Best fishing rods according to redditors

I actually used this Shakespeare travel rod a few weeks ago on a 3-day backpacking/fishing trip in the White Mountains, NH. It is a 6'6" rod which breaks into 6 pieces, costs less than $15, and comes with a lightweight plastic rod tube. All you need is a cheap reel (<$20) and you're all set.

This. It is all about timing. During the day, when there are no solar storms affecting us, 20m tends to be open, and fairly well-used. You have to watch reports and then just spin the dial to see.


But yes, the bigger issue seems to be your set up taking so long. My portable setup takes 10 minutes tops. Get a pole like this that is light to carry, and put your antennas up quickly in an inverted V.


Even faster, attach a heavy object, like an adjustable wrench with a hole on one end, to the end of some paracord and toss it over a tree limb. Untie the wrench, and attach the line (with an egg insulator) to the middle of the antenna, then pull the paracord to lift the antenna into an inverted V. That takes about 2 minutes, mostly to unwind the antenna and power cord. Depends on how accurately you can throw the paracord. Using this method, you can leave the poles at home. Everything fits in a backpack.



You can get solar reports on these sites, among others:

• www.solarham.com
  
• www.spaceweather.com
  
  
  Edit: whoops, it looks like you already have a 20 ft pole, now that I re-read your post. Sorry about that. Yep, I'd leave the heavy larger pole. You shouldn't need it. I never take something taller than the 20 ft fishing pole, and get plenty of activity on CW. So to answer your question: lately, 20m and 30m have usually been Iclosed by sundown, often before. It has noticeably gotten worse over the last 6-12 months. But 20m is still used a lot during the day.

Good eye man and it's a fantastic setup for young kids. My daughter recently turned three and wanted to go straight to a Spinning Setup.

Okuma Safina Pro - Ice Fishing Reel

Okuma Celilo - Ultra Light

My brother got this setup for her birthday and it's the first time out. It's an incredible light setup and for her size and age she seems to handle it pretty easily. For Sub $60, it's a fantastic setup for her and I'm starting to become a big fan of the Okuma brand.

Edit: I'm also a Giant, 6'6" so it also makes the rod look small.

You can get supercheap rods off Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Traveling-Sections-Telescopic-Fisherman/dp/B005SO6GTW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1511730672&sr=8-4&keywords=tenkara

Will probably last long enough for you to decide whether or not you like it.

I would recommend something like a Ugly Stik Elite or Ugly Stik GX2. It will of course need to be a spinning rod (no trigger looking piece) to work with your reel. I like a 7' rod for all around fishing, and for a 4000 size reel I would recommend a medium or medium heavy power rod... medium if you fish more with smaller lures, medium heavy for larger lures. You can find both those in most stores, and they will cost between 30-50 bucks depending on what is on sale and the stores price level in general. If you have Amazon prime and are in the US you can get the 2 piece medium power Elite for $42 bucks with free shipping right now.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QJ4IE6S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

It's a broad and general question, so you are likely to get similarly broad advice.

I am assuming you are talking about spin-fishing rather than fly fishing. I'd say:

Get a spinning (not casting) rod, and a spinning (not 'baitcasting') reel. Match your rod to your fish, your reel to your rod, and your line to your reel. The easiest thing to do is buy a combo LIKE THIS because the components are matched already.

If you want to roll-your-own setup:

ROD The rod will say what "weight" it is: ultra-light, Light, ..., heavy). Trout are usually light or ultra-light depending on the size they grow where you are fishing. Unless you know the trout are > 2 lbs. in weight, go with "Light"

REEL The reel should match the rod, look for a 1000 series for Light, or an ultralite for UL. More important though, the spool of the reel will list the how much of which line it can hold in terms of pounds of test. and length. e.g. My ultra-light reel will hold 100 yards of 4 lb. line (still on Imperial measurements here in US). For a Light rod, look for a reel that shows 6 - 8 lb test. About 150 yards of 6 lb is a good target.

LINE Get what is listed on the reel. Monofilament is fine, don't worry about flourocarbon, coated or braided lines.

TIPPET Do get some flourocarbon "tippet" and the smallest barrel swivels you can find. Trout have excellent eyesight, and the tippet is much harder for them to see because it is smaller and flourocarbon is invisible in water. This makes your terminal tackle less 'spooky.' 5x tippet is a good match for 6 lb test. 6x for ultralight. Do this even if you bought the combo above.

RIGGING Generally you will put your main line on the reel's spool and out to a swivel, then a few feet of the lighter, more expensive tippet to your terminal tackle. e.g. My ultralight setup is 4 lb. mono main line to a size 7 swivel and 7x flouro tippet to the terminal tackle. You probably want 6 lb to 5x, and 8 lb. to 5x is totally fine if you buy a combo with 8 lb.

TERMINAL TACKLE For reservoirs you want to use floating bait, tubes/jigs, and lures (inline spinners and/or spoons) from shore. From a boat, same, but more emphasis on spoons. Lures are a blast, but will cost you a LOT of money to acquire a good variety of them. I recommend bait and tubes/jigs if you are just starting out.

Floating Bait If you are shore-fishing, this is going to be your friend. Get some floating bait (real worms, dough, nuggets, etc.) and set up a Carolina Rig. Real worms are the best bait IMO, but they do not float naturally. You have to put air in them with a hypo. If you are just starting out, the artificial baits are fine. Rig it up, throw it in, take the slack out of the line and wait for the lunkers to come get some.

Tubes & Jigs These take more skill, but can produce a lot of fish. If you are fishing snaggy, moving water like rivers I recommend these as the top way to fish (lures are expensive and easy to lose in rivers.) Get a Trout Magnet or Crappie Magnet kit and you have everything you need.

Lures Inline spinners like Panther Martins (esp. the black/yellow dot & yellow/red dot) and Mepps Algias crush Sierra trout, not sure what their Eton comrades prefer. Keep the weight between 1/16 oz. and 1/8 oz. unless the trout are big (match the lure weights that are often listed on your rod) Good spoons here include the Acme Kastmaster, Thomas Bouyant and Super Duper. The rule here that the heavier the lure, the better it casts and the more potentially off-putting it is to a smallish fish like a trout.

Lure Selection The specifics of lure size, color and action can have a big impact on whether you get bites. What works one day may not work the next. This is how you can end up buying a LOT of lures. In general, you want to use light/bright colored lures in clear water and/or bright days and dark lures in turbid water or dimly lit days. THIS THREAD as well as THIS OTHER THREAD has some more detailed info on lure colors, sizes and brands I recommend.

You may also want to check out Fly and Bubble fishing which lets you use a spin rod to cast flies. It's a hoot and pretty effective: Get some adjustable spin floats, some flies and start fly and bubble fishing. Elk Hair Caddis sizes 12 - 18 are good, as are nymphs, and Mayfly imitations. Talk to local fly fishermen to see which bugs are good for your reservoir.

GETTING THE STUFF THAT WORKS Talk to the fishing outfitters near where you fish. They will tell you how the bite is, what the fish like, and where to do your fishing. Invaluable advice to prevent buying the entire world to cover all the bases.

HOW TO FISH This is super situational, but in general trout want to ingest more energy than they expend, i.e. they don't want to die. They like cold water near sources of food (bugs) and cover (rocks, brush, etc.). If you are fishing moving water, take the time to learn to READ THE WATER. Trout use moving water as a conveyor belt that brings them food. In reservoirs, you want to look for spots that are shallow enough to support plants and bugs, with deep water and/or good structure/cover nearby. Trout here will generally be cruising slowly or hanging in the water. Ideally, you will put your bait or lure near enough to entice without spooking them. If the trout are jumping or rising through the surface, they are eating insects from the surface film (emergers or fallen fliers), this would be a great time for the fly and bubble technique mentioned previously.

Generally THERE ARE TONS OF VIDEOS that cover whatever specific scenario you are going to pursue.

The most important technique is getting good at SETTING THE HOOK. It's hard to catch fish if you are bad at this.

FISH HANDLING

Trout are covered in protective slime:

• Wet your hand before touching them to help preserve it
  
• Use a rubber mesh net if you are netting them
  
• NEVER put them on the ground.
  
  Mash the barbs on your hooks if you are doing catch and release.
  
  Hemostats/forceps are the easiest way to remove hooks from fish
  
  Turning the fish upside-down will make them less frantic in their flopping.
  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  
  I hope that helps, have fun!

I was going to recommend the Jackite 31ft fiberglass pole. Oddly enough though, I no longer see their standard black model listed on Amazon or their website. Very strange, because they were quite popular with hams. There are green and orange colors still listed on their site though.

If 20ft will get the job done, this is a good option, and a quarter of the price.

I think that has fiberglass main shaft and aluminum extensions.

You might look at fiberglass fishing pole like [Shakespeare Wonderpole](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FFQOSW/). Advantage is collapsed length is 4ft vs 8ft. I was looking at painters pole until realized that 8ft is annoying length to transport even in car.

The painters pole can hold more substantial antennas and would work better for DIY Buddipole or Yagi. The collapsible fiberglass poles are great for wire antennas.

Can't go wrong with the Ugly Sticks for the price, however you might want to go down a weight... medium heavy (MH) is a bit much for the species you're targeting unless you're using really large lures and mostly going for big carp, and heavy is way too much. It'll be pretty stiff and with lighter line result in larger fish being more likely to break you off vs a medium action which will flex more when fighting the fish. You could even go medium light if you're catching more smaller walleye, crappie, and rock bass. I do prefer the Ugly Stik Elite over the GX2 though, they're 10 bucks more but lighter with a nice cork handle. Either way is fine though. Also, you mention casting rods and spinning reels... that won't work, you will need either a spinning rod and spinning reel (which is what I would go with) or a baitcaster reel and a casting rod (which is harder to get used to).

The reel you're looking at is not one I've used personally, but they're quite popular and most people love them here, so from everything I've heard it will be a fine choice. I use mostly Penn reels which I've been very happy with, and the compatible Penn would be the new Fierce II which is also a good choice.

If I were buying a new all around use freshwater setup today, here is what I would buy... I'm posting the Amazon link because it's easy to find, but you can get this stuff most anywhere:

Penn Fierce II Spinning Reel size 2500 or 3000. I use the Battle II line which is just a step up, but the Fierce is reliable and durable as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Penn-FRCII4000-Fierce-Spinning-Reel/dp/B011LVCGA8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487770336&sr=8-1&keywords=penn%2Bfierce%2B2&th=1&psc=1

Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod - this is a matter of preference, but I like a 7' rod for casting out a bit farther, 2 piece for easy transport, in medium power so it has some flex to help with casting and fighting larger fish on lighter line.

https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Elite-Spinning-2-Piece-7-Feet/dp/B00QJ4IE6S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487770384&sr=8-1&keywords=ugly%2Bstick%2Belite&th=1&psc=1

My choice for line (either way you go reel wise) would probably be 8-10lb mono, like this one, or 15-20 braid. If you get an extra spool for the reel you buy, you can have both.

https://www.amazon.com/Stren-Monofilament-Fishing-10-Pound-Fluorescent/dp/B00LDYHTQU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487770474&sr=8-1&keywords=stren%2Bmono%2B10lb&th=1&psc=1

Thanks a bunch!
I read about the reel and it's meh. Given my budget I may go as follows:

• Daiwa Opus 6000 saltwater reel for $40 at amazon https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-Opus-Saltwater-Spinning-Reel/dp/B000LGZFVM?th=1&psc=1
  
• Ugly stik bigwater 11 feet for $65 https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Two-Piece-Bigwater-Spinning-10-Feet/dp/B00144CGAS/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1479165952&sr=1-1&keywords=ugly%2Bstick%2Bbigwater&th=1&psc=1
  
  OR:
  
  
• Okuma tundra surf rod for $25 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087OSK0S/
  
• Daiwa beefstick surfcasting rod graphite for brand name brand and $35: https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-Beefstick-Surf-Spin-Piece/dp/B0057GAM8C?th=1&psc=1
  
  

I've done some trout fishing but am certainly not a trout expert and don't know anything about PA fishing (I've only trout fished in WI/IA or the rockies). My first step would be to find a good local fishing store (always the #1 fishing resource) and ask what's working or google fishing reports for where you'll be (either like DNR reports or online forums).

On my spinning reel I usually use a 4 lb fluorocarbon leader that's 2-4 feet long, and am either using powerbait trout bait (either yellow/tan or orange) on a small hook or using little spinners (like mepps or panther martin, with black and gold or silver/white patterns being my staples).

I suck at flyfishing but sometimes flies are hard to beat. There are a couple ways to use flies without a full flyfishing setup:

• On a spinning reel, by tying a fly onto a long fluorocarbon or tippet leader. You'll need a clear casting bobber to add weight/help cast.
  
• Using a tenkara rod (you can sometimes find good deals on tenkara kits for less than $100) or a rod like this - tenkara rod are pretty much just long flyfishing poles with no reel (and thus a limited cast distance), but are much less expensive and more easy to use.
  
  Waders are personal preference - you can also usually fish from the bank, or depending on water temp just stand in the water with swim trunks and keens. And you can keep fish on a stringer, in a creel bag, or even just toss it on the bank if you're going to clean it soon.

Jameson 7S-65K Deluxe Glow Rod Wire Electrical Fishing Kit with Accessories and 30 Total Feet of Fiberglass Rod https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WBIABW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Yk-NDb83HPWZH

Here's a copy paste of my old comment, take from it what helps you

I'll try to be brief as possible. Also, I'm not sure your experience level, so I apologize if I go over things that are obvious to you.

Basically you need to be aiming for Spanish Mackerel. They are a fucking blast to fish for.

Your set-up will work fine. These fish only get up to around 8-12 pounds, 15 if you're (extremely) lucky. But, bank on your catches being 8-12 pounds (closer to 8).

What you need:

Leader. You'll need to tie 40 or 50 pound monofilament line to your main line. Spanish have razor sharp teeth and will bite off smaller line. I'll go over later how to tie leader to main line. You can just buy the cheap mono line. I keep both 40# and 50# with me. I'll use 40# first, and if I get bit off 2 times, I switch to 50#. But, no need to spend too much money, just grab a spool of 40 or 50 pound. Worth noting, Spanish have eyes of a hawk and can easily be spooked away from lure, that's why I try with 40# first. So, it's a gamble of getting hooked up/ getting bit off between 40 and 50#. I suggest 40#

Lure: Gotcha plugs. Seriously, That's the only lure you need. Spanish love them. You'll also catch other things such as blue runners and possibly king mackerels. Get them at the local walmart down there in Destin (as well as your other fishing needs) prices online are a little high, and walmart has the best prices (believe it or not). Like I said ealier, get about 5 per person, as you will get bit off. But different colors; sometimes spanish will wanna strike white body/ yellow head, where as the next they want gold body/orange head. They also come in metal body and plastic body. I suggest getting both. In the picture of the gotcha plug above i linked is a gold body/ orange head/ metal body, I highllly suggest that, that is my go-to gotcha plug.

You said you already had line, but I suggest getting 12-20lb braided line. Braided line casts far and has better response.

Pliers. Last thing you want is a Spanish biting your finger. Have some pliers so you can pull the hook out of its mouth.

a big cooler. You may want to rent a cooler cart at the pier. It's a hassle to carry a cooler to the end of the pier, and then back full of ice and fish. bring a long cooler with you

food drinks. don't waste 20 minutes of good fishing by having to walk to the front desk to buy a $4 coke and $3 snickers bar, have that shit with you.


Get to the pier before sun break. You want to be on the pier, in your fishing spot ~15 minutes before the sun comes up. As of today, 6:19 AM is sunrise for Destin, FL. So, you want to be walking on the pier to the spot at like 6:05am. Spanish run early in the morning to about 12pm and then head back to deeper water (they return a few hours before sundown, when the water cools off). Can't stress this enough, be there before sunrise.

Here is a video on how to tie your mono leader to your main line.

When you get to the pier, you'll see other guys out there fishing for Spanish, you'll know where to be. generally it's somewhere in the middle of the pier. Just keep an eye on the other guys and watch where they fish and how they do it. When you cast the gotcha, you'll retrieve it fast with somewhat of a jerk here and there.

So, to recap, hopefully put 12-20lb braid on your rig. Tie with uni-knot 40-50lb mono leader to you main line. Tie gotcha plug to leader (no swivels or anything, just line tied to line tied to lure). be in middle of pier before sunrise. Cast as far as you can, retrieve lure fast with some jerking.

Oh, and when you leave the pier, wash your poles off with the water hose at the entrance to the pier. Especially with your gear that is not designed for saltwater. Saltwater is very corrosive and will lock your reel up if not washed off your reel when done. But, don't wash the reel too much and clean the lubricant inside of it. Just a simple wash will do.


extra: while you're at walmart, get a lure called a sabiki rig. looks like this or this (get sabiki brand, not cheap stuff) Tie to your line, and add a weight to the end. Go near a pilling and drop it to the very bottom, then real up a few cranks and manually bring your pole up and down (tip of pole going up and down about 4 foot). It's always good fun to catch 4-5 fish at the same time. Most of the time it's fish you throw back, but fun none the less. If you were fishing for King mackerel you would do this to catch live bait. You'll see the Korean people on the pier doing this


Most importantly, have fun. If you take my advice, you're bound to have fun! I'll be in Panama city here in about a week and will be fishing non-stop. update me with some pictures of fish!

edit: Here is the gear I suggest for Saltwater fishing from pier (with capabilities of surf fishing)

Pole: Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2

Reel: Penn Battle II 4000

Line: Power Pro Braided Fishing Line 20lb/300yards I use moss green. Color choice is up to you. High vidiabilty colors (yellow for example) do help when fishing on a crowded pier. People can see where you are casted at. Helps reduce hook ups with other fisherman.

Bought two of these and one of these, and I'm splitting it with my hiking partner. Two full rigs for under $60. I'm sure they're crap, but it'll at least give me an idea if I want to go any further.

Shakespeare TSP20 Six-Piece Wonderpole Fishing Rod, 20 Feet, Light Power https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FFQOSW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zAhkDbNR2QW66




20feet for $35

Microwave_safe_bowl is right.

Myerchin Knife Stainless Steel Marlinspike Spike A008 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01882RIHE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lh-kzbKJTFK8X

I'm a fan of Myerchin Marlinspikes for sailing. Haven't needed one for shibari yet but they are a nice tool to have when working with ropes. The blunter tip won't damage your rope like screwdrivers or other tools.

Another solution for undoing a jammed or tight knot is two parts. Try twisting the line along the direction of the lay and push. This will tighten up the line in that section and sometimes allow the line to get by. Work from the bitter end first but sometimes you have to work both sides of a knot a few times. Some knots untie easily once folded in half breaking their back. Bowlines in particular but not sure how to explain that without showing it.

Sure bud,


Reel:
https://www.amazon.com/Abu-Garcia-Revo-Low-Profile/dp/B00927037M/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1492185050&sr=8-8&keywords=Revo+stx


Rod:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019TWHQVU/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_11?ie=UTF8&smid=A118ET3SYKM3QX&th=1&psc=1

As with all Ultralight the cheaper you go the heavier it gets. But this combo will weigh around 5-6 total oz more thana tenkara and you won't be limited in casting distance, drag power, or lure selection.

Sorry for the formatting, on mobile.

$5 ?

oh think i found it

https://www.amazon.com/a11081700ux0041-Traveling-Sections-Telescopic-Fisherman/dp/B005SO6GTW/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_200_bs_lp_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=022GNZT5C4YDD4AXQH62

A backup/loaner rod under the Echo Base price of $90 is tough. I generally think spending a bit more tends to get one into a whole nother category of "fun to fish". However, there is one that comes to mind; the Eagle Claw Featherlight is available in an 8' 6wt for under $50. Maybe half that at Amazon. I've never had one, but it appears to be very similar to the rods we had in the 70's before everybody ditched glass for graphite and then some of us went back to fiberglass for some applications. For $25, maybe I need to try one. I was wanting an 8' 6wt backup kayak rod anyway, and would have no qualms about just leaving this in the vehicle year round.

Don't buy it. Look at the aestos fenwick 9ft5wt on Amazon
I have both the orvis clear water and then researched and bought this one for the kids and it is far superior.
Read this. It's a good review of several rods. https://www.yellowstoneangler.com/gear-review/2017-5-weight-shootout-fly-rod-review-best-5-weight-rod-best-fishing-pole-best-fly-rod-g-loomis-nrx-lp-scott-radian-g-loomis-asquith-t-t-avantt-thomas-and-thomas-avant-edge-by-gary-loomis-orvis-h2-covert-winston-air-sage-x

It also is cheaper! Ie buy the piscifun reel and line and backing it suggests and you will save 50$ and get a much better rod. The 9ft5wt orvis Clearwater was the first rod I got and it really feels like a 6wt and is very stiff compared to the aetos

Fenwick AETOS 5 Wt Fly Fishing Rod, 9 Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VS0JZWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MyAGzb9GD383E

Worth mentioning if you want to try Tenkara you can buy near disposable rods off of Amazon for cheap $8 Tenkara rod

Also dragon tail Tenkara has excellent starter line and fly kits for $18.

Highly recommend starting there and upscaling your gear as you progress.

My spinning setup for trout is an Okuma Celilo 6' 6" Ultra light and whilst it is only $30 I would class it amongst most of the rods in the $75-150 price range. It's an extremely good rod for the money. I actually got mine from walmart when I was on a trip to the US. Originally I was planning on just using the rod while I was there then giving it away before I came back to Australia but since I like it so much I brought it home. I've had two more shipped over from the US as well because they don't sell them here and an equivalent rod here would be about three times the price with shipping. I've just paired one of mine up with a Shimano Sedona FE 1000 which is a new reel to the market but so far I'm very impressed. I have it some 4lb Fins Windtamer Braid on mine which when I just look for on amazon is on $5 at the moment which is very cheap. Normally it's around $17 a spool. I just bought 4 spools but there's still two left so you could get the rod, reel and braid for $100.

Get a 6:4 Nissin 2-way:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Uzaki-Nissin-Pro-Spec-2way/dp/B00B7YHVLO

http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Medium-Action-Travel-Telescopic/dp/B001H2RXBE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342129433&sr=8-1&keywords=collapsible+fishing+pole I have oneand its nice for hiking or for places its hard to get to
Or this if you allready have a reel
http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Medium-Action-Travel-Spinning/dp/B0000AUWG5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1342129567&sr=8-3&keywords=collapsible+fishing+pole

This is the one I have.

When I bought it it was only $9. Now they are listed for way too much. It broke the first time I took it out on a little Brook trout. I repaired it and have used it several times since then. I also added a holder for the line and made a little cloth case for it. All in I have maybe $12 invested in the whole set up. Its fun but I'm sure I would be laughed out of the room by any serious tenkara guy.

I use old fly 4wt fly line as the level line and made a short furled leader. I can take pictures of the modifications I've made and upload them if you are interested.

In the US. The grip doesnt fit well in my hand and I do want to make a little more commitment.

My current rod: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0031HECBM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1498715280&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=eagle+claw+featherlight+fly+rod&dpPl=1&dpID=21Zik7S5zYL&ref=plSrch

The upgrade: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VS0JZWK/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1_1_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I'll second the idea of using a telescopic fishing pole. One of my portable shortwave antennas uses a Shakespeare TSP20 as a mast. To that I added a DIY magnetic mount for use on my car. Use fairly small wire. This 20' pole is so thin at the tip that it will sag with much more than 22 AWG stranded and insulated wire if strung vertically. The antenna goes up or comes down in a couple of minutes. The price for the TSP20 is a little high now. I paid Amazon $7.00 less for one a year ago.

Here is a video of the telescopic 20' whip in action.

The 20' pole is a Shakespeare Wonderpole. Funny how most of the Amazon review are not in regard to fishing.
https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Six-Piece-Wonderpole-Rod-20-Feet/dp/B000FFQOSW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484532531&sr=8-1&keywords=wonderpole

The Sotabeams pole is 33' fully extended, and 26.5" compressed. There are some other comparable poles on the market, but most in this price range don't compress this short.

http://www.sotabeams.co.uk/compact-light-weight-10-m-30-ft-mast/

I see everyone fly fishing. I use a shakespeare rod and a daiwa reel. All you need is 10# test and a hand size tackle box with flys , hooks, weights, and lures. All in all about 8oz. The best is waking up and catching nightcrawlers and heading down to the lake or creek. You'll catch anything with those. I have a bunch of joes flys b/c you can get hung up on the bottom a lot when you're deep out there. Make sure you have the right licenses when fishing in that area. I only cook bluegill when I catch them, if they are the size of my hand or bigger. Those should be the only fish in abundance. Always catch and release trout and bass unless you are stuck out there and in survival mode. Maybe bring a hobo meal with you. Vegetables covered in olive oil salt and pepper wrapped in foil. You can open it up and place in the fire. Remember always kill the fish before you cook it. The fish has to be past a certain phase of rigor mortis before you eat it. And have fun.

Got to use it on the water for the first time today. I absolutely love it and caught on to it very quickly, but it's obvious that I need to purchase some tackle more suited to this setup.

Fishing today was non-existent though. I caught two fish, one on my first cast when doing a quick test of a lure (rooster tail) I stuck on the rod my cousin was borrowing from me. I've heard that brings bad luck, and it was just a juvenile large mouth bass.

The second one was odd. I'll post the picture of it here.

=

Rod: Berkley Lightning Rod IM6 - 6' 6" Medium Heavy Casting rod

Reel: Abu Garcia Pro Max

Tenkara is a great way to introduce kids to fly fishing. Very simple, and once they get the cast down, they can focus on learning the basics of nymphing as well as dead drifting and reading streams. These will all transfer well if they decide to move to traditional fly fishing.

TenkaraBum has an excellent kit that includes everything you'll need to get started. The rod is really nice, and is my go to for small streams/blue lines. It is a bit pricey though.

If you're looking to go cheap first, just to test the waters, amazon has some cheap rods that should certainly work fine. You'll just have to buy some level line and tippet to complete the kit.

Both of these rods will be just fine for trout and panfish, but probably are not suitable for SMB.

Sure, if you don’t have a tool. If you have to do this regularly, get a marlinspike or a fid .

You can try pole fishing to get the distance, here’s a link, https://youtu.be/zIlPrOBedLI there are some that break down, don’t know where they are sold at

Here’s a rod Shakespeare TSP20 Six-Piece Wonderpole Fishing Rod, 20 Feet, Light Power https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FFQOSW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-1eEDb97PHF9W

This one from Shakespeare works really well for me. You can't beat the price either.

I carry a cheap 4'6" telescopic pole, a small shakespeare reel, and a couple lures with me and use them whenever I get a chance. To me it's well worth the price of a weekly fishing license if I get even one day of fishing in. The only thing that even compares with my love of cycling and camping is fishing. I have looked at a number of hand reels but you can find a set up that will work well for less than $50.

Rod [select 4' 6"]- http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Medium-Action-Travel-6-Feet/dp/B0000AUWG5/r

I like telescopic rods way more.

I've got a telescoping pole for some basic freshwater stuff and it actually works really well for me. I can see the drawbacks but I'm such a casual fisher that the benefits and storage space of the rod outweigh any issues.

I've been using it pretty often, 1-2x a week for a few hours to an entire day at a time, switching out setups/hooks, and catching fish (or trees....). I've had one serious line issue and it happened earlier today. Other than that it's behaved perfectly, and I have absolutely no complaints.

Rod I have; https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OWNPA6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

6'9" spinning 60-100lb, 6'9" spinning 65-200lb, 6'6" casting 50-150lb, Spinfisher Reel, Squall Lever Drag Reel, Squall Star Drag Reel

I bought it from a local store I believe. Here it is on amazon though
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000ODM2RM/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?qid=1418504163&sr=8-12&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

This.

The Aird X is pretty killer deal at ~$50. As is the Daiwa Ardito 3 piece rod. Just grabbed an Ardito earlier this week and paired it up with a Tatula SV to keep in the trunk this summer. Comes with a really nice padded case as well.

I use this and love it especially for the price.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SO6GTW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_o2rRCbWRE9ZXX

Lightweight Okuma never did me wrong. Great little rod and affordable.

If you wanna spend $20 more you can reach for the Tica Ultra-Light Weight. I've had both and no complaints.

rod and reel. That combo will handle any fish at the pier and will leave you enough money to get braid to go with it.

My 1st rod/reel was this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0KM8GE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_OrIQBbYF8FXFX

It's an Ugly Stick GX2 rod /reel combo, medium/heavy 6'6.

Ive been using it for months and love it. I have it spooled with 20lb braid. I use lures of all different weights and I've always been happy with my cast distance.

Although to be fair it's my first setup and up until recently I haven't had anything to compare it to. I recently picked up a baitcast, but won't be able to try it out until Sunday:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075MY4D3X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MvIQBbSB0X40E

One thing I found out quickly was that depending on the lure I was using I feel I really need to put a lot of "muscle" behind the cast. A lot of variables can effect cast distance so it could be one thing or several things effecting your distance.

How are these?

https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Tallus-TLS69XHB-Water-Spinning/dp/B009DRYP1G/ref=sr_1_119?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1465838073&sr=1-119&keywords=spinning+rod&refinements=p_89%3AShimano

https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-TU12000CI4-Thunnus-12000CI4-Reel/dp/B000309IYG/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1465837765&sr=1-1&keywords=spinning+reel&refinements=p_89%3AShimano

I would not recommend a telescoping rod for anything but tiny fish. People have landed pretty large fish on them but my experience with them has always been inconvenient. No backbone either.

I'd recommend something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Spinning-6-15-Pound-6-5-Feet-Medium/dp/B00F0KM4DG

It might not be the most fantastic rod performance-wise but Ugly Stiks are almost always adequate and tough. The four piece construction will make it easy to travel with. Google "fishing rod tube," and pick one that suits your fancy. Pair it with a decent spinning reel and you're set for bass, bream, trout, small catfish maybe.

I'm looking for one as well. Here are a few I have been looking at.

http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Medium-Action-Travel-Spinning/dp/B000ODM2RM/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1318181805&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-System-Minispin-Ultralight-Spinning/dp/B0000BY56T/ref=sr_1_14?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1318181805&sr=1-14

http://www.amazon.com/Okuma-VS-605-20-Voyager-Spinning-Travel/dp/B000MQTJW2/ref=pd_ts_sg_11?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods

Here is my rod - it is pretty versatile, I have managed to use lures that go way beyond the recommended weight (eg 2 ounces kastmaster).

http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Spinning-6-15-Pound-6-5-Feet-Medium/dp/B00F0KM4DG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

I know nothing of the quality of Eagle Claw's rods or this specific fishing rod, but here is an example of the type of rod you probably want.

So couple things here. As far as the mast collapsing to "reasonable size" is very open ended. To me in my big SUV 6 foot is reasonable. So someone in a Toyota Yaris, 6 foot is not so reasonable. :-)

While hanging a wire from a tree might be feasible in some area's in others it isn't. (Ask me why I bought a buddipole to use portable in Las Vegas hahaha)

You might want to look into a crappie pole, I found a 20 footer on Amazon that collapses down to like 39 inches. It's less than $29.00 and the first two 5 star reviews are about using it for a wire antenna support. (http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Six-Piece-Wonderpole-Rod-20-Feet/dp/B000FFQOSW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464930121&sr=8-1&keywords=telescoping+crappie+pole) Then you could either use it for a low inverted V or even a sloper type antenna. While you may not break any distance records with an antenna this low, it will be better than no antenna.

Good luck and let me know when you are headed out this way and maybe we can try a QSO on VHF/UHF and maybe even try HF. I laughingly talk to a neighbor of mine on 6/20/40M anytime I hear him on as he is all of 1 mile away. :-)

Regionally they're called Crappie or Bream poles (bream pole is a southern thing), also called Kite Poles.

Here's the 20' model for folks in the US. Not sure if they'll be as easily found in other countries for that low a price.

This one

1. For when you need to take a minute away from class
   
   
   
2. For those art projects when you run out of the answer
   
   
   3.For when you need that after class snack and don't want hair in your food
   
   
   
3. For when you want to get away from it all you need to be prepared
   
   
   
4. One of these in my trunk would mean I'm always ready for a study break
   
   
   Bonus. Gotta keep those school books dry with this cape like item

I picked this up a few years back and it’s been good, well made for the price. Fiblink 4 Pieces Travel Casting Rod Graphite Baitcasting Fishing Rod Portable Fishing Rod Baitcaster (6'6'' Medium) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019TWHQVU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q2mnDbW2B2ASP

I normally do new construction, but in old construction its almost always easier to drill from inside the wall down. I use this to hold a 1/4" drive paddle bit. I try to fish the wire with the bit, but if it doesn't work, glow rods are amazing.

shakespeare telescopic rod

These rods are fine for the smaller sized fish. They're easy to use while backpacking as they collapse, instead of coming in separate pieces. Definitely not an everyday rod, but very functional for hiking. Plus at this price you can afford to buy a few and break them with out feeling bad at all.

Why don't you just get one in the same size and action as your previous?

https://www.amazon.com/Ugly-Stik-Elite-Spinning-Rod/dp/B00QMSTHVW/ref=sr_1_19?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1501075477&sr=1-19&th=1&psc=1

The group on reddit is going to tell you to get a baitcaster. If you're used to them and don't need any help don't read any further.

If you are please keep reading:

I would suggest getting a spincaster. The old push button style. Zebco makes an all metal version called the Omega Pro Z3 that is around $54. It is a great 1st reel and it throws extremely far. The reason this is a great 1st setup as when you're ready to move to a baitcaster you will use this for your back up setup. This is then also used for a girlfriend or a friend who has no idea what they are doing. It's just a great all around easy to use reel.

On rods, Check out the Berkley Lightning Rod. They can be found around $35 bucks at Walmart or Academy. This is a great starter rod that is sensitive enough if you fish it with worms/jigs. But it's great all around.


Amazon Links:
Omega Z03 &
Berkley Lightning Rod

Best of luck. I would also tell you one other advice. Don't feel bad about losing lures. You've got to throw them in areas they will get stuck to catch big fish.

To my knowledge there are no good telescoping baitcasting rods. I have never seen a telescoping rod that got good reviews for durability or sensitivity. There are, however, some multi-piece travel rods that get great reviews such as this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-Ardito-TR-Travel-Trigger-Medium/dp/B00TKTXXOC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499129789&sr=8-1&keywords=daiwa+travel+casting+rod

Fiberglass telecoping pole + two wires meeting at a feedpoint insulator. This will allow you to configure an antenna as a dipole for US stations or a vertical with a single elevated radial for DX.

If you want a solution on the cheap look at one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-TSP20-Six-Piece-Wonderpole-Fishing/dp/B000FFQOSW

The 20ft fishing pole is rigid enough to hold a very lightweight wire dipole at about 15ft.

My favorite portable antenna is the single radial vertical though. A vertical with a single elevated radial will perform like a dipole at high radiation angles (regional propagation) and be nearly omnidirectional. In the direction of the single radial it performs like a vertical with 120 buried radials and will allow excellent DX reception too.

If you go with 20ft pole this would allow a vertical element ~17ft and a 17ft radial elevated 3 feet above the ground at the feedpoint. Then you can stake the pole into the ground and extend the radial at an angle towards the ground. The radial would be mounted with a light insulator (like a plastic tube from a pen) at the end of the radial with a rope leader that gets staked into the ground. For the feedpoint, mount the wires to a chassis box female BNC or SO-239 connector. Then you just need ~10ft of RG58.

Or you could buy this 15' Okuma surf rod (which my friends and I cast ~125 yards nearly spooling it) for $40.

http://www.amazon.com/Okuma-Tundra-Surf-Glass-Spinning/dp/B0087OSK0S

thing looks ridiculous but is so much fun casting. makes it over the breakers no problem at all.

https://www.amazon.com/a11081700ux0041-Traveling-Sections-Telescopic-Fisherman/dp/B005SO6GTW

Your best bet is to look at the Eagle Claw Fiberglass Rods, They are well known and well loved as cheap good rods.

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Claw-Featherlight-Weight-Yellow/dp/B0031HECBM/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1480429552&sr=1-2&keywords=eagle+claw+fly+rod

I also have this rod, Its a nice little cheap rod with a different feel from the fiberglass. I don't know anything about the reel they offer here. I just have the rod.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C2KTZCY/ref=twister_dp_update?_encoding=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

Look for an old Martin or other "blue collar" used reel on ebay. That will get you a much more solid setup than some all in one kit.

Hey there! Only one crappy cell phone pic of the cooking after dark. :(

In Yosemite you can only fish with barb-less lures. No powerbait, no live bait. I find that silver kastmasters perform the best. You have to use pliers or some tool to bend off the barbs of the hooks. Makes fishing a challenge, but I like to follow the rules. We were able to catch 4 fish in a day and two of them were pretty decent size!

Edit: Also, we use these Eagle Claw poles. They pack down small and are relatively light.

Here's the rod:

Uxcell a11081700ux0041 Traveling 9 Sections Telescopic Pole Fishing Fisherman Tool Rod 2.5M Orange
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SO6GTW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_0loODbFZ9HP3F

It comes from Asia, and not on prime shipping, so it can take a while...

And I paired it with this line, works great! Can overhead or roll cast with ease:

Moonlit Fly Fishing Bushi Furled Tenkara Line (All-Around line) Quality Made in USA (Neon Green, 9ft) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CQC1K3/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_BooODb9NHY66Q

You don't need $300 to get into fly fishing.

• Rod $26
  
  
• Reel $19
  
  
• Backing $9
  
  
• Fly line $8
  
  
• Leader $9
  
  
• Tippet $5
  
  
• Handful of flies: $10
  
  That's $86 USD, and you have everything you need to start.
  
  YouTube videos are free, but the Orvis Fly Fishing Video Lessons are even better, and cover everything from first day on the water, up to advanced fly fishing techniques.