Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#200388 - 03/14/18 05:20 AM "Pen" Fishing Rods
Bill Kennedy Offline
member

Registered: 02/27/18
Posts: 332
Loc: Portland, Oregon
Has anyone tried one of the pen-type fishing rods (so named because they resemble a large fountain pen when collapsed)?

I've looked at the ones on penfishingrods.com, but I gather there are quite a few others. It's the fly rod I'd be interested in.

I haven't fished for years, partly due to circumstance and partly because all my fishing gear was stolen (they even took the fly-tying materials...I wonder if they even knew what it was.) I just never replaced it, as I'd sort of lost interest anyway.

Anyway, at age 70 and long-time Oregon resident, a license only costs $6 now, so I'm thinking maybe it would be worthwhile to carry a minimal fly-fishing kit.

I once had a nice (for the time) pack rod, but the one I had the most fun with was a 5-1/2ft. glass rod. Obviously not a great fly rod, and roll casting and mending were difficult to impossible, but I look back on it fondly nevertheless.

The pen-type rods seem like a natural for non-serious fishing, and they're fairly cheap. The ones on the web site mentioned require a special light line made by Cortland, called "00" but I think it might be a 2-weight. Terrific in the wind, I'm sure. Also, I think the reel only holds 8 yards plus a little backing.

Any other ideas?
_________________________
Always remember that you are absolutely unique, just like everybody else. -Margaret Mead

Top
#200392 - 03/14/18 11:41 AM Re: "Pen" Fishing Rods [Re: Bill Kennedy]
BZH Offline
member

Registered: 01/26/11
Posts: 1189
Loc: Madison, AL
I looked in to them too, but I was concerned they were too cheap and flimsy. I was looking at the casting rods which only worked with their very cheap reels. I've had too many frustrating experiences with cheap reels to want to go down that path again. Probably not much help to you as you are looking at the fly rods.

If you want a light short fly rod, many backpackers get in to Tenkara style fishing. No reel just a line tied on the end of a very expensive (IMO) stick.


Edited by BZH (03/15/18 11:22 AM)

Top
#200393 - 03/14/18 12:01 PM Re: "Pen" Fishing Rods [Re: Bill Kennedy]
DTape Offline
member

Registered: 11/23/07
Posts: 666
Loc: Upstate NY
I tried one out. The length is way to short for any decent casting, and the reel size is such that line gets tangled easily. Not worth it IMO. I now have a 5 piece graphite rod and a full sized reel for backpacking.
_________________________
http://ducttapeadk.blogspot.com

Top
#200406 - 03/15/18 09:50 AM Re: "Pen" Fishing Rods [Re: DTape]
tramp Offline
member

Registered: 01/24/12
Posts: 119
Loc: WV
Tenkara rods collapse into a small enough package to carry. And no reel is needed so weight will be minimal. Maybe take a look at them.

I have a 7.5 foot G.Loomis 4 weight rod I build for small stream work. Packs easily and will handle anything I encounter. Several makers produce 5 piece rods for travel that would be suitable for your purpose. Take a look around a good fly shop will let you take one outside and try casting. Shop around.

Top
#200418 - 03/16/18 04:54 AM Re: "Pen" Fishing Rods [Re: DTape]
Bill Kennedy Offline
member

Registered: 02/27/18
Posts: 332
Loc: Portland, Oregon
That's kind of what I thought. Glad to hear from someone who's actually tried one. Thanks.
_________________________
Always remember that you are absolutely unique, just like everybody else. -Margaret Mead

Top

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
0 registered (), 209 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum