Small and packable

[that_guy]

Hey all,

I'm going to be trying a new type of fishing for me this spring. I am typically an Ice Fisherman with a few (maybe 2) summber trips a year. This summer I'm looking to get out and fish, HOWEVER, I'm not looking to take my truck. I am planning on using my motorcycle as a main mode of transportation due to the high gas costs.

So here is my question; What type of rod would you reccomend that can easily be packed on a motorcycle (maybe 3 or 4ft broken down). I'm thinking it'll need to be versatile to handle bobber fishing as well as some casting for pannies and bass.

I'm sure for many of you this will be a "duh" question, but I am new to open water fishing and my ignorance on the sport is pretty expansive.

Thanks in advance!

[Northlander]

I would get a good 2 piece 7' rod in a med/lt with a fast action. That way you can toss bobbers, jig or cast some smaller cranks with it.

[that_guy]

How can you tell if its "good" I currently own a few summer rigs, but unlike ice equipment I can't tell one rod from another.

Thanks for the tips!

[mainbutter]

One of my x-mas presents from the girlfriend this year was a Balzer Diablo II telescopic fishing rod. These types of rods are pretty popular in europe. It's a bit heavier than I'd want for panfish, but I'd rather have a telescopic rod have more backbone than less simply for durability purposes.

I haven't tried it out yet so I can't give a yea or nay on its quality, but it sure FEELS like a great rod. It becomes very compact and comes with a fabric sleeve. I think it will fit nicely in or strapped to my hiking pack, perfect to take on long, multi-day (non-fishing specific) excursions.

[BassNut33]

Look around the internet for rods that break down, some of them can get kind of expensive. I know guys that take these with them to the Boundary Waters.

[PerchJerker]

I have used some 3 piece travel rods and been very happy with them. I like Northlander's suggestion of something around 7' and Med/Lt or Med power, those are versatile rods that will work for bass and panfish. What to look for --- I'd look for graphite, like an IM-6 or IM-7 rod ---- don't go with the cheapest you find, and you don't need to go with the most expensive either. Good luck.

[that_guy]

what is the difference between graphite and glass? Is one more durable than the other or is it graphite is a little cheaper so if it breaks I'm not on the shore crying?

[Nick Kuhn]

Glass is usually cheaper. It tends to have a slower action so it is better for trolling. Graphite is more rigid and has a faster action. If either is built well they should be pretty tough to break.