OUR SMUGGLER 6 COSTS MORE !
Yes… the Smuggler 6 travel fishing rod costs a little more than the market-leading travel rod.
And we'll be honest — we're fans of that rod too. In fact, it was a real inspiration when we first started developing our own travel fishing rod range.
But we didn't want to just match it… we wanted to build a better, more versatile, more compact fishing rod for anglers who want more from their gear.
- More design work
- More versatility
- More compact engineering
Every detail — from the multi-length setup to the ultra-compact pack-down — has been carefully developed and refined right here in the English Lake District.
Because at Rigged and Ready, we're not just another fishing tackle brand…
We're travel fishing rod specialists.
We are The Small Rod Company
A family-run UK business designing and building fishing rods to help anglers:
Go Anywhere & Fish Everywhere
See the Difference — We've Put It to the Test
We know "better" is easy to say… so we've gone one step further.
We've produced a side-by-side video comparison of the Smuggler 6 vs the world's leading travel fishing rod, breaking down exactly why the Smuggler 6 costs more.
If you're serious about choosing the right travel rod, it's well worth a watch.
Watch the comparison video here
Meet the Smuggler 6 Travel Fishing Rod
The Smuggler 6 is built to be the ultimate compact travel fishing rod — designed for anglers who want performance without compromise:
- Ultra-compact design: Packs down to just 40.5cm (16"), with a 42cm (16½") protective case — perfect for airline cabin baggage, backpacks, cars, and bikes
- Rod lengths: 215cm (7') and 190cm (6'3") options
- 6-section travel rod design for improved action and smooth casting
- High-performance blank: SRF carbon, graphite, high-glass, and Zylon construction
- 2 unbreakable solid fibreglass tips for strength and flexibility
- Casting weights: 5–20g (¾oz) and 15–40g (1½oz)
- Suitable for spin fishing, bait fishing, carp fishing, and pike fishing
- Supplied as a rod and protective case kit as standard
This is a fishing rod designed to travel anywhere — and perform everywhere.
Smuggler 6 vs The Leading Travel Fishing Rod
We've compared every detail of the Smuggler 6 against the current world's No.1 travel fishing rod:
Compact Travel Design
- Smuggler 6 packs down approx. 13cm (5") smaller — easier to carry and travel with
Versatility for Anglers
- Smuggler 6: 2 multi-functional tips with different casting weights
- Leading rod: 1 tip, single casting weight
Performance & Rod Action
- Smuggler 6: 6-section construction (more complex build, smoother fishing action)
- Leading rod: 4 sections
- Smuggler 6: 7 rod eyes for improved bend and casting performance
- Leading rod: 6 rod eyes
- Smuggler 6: upgraded ferrule system with bungs to prevent loosening and rotation
- Leading rod: standard ferrules
Adaptability
- Smuggler 6 travel rod can be customised with additional rod sections and accessories
- Leading rod: fixed setup
Protection & Travel Practicality
- Smuggler 6 includes a protective rod carry case as standard
- Leading rod: no protective case included
Guarantee & Customer Support
- Smuggler 6: our best-in-class guarantee
- Backed by personal, family-run UK customer support
Where Both Travel Rods Perform Equally Well
We'll give credit where it's due — both are quality fishing rods:
- Equally strong rod blanks
- Equally strong solid fibreglass tips
- Stainless steel rod eyes
- EVA handles for comfort
- Soft rod cases included
So yes… it costs a little more
But that's because there's simply more going into this travel fishing rod — from the materials and engineering, to the versatility, compact design, and performance.
We didn't cut corners. We built the fishing rod we wanted to use ourselves.
And yes… we think it's better.
(We would say that though)
If you're looking for a travel fishing rod that packs smaller, does more, and performs across more fishing situations, the Smuggler 6 is built for you.
Go Anywhere & Fish Everywhere
— The Rigged and Ready Team
