Tea-Bag

I've decided on the Shimano Exage AX STC 10/11ft travel spinning rod but I need a reel to go with it. I don't mind spending up to about £50 on it. Any recommendations?

Well, when the time comes to going away to foreign lands, I'll have a look at the local fishing scene and see what's more appropriate. But at least now I've been reccomended two good rods to suit different types of fishing. Many thanks for all your comments, chaps. Now all I've got to do is decide where to go away! Now, that could cause a debate.....

Thanks Tigger and Alan Roe for yor advice on the John Wilson rod. They do look like a good piece of kit; maybe one for the future. For now I think I'll go with the Exage though, it seems to tick all the right boxes and is the right price for me at this stage. Thanks all the same, though.

Brilliant, another vote! Cheers Dales! I'm looking at the shimano exage (as described on the web-page):"stc 270mh travel spinning rod 2.70m casting 15-40g 6 pce rod". Is that the same as the STC240-270MH Exage Travel Spin (6pc) 8ft and 9ft rod? Sounds like a silly question but I want to make sure I'm not ordering the wrong one. The price is £55 (+P&P) which seems quite cheap; the cheapest I've seen apart from that is £65 (+P&P)

Cheers Newt!

Hello all! Just joined the forum to ask about travel rods, but having a browse around I think I'll be back quite regularly. I'm a course fisherman at heart, coming from an area down South with many well stocked gravel pits locally. I moved to Aberdeen nearly 4 years ago so now I'm getting into fly-fishing at the local fisheries (and lochs of Shetland!). I'm also hoping to get a bit more involved in some sea fishing this year. Up until now I've been feathering for mackerel off the harbour wall at Peterhead but would like to find out more about catching other species. I hope you'll be able to provide tips on the fly and sea fishing forums as they are still very new to me! Looking forward to getting involved on the forum (and the fishing) soon. Cheers!

Thanks for your replies, all! The Exage keeps popping up on reviews and seems to be a good choice. I'll get one ordered. Thanks again!

It might be a bit early in the season just yet but try the southern breakwater at Peterhead for mackerel. Get yourself as close to the end as possible. Also, I'm told there's alot of ling to be caught there, but I'm a complete novice to sea-fishing myself so I can't give you any tips on how to catch 'em, but the mackerel are easy enough in the warmer months on feathers. Good luck! Let us know how you get on.

I'm looking at buying a multi-piece travel rod to take on holiday. It will be used for occasional general fishing, not for massive carp, catfish of tarpon, just lobbing out a lure off a harbour wall or chucking out some luncheon meat for medium carp etc. etc.; basically opportunistic fishing. Having done a bit of research, I've drawn up this short-list and wondered if anyone could give me any advice: Fladen Maxximus 9ft Travel Spinning Rod (approx. £50) John Wilson Ideal Spin 4 piece (9ft, £30) Shimano Exage AX S.T.C (Travel) Spinning Rod (8/9ft, approx. £60) I'd like to keep the cost at about the £50ish mark, but don't mind paying a bit more if the increase in cost is worth it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Cheers all!