenkara rods.
Telescoping fishing rods are the best option for portability because they are collapsible and extremely lightweight. You can also opt for fly-fishing rods that can be dismantled as they’re also lightweight.
For you minimalists out there, the tenkara-style rod is a Japanese take on fly fishing with a rod and line, but no reel.
Be aware that a tenkara rod will require you to “reel” in your catch by pulling on the line hand-over-hand.
Fiberglass vs. Graphite
Most backpack fishing rods are made of either graphite, fiberglass, or a combination of both these materials. If you’re a beginner and want to go for an affordable option, then a fiberglass rod is your best choice.
However, you need to keep in mind that these fishing rods are less sensitive.
On the other hand, the graphite fishing rods are extremely sensitive but they’re also very expensive. They’re usually made for professional and expert anglers and offer a great fishing experience.
Wrapping Up Best Backpacking Fishing Poles
There is something intrinsically satisfying about fishing. It’s even better when you’re casting a line along a quiet, remote riverbank with your campsite nearby and a campfire waiting to roast that fish to flaky perfection.
And apart from hiking and camping, these lightweight, collapsible options are excellent to keep in the car on the off-chance you stumble upon a nice fishing spot on a road trip. You never know!
We hope our guide has helped you choose the best backpacking fishing poles for your needs.
Now, get out there!
Joshua Davis
Being outdoors is freedom! Being outdoors with my wife and two boys is LIVING! Whether in my backyard or getting lost in a National Park, there’s nothing I’d rather do than explore, discover, and experience the paradise that surrounds us. Give me my family, a backpack, and a trail and my life is full!Download this guide to get your kids outside and off screens.
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