Shimano STC BB Travel Spinning Rod

The Shimano STC BB Spinning range is a cracking option if you want a proper fishing rod that packs down small enough to disappear into your suitcase.

With short sections and a travel length of under 65cm, these 4-piece rods are ideal for taking on holiday without having to travel with a full-size rod tube. For the money, I think they are particularly good value and a great rod to simply stow away in your luggage, car or backpack ready for an opportunity to fish.

Based on Shimano's more expensive STC AX range, the STC BB uses a tough composite blank with a moderate-fast action, giving it plenty of versatility. Depending on the model you choose, the range covers everything from lighter lure fishing for perch and similar species through to pike, zander and inshore saltwater fishing.

Despite being designed primarily with travel and convenience in mind, these don't feel like rods that are simply there for emergencies. They are nicely balanced and perfectly capable of being used as your regular lure rod.

Features

• 4-piece travel spinning rod
• Packs down to under 65cm
• Excellent for taking abroad in a suitcase
• Tough composite blank construction
• Moderate-fast action
• Suitable for a wide variety of lure fishing
• Models available for both light and heavier lure fishing
• Shimano DPS reel seat
• Comfortable EVA handle
• Shimano Hardlite single-leg guides
• Protective plastic sleeve included
• Excellent value for money

Mick's Tip

For me, the big attraction with the STC BB range is just how easy these rods are to travel with. The very short sections mean you can put one in your suitcase without the hassle of travelling with a conventional rod tube.

If you're heading somewhere on holiday where there might be an opportunity to fish, one of these is very easy to take along just in case. For the money, I think Shimano have got these spot on.

They are a particularly useful choice for the travelling lure angler targeting Inshore Saltwater species here or abroad, as well as perch, zander, pike etc, with different models in the range allowing you to match the rod to the type of fishing you have planned.

Length: 7ft (2.1m)

Section Lengths: 4 x 58cm

Casting Weight: 7-21g