I'm going on vacation in a month to the Philippines with my family. Looking over things to do there my wife (who's from there) stumbled across and lake that actually has largemouth bass in it...can you believe it? My wife couldn't, she said she didn't know the Philippines had bass. So of course one day at least will be spent fishing which brings me to the travel rod dilemma...I don't have one! I need one that can easily fit into a large suitcase and won't take up too much room. I'm thinking a spinning rod and reel would be the way to go. Not looking to spend a fortune as I'm not sure how much use this rod will ever get but want something better than an Ugly Stik (heard the travel rod isn't the same quality of their regular rod). I'd say a do-everything rod and not just a finesse ultra light, would like to keep rod and reel combo under $150 (the more inexpensive the better). Suggestions? 

Bring a reel and buy a rod there?

Fenwick Eagle 3 piece Medium mod/Fast spinning rod, about $50

Tom

Shimano Convergence 4 pc travel rod. Comes in a sweet case that fits nicely in a large check in luggage. Or it can be carry on luggage as well as I’ve done it on many occasions. Paired it with a Daiwa Fuego since it’s mag sealed so I’m salt water ready if I need to be. 

https://6thsensefishing.com/products/millikens-spinning-rod-travel-bundle

 

Use mf10 at checkout 

I bought the 4 piece kastking travel rod. Only $55 or so. I bought two to use in Cabo where I’m at right now and then afterward I’m giving them both to my brother in law who lives there so he can use them to fish with his kids. 
 

There a variety of length and powers to choose from and I can tell you the 7’6” mh feels more like a medium and that is really the power I wanted anyway. 
 

And if it broke, I won’t be out much at all and honestly I could care less.  I went with the spinning model because many people go the spinning route and when in rome…
 

the plastic case it came in was perfect (for protection) but about 2” too long for my luggage so I used a coping saw to cut off the amount needed and that did the trick. 
 

Please double check the rod carrying policy with your airline. You don’t want to be forced to leave it. For example, to Mexico I can bring my normal 2-piece rod as a carry on. However going back to the US, you cannot. I would have had to give up that rod had my sister in law not been there. They wound up losing it over but lesson learned.
 

 Good luck and say hello to my place of birth. I have not been there since 1977. 

2 hours ago, webertime said:

https://6thsensefishing.com/products/millikens-spinning-rod-travel-bundle

 

Use mf10 at checkout 

I saw this too, didn’t know about the code…thanks ?.

On 8/24/2023 at 3:59 PM, WRB said:

Fenwick Eagle 3 piece Medium mod/Fast spinning rod, about $50

Tom

I have this and it is excellent. Comes in a nice sturdy rod tube travel case.

 

I also recommend the St Croix 4 piece Triumph travel rod and the Shimano Convergence 4 piece travel rods.

Daiwa made a five rod piece (plus a case) Ardito travel rod (Model # 70MHF-SC) that only uses three pieces at a time, but can be configured as a spinning rod, or a casting rod. I don't know if anyone is still selling them, but they were well received for the time they offered them. The MSRP is/was $139.

 

And, based on a personal experience I had when trying to find information on a specific Kage swimbait rod, there are some models that are not widely advertised or even shown in any of their catalogs, that they still have in stock at their HQ. If you were interested but unable to source one, I recommend giving them a call or sending an email.