The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

I have a 9-foot, 5-weight rod (which i would consider the "classic" trout fishing rod for california) that breaks down into 4 peices. the hard tube/case i have for it is just over 2' long. it fits fine in overhead compartments in airplanes, and have flown with it as part of my carry on across the country without issue. also gone on lengthy road trips as well. works great, packs great. i also use it for high country back packing in yosemite (and it works great), and car camping many other places. ive never felt the need to go any smaller than that. Hope this helps narrow down your decision a little.