Compact Fishing Rods

If you love to fish, a Compact Fishing Rod is perfect for those spontaneous moments when you are driving down the road and see a great Lake or Pond to wet a hook.  Travel Fishing Rod and Reels come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, and are available in multiple weights for panfish to large gamefish.  They are also available in soft cases, hard cases or telescopic to fit into your trunk, backpack, behind your seat or even in your briefcase. 

Compact Fishing Rods are great for that moment when you are traveling and need an easy fishing rod and reel to take with you.  They are great for backpacking, kayaking or just driving down the road and deciding to pull over and throw a lure.  Below are the top 6 Compact Fishing Rods on Amazon, so click on any of the images to learn more about each rod and reel.

Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit

Shakespeare Travel Mate Telescopic Rod & Reel Combo

Eagle Claw Pack-It Spin Combo Telescopic Rod (1 Piece)

Mini Aluminum Pocket Pen Fishing Rod Pole + Reel

Daiwa Minisystem Minicast Ultra-Compact Spincast Reel and Rod Combo in Hard Carry Case

Eagle Claw Trailmaster Spinning Combo and 6 Ball Bearing Spin (4 Piece)

Best Catfish Bait To Catch A Stringer Full!

I've been fishing for catfish since I was a small kid, and I've never had a bait that worked as well as this!

A few years ago I was heading out to fish and I was going to take my normal catfish bait, worms.  One of my fishing buddies told me about a few baits he started using that he was having HUGE SUCCESS with, and he told me where to buy them.

So, I headed out to the store and bought my first Catfish Dip Bait.  I had no clue how to use it or what to do with it, but I was determined to see if it really worked.  I bought some dip bait hooks and headed to a local lake.  I added some oil to thin the bait, mushed my dip bait holder hook down into the bait and chunked it out into the water.

BAM!  A catfish hit it within seconds of it hitting the water.  Pure Craziness!

I rebaited and threw it out again and BAM!  Another catfish!

I caught fish after fish that day while others around me weren't even getting a bite.  One guy next to me even asked what I was using because he wanted to know.  I gave him a dip bait holder hook and some dip bait and within a few minutes he was catching fish too.

So, what is this magic catfish bait?

Well, I've used 2 different baits and they both work great.  I've also noticed if one bait isn't working great, the other one seems to get all the hits.  Kinda weird, but that's what I've found.

The first bait is Team Catfish Secret 7 Dip Bait.  I've found that this bait works great and is smooth and easy to bait and stays on your hook.  I do have to say that you have to be careful when you cast dip baits because they can get on your fishing chair, backpack and other clothes. ;)  I know from personal experience!

Here's a link to Secret 7 on Amazon where you can buy it.


The other dip bait that works great is Sonny's Dip Bait.  Sonny's also works great, and stays on your hook well.  Again, when Sonny's isn't working then Secret 7 seems to work.  Amazon doesn't have Sonny's Dip Bait available but I did find a few links on ebay.

The other fishing tackle you will need is really simple stuff, but the main thing is a good Dip Bait Worm Hook.  Catfish Charlie's makes my favorite hooks, and you can buy them here.


I know I love to fish, and a stringer full of Channel Catfish is a great way to end a day.  So, the next time you're headed to the Lake make sure and have some dip bait to make all the other fishermen jealous as you catch catfish after catfish!

Gifts for Fishermen

     Every chance I get I go fishing, and for the last few years I've spent hours upon hours looking for the best fishing gear available.  I know my wife has struggled in the past to find the best gift for me for birthdays or Christmas so I thought I would write down a few ideas if there's anyone else out there struggling.  Below I've made a list of 5 great gift ideas for fishermen that I have found.

     One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a gift for a fisherman is whether they fish freshwater or saltwater.  I fish exclusively freshwater, and love to fish for trout in mountain lakes and streams.  Some of the ideas I have included can be used for either saltwater or freshwater fishing, while others are designed for freshwater.  It's very important to get the right kind of gift for the type of fishing that the fisherman in your life will be doing.  I have included information with each idea to make sure you give the right gear.

Click on the images below to take you to Amazon to get more info!

Travel Fishing Rods

One of the most frustrating things is to have time to fish but not have a rod and reel to use.  So, every fisherman can use a travel fishing rod and reel for those times when they have a few minutes and can wet a hook.  Travel rods come in all weights and sizes, from ultralight setups to heavier setups for fishing for larger fish.  You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a nice travel rod for use with trout and panfish like the one I've included below.  Click on the image to see Amazon's pricing.

A good travel rod and reel should include a durable carry case, room for tackle and a durable rod and reel that will stand up to catch after catch.  My suggestion would be to stick with a name brand reel because it's more frustrating to struggle with a less than stellar reel than to not have one at all.

Travel fishing combos are great for Birthday or Christmas gifts, and since they can be stored in a vehicle or taken on a plane, they allow the fisherman in your life to enjoy the sport no matter where they travel.

Guide Fishing Trips

Guided fishing trips can be used any time of year from saltwater fishing, to fly fishing in the mountains, or lake fishing from a boat.  A few guide services I have had personal experience with are Scot's Sporting Goods in Estes Park, CO, Fisheads San Juan River Lodge in Navajo Dam, NM and Lilleys' Landing in Branson, MO.  I've had the pleasure of using the advice and services of these guides and have enjoyed my time fishing in these areas of the country.  There are many great guide services available all across the country, so a little research can be the start of an incredible trip for the fisherman in your life. 

GPS Fish Finder

GPS fish finders are great gifts for a boat fisherman or bank fisherman.  With new technology, a bank fisherman can now use a hand held GPS fish finder to make better use of their time fishing.  By casting a floating sensor, your fisherman can sit on the bank and see the fish right from the screen.  For a popular hand held version click here. If your fisherman has a boat, Garmin and Hummingbird are two popular and reliable brands.  Fish finders will allow your fisherman to find the fish faster, catch more and enjoy their time on the water.

Colorado Fishing Boat

Bank fishing is great, but getting out on the water can make an OK fishing day a really Amazing fishing day!  This 9 foot pontoon boat makes for an amazing gift for any fisherman in just about any part of the world.  For those small ponds, rivers, and other areas for small water craft, this boat will get you where the fish are.  This pontoon boat is also rigged to add a small motor for easier maneuverability on the water.  Oars, 2 cup holders and multiple storage compartments are included.  For a great Christmas gift for the fisherman in your life, this boat is the way to go.

Plano Fishing Tackle Box

Every angler struggles to keep his gear organized and maintained.  This Plano Angler Storage System provides 7 Stowaways for the ultimate gear holder.  Organize your plastics, lures, and other fishing necessities in this easily accessible box.  Actually designed at an angle, this tackle box is one of the easiest you will find to get to your gear.  Offering waterproof stowaways, this box will keep your tackle clean and ready to use to catch the lunker you've been looking for.



For more great ideas for the fisherman in your life, CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TOP SELLING FISHING GIFTS ON AMAZON.