The Best Travel Fly Rod I’ve Ever Used: My ALLROD Story

When I first got my ALLROD (the ALLFLY) back in January 2025, I was excited — but like any seasoned angler, I was also a little skeptical. Could one rod system really do it all? It didn’t take long for me to find out.

What is ALLROD?

ALLROD is a portable, adaptable fishing system built for any environment — whether you’re chasing trout in small creeks, steelhead in fast rivers, or bonefish on the flats. With interchangeable rod components and a compact, travel-ready case, ALLROD kits eliminate the need to carry multiple rods, giving you the perfect setup for any situation in one smart, durable system.

The ALLFLY
The ALLFLY is ALLROD’s flagship fly fishing system — a multi-weight, modular rod that lets you quickly adapt to throw dries, nymphs, streamers, or swing flies for a huge range of species. With included 5/6 and 7/8 weight sections, and the option to purchase the 12″ extender and a screw-in fighting butt, you can easily switch between 9’ and 10’ setups to match the conditions. It’s the only fly rod most anglers will ever need.

First Test: Pyramid Lake, Nevada

The first place I put my ALLROD to the test was Pyramid Lake, home of the legendary Lahontan cutthroat trout. I set it up as a 9’ 7/8 weight, but what blew me away was the ability to quickly add the 12”  extender section and turn it into a 10’ rod. That extra foot made a huge difference in casting distance, mending line and managing drifts.

Casting was a dream — tight loops, easy distance, and complete control. The rod absolutely launched my set-up with minimal effort. I ended the trip landing a beautiful Lahontan, and I knew right then this wasn’t just a “backup” travel rod — it was going to be my go-to.

 

 

The Big Test: Jurassic Lake, Argentina

Loving how it performed at Pyramid, I decided to really put the ALLROD through the wringer — by taking it to Jurassic Lake for a week.
Harsh conditions. Constant brutal wind. Huge, angry rainbows.

Where most rods get pushed to their limits (and often beyond), the ALLROD stood out.
It punched through the wind better than anything I’ve used. I fished a balanced leech under an indicator, and the rod handled the rig flawlessly.

I had brought two 9’ 8wt rods just in case… but guess what?
I never touched them. I used the ALLROD exclusively the entire trip.

The results? Numerous massive rainbows — including my personal best, an 18-pound rainbow that even got me in the record book.

 

 

Next Stop: Central Argentina

After Jurassic, I traveled to a different part of Argentina where the fish were smaller (but still very powerful) and the conditions much milder. Again, the ALLROD impressed.

For streamer fishing big aggressive browns, I ran it as a 10’ 7/8 weight — and it bombed big articulated streamers with ease.
It had the backbone to turn powerful fish and not let them dictate the fight.

When we slipped into some smaller creeks requiring shorter, more delicate casts, it took just a few quick adjustments to turn my ALLROD into a 9’ 5/6 weight setup.

Two completely different styles of fishing — one rod.

Clients I was hosting were so impressed after casting it that several went online mid-trip and ordered their own.

 

 

DIY Steelhead Adventure

After returning to the U.S., I took the ALLROD steelhead fishing with a good buddy.
These were big, aggressive fish moving through fast water. After fighting and landing a few, I finally stressed the rod to its limit and broke it, setting the hook on a hot fish.

Sounds bad? It wasn’t. Thanks to the modular system, I had a second butt section in my truck. Fifteen minutes later, I was back on the water fishing again.

I also have the screw-in fighting butt accessory — and let me tell you, it’s a day changer when you’re spey casting or battling heavy fish.

 

 

Back to Pyramid Lake

Two weeks later, I was back at Pyramid. Same story — tons of fish, tons of attention from curious anglers.
Complete strangers were walking up to ask about my setup.

The 10’ configuration gave me the ability to control fish far better than the guys using standard 9′ rods.
Better control = more fish landed.

Toward the end of the trip, I broke my tip section (being a little too aggressive trying to rethread tippet — my fault). No problem: I swapped in the 5/6 tip, paired it with the 3 remaining 7/8 sections, and was back casting.

Even with a slightly mismatched setup, the rod still performed beautifully and the fish kept coming to the net.

 

 

Final Verdict After 3 Months

In just a few months, I’ve battle-tested the ALLROD across brutal conditions, giant fish, long travel, and everything in between.
There is nothing else on the market that can match it for:

• Performance (elite casting and fighting power)
• Adaptability (9′ or 10′, 5wt to 8wt, streamer to indicator to dry fly)
• Durability (modular parts mean no trip-ending disasters)
• Price (you’re getting multiple rods in one — for less than the cost of a single premium rod)

The ALLROD isn’t just good.
It’s revolutionary.

If you’re serious about travel fishing, versatility, and performance, this rod isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.

About the Author

Brian Oakland is a lifelong angler, adventure consultant, and passionate outdoorsman who believes that the right gear can unlock unforgettable experiences. When he’s not chasing fish across the globe, he’s helping others discover their next great adventure.