Are you wondering what fishing gear to pack for a backpacking trip? Backpacking and fishing combine adventure with the chance to catch your meal in remote locations. Our guide lays out the must-have fishing items that balance weight, space, and functionality for your journey. Let’s reel in the essentials!
Key Takeaways
- Backpacking fishing gear should be light and easy to carry, like Tenkara rods or collapsible poles that fit in your bag.
- Choose fishing lines that are strong yet lightweight, such as fluorocarbon lines between 5 and 10 lbs for the best balance of strength and portability.
- For catching fish on your trip, pack various lures that match local fish preferences, ensuring they’re small enough for a tackle box and durable for travel.
- When buying a backpacking fishing pole, consider size and portability, the durability of materials like carbon fiber, ease of use with quick setup features, and price versus value for long-lasting gear.
- The Tenkara Rod Co. Beartooth is recommended as an easy-to-use rod for backpackers due to its lightweight design; it requires no reel just attach the line at the tip to start fishing.
Essential Guide to Backpacking Fishing Gear
Packing the right fishing gear can make your backpacking trip exciting. You get to catch fresh fish in hidden spots. But you need to think about extra weight and space in your bag.
A fishing license is a must, along with stuff for cleaning and cooking what you catch. You’ll want rods, lines, tackles, and bait for your adventure. Fly rods work well if you have room to cast and know how to use them. Tenkara rods are simple and light, great for someone just starting or going far into the wilderness. Pocket rods fold up small so they’re easy to bring along anywhere!
The Intersection of Fishing and Backpacking: Why Combine the Two?
Fishing adds something special to backpacking trips. You get to enjoy nature and relax by the water. Catching your dinner makes it even better. Imagine sitting by an alpine lake or small stream with a fishing pole in hand.
The peace of the wild around you is only broken by the thrill of hooking a fish.
Combining hiking with fishing means adventure plus food! It’s smart because you can catch larger fish for meals, saving space in your pack from carrying too much food. Also, backcountry fishing takes you to spots where few people go, so there’s plenty of fish.
With just a collapsible rod or telescopic rod and some tackle, you’re ready to have fun catching smaller or bigger fish while exploring amazing places!
Essential Backpacking Fishing Gear
Discover the critical items you’ll need in your backpack to transform a scenic hike into a successful fishing expedition and stay tuned as we delve deeper into each piece of gear that will elevate your angling adventure.
Fishing Rods
Fishing rods come in many shapes and sizes, each one good for a different type of fishing trip. When you pack for backpacking, you want a rod that is light and easy to carry. Tenkara fly fishing rods fit this need well.
They are simple with no reel and can catch fish in mountain lakes or small streams.
Collapsible fishing rods are another good option. They fold down small, so they don’t take up much space in your backpack. These rods work great if you’re new to fishing or if you like things easy to set up.
Pocket rods might weigh a bit more but their ease of use often makes up for the extra weight. With these compact choices, anglers can enjoy casting lines into alpine lakes without carrying too much gear.
Fishing Line
A good fishing line is key to a great catch on your backpacking trips. Choose lines that are strong but not too heavy; the ideal weight range is between 5 and 10 lbs. This balance helps you handle both smaller fish and some larger ones you might encounter in wild waters.
Fluorocarbon lines are the best way to go because they’re almost invisible underwater. Fish won’t easily see them, which means more bites for you! They also don’t mess with the surface of the water much, so they’re perfect when you want to keep things quiet and peaceful as nature intended.
Now let’s talk about lures, another important part of your fishing kit.
Lures
Lures are a big deal for backpacking fishers. They’re the shiny or colorful bits that fool fish into biting. You’ll want different kinds to match what the fish in your area like to eat.
Think about wooly buggers, nymphs, and caddisflies if you’re doing fly fishing with a compact rod. These types work well for catching lots of different fish.
Also, it’s smart to pick lures that go with the kind of fish you hope to catch. Small spinners and soft plastics are great for light-tackle fishing on your trip. Panther martins or jigs might be just right for some waters where you plan to cast your line.
Whatever lures you choose, make sure they fit in your tackle box and can handle being bumped around in your backpack as you hike.
Top 5 Backpacking Fishing Poles for 2023
Discover the latest and greatest in compact angling innovation with our curated list of the top 5 backpacking fishing poles for 2023, each selected to enhance your trekking trips with the perfect blend of portability and performance.
Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a trail-blazing novice, these picks promise to elevate your wilderness fishing game without weighing down your pack.
When it comes to fly fishing, the right gear can make all the difference in landing that big fish. Key equipment includes a fly box filled with various types of flies tailored to the specific type of fish you’re aiming to catch. A good-quality collapsible fishing rod is essential for ease of transport, paired with an extra leader and a suitable fly line. The weight of the rod is crucial for handling different fishing conditions, and it’s important to choose one that feels comfortable for you.
Additionally, don’t forget about the smaller but significant accessories like split shots, which help in adjusting the depth of your flies in the water. Comfort is key when you’re out in the stream, so investing in a pair of durable wading boots is a smart choice.
And for bait, the wooly bugger is a versatile option that works wonders in various water conditions. When selecting gear, it’s always a good idea to research the best fly fishing rods to find one that suits your style and the specific fishing environment you plan to explore.
Tenkara Rod Co. Beartooth
The Tenkara Rod Co. Beartooth is a top pick for anyone who loves to fish while backpacking. It’s 10 feet long and has a bend known as 6:4 flex action, which gives good control when you’re trying to catch fish. This rod takes up very little space and weighs so little that it’s perfect for taking on hikes into the wild.
You can pack this Tenkara fishing rod easily in your fishing backpack because it’s super small when you fold it down. Its tough design means it can handle lots of different situations out in nature. Though its length might limit how far you can cast, the rod still works great for catching all sorts of fish in streams or lakes.
Next up, let’s talk about another excellent choice for anglers on the go: the Clearwater 6-piece Fly Rod.
Clearwater 6-Piece Fly Rod
Get ready to cast your line on any backpacking trip with the Clearwater 6-piece Fly Rod. This rod is a top pick for 2023, known for its quality and ability to break down into six compact pieces. It’s nine feet long when put together, giving you that full-sized rod feel which is just right for bigger catches and longer casts.
Backpackers love this medium-fast action fly rod because it’s easy to carry and gives great control while fishing in different kinds of waters. Plus, it comes with a solid 25-year warranty.
That means if something goes wrong, you can get help fixing your rod without stress or extra cost. Next up is another excellent choice for anglers hitting the trails: the Wetfly Komodo Creek Tenkara Kit.
Wetfly Komodo Creek Tenkara Kit
The Wetfly Komodo Creek Tenkara Kit is a smart pick for anyone hitting the trails and planning to fish. This Tenkara rod is 8 feet long and has medium action, perfect for those tight spots on remote streams.
Plus, it’s light and quick to set up, taking less than sixty seconds – that means more time fishing and less fiddling with gear. You get a lot in this kit: a leader, tippet, and flies come bundled together. It’s made for backpackers who want good value without breaking the bank. The simplicity of Tenkara fishing mixed with the convenience of this kit makes catching fish in the backcountry easy and fun.
Bass Pro Shops Power Plus Graphite Telescopic Spinning Rod
Bass Pro Shops Power Plus Graphite Telescopic Spinning Rod stands out as a top choice for your backpacking fishing trips. This rod is friendly on your wallet and super easy to set up or take apart, which is perfect when you’re on the move in the outdoors.
It’s 6 feet 6 inches long and packs down small, so it won’t be a hassle to carry.
Even though this spinning rod might not feel as sensitive as a one-piece, it still does a great job for those who love to fish while exploring new trails. Its strong graphite design means you can count on it trip after trip.
And since it’s light, carrying it along with your backpack won’t weigh you down.
Now let’s cast our line towards another fantastic option: the Daiwa Travel Rod Spinning Combo.
Daiwa Travel Rod Spinning Combo
The Daiwa Travel Rod Spinning Combo is a top pick for anyone who loves to fish while hitting the trails. It gives you a 7’2″ rod that’s easy to handle, offering medium action which is perfect for catching a variety of fish. This combo pairs up the rod with a spinning reel, which means you’ll get better control when casting out your line.
This gear makes it simple to pack and go because it fits well in most backpacks. The rod and reel together make sure you have all you need without buying extra parts. Fishers find this combo reliable whether they are by a stream or at the lake.
Since experts recommend it highly for backpacking fishing trips, it can be your best bet for having fun and making great catches on your adventure.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying Backpacking Fishing Poles
When venturing into the wilderness, a carefully chosen fishing pole can be both your path to dinner and enjoyment. Selecting the right tool for your angling needs means closely examining certain essential factors before making your purchase.
Size and portability
Size and portability matter a lot for backpacking fishing poles. You want a rod that is easy to carry on long hikes. Compact fishing rods are great because they can fit in your bag without taking up much room.
Look for ones that break down into small pieces or those that collapse. This way, you can move freely on the trail and still have everything you need to fish.
Tenkara rods are especially good for trips like these. They’re very light and don’t have many parts, so they’re simple to pack. Pocket rods work well too since they shrink down to a size that’s easy to hide in your backpack. Always choose a rod that makes it easy for you to go from walking to fishing without any trouble.
Durability and material
Backpacking trips can be tough on gear, including fishing poles. You want a pole that will last and handle the bumps and bends of the trip. Look for rods made from materials like carbon fiber – they’re strong, light, and easy to carry.
Carbon fiber rods resist breaking better than other types. A good rod also needs to stand up to water and sun without falling apart. Rods with high-quality guides (the rings your fishing line goes through) and sturdy reel seats are important too.
These parts should be made of materials that won’t rust or wear out quickly. Your fishing adventures need gear that stays in top shape after many uses.
Ease of use
Fishing while backpacking should be fun, not hard. Pocket rods shine here because they fold up small and are easy to use. They fit right into your pack without trouble. You don’t need to know a lot to start fishing with them.
For those with more skill, Tenkara rods are simple too. But even though they’re light and have no reel, you’ll want some room to cast them. No matter what rod you pick, make sure it feels good in your hands and is simple to set up so you can enjoy the water fast.
Think about how quickly you want to get going when picking a rod for your trip. A pole that’s quick to put together means more time fishing and less fussing with gear. Also, look out for ones that come apart easily after use; this will save you lots of time when you’re ready to hike on or set up camp.
Price and value
Backpacking fishing poles come at different prices. You might see a cheap one and think it’s a good deal, but its parts might break easily. Or, you could find an expensive pole with features that make fishing while hiking better.
Think about how much the rod costs and if it is worth it for your trips.
It’s smart to look for a rod that matches what you need without spending too much money. Tenkara rods work well because they’re simple and light, so they’re easy to bring along on hikes.
But even though pocket rods fold up small, they can be heavy which makes them less valuable if you want to hike far. Always balance how much you pay with how helpful the rod will be on your adventure.
FAQs About Backpacking Fishing Gear
Uncover the answers to your most pressing backpacking fishing queries in our FAQ section, and enhance your outdoor angling adventures with confidence.
What is the optimal size for a backpacking fishing rod?
Choosing the right size for a backpacking fishing rod is important. A short, compact rod works well for tight spaces and small streams. Look for telescopic rods or those that break down into pieces.
They make carrying and moving much easier on the trail. These rods should be light but strong enough to handle the fish you might catch.
The best length often ranges from about 6 to 9 feet when extended. This size gives a good casting distance without being too large to pack. Always check how heavy and long the rod is when it’s folded up or collapsed as well.
You want something that fits easily into your backpack without adding too much weight or bulk. Lightweight materials like graphite add strength without weighing you down, so keep an eye out for these features when picking your pole.
Is a thick or thin fishing line better for backpacking fishing?
A thin fishing line is often the best choice for backpacking. It’s light and easy to carry, which matters a lot when you’re hiking. You want gear that doesn’t add too much weight to your pack.
Fluorocarbon lines are great because they’re almost see-through in water, so fish can’t spot them easily. They also don’t mess up the surface of the water much.
Keeping your fishing line between 5 and 10 lbs works well for catching most kinds of fish on a backpacking trip. This size is strong enough to pull in a good catch but still keeps your load light.
Next, let’s talk about lures and how they fit into backpacking fishing trips!
Which type of fishing pole is easiest to use for backpacking?
If you are looking for the easiest fishing pole to use while backpacking, the Tenkara Rod Co. Beartooth is a top choice. It’s light and simple, with no reel needed. You just need to attach the line at the tip of the rod. This type of rod makes it easy to pack and set up quickly when you find a good spot near your trail.
Tenkara rods in general are great for backpacking trips. They’re compact and weigh very little, which saves space and energy during your hike. Plus, they’re perfect for catching fish in mountain streams or small lakes where backpackers often camp.
The Beartooth model from Tenkara Rod Co., especially, stands out because it’s tough and reliable – good qualities for any gear that goes into your backpack.
Conclusion
Get ready to enjoy fishing on your backpacking trips. Choose the right gear, like a good rod and strong line. Remember to pack lures and other must-haves for the best time by the water.
For the ultimate enjoyment and peace of mind on your adventures, it’s important to prioritize safety. Discover comprehensive guidance and backpacking safety tips to ensure you’re well-prepared. Happy fishing means being prepared. Go catch some fish and create unforgettable memories outdoors!
