Popper & jigging travel rods – Rod recommendations Andree's Expeditions
We are frequently asked, “Which travel rods do you recommend for saltwater fishing?” In the past, the selection of saltwater travel rods was unfortunately very limited. However, there have been some developments on the market, and many well-known manufacturers of high-quality fishing equipment have developed their own travel rods. Unfortunately, airlines are making it increasingly expensive to transport rod tubes, with prices between $100 and $250 per flight leg no longer uncommon. That’s why we’ve taken the time to put together a list of a few good travel rods for popper and jig fishing.
Since your fishing vacation in the tropics is the highlight of the year, you should use good fishing rods and reels for the best fishing experience and success. Whether you are going on a fishing trip to Madagascar, Kenya, Lucipara, Panama, or Colombia, you should not compromise when it comes to choosing your fishing equipment! Imagine flying around the world for your fishing vacation, hooking the fish of your life, and then losing it because of poor fishing equipment… Not so great!
If you want to target powerful marine predators such as giant trevally (GT), tuna, or dogtooth tuna, you need uncompromising equipment that is also easy to transport. Modern popper and jigging travel rods in PE classes 8, 10, and 12 offer exactly that: raw power, a compact pack size, and the best performance for saltwater fishing.
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Suitcases and travel bags for travel rods
One important detail that should not be forgotten is that you will need a suitcase or bag that can accommodate the travel rods. These are generally between 85 and 100 cm long, not including the case. The suitcase must therefore be at least 80 cm long, preferably 85 cm, so that the travel rods can fit diagonally into the suitcase.
So make sure that the travel rods will fit in your luggage. There are various options. In general, you can get XXL hard-shell suitcases. These are longer than usual suitcases, but not so wide and high that they exceed the maximum dimensions allowed for standard luggage. For most airlines, this is 158 cm edge length. The length, width, and height of the suitcase are measured and added together. So be sure to pay attention to this.
Ortlieb has duffel bags that are 80-95 cm long. These bags are also available with wheels and offer a little more security for your fishing equipment. The disadvantage here is that the bags may have to be picked up at the oversized baggage counter!
Another option would be to transport your travel rods in a rifle case. There are also various options here. Again, check the total edge length. Unfortunately, rifle cases often only fit the rods and no other travel equipment. This means it is a second piece of luggage. This is not a problem for flights with two pieces of luggage included. However, if only one piece of luggage is included, you will have to pay extra. Often, the second piece of luggage is significantly cheaper than a rod tube.
Advantages and disadvantages of travel rods for sea fishing
Advantages of travel rods
- Ideal for air travel – no problems with bulky luggage
- Easy to store in a suitcase or backpack
- Wide selection of popper, jigging, and spinning rods
- Today, almost equivalent to one-piece rods in terms of action and power
Disadvantages of travel rods
- high price for high-quality travel rods
- Connections are potential weak points in inexpensive travel rods.
- Limited selection in very high PE classes
- Transport dimensions for some travel rods over 90 cm
Travel rod recommendations
We have scoured the market for you and would like to present a few travel rods in PE5-12 in the following section. Below you will find a selection of recommended travel rods for sea fishing for large predators:
Travel rods PE 8-10
Temple Reef Ronin Expedition PE8-10
- Rod length: 8'3" (2.52 m)
- Transport length: approx. 90 cm
- Casting weight: 130–200 g
- Price: approx. €950–1050
- Target Species: Kenya GT, Panama Tuna, Colombia Cubera, Tuna
The Temple Reef Ronin Expedition PE 8–10 is the most powerful model in the popular Ronin Expedition series and is designed for anglers who specifically target large GTs, dogtooth tuna, and other large predators on their fishing trips. Despite its three-piece construction, it offers a continuous, powerful action that can compete with one-piece rods – a real milestone in the field of big game travel rods.
With its well-designed length, heavy-duty blank, and precise tip action, it allows for casting and guiding large poppers and stickbaits with maximum control. The high-quality Fuji Titanium Torzite guides, combined with a robust Fuji DPS-L reel seat, make it a reliable choice for extreme use in tropical waters.
Ripple Fisher GTXpedition 81MH PE 8
- Rutenlänge: 8'1" (2,46 m)
- Transport length: approx. 89 cm
- Casting weight: 120–180 g
- Price: approx. €1050–1150
- Countries: Madagascar, Panama, Colombia, Lucipara
The three-piece travel rod from Ripple Fisher, the “GTXpedition” model, has been completely redesigned. In view of current travel restrictions, the transport length has been reduced to 88.7 mm – for both the PE6 and PE8 classes.
By revising the bending curve of the new GTXpedition models, we have succeeded in perfecting them as three-piece rods. Thanks to their low weight, outstanding balance, fast action, and optimal bending curve, you will hardly believe that this is a multi-piece rod.
We hope you will be able to experience Ripple Fisher’s ever-advancing technology for yourself.
Zenaq Tobizo Expedition 83-6 Trevally
- Rod length: 8'3" (2.52 m)
- Transport length: approx. 90 cm
- Casting weight: 120–180 g
- Price: approx. €1,150–1,250
- Countries: Madagascar, Panama, Colombia, Lucipara
The Zenaq Tobizo Expedition 83-6 Trevally PE 8 is the travel version of one of Japan’s most renowned popping rods – the Zenaq Tobizo series. Developed for uncompromising fishing for giant trevally, tuna, and other tropical powerhouses, it offers maximum performance in a compact 3-piece travel rod.
The Tobizo Expedition was designed to retain the legendary backbone, sensitivity, and power of the one-piece Tobizo 83-6 – thanks to a unique mid-joint plug-in system that smoothly transfers the bending curve. With a line class up to PE 8, a casting weight up to 160 g, and high-end components, this rod is aimed at passionate saltwater anglers who value quality, precision, and durability – and want to remain mobile worldwide.
Harty Rise Skywalker Popping PE 10
- Rod length: 8'4" (2.55 m)
- Transport length: approx. 69 cm
- Casting weight: 100–200 g
- Price: approx. €350–450
- Area of application: All destinations
The Harty Rise Travel Skywalker Popping PE 10 was specially developed for anglers who don’t want to compromise on power when traveling. This multi-piece travel rod combines a robust construction with a powerful blank and is aimed at ambitious sea anglers who specifically fish for GT (Giant Trevally), Dogtooth Tuna, Amberjack, or large Kingfish—worldwide, from a boat or the shore.
Thanks to its clever design, the rod offers a compact pack size without compromising on power and action. It effortlessly casts large poppers and stickbaits at distance and brings even powerful predators under control. The Fuji components guarantee reliability in tough saltwater conditions, while the blank provides sufficient backbone for tough fights in structured terrain.
Tenryu Furrary Travel PE 10-12
- Rod length: 7'3" (2.21 m)
- Transport length: approx. 80 cm
- Casting weight: 100–300 g
- Price: approx. €1,250–1,350
- Countries: Kenya, Panama Tuna, Colombia Tuna
The Tenryu Furrary Racing Travel PE 12 is the flagship among travel rods for extremely heavy saltwater spin fishing. It was developed for anglers who fish for the largest and most powerful predators worldwide – giant trevally weighing over 50 kg, dogtooth tuna in deep waters, bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean, or amberjack on structure.
Despite its travel design (multi-piece), this rod is in no way inferior to the one-piece version in terms of performance and action. The Japanese high-modulus blank, combined with the best Fuji components, offers explosive resilience, enormous leverage during the fight, and sensitive bait control. Ideal for poppers, heavy stickbaits, and sinking pencils in XXL format.
This rod is not for beginners, but a precision tool for professionals who demand absolute control over fish and equipment—even under the toughest conditions.
Illex Element Rider S XH GT Expedition
- Rod length: 7'9" (2.40 m)
- Transport length: approx. 61.5 cm
- Casting weight: 80–250 g
- Price: approx. €650–750
- Countries: Kenya, Panama, Colombia
The Illex Element Rider S XH GT Expedition PE 10 is a powerful, multi-piece travel rod for heavy spin fishing for large marine predators. Developed in collaboration with experienced tropical anglers and tailored to the demands of GT and big game fishing, this rod offers maximum strength, high casting performance, and absolute control—all in a compact transport length.
Whether popping for giant trevally in Kenya or stickbait fishing for dogtooth tuna in Indonesia, the Element Rider Expedition is a reliable partner for international fishing adventures. The powerful carbon blank, combined with high-quality Fuji components, delivers precise lure control, strong leverage during the fight, and uncompromising reliability – even when fishing for fish weighing over 50 kg.
Fishermen Galois Massa PE 8-10
- Rod length: 8'4" (2.55 m)
- Transport length: approx. 67 cm
- Casting weight: 50–220 g
- Price: approx. €900
- Countrties: Kenya, Madagascar, Panama, Lucipara, Mexico
The Fisherman Galois Massa is an uncompromising travel rod for use in heavy saltwater conditions – developed for anglers who specifically target GT, large kingfish, or tuna and require maximum durability. With its balanced action and massive power reserves, it is ideal for use with poppers and stickbaits in tropical waters.
The Galois Massa is equipped with Fuji components, a reinforced reel seat, and saltwater-resistant guides to withstand even the toughest conditions. Its strong backbone construction combined with a sensitive tip allows for precise lure control and absolute control when fighting large sea predators.
For adventurers who demand maximum reliability and performance on every fishing trip – the Fisherman Galois Massa is ready.
Travel rods PE 5-8
Temple Reef Ronin Expedition PE5-7
- Rod length: 8'3" (2.52 m)
- Transport length: approx. 94 cm
- Casting weight: 100–140 g
- Price: approx. €850–€950
- Countries: Mexico Rooster, Panama Inshore, Colombia Inshore
The Temple Reef Ronin Expedition PE 5–7 is the lightest version of the high-quality Ronin Travel series – developed for anglers who expect uncompromising performance, the highest build quality, and compact transport dimensions on their fishing trips. It was specially developed for targeted fishing for medium-sized ocean predators such as smaller GTs, dogtooth tuna, amberjacks, or large barracudas – ideal for areas such as Madagascar, Indonesia, Kenya, Panama, Mexico, and Colombia.
Despite its three-piece construction, the Ronin Expedition offers seamless action with enormous backbone strength comparable to one-piece rods. The high-quality spigot joint, combined with Fuji Titanium Torzite guides, ensures a smooth bend curve, long casting distances, and absolute reliability – even when fighting strong fish.
Temple Reef Ronin Expedition PE6-8
- Rod length: 8'3" (2.52 m)
- Transport length: approx. 94 cm
- Casting weight: 110–180 g
- Price: approx. €900–1000
- Countries: Panama inshore, Colombia inshore, Madagascar, Mexico
The Temple Reef Ronin Expedition PE 6–8 is the versatile centerpiece of the Ronin series—a 3-piece travel rod designed without compromise for performance, durability, and mobility. Developed for targeted popping and stickbait fishing for medium to large marine predators, it covers a wide range of tropical applications: from GTs in Madagascar and Kenya, to dogtooth tuna in Indonesia and Rodrigues, to large snooks and cubera snappers in Central America.
This rod offers an excellent balance between sensitivity in the tip, powerful backbone, and a compact transport size that is perfect for air travel. The proven spigot joint ensures smooth action across all three segments, while Fuji Titanium Torzite guides provide maximum casting distance, low weight, and durability.
Harty Rise Travel Skywalker Shore Jigging 150g PE3-5 (Gabun)
- Rod length: 9'5" (2.91 m)
- Transport length: approx. 64 cm
- Casting weight: up to 100 g
- Price: approx. €280–380
- Countries: Gabon, Peru, Lucipara Flats, Uganda
The Harty Rise Travel Skywalker Shore Jigging 150g is a multi-piece travel rod for medium to heavy shore fishing in saltwater. Whether on the rocky coasts of Africa, tropical beaches in Southeast Asia, or rough Atlantic waters such as Gabon, Cape Verde, or Madeira, this rod is perfect for anglers who want to fish for jack crevalle, snapper, barracuda, or smaller GTs from the shore.
With a length of over 9 feet, it allows for enormous casting distances, even in strong winds or difficult surf. The casting weight of up to 150g allows the use of heavy jigs, stickbaits, and long shore lures. Thanks to its compact transport length, it is ideal for air travel or remote coasts where mobility is crucial.
Howk Bullfighter Travel PE 5–7
- Rod length: 8'2" (2.52 m)
- Transport length: approx. 94 cm
- Casting weight: 60–160 g
- Price: approx. €430–€550
- Countries: Madagascar, Panama inshore, Colombia inshore, Mexico, Uganda
The Howk Bullfighter Travel PE 5–7 is a powerful, multi-piece travel rod from Spain, designed for medium to heavy saltwater spin fishing. It combines power, sensitivity, and compactness in a robust blank—ideal for anglers who fish for GT, amberjack, dogtooth, large barracuda, or snapper and don’t want to compromise on performance when traveling by plane or boat.
With its powerful backbone, it reliably masters tough fights in the open sea or on reef edges. The 3-piece construction with a precise fit ensures harmonious action and a practical pack size. Combined with high-quality Fuji components, the Bullfighter Travel is a reliable companion for your next fishing trip to Africa, South America, or Southeast Asia.
Tenryu Furrary Quattro 80lb PE 6–8
- Rod length: 8'8" (2.70 m)
- Transport length: approx. 77 cm
- Casting weight: 80–250 g
- Price: approx. €1,200–1,300
- Countries: Gabon, Lucipara Flats, Uganda, Peru
The Tenryu Furrary Quattro 80lb is one of the few 4-piece high-performance rods on the market that performs reliably even under extreme conditions. Designed for heavy saltwater spinning, it combines the unyielding power of a Japanese blank with maximum travel-friendliness – ideal for anyone traveling to remote fishing grounds without compromising on equipment.
This rod is perfect for targeted fishing for GT, dogtooth tuna, amberjack, cubera snapper, or roosterfish – whether on the coast of Gabon, in Mexico, Madagascar, or the Pacific. With a line class of PE 6–8, a casting weight of up to approx. 170 g, and Fuji components, it offers an outstanding level of control, casting distance, and drill power – while remaining surprisingly compact for transport.
Tenryu Furrary Travel PE 6-8
- Rod length: 7'3" (2.21 m)
- Transport length: approx. 81 cm
- Casting weight: 60–180 g
- Price: approx. €1,150–1,250
- Countries: Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Lucipara
The Tenryu Furrary Travel PE 6-8 is one of the few genuine high-end travel rods that makes no compromises, even in the toughest big game fishing conditions. Developed and handcrafted in Japan, it offers legendary Tenryu quality – now also in a compact travel format. Its power reserves, casting performance, and finely tuned action make it the ideal weapon for large saltwater predators such as giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, kingfish, or yellowfin tuna.
Despite its 3-piece construction, the rod impresses with a harmonious, continuous bending curve, supported by a particularly resilient blank and high-class Fuji components. Its focus is on heavy popping and stickbait fishing – whether from a boat or reef plateau, in tropical or temperate waters. The perfect rod for ambitious saltwater anglers with high demands on performance and mobility.
Daiwa Saltiga Air Portable 50-160g PE 6-8
- Rod length: 8'4" (2.55 m)
- Transport length: approx. 74 cm
- Casting weight: 50–160 g
- Price: approx. €465
- Fish Species: Peacock bass, Nile perch, Payara
The Daiwa Saltiga Air Portable is a high-quality travel rod for demanding saltwater anglers who don’t want to compromise on performance and portability. This rod is specially designed for heavy spin fishing for GT, tuna, and other species, whether from a boat or the shore.
In addition, the Saltiga Air Portable impresses with high-quality components such as Fuji K-Guides, a sturdy Fuji DPS reel seat, and saltwater-resistant construction. The combination of sensitivity, power, and compactness makes this rod the ideal choice for ambitious anglers who don’t want to compromise on top performance when traveling.
Overview table Popper travel rods
Here you will find an overview of all the popper and spinning rods mentioned above. Information provided without guarantee! If you want to buy one of these rods, please check the manufacturer’s website for all the details!
Modell | PE-Class | Lenght (m) | Transport Lenght (cm) | Casting Weight (g) | Price (€) | Country |
Temple Reef Ronin Expedition PE5-7 | PE 5–7 | 2,52 | appx. 94 | 100–140 | appx. 850–950 | Mexico Rooster, Panama Inshore, Colombia Inshore |
Temple Reef Ronin Expedition PE6-8 | PE 6–8 | 2,52 | appx. 94 | 110–180 | appx. 900–1.000 | Panama Inshore, Colombia Inshore, Madagascar, Mexico |
Temple Reef Ronin Expedition PE 8-10 | PE 8–10 | 2,52 | appx. 90 | 130–200 | appx. 950–1.050 | Kenya GT, Panama Tuna, Colombia Cubera, Tuna |
Ripple Fisher GTXpedition 81MH | PE 8 | 2,46 | appx. 89 | 120–180 | appx. 1.050–1.150 | Madagascar, Panama, Colombia, Lucipara |
Zenaq Tobizo Expedition 83-6 Trevally | PE 8 | 2,52 | appx. 90 | 120–180 | appx. 1.150–1.250 | Madagascar, Panama, Colombia, Lucipara |
Harty Rise Skywalker Popping PE 10 | PE 10 | 2,55 | appx. 69 | 100–200 | appx. 350–450 | All destinations |
Harty Rise Skywalker Shore Jigging PE 3-5 | PE 3–5 | 2,91 | appx. 64 | up to 100 | appx. 280–380 | Gabon, Peru, Lucipara Flats, Uganda |
Howk Bullfighter Travel PE 5-7 | PE 5–7 | 2,52 | appx. 94 | 60–160 | appx. 430–550 | Madagascar, Panama Inshore, Colombia Inshore, Mexico, Uganda |
Tenryu Furrary Travel PE 6-8 | PE 6–8 | 2,21 | appx. 81 | 60–180 | appx. 1.150–1.250 | Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Lucipara |
Tenryu Furrary Travel PE 10-12 | PE 10–12 | 2,21 | appx. 80 | 100–300 | appx. 1.250–1.350 | Kenya, Panama Tuna, Colombia Tuna |
Tenryu Furrary Quattro 80lb PE 6-8 | PE 6–8 | 2,70 | appx. 77 | up to 80–250 | appx. 1.200–1.300 | Gabon, Lucipara Flats, Uganda, Peru |
Illex Element Rider S XH GT Expedition PE 10 | PE 10 | 2,40 | appx. 61,5 | up to 80–250 | appx. 650–750 | Kenya, Panama, Colombia |
Daiwa Saltiga Air Portable PE 6-8 | PE 6-8 | 2,55 | appx. 74 | 50–160 | appx. 465 | Panama, Colombia, Madagascar, Lucipara |
Fishermen Galois Massa PE 8-10 | PE6-10 | 2,55 | appx. 67 | 50–220 | appx. 900 | Kenya, Madagascar, Panama, Lucipara, Mexico |
