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Emmrod Packer Cast Pole

rated 5.0 of 5 stars
photo: Emmrod Packer Cast Pole knife/tool

A lightweight, tough as nails, fully capable pack rod that you don't have to baby. This is easily capable of taking any fish you encounter.

Pros

  • Weighs 8.3oz
  • Made of stainless 302 spring steel
  • Nearly indestructible
  • Fully capable rod

Cons

  • Casts a little differently than a "normal" rod, but it's easy to get the hang of.
  • Not as much ability to manipulate a lure in the water when compared to a full size rod

I have had the Emmrod Packer for about 5 years now and absolutely love it. It makes an absolutely perfect pack rod due to its small size and very robust and durable design.

Construction:

22.5 inches long assembled, 13 in long disassembled

Made of stainless 302 spring steel

Has a standard reel seet with locking ring.

The coils or spring built into the rod give this rod a tremendous amount of power for its size. Coil options of 4-8 are available. The rod that I have is a 7 coil which is a medium action and is rated for 10-15lbs. I believe the 4 coil is 25lbs+ heavy action, 6 coil is 20lbs medium-heavy, 7 coil 10-15lbs medium, 8 coil 5-10lbs medium-light.

Only one eyelet is used to prevent loss of energy from friction, enabling you to cast further than normal with such a small rod. The single eyelet in combination with the spring provides ample casting power.

I doubt anyone could break this rod if they tried. It is truly a rugged and robust design. A fish or snagged branch certainly won't do this puppy in, a plasma cutting torch might though.

Use:

I have used the Emmrod Packer to catch a large array of fish while backpacking, canoeing, and just around town at local ponds and lakes. I caught a 14-15 lbs salmon a few years back and the rod performed flawlessly. I have caught numerous other fish ranging in sizes up to 3-4 lbs. The rod has good sensitivity, and has plenty of power for casting and fighting.

I can easily cast this rod 60-80 feet, and if conditions are favorable or I am using more weight than average I have been able to cast as far as 120-130ft.

There is a subtle difference in casting that one has to get used to, but most that I have loaned my rod to have gotten the hang of it within a few casts. Due to the rods shorter length and the way the spring loads you release the reel a little later than you would normally. Likewise, reeling in or manipulating a lure in the water is a little more challenging that a full size rod. But for the ability this rod gives you in such a small package I have found it to be the perfect pack rod.

Conclusion:

I would recommend this rod to anyone looking for a fully functional pack rod that they won't have to baby. 

Source: received it as a personal gift

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Specs

Price MSRP: $69.95
Weight 8 oz
Product Details from Emmrod »

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