11-20-2013, 05:05 PM
I recently purchased the "Extreme" fishing rod from penfishingrods.com. It is a small (ultra ultra light) telescopic rod (4' 9") with small titanium eyelets. The whole rod will compress down so that it will fit into the handle (including the reel seat, or at least most of it) and is then covered by a cap (similar to a ball point pen).
The rod/reel combo costs about $25-$30 depending on which package you get. The company is a bit un-orthodox and they will only sell you a combo, unless you are a returning customer, in which case, you could then buy a rod only. They don't communicate very well either (read as, not very professional). They have a very different warranty as well, but you'll have to read that for yourself. The rod I recieved functions well and I caught a 17-18 inch Bull Trout on it while I was on my most recent trip. The reel size and balance with the rod is nice. It casts very well and is nearly as good as a full size rod, but it does take a bit getting used to the technique of casting it so that you can get good distance. At first, I didn't like the handle, but then I figured out that if I tightened the reel a bit more, my complaints about the handle went away. I do have a small flaw in my rod, in that one of the sections doesn't telescope in and out as smoothly as I think it should. Also, the cap doesn't fit as tightly as I'd like so I use a bit of electrical tape to help hold it in place.
In all, I think it is a pretty cool rod to keep in your glove box, or to fit in a backpack/fannypack for a day trip, or where you don't have much extra room. It will handle bigger fish reasonably well, if you have the drag set at a reasonable level. It is light, and works pretty well for the price. I'm now considering trying the Goliath, which is a slightly larger model (and which, since I'm a returning customer, they will sell me for $14 plus $4 S&H). What I like the most about the little rod, is that it is so compact. You could fit it in your back pocket with no problem at all.
The rod/reel combo costs about $25-$30 depending on which package you get. The company is a bit un-orthodox and they will only sell you a combo, unless you are a returning customer, in which case, you could then buy a rod only. They don't communicate very well either (read as, not very professional). They have a very different warranty as well, but you'll have to read that for yourself. The rod I recieved functions well and I caught a 17-18 inch Bull Trout on it while I was on my most recent trip. The reel size and balance with the rod is nice. It casts very well and is nearly as good as a full size rod, but it does take a bit getting used to the technique of casting it so that you can get good distance. At first, I didn't like the handle, but then I figured out that if I tightened the reel a bit more, my complaints about the handle went away. I do have a small flaw in my rod, in that one of the sections doesn't telescope in and out as smoothly as I think it should. Also, the cap doesn't fit as tightly as I'd like so I use a bit of electrical tape to help hold it in place.
In all, I think it is a pretty cool rod to keep in your glove box, or to fit in a backpack/fannypack for a day trip, or where you don't have much extra room. It will handle bigger fish reasonably well, if you have the drag set at a reasonable level. It is light, and works pretty well for the price. I'm now considering trying the Goliath, which is a slightly larger model (and which, since I'm a returning customer, they will sell me for $14 plus $4 S&H). What I like the most about the little rod, is that it is so compact. You could fit it in your back pocket with no problem at all.