Travel fishing rods are the hardest rods to find in a retail store that actually match how you fish. That’s why they’ve become the most popular custom fishing rods we build at Prolite. Production companies can’t offer the range of lengths, actions, and power combinations that real travel fishing demands.
When you start with the right blank, a travel rod doesn’t feel like a compromise. It feels like a purpose-built rod that just happens to break down small enough to go anywhere.
Start a custom travel rod build here.
Available Travel Rod Blank Options
These are the most popular travel rod blanks we build with, each covering a different type of fishing and travel need.
9'6" 4-Piece RX7 Travel Jig | Medium | 8–17 lb
- Length: 9'6"
- Pieces: 4
- Power: Medium
- Line Rating: 8–17 lb
- Best For: Alaska salmon fishing, long drifts, lighter presentations
This is the lightest of the travel rod options and a favorite for anglers headed to Alaska. It loads easily, protects lighter leaders, and offers excellent line control on long casts or controlled drifts.
9'4" 4-Piece RX7 Surf | Moderate-Fast | Medium-Heavy | 12–20 lb
- Length: 9'4"
- Pieces: 4
- Power: Medium-Heavy
- Action: Moderate-Fast
- Line Rating: 12–20 lb
- Best For: Saltwater travel, surf casting, multi-purpose use
This blank is thicker, more durable, and built for anglers who need more power. It’s ideal for surf casting, saltwater travel, and situations where heavier rigs or larger fish are expected. There are multiple power options available in this 4-piece length, which is something production rods simply don’t offer.
7'2" 3-Piece RX7 Cast | Fast | Medium | 10–17 lb
- Length: 7'2"
- Pieces: 3
- Power: Medium
- Action: Fast
- Line Rating: 10–17 lb
- Best For: Bass travel rods, boat fishing, compact travel kits
This style blank is common in bass-focused travel rods. The shorter length and faster action make it great for precision casting, while the 3-piece design keeps pack size small. Similar options exist in both 3-piece and some 4-piece configurations.
Why Travel Rods Are So Hard to Buy Off the Rack
Most production travel rods are built to fit the box, not the fishing. They usually come in limited lengths, limited actions, and one power choice. That works for general use, but not for anglers traveling with a specific fishery in mind.
Custom travel rods solve that problem. You choose the length, power, and action first, then build everything else around how you fish. That flexibility is why travel rods are the most common custom build we do.
Building the Grip: Where the Rod Becomes Yours
Once the blank is selected, grip design is where comfort, balance, and control come together. Whether you’re building it yourself or having Prolite build it, the design process is the same.
Grip Style Options
- Full Cork: Lightweight and sensitive with a traditional feel.
- EVA or Composite: Durable, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain.
- Split Grip: Reduces overall weight and improves balance on longer rods.
Grip Length
- Longer rear grips provide leverage for surf casting and big water fishing.
- Shorter grips work well for bass and boat applications where mobility matters.
Reel Seat & Balance
- Reel seat choice affects sensitivity and long-day comfort.
- Grip material and length are tuned to keep the assembled travel rod balanced like a one-piece rod.
Build It Yourself or Have Prolite Build It
If you want to build your own rod, the design and parts selection process is the same. Choose the blank, match the grip, guides, and reel seat, then assemble it yourself.
If you’d rather have it professionally built, Prolite uses the same design process and builds the rod for you with proper spacing, balance, and alignment.
Either way, the goal is the same: a travel fishing rod that fishes exactly how you need it to.
Use the Prolite Custom Rod Builder to start your travel rod build.