As an avid hiker, I’m always looking for gear that can pull double duty. The less I have to carry, the better. When I heard about the Profishiency Pocket Combo fishing rod, I was immediately intrigued. A fishing rod that’s compact enough to fit in my backpack? It sounded too good to be true. Consequently, I grabbed one and put it to the ultimate test: a recent hiking trip to a remote lake.
Quick Specs at a Glance
- Rod Length: 30 inches (expands)
- Retracted Length: 18 inches
- Rod Action: Light
- Material: Tangle-FREE Telescopic Fiberglass Rod
- Reel Type: Micro Spincast with a 4.1:1 gear ratio
- Line: Pre-spooled with 6lb test line
- Features: Inline rod system, Tangle-FREE design
Portability: The Ultimate Win for Hikers
First and foremost, the “pocket” in the name isn’t a lie. This thing collapses down into an incredibly small form factor. As a result, I was able to tuck it neatly into the main compartment of my Mountainsmith 20L Clear Creek day pack, and it took up no more space than a large water bottle. It was light, easy to carry, and didn’t snag on a single branch. For a hiker who loves to fish, this is, therefore, a game-changer. No longer do I have to strap a bulky rod to the outside of my pack and hope it survives the trek.
On the Water: Setup and Performance
After a long hike, there’s nothing better than unwinding by a quiet lake. Following my trek, within minutes, I had the Profishiency rod extended and ready to go. The combo comes pre-spooled, which is a huge plus—in other words, there was no fumbling with line after a tiring hike. I started casting and was, in fact, pleasantly surprised by how well it performed. The rod’s inline, tangle-free design lived up to its name, making for smooth, frustration-free casts. While it’s not a heavy-duty setup, it handled a light lure with ease.
The Real Test: Hooking a Spotted Bass
It wasn’t long before I felt a tug. The reel was smooth, and the rod had enough give to handle the fight. After a short struggle, I reeled in a beautiful spotted bass! Landing that fish with such a compact rod was a truly rewarding experience and, furthermore, proved that this little combo is more than just a novelty item; it’s a legitimate piece of fishing gear, especially for smaller to medium-sized fish.
Video Review: See the Rod in Action
Want to see how this rod performs in the real world? Check out my full video review below where I demonstrate its setup, casting, and performance on the water.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely Portable: Retracts to a small size, making it perfect for travel, hiking, or keeping in your car.
- Tangle-Free Design: The inline rod system prevents line from getting snagged on guides, which is a huge plus for beginners.
- Easy to Use: Comes pre-spooled and ready to fish, with a simple spincast reel.
- Good for Light Action: Handles smaller fish like panfish and small bass with no problem.
Cons
- Limited Power: Not suitable for heavy-duty fishing or fighting large, powerful fish.
- Durability: As an affordable travel rod, it may not be as durable as a full-size, single-piece rod.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Profishiency Pocket Combo exceeded my expectations. Its incredible portability makes it the perfect companion for any hiking or backpacking adventure where you want to add a little fishing to your itinerary. Ultimately, it’s a fantastic piece of gear that has definitely earned a permanent spot in my pack.
