How to Travel with Fishing Rods Without the Headaches

traveling with fishing rods ventana travel fishing trips

If you’re headed out on a fishing trip that requires flying, figuring out how to pack and transport your rods is half the battle. On a recent trip, I used a 7-foot-6-inch clear acrylic tube with PVC end caps—strong, light, and transparent, so there’s no confusion about what’s inside. It worked perfectly.

Plenty of anglers take a similar DIY approach. Some use standard grey PVC pipes, others go with commercial rod tubes or even golf travel cases. One traveler pallet-wrapped a rod tube to their checked duffel bag to avoid excess baggage fees—smart move going out, but it didn’t work quite as well on the way home.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when flying with rods:

  • Protective Tubes Are Essential: Whether DIY or store-bought, make sure your rod tube is durable and secure. Wrap rod tips in foam or bubble wrap for extra peace of mind.

  • Break It Down When You Can: Multi-piece rods are ideal for travel. Fly rods that pack into carry-ons or shorter surf rods in 3–4 sections make life a lot easier.

  • Pack Smart: Reels ride safely in your checked bag, ideally wrapped in clothes or a hard case. Only bring the tackle you really need—or split gear between travel companions to stay under weight limits.

  • Ship Ahead or Rent: If you’re traveling light or want to skip the logistics, shipping your gear to your destination or renting rods from a local outfitter is always an option.

If you’re planning a trip to Southern Baja, especially during yellowfin tuna season, it’s worth the extra effort to have gear you trust. This guide on timing tuna season and fishing ethically in Baja has great tips on when to go and how to do it right.

Or let us make it easy—at VentanaTravel.com, we specialize in custom fishing adventures in Southern Baja. Whether you’re bringing your own rods or using local gear, we’ll help you land the trip—and the fish—you’ve been dreaming about.

Why Fiberglass Fly Rods Are Making a Comeback (and Why You Might Just Love Them)

Why Fiberglass Fly Rods Are Making a Comeback (and Why You Might Just Love Them)

Let’s be real: not every fishing trip is about bombing 70-foot casts across windy tailwaters with a rod that feels like a pool cue. Sometimes, you just want to feel the bend, nail a precision cast in a tight little pocket, and make even an 8-inch trout feel like a river monster. Enter: the fiberglass fly rod.

If you’ve never fished glass, you might wonder what the hype is all about. But once you’ve thrown a dry on a buttery 3-weight in a mountain creek, you’ll get it. These rods aren’t about distance or power—they’re about feel, finesse, and pure joy.

“It’s like fishing with a blade of grass”

That’s how one angler described their Echo River Glass, a cult favorite among small stream enthusiasts. Sure, it’s not going to win any shootouts at 70 feet, but when it comes to delicate presentation, soft landings, and perfect roll casts under overhanging brush? It’s pure magic.

It’s no wonder glass fans are passionate. One fisherman from the Pacific Northwest compared their 3-weight to a bamboo rod in terms of fluidity. Others rave about their Orvis Superfine Glass or Blue Halo, reporting better landing rates thanks to the shock-absorbing action.

But… is it versatile?

Here’s the thing: glass isn’t the rod you bring when you need to chuck double nymph rigs with a tungsten bomb in fast current. It can do it, sure—but as one commenter put it, “It’s not the rod I’d pick for that.” That said, some anglers swear by their 7- or 8-weight fiberglass sticks for targeting salmon, steelhead, even tiger muskie. If you’re into tippet protection, line feel, and old-school charm, there’s a lot to love.

Should glass be your first rod?

Probably not. Even the biggest glass fans will admit graphite is more versatile. But if you already have a solid quiver—say, a 9′ 5WT and a 7’6″ 3WT—then a glass rod might be your perfect next experiment. As one Redditor put it: “If you’re glass curious, you should scratch that itch.”

Want to dive deeper into the nuances of fly gear and casting technique? Check out our article: Saltwater Fly Fishing Tips & Advice to learn how fiberglass stacks up when the stakes (and the fish) get bigger.

Try Before You Buy

If you’re considering a glass rod, hit up your local fly shop and test a few. Each rod has its own personality. Think slower action, deep bends, and a flex that keeps even modest trout pinned. Some compare it to a Tenkara rod, others to vintage bamboo.

Final Word

Glass rods aren’t for everyone. But if you enjoy small water, slower action, and the feeling of being more connected to every cast and take—they might just be the most fun you’ve had with a fly rod in years.

Planning your next trip? We recommend adding a glass rod to your travel kit—especially if you’re joining us on a high-desert Baja adventure. Curious? Let’s talk gear, guides, and glass at ventanatravel.com.

Saltwater Fly Fishing Tips and Advice

salt water dorado fly fishing baja california sur

So you want to dive into saltwater fly fishing? Transitioning from freshwater to saltwater offers exciting challenges and rewards. Here’s some advice tailored to your salt water setting and your questions about tippets and leaders:

Leaders and Tippets

  1. Leader Setup:
    • Use tapered leaders around 9-12 feet, starting with 20-40 lb test depending on target species.
    • Add a bite tippet (30-50 lb fluorocarbon) for fish with sharp teeth like barracuda or tarpon. For smaller fish, a 12-20 lb fluorocarbon tippet works well.
    • Knot suggestions: Double uni-knot or loop-to-loop connections for strength and versatility.
  2. Fluorocarbon vs. Monofilament:
    • Fluorocarbon is more abrasion-resistant and nearly invisible underwater, great for clear flats.
    • Monofilament is less expensive and easier to tie but less durable against sharp objects like coral or oyster beds.
  3. Bite Protection:
    • Use bite wire (e.g., titanium or nylon-coated) if targeting species like bluefish or barracuda.
    • Always carry pre-tied leaders in case you need a quick swap.

Essential Techniques and Tips

  1. Casting in Wind:
    • Practice your double haul to achieve distance and accuracy.
    • Learn to cast off-shoulder and backhand for days when the wind isn’t in your favor.
  2. Read the Water:
    • Learn to identify rips, seams, and troughs. These often hold baitfish and predators.
    • Look for diving birds, nervous water, or flashes indicating feeding fish.
  3. Timing and Tides:
    • Fish moving water. Incoming and outgoing tides concentrate baitfish and predators.
    • Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times, especially in clear shallows.
  4. Approach:
    • Be stealthy. Saltwater fish, especially on flats, are wary.
    • Wear muted clothing and wade slowly to avoid spooking fish.
  5. Fly Selection:
    • Simple baitfish patterns like Clousers (chartreuse/white, tan/white) and Deceivers are staples.
    • Gurglers and poppers are great for topwater action, especially for snook and redfish.
    • Match the size of your fly to the baitfish present in the area.

Safety and Environment

  1. Wading Cautions:
    • Shuffle your feet to avoid stingrays.
    • Invest in quality wading boots for protection from sharp objects like oysters and glass.
    • Be mindful of tides; getting stranded on flats or mud can be dangerous.
  2. Sun Protection:
    • Wear a wide-brim hat, long-sleeve UV shirts, and neck gaiters.
    • Reapply sunscreen often.
  3. Gear Maintenance:
    • Wash all gear thoroughly with fresh water after each outing, as you mentioned. Disassemble reels and pay attention to rod guides.

Bonus Local Tips for Southern Baja

  1. Species Focus:
    • Target snook under mangroves or docks, redfish in grassy flats, and baby tarpon in creeks and canals.
    • Seasonal migratory species, like permit or bonefish, offer incredible challenges.
  2. Explore Kayak Opportunities:
    • Southern Baja has incredible backwater estuaries. A kayak allows you to access fish-holding waters most anglers can’t reach.
  3. Keep It Simple:
    • Don’t overthink flies. A few well-tied baitfish patterns will catch a variety of species.

Enjoy the saltwater adventure—it’s a thrilling and rewarding challenge!

So You Want to Get Into Fly Fishing: Here’s Some Reel Advice

how to choose a fly rod fly fishing beginners

OK, you saw A River Runs Through It and you want to get into fly fishing, but where to start?

For beginners looking for a great fly fishing reel, here’s some advice:

  1. Lamson Liquid Reel: You can find older models of the Lamson Liquid for under $100, which is an excellent value. It’s known for its durability and smooth performance, making it ideal for beginners.
  2. Invest in Fly Line: Many anglers recommend spending more on high-quality fly line rather than the reel itself. Options like Orvis Pro Trout or Scientific Anglers Amplitude are popular for improving casting consistency and line management.
  3. Reel Function: For lighter rods (5 wt or below), the reel is mostly a line holder, so you don’t need to break the bank on it. Instead, focus on the rod and line for a better overall experience.
  4. Alternative Budget Reels: If you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, the Piscifun Sword reel offers great value for around $60. You can also find used reels on platforms like eBay.

For an exciting fly fishing experience, check out this fly fishing trip in Magdalena Bay, Baja, Mexico with Ventana Travel. This trip offers incredible fishing opportunities in mangroves and open waters.

Also, learn from mistakes by reading this fly fishing experience gone wrong—an example of what not to do on a fishing trip!

Fly Fishing Experience Gone Wrong: An Example of What Not To Do

mahi mahi dorado fly fishing

My friend had been in touch with a guide in La Paz through phone and text to purchase a casting deck for a skiff, and the plan was to drive down and pick it up. The guide kindly offered to take us fly fishing for half price, saying, “I’m slow, and since you’re buying the deck, let’s go fly fishing!” We were thrilled and eager for the day ahead.

When we arrived, however, we were met with a surprise: the guide had laid out 20 spinning rods on his Maverick. This wasn’t what we had expected, as we’d brought our own fly rods. But we decided to roll with it and got on the boat anyway. After about 15 minutes on the water, the guide abruptly turned the boat around, saying, “This place isn’t good today,” and asked us to follow him down north in our truck.

After trailering the boat, we followed him north, where he relaunched the skiff and took us fishing for about two hours. Midway through, he got caught up in a phone conversation and suddenly headed to his attorney’s office, which was conveniently located on the water. He hopped out onto the rocks and told us to take the skiff ourselves and fish near some rocks a bit further down the bay. We did as instructed, but he was gone for over an hour. When he returned, he said, “This place sucks, let’s go back to La Paz,” so we trailed the boat again and headed back.

Once back in La Paz, the guide took us out for another two minutes to some rather standard fishing spots, where we blind cast near mangroves and docks. Unfortunately, we didn’t see a single fish all day. The guide was clearly distracted, preoccupied with personal issues—he mentioned going through a divorce, which seemed to weigh heavily on him throughout the trip.

In the end, he asked for the full $900, which was far from the half-price rate we had discussed earlier. We felt uneasy but gave him the cash anyway, understanding that he was likely struggling financially. The entire situation felt off, especially when we ended up at his house in a quiet backstreet neighborhood, with his brother sitting on the steps. It was one of the strangest trips we’ve ever experienced.

On the bright side, the casting deck we purchased was great—about a third of the price of a new one—so at least we came away with that. In hindsight, though, we wondered if this guide might not have been the actual guide at all. He had a twin brother, and it made us think that maybe the real guide let his brother take the trip to help him out during a difficult time. There were certainly enough odd moments, especially when he offered us to get high during the trip.

Despite everything, we did manage to get something positive out of the day. But for those looking for a proper fishing experience, I’d recommend doing a little more research ahead of time—especially if you’re after something as exciting as catching dorado. Check out this guide on how to catch a dorado for a more rewarding and focused adventure.

Perfect Flyfishing Trip in Magdalena Bay

mag bay flyfishing tour

Location Overview: Magdalena Bay, located on the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and stunning landscapes. It’s an ideal destination for fly fishing enthusiasts.

Fish Species

Inshore Species:

  • Spotted Bay Bass
  • Corvina
  • Snook
  • Halibut

Offshore Species:

  • Roosterfish
  • Dorado (Mahi Mahi)
  • Yellowtail
  • Jack Crevalle

Gear Recommendations

Rod and Reel:

  • Rods: 8-9 weight rods for inshore species; 10-12 weight rods for offshore species.
  • Reels: Saltwater reels with a strong drag system, capable of holding plenty of backing.

Lines:

  • Inshore: Floating and intermediate lines.
  • Offshore: Intermediate and sinking lines.

Leaders and Tippets:

  • Leaders: 9-12 feet, tapered.
  • Tippets: 16-20 lb for inshore, 30-40 lb for offshore.

Flies:

  • Inshore: Clouser Minnows, Deceivers, Shrimp and Crab patterns.
  • Offshore: Poppers, large streamers, and baitfish imitations.

Local Conditions

Weather:

  • Best Time to Visit: October to April, when the weather is milder and the fish are more active.
  • Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 70-85°F (21-29°C).
  • Wind: Expect some wind, particularly in the afternoons.

Tides and Water Conditions:

  • Tides: Check local tide charts for the best fishing times; fish are more active during tide changes.
  • Water Clarity: Generally clear, though can vary with weather conditions.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Setup

  • Arrive at Magdalena Bay and check into your accommodation (consider a local lodge or Airbnb near the water).
  • Set up your gear and get acquainted with the local guides.

Day 2-3: Inshore Fishing

  • Start early to take advantage of the calm morning conditions.
  • Target inshore species like Spotted Bay Bass, Corvina, and Snook.
  • Focus on estuaries and mangrove channels.
  • Use light tackle and small, realistic fly patterns.

Day 4-5: Offshore Fishing

  • Head offshore with a local guide.
  • Target species like Roosterfish, Dorado, and Yellowtail.
  • Use larger, more durable flies and heavier tackle.
  • Fish near reefs and drop-offs where these species are more likely to be found.

Day 6: Rest and Explore

  • Take a break from fishing to explore the local area.
  • Visit the nearby town of Puerto San Carlos for local cuisine and culture.
  • Consider a whale-watching tour if visiting during the gray whale season (December to April).

Day 7: Departure

  • Pack up your gear and head back home, reminiscing about the incredible fishing experiences and planning your next trip to Magdalena Bay.

Additional Tips

  • Local Guides: Hiring a local guide is highly recommended. They know the best spots and techniques for the area.
  • Permits: Ensure you have the necessary fishing permits for the area.
  • Conservation: Practice catch and release to help preserve the local fish populations.

Enjoy your fly fishing adventure in Magdalena Bay!