One of the best things about fishing is the environments that it takes you to. The best fishing is found in the most pristine environments.
Whether it’s the mountains of Patagonia or the flats of Seychelles, traveling to fish has no downsides.
Here we take a look at some of the best travel fishing rods around…
Not all of us will have caught the fishing travel bug yet, but once it gets you, it bites down hard.
To fish in these magical locations, you’re going to need a fishing travel rod and reel to take with you, and picking the right one is not so easy. Especially considering all the different types of fishing rods out there.
This article will save you valuable time and give you everything you need to make the right buy.
The Best From The Review
Choosing a fishing rod is a big decision, here are our top three choices from the lineup, each one in its own category.
This is so you can have a variety to choose from depending on your needs.
Top Pick
Okuma Citrix Travel Spinning Rod
An excellent travel pole that can handle pretty much anything you throw it at. It has the sensitivity for trout fishing and the power for burley jacks, making it an ideal all-around travel pole for most species.
Okuma Citrix Travel Spinning Rod
The all-round best travel fishing rod for me is the Okuma Citrix.
Designed with a lot of thought, the Citrix has the sensitivity for small species while having the power to handle some big saltwater fish too.
It’s light, durable, casts excellently, and has thoughtful features like braid-ready guide inserts.
Best Value
Goture Xceed 4 Piece Travel Fishing Rod
A quality all-round travel rod with minimal flaws for such a low price.
Goture Xceed 4 Piece Travel Fishing Rod
I think the best travel fishing rod, if you’re on a budget, is the Goture Xceed.
It’s light, strong, sensitive, durable, and can handle anything from light freshwater to medium saltwater species.
The quality for the price is almost unbeatable, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. It ticks every box.
Editor’s Choice
Daiwa Ardito-TR Travel Spinning Rod
An awesome rod to cast with, and once your fishing hooks snag a big catch, you’ll immediately notice the power that comes with it.
Daiwa Ardito-TR Travel Spinning Rod
The best travel fishing rod, in my opinion, is the Daiwa Ardito.
The Ardito takes things to another level compared to the rest.
Its performance outdoes the others in terms of casting distance, action, power, and sensitivity.
It’s a true all-rounder that’ll have you catching bass today and tarpon the next without any concerns.
Our Best Travel Fishing Rods
Here are all the top reels we reviewed.
Each one’s a winner in its own right and they all have their different strengths.
St Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rod
A 4 piece travel rod weighing just 4.9 oz. that delivers excellent performance in both casting and sensitivity.
St Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rod
St Croix has made their name by making affordable and high-quality fishing rods, and the St Croix Triumph Travel Series is their best travel fishing rod.
This is a 4 piece travel rod weighing just 4.9 oz. that delivers excellent performance in both casting and sensitivity.
The St Croix Triumph travel rod’s low weight means you’ll be able to keep casting all day without your arm feeling any tiredness.
You’ll happily make it to that golden hour at sunset when the fish usually turn on and start feeding heavily.
Build
This St Croix triumph travel rod is made from premium SCII graphite, giving you excellent performance, sensitivity, and durability at a great price.
You’ll cast this rod like a dream and even better if you go with the casting rod variant.
The St Croix Triumph feels like a one-piece and has the sensitivity to feel every bite with the backbone to make a decent hook set when fishing with it.
Guides
It comes with aluminum oxide guides to reduce friction when casting and a Fuji DPS reel seat made of graphite with stainless steel hoods.
The reel seat does tend to come loose and your reel can drop out if you’re not consistently checking it.
Great with the Right Reel
When paired with the right spinning reel, the St Croix fishing rod and reel combo will be an excellent set-up for small to medium-sized fish but it might be a little light for larger species, and you may need a heavier rod if you plan on going after tarpon for example.
Case
The St Croix Triumph comes with a padded nylon case and the 4 piece design makes it easy to travel with, but the case is nylon and padded rather than being hard, so you may have to buy a rod tube.
Specs
- Model: TRS66MF4
- Power Rating: Medium
- Length: 6’6”
- Line: 6-12 lbs
- Lure Weight: ⅛-½ oz
- Action: Fast
Pros
- A great balance of action and power for great casting and sensitivity
- Made from quality graphite that is durable and will last
- Excellent for all small to medium-sized species
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Packs down small into 4 pieces for portability
Cons
- The reel seat can loosen and drop your reel at important moments
- The spinning rod is a little light for larger fish
- Comes without a hard tube and only a padded nylon case
CAPACI Travel Spinning Rod
Cast amazingly well and are incredibly sensitive to any bite that comes along thanks to the fast action.
CAPACI Travel Spinning Rod
Capaci are quite unknown in the fishing rod/reel market and have yet to make a name for themselves.
So far, they are doing pretty well at making what we fishermen need in terms of quality but affordable rods.
Available Options
This travel fishing rod of theirs comes in both a casting rod or spinning model, so for anyone who uses a spinning reel or a baitcasting reel, there is a model for you. The model we have chosen below is their spinning travel rod.
Build
This fishing rod kit is made from 24-ton carbon, a top material, and it’s surprising considering the low price as carbon is usually more expensive.
These rods cast amazingly well and are incredibly sensitive to any bite that comes along thanks to the fast action.
Weight
They are also extremely light fishing rods, and the low weight is something that’ll help keep you fishing for hours on end.
Pieces
The fishing rod breaks down into 6 pieces, making it awesome to travel with as the rod length is just 45cm when put away.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a travel rod case and you’ll need to buy one to travel with it securely.
You might also find it tricky getting the eyes to line up when connecting all 6 pieces as there are no alignment marks on the rod to help you out.
Specs
- Model: TRS66MF4
- Power Rating: Medium
- Length: 6’6”
- Line: 6-12 lbs
- Lure Weight: ⅛-½ oz
- Action: Fast
Pros
- A great balance of action and power for great casting and sensitivity
- Made from quality graphite that is durable and will last
- Excellent for all small to medium-sized species
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Packs down small into 4 pieces for portability
Cons
- The reel seat can loosen and drop your reel at important moments
- The spinning rod is a little light for larger fish
- Comes without a hard tube and only a padded nylon case
Editor’s Choice
Daiwa Ardito-TR Travel Spinning Rod
An awesome rod to cast with, and once you hook up to a big fish, you’ll immediately notice the power that comes with it.
Daiwa Ardito-TR Travel Spinning Rod
Daiwa are one of the most trusted spinning fishing rod and reel manufacturers the world over.
They have built a loyal following in the fishing industry and make some of the best travel fishing rods out there.
Add-ons
Their Ardito might be the best travel spinning rod they make and covers everything from trigger fishing to casting and spinning.
Versatile
The fishing rod below is part of their best travel fishing rod series and is a true all-rounder.
It has the gusto for some tarpon fishing in the Florida keys while being light enough to enjoy catching some bass with too, covering all the species and environments we need it to.
Build
It’s made from Daiwa’s exclusive HVF (High Volume Fiber) graphite, which keeps it light while ensuring maximum performance.
The blank on these travel spinning rods is specifically designed to reduce twist giving the rod extra strength and flexibility to handle some large creatures.
It’s an awesome, sturdy rod to cast with, and once you hook up to a big fish, you’ll immediately notice the power that comes with it.
Pieces
The fishing rod comes in 3 pieces and a hard travel tube is also included. It’ll fit in the overhead or in your check-in luggage with your fishing accessories, and is easy to travel with.
Reel Seat
The only downside about this rod is the reel seat.
You need to continually tighten it while you’re fishing to make sure the fishing rod and reel combo stay together.
The last thing you want is your spinning reel by your feet while fishing or fighting a fish.
Specs
- Model: ARDT763MHFS-TR
- Power Rating: Medium-heavy
- Length: 7’6”
- Line: 8-17 lbs
- Lure Weight: ¼-1 oz.
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Comes with a rod tube for safe travels
- Great blank construction, giving flexibility and reducing twist for extra strength
- Excellent action and responsiveness for a multi-piece rod, like a one-piece
- Great for saltwater species as well as freshwater, a true all-rounder
- Comes with an awesome 5-year warranty
Cons
- The reel seat needs constant tightening or you spinning reel may fall off
Fiblink Triomphante 3-Piece Spinning Rod
The combination of the length, power, action, and the 30-50lb fishing line rating stacks up to give you a rod that can handle boat, inshore, or surf fishing.
Fiblink Triomphante 3-Piece Spinning Rod
Fiblink are getting a name for themselves in the fishing rod and reel market.
If you need a travel rod specifically for fishing the ocean or for large freshwater species, then the Fiblink Triomphante has got your back.
Heavy Duty
Unlike other spinning rods, it’s a little too heavy for trout or bass fishing, but if it’s big cats or sailfish you’re after, this might be the best travel spinning rod to do it with.
The model below is ideal for surf fishing, boat fishing, and inshore fishing.
The combination of the length, power, action, and the 30-50lb fishing line rating stacks up to give you a rod that can handle almost any ocean species out there.
Build
The rod is made from solid carbon fiber and is tough as nails so you can put the pressure you need on those large species.
The reel seat and guides are all geared up for survival at sea too. Made from stainless steel and aluminum alloy, they are excellent at batting away corrosion.
Guides
However, the guides’ inserts aren’t the best and tend to pop out from time to time
This is relatively easy to solve if they aren’t cracked; just a bit of super glue and re-inserting them should fix them up fine.
Pieces
In terms of travel, the Triomphante breaks down into 3 pieces and arrives at your door in a classy rod tube.
It’s a great packed size and perfect for any kind of transportation.
Specs
- Model: 8
- Power Rating: Heavy
- Length: 8 ft
- Line: 30-50 lbs
- Lure Weight: 2-8 oz
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Quite a serious saltwater rod for handling large species
- Aluminum alloy & stainless steel reel seat for awesome corrosion resistance
- Strong carbon fiber construction while being light and sensitive
- Packs down into a nice rod tube for travelling
- Stainless steel guides to handle the saltwater
Cons
- A bit too heavy to enjoy light freshwater fishing
- Guide inserts on the rod can pop out easily
- Goture Xceed 4 Piece Travel Fishing Rod
Best Value
Goture Xceed
The Goture Xceed is a little bit too good to be true as a travel fishing rod.
I’m struggling to see how they have made such a quality all-round travel rod with minimal flaws for such a low price.
And then you find out the Xceed comes with a lifetime guarantee as well.
It baffles me, but I’m happy about it!
Versatile
The model we have chosen below is the ideal set-up for fishing trout in the mountains one day and snook in Florida the next.
If you’re looking for the one rod to travel the world with, this might be it. But in case you’re looking for more trout rods, check out this guide.
Build
Made from a 30-ton carbon blank, the rod is sensitive, strong, powerful, light, and casts like a dream.
You’ll be able to get your lure just where you want it to be, feel the bite, have the stiffness for the hook set, and the power to land a big fish.
We can’t ask for much more can we.
Piece
The Xceed is a 4 piece rod and comes delivered in its own protective tube.
It’s an ideal size to travel with, and you can happily fit it in your suitcase or in the overhead.
There is just one drawback to this rod, for a medium-heavy rod it does feel a little too bendy for some, and could do with a little stiffening up.
Specs
- Model: Xceed80MH-S
- Power Rating: Medium-heavy
- Length: 8 ft
- Line: 10-20 lbs
- Lure Weight: ¼-1 oz
- Action: Medium-fast
Pros
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee at an awesome price
- Light for fatigue-less all-day casting on the water
- Strong but sensitive thanks to the carbon blank and action
- Great for use in saltwater and freshwater
- It has some serious lifting power
Cons
- It can feel a little bit bendy for some
JEKOSEN Travel Spinning Rod
Made from a solid carbon blank, making it both light and durable, while also being strong and sensitive. It has the power for some large inshore species and the delicacy for some smaller freshwater fish.
JEKOSEN Travel Spinning Rod
Jekosen are another budget manufacturer who seems to be knocking out some quality gear for a low price.
Their 4-piece travel pole has been compared to a one-piece, although that is probably pushing it, it’s still a good sign.
Options
The Jekosen comes in both a spinning and casting rod model.
The model below is for spinning and is an ideal setup for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
It has the power for some large inshore species and the delicacy for some smaller freshwater fish.
Build
It’s made from a solid carbon blank, making it both light and durable, while also being strong and sensitive.
The guides use frictionless ceramic inserts to assist with how far you can cast and the pole has a lovely action.
Rod Tip
The tip section is a little delicate and you’ll need to treat it with care, in fact, it’s so delicate that many an angler has had the tip snap within the first 10 hours of use.
It’s hard to know if this is a user error, but it seems to have happened enough to be a genuine worry.
Specs
- Model: 8ft
- Power Rating: Medium
- Length: 8 ft
- Line: 12-25 lbs
- Lure Weight: 0.35-0.88 oz.
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Great all-round rod for salt and freshwater species
- Light & sensitive but has some backbone for a solid hook set
- Excellent value for such quality
- Comes with a great travel tube
Cons
- The tip is pretty thin and will need a delicate touch
- In some cases, the tips can break within hours of use
KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod
An all-round pole that will be great for both freshwater and saltwater species. It sits in that ideal middle ground that means it can do almost everything.
KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod
The one and only telescopic rod to make the cut is the KastKing Blackhawk II.
I tend to avoid telescopic rods like the plague as I was bitten as a child, but I thought this one was worth talking about.
It somehow doesn’t do the one thing I hate about a telescopic rod, collapse while you’re fishing.
Thank you KastKing for making a telescopic rod that stays together, so you can focus on fishing instead of re-building your pole and untangling everything all the time.
Options
The Blackhawk II collapses down to a third of its length and comes in all sorts of models, from casting and spinning to inshore, so there is certainly a version for you.
Versatile
The model I have chosen below is an all-round pole that will be great for both freshwater and saltwater species. It sits in that ideal middle ground that means it can do almost everything.
Build
The Blackhawk pole is made from a carbon blank and is therefore light, durable, and powerful.
It comes with an excellent seat for your reel that fully locks down, making sure your reel isn’t going anywhere.
Action
Once set up, it casts well and you’ll feel every bite thanks to the medium-fast action, missing a fish will only be due to angler error not equipment failure.
Power
The telescopic rod does feel a little too bendy for a medium-heavy though and there are no markers to help you align the eyes.
And even though it doesn’t collapse, the eyes tend to twist around while you’re fishing, so you’ll have to constantly re-align them.
Specs
- Model: 8ft
- Power Rating: Medium
- Length: 8 ft
- Line: 12-25 lbs
- Lure Weight: 0.35-0.88 oz.
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Great quality for a telescopic pole and priced very reasonably
- Good spinning reel seat that locks down hard
- The sections don’t collapse, great for a telescopic pole
- Excellent performance in casting and sensitivity for a telescopic
- Made from quality carbon with a glass tip for durable sensitivity
Cons
- Feels a little light for a medium-heavy, more medium
- Can be a little tricky to get the eyes straight on set up
- Guides twist while fishing and need correcting
Okuma Citrix Travel Spinning Rod
An excellent travel pole that can handle pretty much anything you throw it at. It has the sensitivity for trout and the power for burley jacks, making it an ideal versatile fishing rod for most species.
Okuma Citrix Travel Spinning Rod
The Okuma Citrix is a great travel fishing rod that can handle pretty much anything you throw it at.
It has the sensitivity for trout and the power for burley jacks, making it an ideal all-around travel pole for most species.
Build
Made from an SCII graphite blank, the pole is durable and is balanced beautifully to give you great castability. The overall construction makes it quite light, and allows you to fish tirelessly all the way through to dusk.
Guides
The guides on the Citrix use zirconium inserts that are designed for use with braid. This is the first pole in the review to have braid-ready guides, and since most of us use a braided fishing line these days, it gets extra points for that.
The zirconium reduces friction for both brain and mono, giving you the extra casting distance you’ll need in some situations.
Rod Tip
The tip of the Citrix has been labeled as a little delicate for some, but not for all.
There are stories of the Citrix handling large cobia and jacks without any issues, but then there are also reports of the tip snapping on a snag.
I would put it down to angler error but it’s worth noting.
Specs
- Model: CIT-S-724M
- Power Rating: Medium
- Length: 7’2”
- Line: 8-17 lbs
- Lure Weight: ¼ – ⅝ oz.
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Zirconium guide inserts are ideal for use with braid
- High-quality graphite makes it light but durable
- Ideal for small and medium-sized fish from bass to snook
- Packs down small for easy packing and travel
- Comes with a protective case
- Sensitive enough to feel the most subtle bites
- Great price for the quality
Cons
- The tip can snap if you’re too bolshy with it
KastKing Crixus Travel Fishing Rods
The Crixus travel pole gives you amazing quality for a very reasonable price.
KastKing Crixus Travel Fishing Rods
KastKing are in the game of making fishing affordable, and somehow come out with quality spinning travel rods that mean anyone can afford to fish if they want to.
The Crixus travel pole follows this trend and gives you amazing quality for a very reasonable price.
Build
The Crixus is made from IM6 graphite and is very light.
If you fish long and hard you’ll know that every ounce counts when it comes to how tired your arm and wrist get.
The Crixus has got your back in this regard, and you will be able to keep casting and casting with minimal fatigue.
Versatile
The model chosen below is again in the middle ground. It’s sensitive enough for smaller species, yet strong enough to handle some medium size ones too.
It does feel a little bendy for a medium-heavy though and may struggle if you hook something quite big.
Grip
The Crixus is beautifully balanced and a joy to cast with.
You’ll be able to hit your desired spot time and time again without any concerns, and even if the grip is wet, it stays in your hands.
The grip is a little short in front of the seat; this does get annoying for some anglers who like to use the front grip for extra leverage, so bear that in mind.
Pieces
It also comes in two pieces, so is a little long in the case for traveling with. It’ll be fine to go in the overhead but it might not fit in your suitcase.
Specs
- Model: KRDSPNCX-76MH2
- Power Rating: Medium-heavy
- Length: 7’6”
- Line: 10-17 lbs
- Lure Weight: ⅜ – ¾ oz
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Light for easy all-day casting
- Comes in a bulletproof travel case
- Excellent grip never slips even when wet
- Sensitive with great casting action for hitting cover and feeling subtle bites
- Awesome quality for the price point
Cons
- Very short grip in front of the reel seat
- Feels a little light for a medium-heavy and may not manage larger fish
- Comes in two pieces and may not fit in your luggage
Okuma Nomad Spinning Travel Rod
This is one of the best travel rods and performs excellently when targeting larger species, but is a bit too blunt for light freshwater fishing.
Okuma Nomad Spinning Travel Rod
The Okuma Fishing Tackle Nomad is designed for the ocean and is the perfect travel companion for bouncing from the Florida Keys to Costa Rica and beyond.
The Okuma Nomad travel rods are described as the 3-piece that feels like a one-piece.
This is one of the best spinning travel rods and performs excellently when targeting larger species, but is a bit too blunt for light freshwater fishing.
Build
The Okuma Nomad is made from a high-quality graphite blank that is wrapped in carbon for extra strength.
The Okuma Nomad is durable as hell as far as travel fishing rods go and has the power to handle some serious creatures, especially when the fishing rod and reel combo are matched correctly.
Rod Tip
The Nomad comes with two tips, a light tip, and a heavy tip, giving you almost two different rods. You can drop down to the light tip for small species and slip on the heavy tip when you’re going after those monsters.
Guides
The Okuma Nomad uses stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts that are designed to reduce friction when fishing braid. This not only looks after your braid but also gives you some extra casting distance when spinning.
Case
It also comes with a protective carrying case that is waterproof, so no matter what happens, you know your rod will be living in a salt-free environment.
Unfortunately, there isn’t space for your fishing reel in the carrying case.
Specs
- Model: NT-S-703L-ML
- Power Rating: Medium-light
- Length: 7 ft
- Line: 10-30 lbs
- Action: Medium-fast
Pros
- Comes with two tips, one light and one heavy
- Great for medium-sized saltwater fishing
- Sturdy and powerful rod for putting the heat on large fish
- Comes in a protective, waterproof carrying case
- Made from quality materials that can handle saltwater with ease
- Uses braid ready zirconium guides
Cons
- A little too heavy for any light fishing
- The case won’t fit both your fishing rod and reel combo inside
What Is A Travel Fishing Rod
Traveling fishing rods can be spinning rods or fly rods, any kind of rod for that matter. You can travel with a 7 weight setup but it might be considerably more tedious.
The only difference is that the rod is designed to make traveling with it more convenient.
A travel fishing rod will either be a multiple piece rod or a telescopic fishing rod, reducing it’s length significantly when broken down.
The length reduction means it’ll be small enough to fit in your check-in luggage or maybe even your tackle box, making it a good fishing rod for travel. If you need rods specifically for backpacking, you might want to check out this best backpacking fly rods review.
Features
It’ll come with a protective rod case too, which you’ll just slot into your suitcase for check-in or take as a carry-on along with your reel and fishing accessories..
It’s much more comfortable than showing up to the airport with a one-piece 12ft spinning rod and hoping it’ll survive the journey, although it is fun to look at the flight staff’s face when they wonder, “what the hell is that thing”!
Travel Rod V’s Normal Rod – What’s The Difference?
The only real difference between a travel rod and a standard rod is its length when packed away.
Sectional
Instead of being a two-piece spinning rod and being 7ft long when packed away, it’ll be a 4 piece travel spinning rod and only be 3.5ft when packed away.
Telescopic
A travel spinning rod can also be telescopic, meaning the rod’s sections collapse into each other and when stored, can be as small as only a foot long.
The short length means you can take the rod and reel combo on the plane or pack your rod and reel in your main luggage.
Can Normal Rods Still Travel?
Yes, of course, but they are quite inconvenient to travel with.
I remember trotting around the globe with my two-piece fishing rod and reel combo and having to put it in a PVC case to check it in as a separate piece of luggage every time I flew.
It got expensive checking in my fishing gear and tackle box and I would always be worried on the flight if my rod would make it safely; one day it didn’t.
TIP
You don’t have to own a travel fishing kit but it will make your life a little less expensive and your fishing trips a little more stress-free.
Are Fishing Rods Allowed On A Plane?
This depends on the country you’re traveling in.
In the USA, yes they are, and so is a reel, as long as they fit in the overhead or under your seat, basically the standard carry-on rules.
Depends on Size
A standard travel spinning rod will fit in the overhead lockers no problem.
If the fishing pole is too long, you’ll have to check them in.
Depends on Destination
In other countries, the rules differ quite considerably from place to place.
I have fished all over the world and had many long conversations with flight staff as to why my best travel fishing rods weren’t dangerous.
In the end, I couldn’t be bothered with the hassle, so every time I fly, my best travel fishing rods and reel go in my cart or check-in bag with the rest of my fishing gear.
A Multiple Piece Rod Or Telescopic Fishing Rod, Which Is Best?
As we have discussed, there are two types of travel fishing rods to choose from; a multiple piece spinning travel rod or a telescopic fishing rod, so which is best?
Personal Preference
In my opinion, a multiple piece travel spinning rod is always going to be better than a telescopic fishing rod.
A telescopic fishing rod is prone to issues and doesn’t usually have a multiple piece rod’s quality.
They tend to collapse while you’re fishing and due to the inferior quality, little annoying things like the guides popping out or the mechanism breaking end up affecting your fishing.
This is especially annoying if you have traveled around the globe to fish an amazing spot.
To Each Their Own
That being said, telescopic rods are useful as backpacking fishing tackle, as they pack down a bit smaller than multiple piece rods and will slot into your backpack or tackle box easier.
In the end, it’s a personal choice.
What Makes The Best Travel Fishing Rod?
There are several factors that make up the best travel fishing rods and we’ll run through them below. If you only plan on owning one, the key is versatility, and here is why.
What Are You Fishing For?
If the world was your oyster and money no object, where would you take your fishing trip?
The list is probably growing in your head as you dream of all the species you’d love to experience and the beautiful places they live in.
In the end, it’s a long list and the last thing you want is your fishing gear to hold you back.
Versatility
With this in mind, you’re going to want a travel fishing rod that can handle your fishing style and a solid variety of species and environments.
This means it needs to be light enough to enjoy catching smaller fish and heavy enough to target some bigger ones and handle saltwater too.
What we are looking for is a travel fishing kit that sits in the middle of the spectrum and will survive in saltwater.
Materials
Like all other rods, travel rods are can come in carbon fiber, graphite, and fiberglass construction or.perhaps a combination of these.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass construction in travel rods is rare and most of the travel fishing rods you’ll find will be made of graphite or carbon fiber.
Carbon Fiber and Graphite
Both carbon fiber and graphite are excellent rod materials for a travel fishing rod.
They are light, strong, cast well, and give a great all-round performance when you’re fishing. High density carbon fiber is a little bit more expensive and responsive than graphite but it is a little hard to tell when you’re using them, so the difference is negligible. If you’re a pro you may notice and want to go for carbon over graphite.
Rod Length
The ideal length of a good travel fishing rod kit depends on what you’re looking to catch and where your fishing trip is.
But when it comes to looking for an all-rounder which you can fish for multiple species with, you’ll want to look for a fishing rod kit around 8ft long.
This will give your spinning travel rod enough gusto to cast a few lures far and handle larger fish while still being delicate enough to fish for any smaller species.
Rod Action
The action of a fishing rod describes where the pole will bend under pressure.
Slow action rods bend near the butt, medium action rods in the middle, and fast action near the tip.
Ideal Action
The top travel fishing poles are fast action or medium-fast action rods.
They not only increase your casting distance and accuracy but are also much more sensitive. The extra sensitivity allows you to feel how your fishing lures are doing and notice every little bite that comes along, making your fishing more successful.
Power
The power rating of a fishing pole dictates how thick and robust the rod is, and therefore how stiff the rod is.
The rating scale goes from ultralight to extra-heavy, ultralight for very small fish and extra-heavy for monsters or casting heavy fishing lures. A spinnerbait rod will, quite obviously, work best with a spinnerbait lure as that particular rods power will be designed with those lures in mind.
Ideal Power
The best travel rod will have a medium or medium-heavy power rating.
This will give it the strength to catch larger fish while still letting you feel the pull of smaller species, giving you the all-around option we are looking for.
Weight
The weight of any rod has an impact on your fishing. Heavy rods make you tired when you’re casting all day.
You can feel the ache in your arm and notice your patience and enthusiasm start to dwindle. As a rule, you want to choose the lightest rod possible for your specific needs.
Consider Other Factors First
The weight of a travel fishing pole should be the last thing you look at.
It is best to try to tick all the boxes we have mentioned above first, and then use the weight to make your final decision.
This way, you get a rod that will get the job done, and the lightest version of it, saving your casting arm and maintaining both your patience and enthusiasm.
Rod Tube
The best travel fishing kit will come with a rod case that the rod slots neatly into and protects it on its journey to new adventurous fishing grounds.
Going on fishing adventures without a rod case is suicide for your travel fishing rod, as it will break unless you’re cuddling on the plane.
In case you have plans to bring kids along with you on your fishing travels. These rods for kids are great to start learning the basics with.
TIP
If the rod you choose doesn’t come with a rod tube, not to worry, you can buy a case that will fit to give you peace of mind while you’re traveling with it.
Winding Up
Let’s have a quick recap of the top three picks…
Best All-Rounder
If you’re looking for a great all-round travel pole that you can rely on and doesn’t break the bank, then the Okuma Citrix is the way to go.
Strong, durable, sensitive with the capacity to target everything from small freshwater species to punchy inshore ones too, it’s one of the best travel spinning rods to take on your fishing trip around the world.
Best Value
If good value is your game and you’re on a budget, the Goture Exceed is the best travel spinning rod for you. Incredibly affordable while being high-quality, it truly is a bargain. It’ll go far if you practice proper fishing rod maintenance.
The Exceed does all the basics well and can handle both saltwater and freshwater fishing, making the world your oyster.
Editor’s Choice
If it was me, I’d buy the Daiwa Ardito spinning fishing rod.
The Ardito is the best travel performer out of all the rods in the review and for this reason is one of the most expensive travel rods.
The balance of power and sensitivity with the Ardito is second to none, along with its awesome casting action and versatility, it’s hard to go wrong with this and if you pair it with the right gear, you’ll have a great rod and reel combo.
Thanks for reading my review and I hope you like it.
Please share this review to your fishing buddies who might find this helpful.
And don’t forget to read my other articles. There are many to choose from, like the “Best Pen Fishing Rods“, “Best Flipping Poles“, or “Bass Fishing Tips”. Feel free to check them out.
