How do I take a fly rod backpacking

[djo]

I know you are not interested in a new rod right now but you might start reading about Tenkara fishing. While I still prefer a western style rod and reel, Tenkara rods fit well with ultralight backpacking (particularly for small streams) because no reel is involved - just a rod, a bit of line and tippet, and a few flies. The rods are about 18" collapsed and very light weight. The whole outfit runs about 3 to 4 oz and under $200.
David

[maodiver]

if you aren't married to the fly rod, you can get a cheapo collapsible spining rod and tenkara that puppy, or put your fly reel on it. or just fish the Fly-and-bubble method. those rods usually run around $20 or less.

watch garage sales and craigslist. I bought a 5 piece Redington at a yard sale for $20. it had a broken butt cap, but for $37 including replacement fee and postage for a total of $57 I had a packable rod.

[gerri]

Hi
Bass Pro shops offers the cordura covered rod tubes that have carrying straps/handles for reasonable prices...about mid $20's. I believe they would be lighter than PVC tubes. Some are available to leave reel attached with a little room for a small fly box. Cabelas also offers the cordura tubes but I believe they cost more than BPS.
You might find an eagle claw rod or another brand of about 6 or 7 ft at walmart. I realize you want to avoid more gear purchases but you may encounter unrepairable damages to your good gear and if that matters, check out some cheap but useable gear at Walmart.
I think at one time Daiwa offered a very compact 7 piece spinning rod and reel combo. My boys each took one to prep school with them.

[waynep]

I bought a 7 piece rod to take hiking . . . For a more inexpensive version, years ago, I bought a cheap spin/fly rod at Walmart for about $20. It would be fine for something like this as well. I have seen people using a thin pvc pipe carrying a rod as a walking stick. I have seen rod tubes strapped to the outside of backpacks, both 2 and 4 piece. I like the 7 piece as I can put the rod tube in my Camelback and off we go. It was worth the investment even though I don't use it much.

[tailingloop]

In his book "Flyfishing the Mountain Lakes", Gary LaFontaine deals extensively with flyfishing and backpacking. Gary used 2 pc rods in aluminum tubes which he used as walking sticks. The book is highly recommended.

[Bob9]

Chris@tenkarabum sells a Chinese fiberglass tenkara type rod. It sells for $32 plus $6 shipping. It's only 6' 10" and collapses to 15". I bought it to fish for stocker bows in Texas.

Bob

[oldster]

I have backpacked with a rod many times. Get a sock and attach it to the side of your pack at the bottom. ( A longer sock will help). With the rod in its Cloth case drop the end in the sock. Use a piece of double sided velcro to attatch the upper part of the rod to the side of the pack near the top. Be careful of what you walk under. I have ever broken a rod with this method

[gordo7]

xfishcop-
Same method works well walking into and out of the Grand Canyon......

[billhouk]

Here is an alternative, get a piece of one inch PVC. Put a cane rubber tip on one end. Put a threaded lid on the top. Put the rod pieces in it and leave your walking stick/poles behind.

You should be able to use the pole holder as your tent/tarp pole.

[BH Spey]

REALLY like to see some photos of your ultralight hike/camp setup! Is the bivy sack done yet?

As for the fishing here are some options for you to consider:

Some rod case walking staffs: http://jasonklass.blogspot.com/2011/...ing-staff.html
http://www.spokesman.com/photos/2013/apr/06/202561/
http://fiberglassflyrodders.com/foru...hp?f=8&t=41180


4-piece rod reel combo for $45: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabel...h-All+Products

Eagle Claw Spin/Fly pack rod $17.53: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Eagle-Claw...ingMethod=p13n

4 0r 6 piece Eagle Claw pack rod $57: http://www.fishusa.com/product/Eagle...FYhcMgodCj0AGg


Good luck!