Travel Rods
Travel rods that break down small for flights, road trips and backpacks, so you can fish wherever you end up. Our range features Abu Garcia, Okuma, PENN, Shimano, Daiwa and Ugly Stik, in multi-piece spin rods with tubes.
Four and five-piece travel rods pack into a short tube while still fishing like a full-length rod. Pair one with a compact spin reel, or choose a ready-to-go travel combo, and pack a few micro jigs and soft baits.
Order online for tracked delivery across New Zealand, or click and collect from our Grey Lynn store or Westgate collection point at 4B Topere Way.
Frequently asked questions about travel rods
How many pieces should a travel rod have?
Most travel rods have four or five pieces, which breaks a 7 to 8 foot rod down to around 60 centimetres or less, short enough for a suitcase, backpack or carry-on bag. More pieces mean a shorter packed length but slightly more joints. Four-piece rods are a good balance of packability and performance for most travelling anglers. A rod tube keeps all the sections together and protected.
Can I take a travel rod on a plane as carry-on?
Many travel rods in a tube fit within airline carry-on size limits, but rules vary between airlines and countries, and some do not allow rods in the cabin. Check your airline's policy before you fly. Packing your rod in a hard tube in checked luggage is a reliable alternative. Hooks, knives and some tools must always go in checked bags. Label the tube so it is easy to identify at baggage claim.
Do travel rods perform as well as normal rods?
Modern travel rods perform very well, with ferrules designed to keep the action smooth and strong. You may notice a slight difference in feel compared with a one or two-piece rod, but for most fishing it is hard to tell. The convenience of having a rod with you on holiday, road trips or tramps far outweighs any small compromise. Many anglers now use a travel rod as their everyday rod.
What type of travel rod is most versatile?
A 7 to 8 foot multi-piece spin rod rated around 3 to 6 kg is the most versatile travel option. It handles soft baits, small lures and light bait fishing in salt water, plus trout fishing in rivers and lakes. Pair it with a 2500 to 4000 size spin reel and light braid, and you can fish almost anywhere you travel. Add a small box of soft baits, jig heads and metals for a complete travelling kit that fits in a backpack.
Telescopic or multi-piece travel rod - which is better?
Telescopic rods slide out from one section, so they set up quickly and pack very short, which suits casual fishing and kids. Multi-piece travel rods have separate sections joined by ferrules, giving a better action and more strength, which suits anglers who want a proper fishing rod on the road. For serious fishing on holiday, a multi-piece rod usually performs better.
How do I protect my travel rod while travelling?
Keep the rod in its tube whenever it is not in use, and store each section in a cloth sleeve so the guides do not rub. Check that ferrules are clean and free of sand before assembling, and twist sections together gently rather than forcing them. Rinse the rod after saltwater use and let it dry before packing it away to avoid corrosion and smells.