If you follow my adventures on YouTube, you know I’m always on the hunt for gear that makes traveling and exploring the outdoors easier. Whether I’m out for a DIY garden project or heading into the woods for a hike, portability is key. That’s exactly what drew me to the Profishiency Pocket Combo.
I’ve seen these tiny setups in stores for a while and always wondered if they were just a novelty for kids or a legitimate tool for a backpacking fisherman. I finally decided to pick one up at Walmart to see if it could actually handle a real day on the water.
First Impressions and Design
Right out of the box, the first thing you notice is the size. It is incredibly compact. When it’s fully retracted, it’s small enough to throw into a daypack, a glove box, or even the side pocket of a tactical bag. This makes it a perfect “just in case” rod for those times you’re hiking near a lake and see fish jumping but didn’t want to lug a full-sized setup.
The design is a telescopic rod that retracts into the handle area. It has a neon “splat” paint job that’s hard to miss. While I got this specific green and black version at Walmart, there are actually several different color variations available on Amazon if you want something that matches your other gear better.
The build feels surprisingly sturdy for something so small. The grip is comfortable, and the spincast reel is integrated directly into the frame. It’s a very straightforward, “no-fuss” design that’s clearly meant for ease of use.
The Technical Specs: Line and Spool
One thing I noticed immediately was the line. The Profishiency Pocket Combo comes pre-spooled with a 6-pound test line, rated for about 40 yards. For most small pond fishing or panfish, that’s plenty. However, since I knew I might be heading into some areas with more cover and potentially larger fish, I decided to swap it out for an 8-pound line before I hit the water.
Respooling a tiny combo like this can be a bit of a puzzle if you’ve never done it. Unlike a standard spinning reel, everything is contained. One interesting thing I found in the kit was a set of small metal pins. These are essential for the maintenance and re-threading process. If you ever find yourself needing to fix a tangle or deep-clean the reel, don’t lose these!
Field Testing: Catching a Spotted Bass
I took the combo out to a local lake to see how it performed in a real-world scenario. You can see the full demonstration and how the rod handles the cast in my video below:
The casting distance isn’t going to win any competitions, but for its size, it’s impressive. It’s perfect for those short, accurate casts into tight spots under overhanging trees. The action of the rod is definitely on the light side, meaning you’re going to feel every little nibble.
After a few casts, I felt a solid hit. The rod bent right over, and for a second, I thought I might have bitten off more than this little combo could chew. But it held up great. I managed to land a nice little spotted bass. While it wasn’t a record-breaker, it proved that this isn’t just a toy. It can handle a real fish and the drag system on the reel was smoother than I expected for the price point.
Who Is This For?
After spending some time with it, I think the Profishiency Pocket Combo fits into a few specific categories:
- The Backpacking Fisherman: If you are hiking miles into a high-mountain lake, every ounce matters. This rod weighs next to nothing and takes up almost no space.
- The Casual Kayaker/Paddleboarder: It’s small enough to tuck under a bungee cord on your board without getting in the way of your stroke.
- Kids and Beginners: Because it’s a spincast reel, it’s very hard to tangle (compared to a baitcaster or spinning reel). It’s the perfect “starter” rod that won’t frustrate a young angler.
- The Emergency Kit: I’m a big fan of having a “Go Bag.” Tucking one of these into your emergency gear along with a small tin of lures is a great way to ensure you have a means of catching food if you ever needed to.
Maintenance and Longevity
One thing to keep in mind is that because the rod is telescopic, you need to be careful with sand and grit. If you get dirt in the joints, it can scratch the graphite and eventually cause the rod to stick or snap. I always make sure to wipe the rod down with a damp cloth before retracting it if I’ve been fishing in muddy areas.
Also, pay attention to those respool pins I mentioned earlier. If you find the line starting to catch or the reel making a grinding noise, a quick drop of reel oil inside can make a world of difference.
Final Verdict
Is the Profishiency Pocket Combo the only rod you’ll ever need? Probably not. But for what it is—a portable, affordable, and functional travel rod—it’s excellent. It exceeded my expectations by actually being able to pull in a decent-sized bass without feeling like it was going to snap in half.
I’m really happy with this purchase. I picked mine up at Walmart, but like I mentioned, you can find a lot more color options on Amazon if you want to customize your look. It’s a small investment that adds a lot of fun to any outdoor trip.
I’ll be taking this with me on more of my travels soon, so stay tuned to the channel to see if I can land something even bigger next time!
