7 Best Travel Rod and Reel Combo
Carla Arbuckle
Why choose between traveling and fishing when you can achieve both at the same time? These travel reel and rod combos are the best options you have in the market today.
We know that each angler has distinct needs and wants, so we have diversified combos that offer the best performance for their kind. Your adventure will become more memorable and youthful as you take on different fishing spots without having to bring bulky equipment.
You are assured of convenience, portability, and hassle-free experience when you bring one of these combos with you. Take a look at these products!
7 Best Travel Rod and Reel Combo
1. Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
2. Daiwa Mini System Minispin Ultralight Spinning Reel and Rod Combo in Hard Carry Case
3. Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Rod Reel Combos
4. Ugly Stik® GX2™ pack
5. LONPAR Portable 4-Piece Carbon Fiber Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
6. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo
7. Cadence CC4 Spinning Combo
Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
This Okuma Voyager Spinning Travel Kit is designed for an adventure that awaits you. When assembled, it is a 6ft. tall rod that is made of 5-piece components. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it convenient for storing and transporting after use. The rod features a comfortable cork grip, stainless steel hooded reel seat, and a guide insert that is made with durable ceramic materials. Its reel is a size 20 Voyager that is made of a corrosion-resistant graphite frame that houses a ball-bearing drive system. It features a machine cut brass pinion gear and one-piece spool made of anodized aluminum. This combo comes with a tackle box that holds several spinners, spoons, fishing hooks, and other accessories that you might need. This whole package is stored in a padded, soft-sided travel case that is zipped for maximized portability.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Portable
- Lightweight
Cons
- The reel occasionally makes sounds.
Our Take
For someone to be purchasing a $35 combo is a steal in itself. Adding on all the features this product brings makes it a one of a kind combo that stands out from everything else. This will make your adventure easier and more organized because everything comes as a package. It would be hard for you to leave out anything because the padded case has a specific space for each component, which acts as a checklist for all that you need to bring. Although the rod is not the stiffest one in the market, it is stiff enough to catch a large Bass. It is ultra-lightweight and easy to grip. The way it performs exceeds what you would expect of a cheap combo. It is comparable to combos that cost twice as much. Its reel can do the job fairly well. It is smooth to use, although it could have slight sounds every now and then. This is perfect for anglers who are always on the go. The bag it comes with is easy to carry around. It barely looks like an equipment case from the outside. For its price, I would confidently say it is such a good offer. If well maintained, this combo will be your partner for many adventures.
Daiwa Mini System Minispin Ultralight Spinning Reel and Rod Combo in Hard Carry Case
This combo is made specifically for anglers who pack light. Its size is perfect for tucking in your luggage. It comes in its own hard case that is ideal for stowing in luggage, backpacking, or keeping under a car seat. It features an ultralight MS-S500T reel that offers smooth and easy dragging. This reel has a ball bearing drive, a multi-disc drag, and a 5.1:1 retrieve. For the best performance, it is powered by GyroSpin balancing and Twist Buster line twist reduction. The rod measures 4.5 ft., and is a 5-piece ultra-light type. This combo will make fishing easy for you.
Pros
- Compact
- Comes with a case
- Affordable
Cons
- Requires effort to assemble
Our Take
For below $40 including taxes, this combo is nothing less than a steal! Nobody likes carrying heavy things when traveling. It is merely inconvenient, energy-draining, and stressful. The main point of the creation of this rod is to offer travelers a convenient option while retaining good quality. I am very glad to say that this combo achieves that. The whole case fits perfectly in my backpack without any problems. When opening the case, everything looks exactly the same because the case has enough compartments to fit each one in its own. The rod casts well, as long as you assemble it properly. Being a 5-piece rod does not make it the easiest thing to put together, but everything happens so quickly once you get the hang of it. It offers a great backbone. The drag is smooth and buttery, just like how it is described. It can be used as your main rod and reel combo even when you are not traveling. Overall, this combo offers a great deal. It is highly recommendable.
Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Rod Reel Combos
This combo is composed of a rod which is the Blue Crown Spinning rod that is made with high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass. It is ultra-lightweight, has the perfect elasticity, hard, and durable. It comes with high-quality guide rings and stainless steel reel seats to assure a corrosion-resistant combo. The reel is a ZM 2000 series Spinning Reel. With its 13+1 MAxiDur anti-corrosion ball bearings and its 5.0:1 gear ratio, having a drag power of 11 lbs. is the bare minimum. It is powered by its advanced carbon matrix drag system that gives smooth, consistent drag pressure. This portable combo is ideal for traveling as the pole is easy to assemble and disassemble because of its insertion design. The reel is made to be lightweight to complement the rod perfectly.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Rod has a good backbone
- Portable
Cons
- Does not come with a case
Our Take
When traveling, one needs to have reliable products because repairs are not an option when you are far from home. That is why purchasing dependable products is key to enjoying your experience. This combo is only $60, but it delivers a great performance. I am constantly asked about where I got this reel and rod, and how much I paid for it. It is an ideal combo because it performs like a piece of heavy-duty equipment despite its portability. My only concern with this combo is that it does not come with a case. For me, the case is important because traveling may entail movements that can harm your things regardless of how good their quality is. Many travel rod and reels provide excellent cases that make packing easy for the users. It still fits in my bag perfectly, but it would be nice to make sure it is safe all the time. After all, it is an outstanding pair for its price, and I want to use it longer.
Ugly Stik® GX2™ pack
This travel combo is easy to bring and rig anytime! The Ugly Stik® GX2™ pack is the ultimate combination of convenience and durability. Fishing becomes an everyday thing with this product. It features an Ugly Tech™ construction, Ugly Tuff™ guides, and the Ugly Stik® Clear Tip® design. The rod is a 4-piece model with EVA foam handle. Aluminum spool is used to maximize strength and lightweight feels. It has a four-bearing system to assure smooth drag. The oversized bail wire with compression springs assures durability. This combo comes with a cloth rod and reel travel hag that has an adjustable strap.
Pros
- Easy to pack
- Easy to setup
- Has a solid foundation
- Lightweight
Cons
- Bag it comes with does not offer maximum protection
Our Take
Most of the travel combos in the market are composed of a collapsible rod for easy setup. However, they simply cannot have the same solid foundation a pieced-together rod has. On the other hand, some combos that are pieced together has so many pieces to the point that they take time to set up. With this combo, you strike a perfect balance between these two options. This combo is either a 3 or 4-piece rod, depending on the size you choose. They are still quick to put together while retaining the solid properties of a non-collapsible rod. It comes with a lightweight reel that gets the job done. The whole combo comes in a cloth bag that is easy to fold and transport. The straps make it easy to carry since going fishing will usually require you to bring other things. However, the bag is not very protective of the combo the way a solid hard case can. You must be careful in handling it for the equipment inside to remain undamaged. As long as you do this, you will get a great deal out of this combo
LONPAR Portable 4-Piece Carbon Fiber Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
This combo comes with a 4-piece rod that is available in three different sizes to suit your needs. It is made with 24-ton carbon fiber blank that makes it super lightweight. The rod has high corrosion resistance, a high-quality ring, and an EVA grip, which all add up to give you the best fishing experience. The disassembled length of the rod is just 17”, but it stands 6 ft. long when set up. The reel has a full graphite body and rotor that features a new design. Its brass pinion gear is manufactured using a Japan Hamai machine. This also has a sturdy aluminum drive gear and an oscillation gear. The 7+1 high-grade ball bearings and instant anti-reverse bearing deliver an undisrupted performance every time. This combo is ideal for adventurous people as it can withstand any kind of water exposure. It is lightweight and portable in its protective casing.
Pros
- Easy to pack
- Non-bulky
- Affordable
- Versatile
Cons
- The size of the rod should be reasonable as to the size of the catches so that it will not break.
Our Take
The product is designed for traveling as it fits small compartments of vehicles. The case it comes with is not bulky nor heavy. When enclosed in its casing, this combo can be easily transported and carried around even by kids. It performs reasonably well altogether, especially considering the price. Just make sure that you are using the appropriate size of the equipment before you take on bigger fishes. It certainly offers more backbone as compared to collapsible rods, but it can break if you force to use it in inappropriate catches for its size. I like the casing because although it is not bulky, it also is thick enough to provide decent protection for the equipment. The casts it offers are great; it can be compared to non-travel designed rods that are heavy-duty. Its reel performs reasonably well. Make sure to use high-quality fishing lines to achieve great performance. Overall, this combo is good for traveling. It is not bulky but is durable enough for its own size. If you take care of it, it can last you many adventures.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo
The best thing about this rod is the fact that it suits every angler of all skill levels! It is versatile and can be used in different water conditions. It is made of graphite and fiberglass materials that offer durability and sensitivity while also assuring a lightweight combo. The clear tip design improves the overall responsiveness and strength of this product. This one is easy to hold and grip because of the lightweight EVA foam used in making the handle. It provides additional comfort, especially when for lengthy fishing adventures. The reel is powered with three ball bearings and a one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing that ensures a smooth experience for the user.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons
- Does not come with a case
Our Take
The rod delivers a good performance. It has a good backbone and is very sturdy all throughout. In fact, it can extend your cast of lightweight lures up to 15 ft. However, the reel requires some level of experience and skill for it to be easy to use. For beginners, it might quite be challenging because you have to reverse the bail when changing the lures. It also actually gets easier once you get the hang of it. The combo is lightweight and easy to get used to. Unlike other rods I have, this is made of light materials and a comfortable handle that is convenient to use even for some time. When it comes to sensitivity, this rod also does not disappoint. One can feel the slightest movements down there. Versatility is necessary for travel rods because you will be dealing with many kinds of sizes of fishes. Moreover, this would have been a great rod if it is easy to pack and transport. This combo does not come with a case, unlike other travel combos. If you already have a case at home, this combo will work well for you. Overall, the whole thing is very durable and works well.
Cadence CC4 Spinning Combo
The Cadence CC4 is made with 24-ton graphite and corrosion-resistant stainless steel guides and inserts for durability. It has a solid carbon composite frame and side plates that can withstand rough use. The oversized EVA handle is designed to be ergonomic for convenient and comfortable gripping. The main shaft features stainless steel built, and the pinion gear is made with aluminum. This CC4 combo is a product of pairing the CS4 spinning reel and the CC4 spinning rod. The reel is resistant-free as it is built with seven ball bearings plus one instant anti-reverse bearing. This combo will surely make your next adventure more exciting!
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Heavy-duty
Cons
- Does not come with a case
Our Take
This is literally a lightweight combo, both for your hands and for your pocket! For less than $70, you have heavy-duty equipment that is built for versatile conditions. It is a high-quality rod that has a very good balance. It can also offer an excellent casting distance. The composite and rubber drag it has makes it very smooth to use. However, this product is not built specifically for traveling. It does not come in its own case that makes it easy to pack and transport. The upside to this is, the pieces are not heavy. Therefore, even if it is built for conventional fishing, it would still be okay as a travel combo. The box may come to you with some dents, and that is also what has happened to me, but the equipment inside should be unscathed. Otherwise, you will be entitled to a full refund. The damage is usually not a factory defect but a problem with the carrier. Overall, this combo will be able to improve your travel experience because it surely will not give up on you in the middle of your activities.
