The Ultimate BFS Travel Rod for 2025? Tsurinoya Intruder Stream Game
As the designer of the Kistler Hunt BFS rod series and an avid BFS (Bait Finesse System) angler who regularly explores the mountain streams of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, I’m always on the lookout for gear that combines performance with practicality. Today, I’m excited to share my first impressions of the Tsurinoya Intruder Stream Game 4-piece BFS travel rod, specifically the 564 ultralight model.
Table of Contents
Why Consider a BFS Travel Rod?
While I typically prefer my custom-designed Kistler Hunt BFS rods for their superior performance (they’re widely considered some of the best BFS rods on the market), there are times when portability becomes crucial. Whether it’s tucking a rod into my Tesla for a quick getaway or joining my wife on a Jeep adventure, having a compact travel rod can make the difference between fishing and wishing.
First Impressions of the Tsurinoya Intruder
The Tsurinoya Intruder immediately impresses with its compact design. At just 21 inches when collapsed, it’s incredibly travel-friendly while extending to a functional 5’6″ when assembled. The rod features:
- 10 Fuji KW guides with optimal spacing
- Weight: 68g
- Lure rating: 1-8g (perfect for BFS applications)
- Four-piece design with solid connections
- Attractive charcoal finish with subtle green accents
- Premium velvet-feel carrying case
Price-Performance Ratio
At $68 (purchased during a sale on AliExpress, normally $76-78), the Tsurinoya Intruder represents exceptional value. While some might be skeptical of budget-friendly travel rods, the inclusion of Fuji guides – typically found on rods in the $300-400 range – suggests attention to quality where it matters most.
Check current price on AliExpress →
How It Compares
I’ve tested several BFS travel rods, and here’s how the Intruder stacks up against its competitors:
Lemar Wind Shadow
- Length: 4’6″
- Price: $52
- Best for: Spinners and lightweight minnows
- Limitation: Struggles with larger fish
View Lemoren WindShadow on AliExpress →
Bone Voyage
- Length: 6’3″
- Price: ~$200
- Lure rating: 3-10g
- More bass-focused but stiffer action
Check out Bone Voyage on AliExpress →
The Tsurinoya Intruder seems to hit a sweet spot between these options, potentially offering enough backbone for bass while maintaining the finesse needed for trout.
I have fished the Windshadow quite extensively, including landing a couple of (at the time) Personal Best trout on it. It’s a blast to use, but just doesn’t;t have any meaningful backbone to handle fishing for bass.
The Bone Voyage feels much more like a typical light-action bass rod. But unfortunately, it still has;t been slimed after a couple of trips. Hopefully, next time I take it out I can catch something on it!
Initial Thoughts and Future Testing
After my first outing with the Intruder, the rod shows promise. The fast action feels responsive, and the build quality suggests durability. I currently have it paired with the HiStar Aurora Air. I think the rod is more capable of lighter eights than the reel, so we’ll see how long this pairing stays together.
I plan to put it through its paces with:
- Trout fishing in mountain streams
- Light bass fishing scenarios
- Panfish and crappie testing
Early Verdict
For bait finesse anglers seeking a versatile BFS travel rod without breaking the bank, the Tsurinoya Intruder warrants serious consideration. While it remains to be seen how it handles real-world fishing situations, the specifications and build quality suggest it could be the ideal compromise between portability and performance.
Stay tuned for a full field test report after I’ve had the chance to properly test it during my upcoming May fishing trip.
This review is based on initial impressions. Check back for updates after field testing.
Note: Links in this post may be affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links.
