Fikkes Fishing/Trekking Poles.

I tried one of these out at an Outdoor Retailer demo day, and it cast very well. The only thing I'd worry about is damaging the rod if I accidentally leaned too hard on the pole.

It looks clever and probably works fine, but the weight savings have to be pretty minimal since the trekking pole only replaces a shortish mid section of the fly rod. So the weight savings must be less than an ounce. For that < ounce of savings it looks like it is a little more fiddly to switch between fishing and hiking modes, you are limited in your choice for both items, and if you break something you broke your trekking poles and you fly rod unless they sell individual parts.

Since I don't use trekking poles it wouldn't be an item that I'd even consider.

I haven't used this product nor do i know what the rest of you use for a fly rod. However, If you're using a mid grade or better fly rod I can't imagine this product being tolerable. Multi use is great but when the compromises needed to make things multi use are factored in they are often not worth it.

That is a way cool invention. I spin fish more than I fly fish. The aluminum spin version costs less. The eyes look very small to me. Maybe its not an issue though. I like that it's 7' long. The special attachment for securing the reel looks interesting. Maybe not needed though. They show in the video hiking with the reel on. I think that's just silly. How hard is it to put the reel in a pack or small pouch. I really like these but the price would keep me from owning one. I'm thinking MYOG. Bigger eyelets that are removable and ceramic coated. Maybe something where the rod is just stored inside the pole to protect it. I would have to give these a thumbs up for original design. Thanks for sharing the link. God Bless

So, do you have to buy 2 of these to hike, or hike with only one pole, or hike with mix matched poles? Is that first eyelet really doubling as a basket, to get banged along rocks and mud while you hike? This would also need to be a shelter pole for most people as well? Seems like an awful lot going on to convert this thing, and a lot of opportunity for things to go wrong. It certainly is creative, but I think I'd have to give it a pass.