I’m heading up to the B-Dub next month and am mulling over my rod and reel options. Last time I was up there, I hauled three 2-piece rods up in a rod tube, which I paid $50 to check on the plane (flew into Duluth). Decided against bringing the tube along in the canoe (bad call) and opted for tying the rods to the inside of the canoe. Two of the rods broke.

So this time I’m considering bringing a five piece travel rod and a telescoping rod as a backup. The telescoping rod is not great quality but it will do in pinch. The five-piece is an Okuma Voyager 6’ light action spinning rod with 6lb test. Is that too light for fishing up there? I’m not a great fisherman and don’t catch a lot or very big, but you never know (I have fought and landed an 8-10 lb catfish on similar tackle but it took some finesse). Thoughts on bringing this as a primary rod so I don’t have to pay to check a big rod tube and lug it around? The okuma has a nice carrying case.

I want to avoided broken rods and expensive fees for checking a rod tube.

See link below (copy and paste).

Thanks in advance for feedback.

Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MQTJW2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mn0mDb8WQ7VK9

I can't say much about a 5 piece rod but your logic sounds good if it is well built. I use 6 lb line all the time. Set your drag so if you catch a big fish line strips off reel instead of breaking. I do this anyway as I like to tire fish because I don't bring a net.

Okuma is nothing if not shameless.

Decades ago, Fenwick started selling their multipiece Voyageur pack rods to canoeists, backpackers and bush pilot passengers. The rods were available as fly rods, fly/spinning combos and spinning rods in a wide variety of weights and lengths. They have an excellent rep among the cognoscenti and are frequently available on ebay and fishing forums.

One of them, a 6’6” spinning version, was my wedding gift from my bride, along with a Quick 110N reel. Still have and still treasure all three of them. :-)