Like most fishers, I set up my rod at the car. But if there is a long walk through brush, bramble and multi-flora rose, before reaching the stream, consider this: leave the rod in the sock and set up stream-
side. Pocket the sock for the return trip.

Geting through the brush etc is tough enough without a rod in hand. The risk of breaking the rod is much higher already set up.

If you are exploring and may not come out where you went in, stuff the sock into a pocket for the return trip. If you find yourself in this position and don't have the sock with you, disassemble the rod leaving the line on or tie the sections together. A slip and fall will then not be as apt to cause a broken rod or a lost section.

Anyone having a better idea, please post so I can use YOUR method. I know that leaving the rod in the tube is safer yet...but IMHO its too much of a pain in the butt. Long trips with a back pack etc. excepted.

Ol' Bill
1932