Can a Travel Rod Feel Like a One-Piece? (6 Month Review)
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
- Found In: Product Reviews, Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Fishing Rod Reviews
Travel rods have always had a reputation…
Convenient? Sure.
But actually good?
That’s where a lot of anglers hesitate.
I used to feel the same way.
So I took the Slam Stick Traveler and put it through months of real fishing… everything I normally do.
Watch below to see how it actually held up, and what stood out most.
Featured Gear:
Key Takeaways:
- The Slam Stick Traveler solves the packing problem, and it still performs
- More versatile than expected (handles multiple lure styles and situations)
- No noticeable trade-offs in sensitivity and power vs one-piece rods
- Best fit for traveling anglers or anyone looking to simplify gear and have one rod do a lot of things well
Final Thoughts
If you told me a few years ago that I’d reach for a travel rod every time I go fishing… I probably wouldn’t have believed you.
But after putting this one through the paces for the last 6 months, that’s exactly what’s happened.
It’s not about the specs or even the convenience… it comes down to whether you actually enjoy using it and trust it on the water.
And for me, that answer has been yes.
So if you’ve been on the fence about travel rods because of how they used to perform… this might be worth a serious look if you’re in the market for a new rod.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
The 2 core benefits we promise to Insider Club members is to be able to find and catch fish easier than ever before while saving money on fishing equipment.
So I am including links to the quickest ways to achieve each:
1) Finding Fish System
2) Insider Club’s Group Discounts
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
I just bought one. Now I’m looking at adding a butt section and another fast tip. Wish I had done that first.. the $17 shipping fee is what kept me from buying it for quite awhile. I too wish it had something besides a cork handle. They seem to age really quickly along the Mississippi gulf coast. I have almost all of my cork handles sealed with the shrink seal tubing. My buddy has both the Slam Stick and TFO Travel kits. He likes the TFO better. But the Slam Stick meets my needs.. it’s longer and a little more flexible with both a medium and medium light option. Last year the trout fishing was incredible around Waveland Mississippi.. tight lines guys…
It is a great setup. Are there any plans to offer one which is medium/medium heavy in the future?
Yes and very soon! Be on the lookout!
Glad you like it, Pat. It’s all about the rod. Showing the rod in action at 2:38, under the load of a fish-on. Not so much the fish fighting or catching. Is there a better video with more about the rod details?
Here’s a video from when it was released with some more info on it:
https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/4-in-1-fishing-rod-setup/
Very impressive!
https://youtu.be/UohJDCuySww?t=295
That’s what I’m talking about, Luke!
Thanks, Pat, for this very informative video! 😎📹🎣🧂💪🏻
Glad you liked it James!
Would you pick it up if you had a one piece Slam Stick of required power and action sitting next to it?
Absolutely! I actually keep mine on my boat at all times and use it interchangeably with my other rods. I have to look at the rod to see if it’s the Traveler, I can’t tell by feel alone.
Pat,
That comment along with your video speaks volumes about your confidence in it. Thanks for posting!
Yes Gary…the rod holder has individual cloth compartment for the various individual rod sections.
Thanks Steve!
I’ve recently gotten away from multi piece rods , and of course I’m missing the convenience of transporting my stuff . Thanks for the insight that it ain’t like the multi piece rods of yesteryear !!!
Thanks for the breakdown !!!
In the past I scoffed at multi piece rods and wouldn’t touch them. But the Slam Stick has it figured out!
Do the sections of the rod slip into individual sections of a cloth sleeve in the case?
Yes, there’s different compartments for each piece.
Pat, thanks for another great video. Just bought this new travel rod with the extra base, can’t wait to use it!
Let us know how you like it!