McDave

As I build my first touring bike I'm having visions of camping, fishing, and frying up a fresh fish dinner. Are there any other traveling sportsmen out there? What sort of fishing gear do you carry and how do you pack it? Photos of your rig always welcome.

Chapman

Hi McDave,
I have a 4 piece Sage fly rod that breaks down pretty small (probably a 28 inch tube to carry the rod). Instead of a vest I use a little chest pack from Cabelas for my fly box, reel and a few tools. No waders, just river sandals with felt soles from Simms.

I also have a Daiwa spinning rod/reel combo that breaks down into two pieces about as long as my fly rod case. Not sure I'd want to take this rod/reel backpacking or touring because of the bulky reel but it's possible.

On the bike I would just strap the tube on the rack along with my tent's drybag. It would hang off a little but it's so light you'd never notice. I'd be more scared of theft than damage. Those rod tubes are very tough.

NoReg

I use an e-glass flyrod I made, however I don't really carry one touring. I have a flyfishing trip planed that goes through some dense areas with a lot of fishing, but in general I don't want to stop for that kind of thing if there is any mileage involved. I went on one non-fishing trip where I was really looking forward just to looking at some pretty rivers I had only gtlimpesed flashing by in a car, but the days i was in the area it was like choc. milk. Hard to make anything other than just the touring come out.

JOHN J

hey peterpan,

im a fly fisherman too! actually I build custom fly rods ,fancy wraps , fancy seats ,feather inlays... ,I was thinking of doing up a 4, 5 or 7 pc 7wt for the bike. my commute brings me right along the mohawk river and the carp fishing is a hoot.

"John"

ronzorini

Another fly fisherman here. But I've never mixed bicycling and fishing because I know what's going to happen...

Packing up and getting ready to hit the road for the day, I'll see a couple of rises, pull out the rod and say to myself, "Just 5 minutes, just 5 minutes"...which will always turn into 2 hours.

Tuffwolf

i have to say "so whats wrong with that???" isn't that what being out there is all about??? tho i know the principles of fly fishing (my father made sure to teach me growing up in montana) but i would rather have a small spinning rod any suggestions on what to take with that other than a hook line and sinker???

McDave

That's what I was thinking... the rivers and lakes being the destination, not a distraction.

I think I've come up with something that fits the light and easy to pack requirements. I remembered back when mom and us kids used cane poles while dad whipped the water with his new fangled casting reel. We always caught the fish while dad fought the tangles in his reel.

https://www.landbigfish.com/tacklesto...e.cfm?PID=2810
A 4 section 11' pole would pack down to 32" and would easily slip into the tent bag. I bet it would even catch fish!

Tuffwolf

here is a place if you want a shorter rod than what is above and it is a telescoping rod not in pieces.
https://www.compactfishinggear.com/

ronzorini

Nothing wrong with it at all (see smiley). Fishing's a great distraction!

ronzorini

If you want to treat yourself to a nice action pack rod, Fenwick has been making their spin/fly rod for many years. A compromise, but you'll be armed for any occasion.

https://www.fenwickfishing.com/prod.p...PURGS%2070ML-4

Tuffwolf

i think i like the telescopeing rods less to break just in case... may have to look into that....

martianone

We live in an area with a lot of bushy trout streams;
often carry an ice rod with a very light weight spinning
reel and U/L tackle. My family thinks i look funny fishing
with this outfit, it works well and is easy to attach to the
top of my tail bag- reel toward the bike seat and rod tip
extending a little beyond my back wheel. I've often
gotten fish when everyone else had excuses.

McDave

Hahaha... I just saw this on TV. Now THAT is a compact rig!

https://www.fishpen.com/index.html?directLoad

Tuffwolf

now that is kewl.... LOL have to look at that one wonder just how sturdy it really is????