2 piece rod vs. 4 piece rod

[munoz6]

Hello everyone,
I'm trying to make a decision on a new rod to buy. I do quite a bit of traveling to fish. (Mostly to my home state of CO.) I don't always feel comfortable allowing the airline to make sure my fly rod gets there when I do. I can't exactly afford to buy two rods.
So, what are the pros and cons regarding the 2 piece rod vs. the 3 or 4 piece travel rod?

[fessiewig]

I had the same question last year when I was considering a 4 piece 10' rod for my float tube. As it turns out the answer is the 3, 4 and 5 piece rods today are so good you don't have to worry about them. The ferrules were the problem in the past, but like I said they've improved the technology in the ferrule so much there's no reason not to buy one. You can get travel rods which will fit inside you're carry on, but I bet you'll be hassled at security cause it will look like a weapon. In fact, now that I think of it, you may want to call airport security and make sure they will let you carry it on. They could end up thinking it could be used as a weapon. Maybe someone who has traveled with a multi-piece rod can join in and advise you.

[bmik]

Fishing rods (Fly rods) are allowed as carry ons according to the TSA and FAA guidelines. nderstand the interpretation of those guidelines is at the discretion of the security people, the gate attendant for the airline and the flight attendants. You will not win an argument with them. What usually is the prohibiting factor to carrying them on is the case they are in, All metal rod tubes will usually not be allowed because it could be used as a weapon. A cordura covered tube probably will be allowed.
I have traveled several times since 9-11 with a 54" triangular multi rod case and carried it on each time..from Logan airport. It fits in the overhead of 757 & 767 planes, even some 737s. When it doesn't, it can be stored in a closet by the attendant (a big smile and nice tone helps a lot with this!)

I'm getting wordy here but.... certainly multipiece rods are easier to travel with cause thye will fit in your carry on and overhead compartments. I will only buy multipiece rods from now on becuase as fessiewig said there is little performance differential these days. If you travel with 2 piece rods either get a nice soft covered carry case/tube, or be prepared to gate check them. I've seen guys with three rod tubes duct taped together abd they gate check them. They are much less likely to get damged or 'lost' this way because they are handed to you as you exit the plane.
Good luck....

[munoz6]

Thanks for the input guys.

So what rod would you recommend? My price range is somewhere between 300-350. I am planning on getting a 9 ft 5 wt rod. I was considering getting one of Cabelas higher end model rods. One of the flyfishing magazines that I get had good things to say about them, especially for the price.

[fessiewig]

Take a look at these rods. Lots of good reports on them.

http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/professional/

They don't come with a tube, but you can order one from where ever you buy the rod and still have saved a bundle.

[flytire]

Its really hard to recommend a "BRAND NAME" as it would be a biased opinion. You have to hit some local fly shops and give some 5wts a try and find one that suits your casting style. Mine is definitely different from yours. I personally like med fast to fast action rods. Your taste may be different. You wont even know the difference between a 2 pc or multi piece when casting.

Buying a multi piece certainly has its advantages when travelling. Some can be stored in your checked in baggage to your destination.

You can lock up your baggage but dont forget the TSA can and will cut your lock off and inspect it if it looks suspicious. They do put a paper in your bag to let you know they peaked inside and played with your stuff. Hehehe.

Another option would be to ship your 2pc rod using FEDEX or UPS to your destination in Colorado. I did that a few years ago and everything was there waiting for me. You could go the TSA and airline web sites and print out the "Whats allowed onboard list" but Ive heard in some cases they didnt even want to read it.

I really hate to take chances with my expensive fly fishing gear. You know the "Murphys Law" "What can go wrong, will go wrong".

A lot of people will tell you they got away with carrying everything on the plane except the kitchen sink, but I personally dont even want to take the chance. You are still at the mercy of the underpaid TSA agent and you certainly dont know what side of the bed they got up on.

Another thought would be to carry on the fly rod with only the rod sock and not the aluminum tube. That tube can be used as a weapon, like a baseball bat.

Good luck

[Birddogtwo]

Have checked rods as baggage and carried on since 911. I would not buy another 2 or 3 piece rod again onlly 4 or 5. Its much more comforting to see your rod when your on a big trip, Although my last trip to Montana a flight got canceled and I ended up on 2 additional planes and my luggage made it with me.

[catchnrelease]

I travel regularly with 4pc aluminum tubes, usually more than one, never a problem. In your price range, I like the Sage 590-4 VPS a lot... the old tried and true RPL blank with mid range components... great all arounder for trout on a variety of water, loads up nice with slightly heavy lines, Rio Grand and the new nymph line at the top of that list. In a closet full of more expensive rods, it's still one of my 3 go-to rods when venturing into the unknown.

[Jammin' Salmon]

Definitely 4 piece rods are the way to go if you travel. As a competitive fly caster I was a little concerned using a 4 piece but I quickly learned that there is not much difference between the 2 and 4 piece. Last year I used a 3 piece Stu Apte Diamondback rod and placed 3rd in the casting at the Western Finals of the ESPN Great Outdoor Games. Out of the 12 finalists 7 of them used the Sage TCR, 1 used a Winston, and the other 3 used the Orvis T3. Since then I have been using the Orvis T3, 9 ft. 5 wt, and this rod is great as both a casting and fishing rod. It is also a whole lot easier on the casting arm!
So don't be afraid to buy the 4 piece it has some great advantages when you travel!

Rick