looking to get new rod and reel

Question
QUESTION: Hi...I am looking for a fishing rod that will be easy to travel with and if it have to take apart in storage for travel, it will be easy to install too. Any advise on what and where to buy?

ANSWER: Hi Cindy,

Depending on what kind of rod and reel you want the choices may be different.  Depending on how you plan to travel, the size and number of rod sections may be different as well.  If you mean travel as in a private vehicle, then a two piece rod with a case will do.  If you mean travel as in an airplane, you'll want to get the rod down to at least four sections and a case that will fit in your luggage or carry on bag.

If you are looking for a spinning rod, you can probably find one in a four piece configuration at your local sporting goods store or one of the big stores like Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops.  I would think most outlets would have some sort of pack or trail rod that would be easy to travel with and comes in a case.

If you are looking for a fly rod and reel, you should be able to find a four, five or seven piece rod that will travel well.  Modern ferrule design makes these multi-piece rods pretty nice.  I would think that there is also some sort of travel pack fly rod and reel available.

Most of what you will look at today will be built on a graphite blank.  If you do a lot of backpacking in rough country, you might want to look for a fiberglass or bamboo rod.  My personal opinion is that fiberglass and bamboo are both more durable and less likely to be damaged out in the back country.  If you do not plan to be out in the back country, then an easily portable graphite rod should work fine.

Before the hate mail comes rolling in...yes, I am a fan of graphite, very familiar with it and build a lot of rods using it.  However, I also live in the mountains on the edge of the wilderness where everyone comes to fish on vacation and I repair a lot of broken rods every year...virtually all of them graphite.  I can say that most of the locals still rely on fiberglass or bamboo rods for durability out in the back country...and they take along a spare rod and reel as well for insurance.

You can still find new fiberglass rods in most stores.  Bamboo rods would typically require contacting an outlet specializing in bamboo rods or a rod maker directly.  You can always consider vintage or lightly used rods as well.

It might surprise you to learn that for about the same price, maybe less and maybe a bit more in some cases, you can have a rod made to your custom specifications.  Fishing rods (even cheap ones) are expensive these days if you want any quality at all in the rod.  You will probably find that your local rod builder can make you a custom rod that performs better for about the same money.  

I would start by talking with one or more rod builders in your local area. You will learn a lot about rods and what you want in a rod by doing so.  Even if you decide to buy elsewhere, at least you will have a better idea of what to buy and what to pay for it.

If you can't find a local rod builder, send me an email at [email protected] and I'll see who I know and would recommend in your area.

Not a very specific answer.  I hope it helps.

Thanks,  Joe

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Joe! First I want to thank you for the great reply.
I know notthing about fishing or anything regarding the rod for spinning,flying,casting and or trigger.
I leave in NYC Staten Island. I am planing on getting a rod for my husband brithday who also probably doesn't know much of fishing but love to fish when he can get the time to. Usually when he go fishing is on shore where there a deck and sometime the beach and we usually travel by car. Is there a rod that is easy to pack and reinstall? With this information I'm giving you, I hope it can give you an idea maybe what rod and reel I should get for him.
PS he have a couple of rod at home already but I get annoy how the rod take up so much space and dangeous with the hook on while my kids is also in the car. (mini van)

Answer
Hi Cindy,

OK...what you probably want is a spinning rod that packs away in four pieces.  You should be able to find one at your local sporting goods store that comes with a storage container and maybe even a reel.  Ask for help choosing a medium to medium heavy pack rod or trail rod.  I am certain they will have what you want at one of the stores near you.

Thanks,  Joe