Product Review: Okuma Voyager Spinning Travel Kit

Company Description:  The Okuma Voyager Spinning Travel Kit is the perfect companion when traveling to new fishing destinations. This combo easily fits behind the seat of a car or truck and will also fit in the overhead compartments on airplanes. The Okuma Voyager Spinning Travel Kit, model VS-605-20, features a 5-piece, 6' 0" medium-light rod and matching reel size 20 spinning reel rated for 4 to 8 pound test line. The graphite rod breaks down into 16" sections and features a quality cork handle for comfort and aluminum oxide guides. The lure weight recommendations are 1/16-3/8 oz. The reel features aluminum and graphite construction, a front disc drag and a single ball bearing drive. Also included is a soft-sided padded travel case which features interior compartments for the rod, reel and included tackle box and includes a handle and adjustable shoulder strap. This combo is great for panfish, bass and trout.

• Convenient nylon travel bag
• Shock-resistant foam insert
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Stainless steel hooded reel seat
• Machined aluminum, anodized spinning spool

Specs: Fishing Rod
Length: 6.0'
Weight: 5.0 oz.
Pieces: 5 16inch pieces
Power: Medium / Light
Action: Moderate Action

Specs: Fishing Reel
Size: 20
Weight: 8.9 oz.
Line Capacity: LBS/YDS 4/155, 6/110, 8/80
Ball bearings: 1 BB
Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
Max Drag:
Lure Weight: 1/16 to 3/8 oz.

Review:  First, let me say what led me to purchase the Okuma travel rod and reel kit is the fact that the majority of the comments on Amazon were extremely positive.  However when I purchased the Voyager Spinning Travel Kit I didn't have very high expectations based on what I've seen in the past with other travel rods. However the Voyager travel kit turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The rod which is a medium to medium/light power moderate action rod has performed amazingly over the last couple of months. It has held up against everything from tiny creek chubs to big spotted gar that don't like to give up without a fight.  In fact I'm sure it can hold up to fish that are much larger than the ones I've caught with it thus far.

It's moderate action helps in making the voyager rod a good choice for throwing crankbaits, bucktail jigs or jigs with twister tail grubs. It is also a great rod for bottom fishing with live bait. Overall the rod is very versatile and can be used in multiple ways.

I'm very pleased with the fact that it breaks down to only 18 inches, which makes it a perfect stowaway when I'm at work or traveling. The case it comes in is convenient and the foam cutouts will definitely keep the rod and reel safe under most circumstances.  However the foam is soft and will not protect the rod very will from anything heavy that has been placed or dropped on top of it.  So beware of this fact.  I personally plan on cutting some more dense inserts to replace the one that came with the kit in order to add to the cases protective ability.

The reel that comes with the kit is a size 20 reel made more for an light power fishing rod rather than this medium power rod. As a result it's not capable of holding a sufficient amount of heavier line in case you're planning on using lines ranging from 8 lbs to 12 lbs.

Despite the fact that the reel a size smaller than the rod can actually handle, it is a very smooth reel with a smooth drag that is not choppy.  Despite this being an inexpensive reel designed for use with low pound test line it is very stout and well made.  However if you're gonna be using the voyager rod and reel for multi-species fishing or largemouth bass make sure you have the drag set to compensate for the smaller reel and lower pound test lines.

In all honesty I have every intention of replacing the voyager reel with that has a larger spool and using braided line paired with a flourocarbon leader in the near future.  However I want to see how much this reel can take for a more accurate review in the near future.

Overall the Okuma Voyager spinning travel kit is a great choice for anyone looking to have a rod and reel combo that is always ready to go.  It breaks down small enough to stow practically anywhere, is of high quality and even comes with a small tackle box to hold the bare necessities for a lunchtime fishing trip.

Pros: Inexpensive, good overall quality, compact, the rod is pretty strong

Cons: eyelets are cheaply made, the reel has a small spool made more for a light action fishing rod, plastic anti-reverse

Price: $39.99

Quick Tip: If you're gonna purchase the Voyager travel kit, spool the reel with braided line with a flourocarbon leader to get more line and casting distance.