Okuma NOMAD Travel Casting Rod (15- 40 Lbs, 7-Feet, Medium-Light)

I'm a bit of an old school rod snob, and still almost exclusively fish with Calstar and Sabre one-piece fiberglass rods I built myself years ago. But this year, I had a need for a travel rod that would fit in a suitcase, so after a bit of research, I bought this one.This is my first 100% graphite rod, so I cannot say how it compares to (much more expensive) top-end one-piece graphite offerings, but it seems pretty good to me. As I expected, it is very strong for its light weight, and is also a bit stiffer than comparable line class fiberglass rods.It looks nice, and is built with high quality components: Alps guides (which are good to have if you are using braided line), and the triangular aluminum Alps reel seat. In terms of action, feel, and how it pulls on a fish, it does not seem to suffer much from being a three-piece rod. I have to agree with other reviewers that the line test ratings are a bit conservative.While on my travels, with the heavier tip, I trolled various things with my Avet JX and a 40# topshot. Although I did not hook anything substantial, it felt like it would be up to the task.And a couple of weeks back, fishing locally, I took it out with the lighter tip paired with my newly purchased Avet SXJ (which fits the Alps triangular reel seat, as it comes w/o rod clamps), and caught about a 15 lb yellowfin using a 25# top shot. The rod had more than enough power to easily deal with that fish on that class line. So now, even when I do not travel, I plan on using this rod with my SXJ and possible other reels.Update: The same rod/reel combo helped me boat a 58lb yellowfin this past weekend. It took about 30-40 minutes, and my only concern was breaking the 25# fluoro top shot. The rod (and reel) were not an issue. The rod was bent pretty good, but it still had the backbone to lift the fish when it was possible.

We bought this rod along with one of the m/mh versions to match with our accurate BV-400 and BV-600 reels for a month-long summer fishing trip above the arctic circle in Norway. We love Alps the reel seat and guides. This rod worked brilliantly helping us land dozens of 5-60 lb fish each day for weeks with no problem. Whether it was flounder, European Ling, True Cod (to 60lbs), Haddock, Coalfish, Wolffish the rod could handle it. A few times we hooked absolute monsters and even after a four minute ridiculous fight (more like praying on the rail with the rod tip bent at an impossible angle) with what may have been a 200+ lb halibut it was the 100lb mono top shot that snapped, not the rod. Very conservatively rated and a beautiful and durable rod.

Firstly, I'll be clear that ordering these were my own mistake. If i'd read the title and descriptions properly, I may have picked up on these and not had to return them. This is what happens when you do a lot of research and then hastily order...1. This is the CASTING rod. Not the spinning rod. So you may be on the wrong item like I was. It's even in the title :)2. These are the off-shore series and there is nothing "light" about them. I should have realized after looking at them on the Okuma website. 10-17lbs is not the "Light" I'm used to. The butts are quite thick and heavy duty, even on the lightest model. You're talking Jigging/trolling/Live baiting/ Light game with these.3. What you may be after is the "Inshore" versions (I was): [...]4. The "European Spigot Ferrule connection" does throw you off at first, particularly as everyone is used to the traditional connections where the hollow sheath of the tip sections connect over the hollow base sections. This rod has the tip sections slotting over a solid inner blank. As a few people have mentioned, it does not slide all the way down, leaving gaps between the sections that look "unfinished" or that shouldn't be exposed. I doubt this makes any difference apart from aesthetics, as there's certainly enough crossover in the joins to ensure it's not compromised.5. Zip quality is kind of poor on the case.However, the proof is in the usage, and this will not see any action. It's on it's way back to Amazon whilst I order the inshore spinning version. [...]

This is a great rod. Light weight yet strong. With airlines charging you to carry 'air' onboard, this setup fits into my duffle. The two tips make it very versatile. I fished with a similar spin casting rod from this producer and found them to be very responsive. Can't wait to get it on the water. Long gone are the days you could travel with several rods in a homemade tube. Thanks!

Unbelievable strength in a travel rod. I purchased this to go to Mexico with and had to cancel my trip but went to Monterey CA instead. Took it bottom fishing to Big Sur and lifted a 9.5 pound fish over the rail. I was amazed at what this rod could do. Very quality....buy it you won't be dissapointed

I started out with the inshore version, but found that the small diameter grip made it hard to control heavy reels such as the Solterra SLR-15. I returned that rod and got this one. I'm quite happy with it. The build quality is excellent. I expect it to handle any fish I'm likely to hook in my area. It's probably overkill for many of the fish I hook.

This is a very good Rod. The only drawback is the triangular reel seat that will not accept some of my reels that have a recessed reel foot

A very nice three piece rod with great action. It's the right size to take on the plane for trips to mexico and alaska.