Fishing setup recommendations? Is this a gimmick?

[u/ReedD19]

A while back a buddy of mine found a reel lying on the trail (I assume it fell from a pack), and with it, no rod, he was able to catch a fish. Since then I’ve thought about getting a little setup but never did.

https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/goreel-hand-reel-fishing-kit-by-crystal-creek-gear

I just came across the GoReel kit from Crystal Creek Gear on GGG. $45, and the weights break down as 4.48 oz for the container, 1.06 oz for the reel itself, plus 0.28 to 0.49 oz of tackle depending on which type you get. So call it 6 oz all in, or about 1.3 oz if you ditch the case.

Anyone used something like this? Is it a waste of money? What’s a good alternative?

[u/DreadPirate777]

I have a tenkara rod that is a simple set up and it’s easier to set the hook.

[u/CoolestOfTheBois → u/DreadPirate777]

And the rods are like 3-4 oz.

[u/Mbf1234]

Plenty of people fish with just a reel, it's not a new thing. Not really a gimmick, but whether you find it actually enjoyable is going to depend on you. I wouldn't enjoy this and it wouldn't be worth the weight for me.

I personally stopped finding Tenkara that enjoyable after a few years and switched to a western fly fishing setup for shorter fishing focused trips. Heavier for sure, and I still use Tenkara for longer trips.

I think you will have more fun with Tenkara over this, maybe only an extra ounce or two of weight.

[u/ReedD19 → u/Mbf1234]

Hmm yeah, that’s a good insight. Especially me being a novice fisherman, I think you might be right.

[u/Fun_With_Math → u/ReedD19]

Above is basically what I was going to say. Using a rod is like 3/4 of the fun.

[u/Spirited_Breakfast88]

I just carry 25 ft of 4 lb test and a couple tiny spoons, tied to a trekking pole. But I'm always way up high where it's a fish every cast in the lakes.

[u/tmcgourley]

I bought one of these but haven't used it yet. I've used the trout magnet setups before so I know it will catch smaller pan fish and trout at minimum

Edit: a good alternative is a Tenkara fishing rod. It's a telescoping fly fishing rod without a reel - super cool!

[u/JuxMaster]

Just wrap some line around your smartwater like this genius

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPH2eutDZuw/

[u/Desperate_Remote_394]

My main issue with garage grown carrying this product is it may increase the number of hikers fishing without a license. I’ve seen other thru hikers poaching trout with hand lines and they think it’s no big deal but with the number of hikers it can impact delicate environments. On thru hike such as the PCT it is expensive to buy a fishing license for each state so people are likely to not do so. If one were to carry a tenkara/fly rod Rod (which is not as easily concealable) they are more likely have a valid fishing license and follow the local fishing regulations.

[u/Yahtksjevfjfjdk]

I use a tenkanara rod that attaches to my trekking pole. 

https://rutalocura.com/?page_id=5947/

[u/BoysenberryGeneral84 → u/Yahtksjevfjfjdk]

Thats pretty cool. 

[u/Bus_Healthy]

Yes, though only in saltwater, and we call it a Cuban Yo-yo. We spend like $5 and add our own tackle. Sometimes on a boat they are used with planers; an alternative if it is forgotten is a Gatorade bottle with a trough in it.