Hey Fishermen (and women)

“Having returned undead from the Boundary Waters trip in Northern Minnesota I have had some opportunity to reflect on what I'd do different. I'd bring a fishing pole, dammit! Can anyone steer me in the direction of a good quality collapsible pole (no viagra jokes now), one that has survived the ritual hell of TT experience and is worthy of being mentioned on this website. Thanks”

“My favorite pack rod was a K-mart special. It's a Shakespeare 4'-6" ultralite (I don't remember the model because the name has long been scratched off). The reel is a Zebco Omega (early 1970's vintage). Unfortunately they don't make the reel anymore. The rod and reel combo has served me well for the past 10+ years with few problems.”

“I have one similar to what lumberzac describes. I can't remember if it is Zebco or Shakespeare. However, it has proven fit for light occasional use. I got it at wally world.”

“They make some short ice fishing poles with reels attached.”

“I will look into the brand of rod I have - can't remember it off-hand. I believe I bought it at REI. The spinning reel I had was a bit heavy, so I hunted around on the internet a bit and found a nice lightweight one for about 40 bucks. I just checked my spreadsheet and I have the reel listed at 5 ounces and the rod at 2, but those are estimates, so I'm not sure what the real (heh heh) weights are. Look here for my results in Montana 2 years ago (last time I brought them backpacking).”

“You went to the BWCA without a fishing pole? That's like a blind guy going to a nudie bar! LOL! The ultralight rods won't be heavy enough for the BWCA. You need at least a medium heavy action for those fish. I'd say 10 pound test at least plus wire leaders. There's pike and walleye in them there waters. I'd try to find something heavier but maybe in a six piece travel rod. And take twice as much tackle as you think you'd need. You'll lose a good portion of them.

I'll never forget standing at the base of some waterfalls as the sun set and catching a 22" small mouth.”

“HPM is heading for BWCA in early July. Bugs bugs bugs!”

“You're right Nigal. Initially my primary purpose in going was to check out new gear, learn some stuff and check out my physical conditioning for my thru hike. Once I got there, however, my priorities took a sudden and dramatic shift. Fortunately I'm less than 200 miles from BWCA and can pretty much go whenever I want. If I could dump this house easily I'd probably just move.”

“I've used a Daiwa pack rod combo -- four-piece rod with a ultralight reel -- back in my fishing days. Daiwa had both spinning and spin-cast versions and may still have them. They came in plastic cases that could be left behind if you have something else protective to wrap the rod pieces in.

I'd also check Cabela's, etc., catalogs/websites -- or if you want to go fancy, Orvis. I'm sure all have some version of packrods, with choices of various weights. As for how heavy a rod to carry, a good light rod and reel combo can do amazing things. I landed a 29" steelhead on my 7' graphite light rod with a Shimano ultralight reel packed with 6 lb. test. The rod did all the work of keeping the line protected from the forces the fish threw at it. I know there are pack rods in that size range out there.”

“What! No fishing pole! I have a older model of this pole which I really like..
Eagle Claw pole”