First Impressions of Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod
The Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod promises portability without sacrificing performance, a siren song to any angler who’s ever lugged a bulky rod tube through an airport or down a mountain trail. Daiwa, a name synonymous with quality fishing gear, aims to deliver a capable casting rod that collapses down for easy travel. I was immediately intrigued by the concept, having dealt with the logistical nightmares of transporting traditional rods on numerous expeditions.
For years, I’ve relied on multi-piece rods for travel, always accepting a slight compromise in sensitivity and action. The Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod piqued my interest as a potential solution to eliminate those compromises. I wanted a rod that could easily stow in my pack for backcountry trips, yet still offer the backbone needed for bass and the finesse required for trout.
Upon unboxing, the rod felt surprisingly solid. The black finish gave it a sleek, modern aesthetic. It was significantly lighter than I anticipated, given its telescoping design. Compared to my trusty St. Croix Triumph spinning rod (also 7’2″), the Procyon felt balanced and comfortable in hand, albeit with a slightly different weight distribution due to the telescoping sections. It also felt more refined than the cheaper, generic telescopic rod I had experimented with years ago. My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism, wondering if the performance would live up to the initial impressions.
I was cautiously optimistic, eager to see how it performed on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod on a weekend backpacking trip to the Lost Coast Trail in Northern California. This rugged stretch of coastline offered a perfect testing ground, with opportunities to fish both freshwater streams and the surf. The primary target was surfperch in the crashing waves, and rainbow trout in the quiet creek mouths.
Conditions were challenging. The coastal winds were strong, and the surf was rough. Despite the blustery conditions, the rod cast surprisingly well, handling a 1 oz. sinker and plastic grub with reasonable accuracy. Setting the hook on a hard-fighting surfperch felt solid. I also managed to land a couple of small trout in a calmer creek section, appreciating the rod’s sensitivity in detecting subtle takes.
Initially, I was concerned about the telescoping sections coming loose during casting. However, each section locked securely into place and remained tight throughout the day. I had to consciously ensure the sections were fully extended and locked, but once confirmed, I didn’t experience any issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod has proven itself a reliable companion. I’ve used it on numerous fishing trips, from kayak excursions on calm lakes to battling smallmouth bass on rocky rivers. The finish has held up well, showing only minor scratches from rubbing against rocks and gear.
The joints between the telescoping sections have remained tight, and I haven’t noticed any degradation in performance. Cleaning is simple. I just wipe down the rod with a damp cloth after each use.
Compared to my traditional two-piece casting rod, the Procyon offers a slightly different feel, especially when fighting larger fish. While it lacks some of the inherent sensitivity of a solid blank, the trade-off for portability is well worth it for travel situations. The Procyon has outperformed my expectations and become a valuable addition to my fishing arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod
Specifications
The Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod is a 7’2″ medium power rod with a fast action. Its black color gives it a stealthy and professional look. The telescoping design allows it to collapse down to a manageable size for travel.
The rod is designed for casting, making it versatile for various freshwater fishing techniques. The fast action provides excellent sensitivity for detecting strikes and solid hooksets. The medium power offers a good balance of strength and flexibility, suitable for a range of fish species.
Performance & Functionality
The Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod performs admirably for a travel rod. Casting distance is comparable to a standard two-piece rod of similar length and power. Its sensitivity is surprisingly good, allowing me to feel subtle strikes and bottom structure.
The rod’s fast action makes it ideal for techniques like jigging, Texas rigging, and Carolina rigging. Its power is sufficient for handling bass, trout, and other common freshwater species. While it might not be the ideal choice for targeting trophy-sized fish or heavy cover, it excels in situations where portability and versatility are paramount.
Design & Ergonomics
The Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod features a split-grip cork handle that provides a comfortable and secure grip. The balance feels good in hand, making it easy to cast for extended periods. The telescoping design is well-executed, with sections that lock securely into place.
The black finish is aesthetically pleasing and provides a degree of scratch resistance. The rod is lightweight and easy to pack, making it a great choice for backpacking, hiking, and other travel applications. While there is a slight learning curve to getting used to the telescoping design, it quickly becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod appears to be well-built and durable. The materials used seem to be of good quality, and the joints between the telescoping sections are solid. With proper care, this rod should last for many years.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each use, I simply wipe down the rod with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. I also occasionally apply a light coat of rod wax to protect the finish.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories. However, it’s compatible with most standard casting reels. Anglers can customize the rod’s performance by selecting the appropriate line, lure, and reel to match their target species and fishing style.
While there are no specific Daiwa-branded accessories designed for this particular rod, its universal design makes it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket products. You can easily add a reel of your choosing. Experimenting with different line types and lure weights will further refine your overall fishing experience with this rod.
Pros and Cons of Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod
Pros
- Excellent portability due to its telescoping design, perfect for travel and backpacking.
- Surprisingly good sensitivity and casting distance for a travel rod.
- Comfortable split-grip cork handle provides a secure and ergonomic grip.
- Versatile medium power and fast action suitable for a wide range of freshwater species and techniques.
- Solid build quality and durable materials ensure long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Telescoping sections require conscious effort to fully extend and lock, which might be a minor inconvenience.
- Lacks the inherent sensitivity of a one-piece or two-piece rod, which might be noticeable for experienced anglers targeting highly sensitive species.
Who Should Buy Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod?
The Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod is perfect for anglers who prioritize portability and convenience. This rod excels for backpacking trips, traveling anglers, and anyone with limited storage space. It’s a great choice for casual anglers who want a versatile rod that can handle a variety of freshwater species.
This rod might not be the best choice for serious tournament anglers or those targeting trophy-sized fish in heavy cover. Anglers who demand the ultimate sensitivity and power might prefer a high-end one-piece or two-piece rod. Someone who is new to fishing may benefit from a non-telescopic rod, as the learning curve might be slightly higher due to the multiple sections.
A must-have accessory is a quality carrying case to protect the rod during transport.
Conclusion on Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod
The Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod is a well-designed and surprisingly capable travel rod. It offers a compelling combination of portability, performance, and value. While it might not replace a dedicated one-piece rod for specialized applications, it’s an excellent choice for anglers who need a versatile and easy-to-transport option.
At a price of $80.99, the Daiwa Procyon Telescopic Travel Casting Rod is a justifiable investment for anglers who value convenience and portability. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable travel rod that doesn’t compromise too much on performance.
Pack this rod, explore new waters, and experience the freedom of fishing anywhere your adventures take you.