The travel rod that doesn't fish like one.
2-year rod warranty
Ships in 3–5 business days
Owner-run
Every message answered by Andrew
A complete travel setup: a 6'6" four-piece, medium-light, fast-action carbon fiber spinning rod, Lew's Speed Spin CRX 200 reel, and protective travel case. Packs down to 21". The reel ships unspooled so you can choose your own line.
Cerus Travel Spinning Combo
The Cerus Travel Spinning Combo
Specs
| Spec | Cerus |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 4 |
| Power / action | Medium-light / Fast |
| Line weight | 4–10 lb (mono) |
| Lure weight | 1/8–3/8 oz |
| Rod length (assembled) | 6'6" |
| Packed length | 21" (4 pieces × 21") |
| Weight, rod + reel | 12.5 oz |
| Total packed weight (with case) | 1 lb 14 oz |
| Reel | Lew's Speed Spin CRX 200 spinning reel · 6.2:1 gear ratio · ships unspooled |
| Blank | Carbon fiber |
| Guides | Fuji Alconite |
| Reel seat | Fuji DPSM Size 16 |
| Grip | Cork |
| Travel case | About 22" long × 4" wide × up to 6" deep |
| In the box | Rod, Lew's Speed Spin CRX 200 reel, protective travel case |
| Warranty | Rod: 2-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship |
| Good for | Bass and trout. Customers use it for finesse bass (wacky rig, drop shot), from the bank and from a kayak. |
Flying with your rod? Read our carry-on guide: TSA rules + airline size limits →
Ships in 2–3 business days with tracking. Shipping is calculated at checkout. 14-day returns on unused gear.
Built to go farther
- Four pieces, not telescopic. Real ferruled sections give you the feel and response of a full rod. You don't get the compromise of a collapsing tube.
- A complete kit. Rod, Lew's Speed Spin CRX 200 reel, and a protective case in one box. Pack it and go.
- Small and light. Packs down to 21". 12.5 oz rod and reel. 1 lb 14 oz all packed up in the case.
- Backed for two years. Covered against defects in materials and workmanship for two years after purchase.
A small shop with a name on it
I'm Andrew, the owner of Sonoran Rod Company and the creator of the Cerus travel rod. I started building rods to create a perfect blend of artistry in design and high fishing performance.
I made the travel rods to take that artistry and performance to places a typical rod has a hard time going. They're for people who love to fish but are always on the move: hikers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, or anyone who just wants a good rod they can keep in the trunk. I use mine any time I travel for work. I throw it in my suitcase, and it's built and ready to fish right after I get off the plane.
Every Cerus and Bullfrog is made either by me or by a US-based partnered shop I work with closely. We make rods in small batches, I answer every message myself, and I stand behind what we sell.
— Andrew G, Sonoran Rod Company
What anglers say
4.96 / 5 across 51 reviews · Cerus: 5.0 from 4 reviews
"Great travel rod and just what I needed. It packs down really nice and I can take it anywhere… I am super impressed with the build quality and stability while casting, couldn't recommend one enough."
— Austin Downs, Cerus Travel Spinning Combo
"Absolutely love this rod - it's become my go-to finesse rod for pond fishing largemouth bass both from the bank and a kayak. It's the perfect balance of sensitivity and backbone for techniques like wacky worm fishing and a dropshot."
— Juran Angling, Cerus Travel Spinning Combo
"Awesome Rods and great service. Attention to details are unparalleled. The travel case and the Lew's reel add to the great, light set-up."
— Patrick R. Carson, Cerus Travel Spinning Combo (Verified buyer)
"Andrew's dedication to making the best rods possible is unmatched! I bring this rod on every trip I can to go fishing with reliable and lightweight gear! It is worth every penny!!"
— Austin, Cerus Travel Spinning Combo
Why not just grab any travel rod?
| Cerus combo | Telescopic travel combo | Your one-piece rod | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packs into a case | Yes (case included) | Yes | No |
| Rod construction | 4 ferruled pieces | Collapsing sections | 1 piece |
| Reel included | Yes, Lew's Speed Spin CRX 200 | Usually | No |
| Made in small batches | Yes | No | Depends |
| Warranty | 2 years | Varies | Varies |
You can pay less for a travel setup. Cerus is for anglers who'd rather bring a rod they'll actually want to fish.
Fishing frogs and heavy cover? Meet the Bullfrog.
The Bullfrog is a 7'4" heavy-power, fast-action casting rod designed for frogs, jigs, and swimbaits. A wider base and stronger backbone help you haul big bass out of the slop and drive home hard frog hooksets. It's built on a high-modulus carbon-fiber blank with Fuji Alconite guides, super-grade cork, and a graphite reel seat that puts your finger right on the blank. Hand-threaded art above the handle finishes it off.
- 7'4" · Heavy power / Fast action · Casting
- Line 14–25 lb (mono) · Lure 3/8–1.5 oz
- Rod weight: about 5.5 oz
- Handle length: 11 in
- 2-year warranty against defects
Good to know
When will it ship?
In-stock orders ship within 2–3 business days, with tracking. Made-to-order apparel, stickers and prints are printed and shipped separately, so your order may arrive in more than one package.
How much is shipping?
Shipping is calculated at checkout based on your address. The Cerus ships in its compact travel case at the standard carrier rates shown at checkout. Full-length rods like the Bullfrog ship for a flat $25 per order within the U.S., packed in a rigid PVC tube.
Is the warranty real?
Yes. Every Sonoran fishing rod, including the Cerus, is covered by a 2-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If your rod breaks within 60 days, send clear photos of the whole rod, the break, and the model-name section to info@sonoranrods.com. If the break is from a defect, we'll repair or replace it at no cost. Breaks that aren't from a defect, or that happen after 60 days, can still be replaced for a fee. Full warranty details.
What if it's not right for me?
Unused items can be returned or exchanged within 14 days of delivery. Contact us before sending anything back. Return postage may be your responsibility.
How small does the Cerus pack down?
The 6'6" rod breaks down into four 21" pieces, so it packs down to 21". It travels in the included protective case, which is about 22" long, 4" wide, and up to 6" deep. Small enough for a suitcase, a backpack, or the trunk.
Does the reel come spooled?
No. The combo reels ship unspooled, so you can load it with the line you like. The Cerus is rated for 4–10 lb mono.
What if it arrives damaged?
Take clear photos of the item and the packaging, and contact us right away with your order number.
Your next trip deserves a real rod.
Cerus Travel Spinning Combo. 6'6" rod that packs down to 21", reel, and travel case. $319.99. 2-year limited rod warranty.
Complete the Kit
Sun-ready layers for the trip.
Want something one of a kind?
I also build custom rods, and I build every one of them myself. Tell me your target species, technique, preferred length, power, action, and grip material, and I'll build around it. Typical build time is 3–5 weeks, plus 3–5 days for shipping, depending on part availability and design. Custom builds start around $300 and go up with your choice of parts and thread art. Half the rod price is due upfront, and the second half plus shipping is due when your rod is finished.
Ask about a custom build (choose the custom rod inquiry option on the form).