Looking for hiking rod recommendations

[BHuij]

Hey all--

I'm looking for a rod to fill a rather specific role.

I want to go backpacking in the Uintas this coming summer and use this rod in high elevation lakes. I'm hoping to get some golden trout as well as plenty of brooks and cutts

For that reason, I feel that a 5'6" or a 6'0 light action rod would be best. I already have a reel picked out. I'm set on using a spinning rod, rather than spincasting, baitcasting, or fly.

Obviously packability is a big thing, and I also don't want to break the bank, but let's look at price later.

Recommendations? Anyone have any recommendations as far as rod length or action that are different from what I've kind of settled on? I'm still open to changing that if I see good reason to do so.

So far most brands I've used and like (Berkley, Eagle Claw, Quantum) don't seem to offer anything with more than 3 sections on their site. I did find the 5'6" Quantum Telecast to be an intriguing option, even though the internet in general seems to dislike telescoping rods.

But I'd like to hear your thoughts.
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[Gorgefanatic]

I just picked a fenwick four piece from cal ranch that I love. The best part is if you can find.it on sale its only $29.
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[ratnest]

I backpack each year, and I have no issue bringing a regular rod. I used to have a 5'6" rod that I used, until this past year and moved to a 6 ft rod, only because my old rod broke after 15 + years of use and abuse.

So long as it breaks down into 2 easy pieces, packing a 3 foot length should not be much of an issue. There is always some way to attach a rod to a pack. Unless you have money to burn that is my recommendation. My small rod was an UL and the current rod is light action graphite rod.

My bigger issue is what is the best way to pack the rod and gear from lake to lake.
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[BHuij]

Thanks for the feedback so far. Last summer I did a short hike in the Uintas from Spirit Lake to Tamarack and Jessen lakes (which turned out to be a bust as far as fishing is concerned since they nuked those lakes days before I arrived due to whirling disease... haha)

I took my 6'6" UL Eagle Claw rod strapped down as safely and securely to the back of my pack as I could manage with a lot of paracord, etc. In hindsight it's a miracle I didn't break the thing. Hiking in woodland it was like an antenna that caught on and smacked against just about every branch that was less than 8' off the ground. I'm sure there's something to be said about user error, but I'm almost equally sure that I would do better with a 4-piece compact rod that I can put securely inside my pack without letting it protrude.

Whether or not there is a suitable rod that fits my requirements and my budget remains to be seen, but I'm still in the research phase
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[Catcherman.]

Daiwa minispin is what I have it's a five piece and cheap also.
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[brookieguy1]

Scheels Brand has some very nice rods and many come in a 4 piece version. Great guarantee as well.
As far as Tamarack and Jesson go, I believe that drainage was poisoned and restocked with cutthroat and tiger trout as a restoration project, not whirling disease.
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[BHuij]

I check out Scheels website an couldn't find any rods there that were more than 2 sections... I have a Scheels reasonably close to home though, so maybe I'll check them out first.

Anyone ever tried this rod? The reviews seem favorable but I couldn't find the action listed anywhere. I'd hate to buy this rod for catching 15-inch brookies and have it show up as a medium heavy

http://www.amazon.com/Enjoydeal-Portable...al_qh_dp_t
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[brookieguy1]

I wouldn't consider a telescoping rod, especially when the hilljack company calls it a "pole". Go down to Scheels. Many of their rods are available in 4 piece and there are several nice fast action light rods. I like 6'-6".
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[Matador]

A few years ago I treated myself to a new backpacking rod for a backpacking trip into the Uintas. I am pretty picky about the feel of my rods. After looking at a lot of places, I finally found what I wanted at Fish Tech. It is a Fenwick Eagle GT. It was pricey (at least for my budget) at $80, but I have to tell you that it was worth it. In fact, ever since I got it I don't think I've used any of my other rods. It breaks down to 4 pieces and packs nicely. I highly recommend it, even at that price.
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