Portable fishing poles

[Kevin]

Was talking with a friend last night about fishing. He has something like a "pocket fisherman" (I think that's what it's called) and said it would be perfect for bringing along hiking. I would certainly consider another 1 or two pounds of fishing gear (what's a little more weight when you're already carry 45+ lbs, right? ).

I know several or even all of you own compact poles, so I was wondering what your opinion is of the pocket sized pole...

Is ebay a good source for this equipment?


[I should also note that I currently don't own ANY fishing gear and haven't in several years (when I have gone I would borrow my cousin's gear). But I am an experience angler (mostly bass fishing locally). If there are any attractive compact fishing gear packages I would probably prefer that versus piecing together gear]

[lumberzac]

I'd go with a telescoping rod and reel setup. I've been using a 4.5' ultralight rod and reel that folds down to about 12", for years now. Check a local sporting goods store or even the dreaded Wal-mart. You probably could find a halfway decent setup for under $30.

[sacco]

i have never used a pocket fisherman, but from what i can tell its not a bad idea, and i've heard others say good things about it.

i know alot of new/passing interested people are scared off from fly fishing because it "requires so much more time and skill" and blah blah blah.

i disagree, i don't think it takes anymore skill to fly fish at all. i believe it does take much more time, skill, and patience to be a GREAT fly fisher.

the other thing that scares off would be fly fishers is the price. you can get started in other forms of fishing for much cheaper. the key word there is "started"
while the initial cost of flyfishing is higher, over the long haul it ends up being much cheaper. (any decent rod is guarenteed for LIFE, and flies are dirt cheap)

i'd be willing to bet that most flyfishers will agree with me on both points.

so anyways...

my suggestion is a 4 or 5 piece flyrod. my rod, reel, and flies combined actually weigh less than the pocket fisherman.

[Kevin]

Sacco, are you volunteering to teach me how to fly fish?

(I agree that fly fishing is probably a lighter option, but whether it's an alternative for a weekend bassmaster like me is another story )

No Sacco is volunteering to teach you how NOT to fly fish!

[ken999]

Kevin- Flip a coin... spinning gear-fly gear... I'm new to flyfishing and would have a hard time casting on some of the smaller streams I fish. I'm not saying it can't be done, I'm just not there yet. Spinning gear would probably be easier to start with. I do like sacco's suggestion that most $100 fly rods are garunteed for life...it's a potential money saver in the long run. Nothing says you can't put a microlight spinning reel on a 4 peice fly rod either...it might not cast as well as a spinning rod, but will get the job done on small brush choked streams. One rod, two reels...and all bases covered.

[sacco]

kevin, i'd be more than happy to show you everything i know. all we need is about 10 minutes some afternoon on a hike.

i was always a bass guy myself. i love fishing while floating down a river.
i love that fact that most bass fisheries are mixed bags where you never know what you're gonna get (like a box of chocolates -- mmmmmm chocolate.... ggghhhgg)

afternoon hunger...

anyways, i've been going for trout more and more over the last few years due to one main fact - trout live in beautiful places.

and i find flyfishing for trout is often more productive.

[morrell12]

I use a telescopic pole and reel set up. I have taken it on many trips while backpacking. I think I picked it up at Dicks for about 20 bucks!

[Creekwader]

The tips of Telescoping poles are easy to break if they are collapsed and the pole is dropped or smacked into something. Best to store any fishing pole while hiking in a tube. I got a telescoping rod for my parents a couple years ago from Cabelas that was decent for under $20.

I never got around to buying a 5 or 6 piece flyrod, I usually just lash my 2 or 4 piece to my pack or canoe. The more sections to a flyrod the more the performance degrades. Some custom rod builders will make spin/fly combos.

[ken999]

"Best to store any fishing pole while hiking in a tube."

A cheap tube could be easily made with some pvc from the local hardware store...

[lumberzac]

I bet this rod would work well.

[sacco]

I never got around to buying a 5 or 6 piece flyrod, I usually just lash my 2 or 4 piece to my pack or canoe. The more sections to a flyrod the more the performance degrades. Some custom rod builders will make spin/fly combos.

i've seen the spin/fly combos. i've never talked to anyone that's used one though. i would imagine that they could either be a great compromise, or they could be crappy at either style. i'd like to hear from someone who's tried one.

i talked to a guy who makes flyrods for a living, and he said that with modern techniques/materials there is no loss of performance with additional sections. that's why you're seeing alot more high performance 6 and even 7 piece rods nowadays - or so i was told.

[sacco]

I bet this rod would work well.

and dirt cheap too !

[sacco]

decent fly rods come with a case, you could also make one outta pvc as been suggested here.

i've been really trying to keep my packweight down lately, so i just strap the rod to the pack, or use a cheap cardboard mailing tube with some tape around it for a little "waterproofing" for the cardboard.

[ken999]

...I think any well stocked webmaster ought to have one of those...

[redhawk]

I got an old Zebco that came in a case with a spinning reel and some spare line spools.

It breaks down into four sections that can be stored in about anything and it is lightweight. It is also sturdy. Works for me (I don't use the case!)

Don't get me wrong, I'm no expert when it comes to fishing (I use smart worm technology) but it works fine and is easy to pack and carry.

I think I paid $30 for the set about 20 years ago.