I’ll be on small rivers, lakes and ponds, going after bass, trout and the like. I just find a conventional pole to be really awkward to deal with while sitting in a kayak. Any ideas?
Mark D – good answer, but in my case I’ve already got the kayak; it’s an 8′ recreational one. Sooo…I’ve gotta find a pole that suits the ‘yak, not visa-versa.
you know they have kayaks designed for fishing
and just look for maybe a 6′ medium-heavy action pole
I know the rod just for you, it’s the Bass Pro Shops 3′ Graphite Series rods, it’s pretty much made just for kayak fishing. There’s both a casting and spinning version, but I think you may like the spinning version as for trout you use a spinning reel because of light lures. Link to rod : http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10201839____SearchResults
That rod is medium power and rated for 6 – 12lb line and 1/8oz to 1/2oz lures, which is PERFECT for trout and bass fishing. These things are cheap too, just $16.99!
Erm… Don’t laugh…
How about the Popeil Pocket Fisherman? Popeil is that guy that’s been doing TV infomercial sales since the 70s.
It’s butt ugly but it’s probably as compact as you’re going to get for a functional fishing rod.