Rigged & Ready Responds to Growing U.S. Interest in Portable Travel Fishing Rods

Rigged & Ready Responds to Growing U.S. Interest in Portable Travel Fishing Rods

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – June 2026 Rigged & Ready is increasing its emphasis on travel fishing equipment as more Americans opt for compact gear that fits easily into road trips, flights, camping expeditions, and other outdoor activities. According to the firm, the change is a result of the increased need for portable fishing gear that can function in both freshwater and light saltwater settings.

usatoday rigged and ready

As outdoor activity continues to attract anglers exploring new areas, interest has developed in equipment that is convenient to travel without restricting fishing performance. Rigged & Ready said customers are increasingly seeking gear that can support varied fishing methods while remaining practical for travel.

The company noted that rising demand for travel fishing equipment has helped shape its product development strategy and educational content. These resources are intended to help anglers select suitable equipment based on where they are fishing, the techniques they plan to use, and how they will be travelling.

"Modern anglers are spending more time exploring new locations and participating in a wider range of outdoor activities," a Rigged & Ready spokesperson said. "Compact fishing equipment allows anglers to travel more efficiently while maintaining the performance expected from full-sized fishing rods."

usatoday x5 rod featured

Traditional one-piece fishing rods can be difficult to transport due to their length and storage needs, according to Rigged & Ready. Telescopic and multi-piece rod systems, on the other hand, minimise package size while still being appropriate for a range of fishing conditions.

Its range of modular travel rods is ideal for spinning, lure fishing, fly fishing, and light saltwater fishing. According to the company, many fishermen now favour systems that are flexible enough to accommodate various fishing methods without requiring them to carry several rods.

The X Series and the Smuggler Series, which were created for various travel requirements, are two of the collections that are highlighted. The X Series features interchangeable setups that allow anglers to adapt their rig as fishing circumstances change. The Smuggler Series, meanwhile, is designed for anglers that prioritise ultra-compact equipment when travelling with minimal luggage.

Rigged & Ready stated that it is continuing to perfect its products by investing in rod blank materials and modular engineering to improve mobility, durability, and casting performance. Recent advancements include convertible handle systems, compact ferrule designs, and adjustable rod components that allow for diverse fishing applications in a single travel setup.

The company also cited broader developments in the recreational fishing market, stating that camping, overlanding, trekking, and destination fishing have raised demand for equipment that requires less carrying space while remaining versatile.

Looking ahead, Rigged & Ready stated that future product development will prioritise portability, versatility, and ease of travel while enabling a diverse range of fishing settings. The company anticipates that compact fishing equipment will remain in high demand as travel-related outdoor activities expand.

Rigged & Ready also wants to increase its instructional tools to assist anglers in evaluating travel fishing rods based on fishing style, destination, target species, and travel restrictions, making it easier to select equipment that meets individual needs. 

usatoday banner

About Rigged & Ready

Rigged & Ready, a family-owned fishing equipment firm, was founded in 2016 in England's Lake District. They specialise in travel fishing rods, telescopic fishing rods, and modular fishing systems for recreational fishermen. Its products are intended for freshwater, fly, carp, bass, and light saltwater fishing, with an emphasis on portability and versatility for anglers who like travel.

About the author

Andy Rigg

Andy Rigg is the founder and lead rod and tackle designer of Rigged & Ready, the travel fishing brand he launched in 2016. He leads the design and development of the brand’s innovative, modular rods, combining advanced materials with multi- function performance for modern, active anglers to Go Anywhere & Fish Everywhere. Alongside building Rigged & Ready, Andy brings extensive experience in global brand leadership, having driven successful turnarounds for iconic brands including Puma, Ben Sherman and Marlboro Classics (MCS). This blend of product innovation and brand strategy underpins Rigged & Ready’s distinctive design-led approach.