We all daydream of jetting away to fish foreign coasts, swapping the grey skies of Britain for sun, golden sands and exotic species. Although many regular folk may not be able to book a dedicated angling holiday, many will be able to squeeze in some angling on their family vacation and will need a rod that can break down into a small, suitcase friendly size. With lure fishing being a popular option, but with ranges of rods that can target small bream to large tuna, the choices can be baffling. Here with the help of travelling fish fanatics, Adam Kirby, John Locker and Ben Bassett, we can share some favourites for your travels.

1. MAJOR CRAFT CROSTAGE MOBILE

With a wide range of options, the Crostage Mobile is beloved by travelling anglers.

Each model comes with a robust case with velcro ties to keep the rod secure. The rod comes in four pieces and fits into most hold luggage with plenty of room to spare. There are a variety of actions to choose from, the LRF/Light Game options have been especially popular, as anglers target the smaller species around the resorts they are staying in. These are typically high quality from the Japanese brand, and a true favourite in the lure fishing scene. It is also worth checking out the Major Craft Hard Rock Custom Travel HCTS-764M, which has been designed with Tacklewave LTD for UK anglers, using some of their favourite elements of the Crostage range. 

Ben says: ‘My Crostage Mobile Aji has been all over with me, from Greece to the Balearic Isles and across the UK. I love being able to chuck it in the boot of the car, or in my luggage on family trips away. It is a beautiful thing to look at and fish with, and has landed me some exceptional fish, with quality white sea bream being a highlight.’

  • RRP £189.99
  • Available at chesilbaitntackle.co.uk

2. HTO TEMPEST TRAVEL

HTO’s Tempest range has been highly rated since its release and the travel options even more so.

There is the Mainstream model, rated from 7-35g, and the popular upgraded version of the Rock Rover, which is rated from 0-7g. The added benefit of the Rock Rover being that it comes with two tips, one tubular and one solid, which is a rare luxury in ultralight travel rods. These are high quality blanks, with pretty, modern, blue and black designs. There are also the Nebula and Labrax travel options from HTO to choose from too, making for comprehensive options for your holiday.

Adam says: ‘Whether it’s the original Rock Rover or the new Tempest Rock Rover, I appreciate the choice of two tips. One solid, one tubular, to suit my chosen style of fishing. There’s also the added security of an extra tip section should the unthinkable happen while abroad.’

3. PENN OVERSEAS II INSHORE

Looking for a big fish rod at an affordable price?

This range from Penn is the cheapest here and is aimed at those trying to catch the larger species with heavier lures. The smallest starts at a four piece 10-30g and goes up to a powerful five-piece three metre long 30-60g version. For the angler travelling to Norway for specimen cod, or to the Seychelles for GT, this range has you covered as well as meeting your wrasse, bass and pollack needs at home. You get a Cordura travel tube to protect the rod too for a stress-free journey. Penn have some quality options for the lure angler at excellent prices and this range is a great example. For even more powerful options there is also the Penn Squadron III travel line-up to look at. 

John says: ‘The carrying container actually fits two rods inside and it fits inside a suitcase. It’s got a good, progressive action with no dead bands even though it is a multi-piece rod. It couples well with a 3000-4000 size spinning reel, perfect for a sneaky fishing session on a family getaway.’

  • RRP £84.99 – £99.99
  • Available from www.fishingmegastore.com