Self-Contained, Reasonably Priced, Travel Rod Combos

Most of us have fond memories of our first rod and reel combos, even if they required a staple remover to get them out of the package. They may not have performed up to the standards of the high-end tackle we acquired later in life, but if you’re reading this, those early low-cost setups likely inspired a lifelong love of fishing.

I’ve spent a lot of time and pixels in this blog exploring tournament grade and enthusiast grade travel rod options, but there will always be a need for value-priced gear as well. Perhaps you’re only going on one trip where fishing will be an afterthought, or perhaps you’re on a strict budget. Those are two scenarios where you might not want to spend $200, $500 or even more on a single multi-piece rod.

Fortunately, multiple manufacturers have developed complete, self-contained kits for fishing on the go. They all contain at least a rod and reel. Some include a protective case as well. Still others come well-stocked with line, terminal tackle, and/or a few lures. They’re great if you’re going on a business trip and there might be a small lake or river behind your hotel. They’re exceptional if you take long bike rides or hikes and might like to make a few casts along the way. Urban anglers can slip them into a backpack or briefcase and take them on the subway or bus. It’s easy to keep one in the trunk of your car or under the seat just in case you pass by a tantalizing shore fishery.

And typically you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg to try one of these packages. They might not be a manufacturer’s top lineup, but many of them are surprisingly functional and versatile. Here are a few to check out.

Daiwa

Daiwa’s US lineup has aggressively occupied the “kit” space for several decades, with multiple actions and price points available.

The Daiwa Travel Combo includes a telescopic spinning rod (with either an EVA or cork) handle with a Crossfire 2500 reel and a soft-sided carrying case, all for about $70.

The Carbon Case Travel Pack includes a light or medium-light five-piece rod, a Sweepfire 2000 reel, and a hard “carbon” carrying case, also for about $70.

If you’re only angling for smaller species, Daiwa’s Mini Systems include a five-piece ultralight rod and matching reel, all in a super-compact hard case, for $45.

The Executive Travel Packs offer a variety of options, including spinning reels, fly/spin combos, in various actions, contained in either a hard or soft case , all for between $100 and $150.

Eagle Claw

Eagle Claw’s five-piece 6’6” Trailmaster Spinning Combo includes a bright yellow blank and a reel with six bearings, all contained in a logoed soft carrying case. It comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s widely available for less than a hundred bucks.

Their Pack-It Spin Combo (also available in a spincast version) includes a telescopic rod but no carrying case, for less than $40 total.

LL Bean

It’s easy to forget that LL Bean is more than just a clothing brand. They have a highly curated fishing lineup, too, including some top-notch clothing and gear. The Quest Travel Spinning Outfit comes in 5’6” light, 6’ medium and 6’6” medium versions, each with line already on the reel and a sturdy case to protect it all from damage, all for $89.

Orvis

As with LL Bean, many of us think of Orvis as a clothing brand and/or fly fishing specialist, but they haven’t completely forgotten us conventional anglers. Their Encounter Spin/Fly Combo includes two butt sections for the multi-piece rod, which can be interchanged to use the included spinning and fly reels as appropriate, all for $229.

Okuma

The Voyager Spinning Travel Kit includes a heavily padded nylon travel bag with an adjustable shoulder strap. Inside you’ll find a five-piece 6’ medium-light spinning rod and matching reel, all for approximately $50.

Shakespeare

After we “graduated” from our initial push button combos, many of us moved up to an Ugly Stik. The GX2 Travel Spinning Combo continues that legacy, pairing a rod from that lineup with a matching reel, in a cloth travel bag. The complete package, widely available, retails for $59.95.