Phat, you mention these bubbles elsewhere and others seem to say they're great. I'm looking to buy a first backpacking rod, and have been looking at telescoping rods (my experience has all been with simple bamboo stuff as a kid).

Would you recommend these in combination with something like the Shakespeare telescoping rod or the go fast and lite pen fishing rod mentioned above?

Price is a major factor, so I am looking for a very cheap setup. The pen one only says it's good for 4+lb fish, so I would worry that an a-just-a-bubble would decrease that.

Thanks, and sorry if I'm off base on the question, but anything more complex than handlines or bamboo with line attached is new to me. I'm used to catching small karp and catfish, but will be looking to get graylings or trout, so I'm not sure what strength pole I will need.

-Redfacery