I have purchased two of the goliath pen rod and reel combos (one for a friend), they are decent quality and I have brought in a 6lb rainbow trout with it. People who give bad reviews of these bits of kit are most likely not using them correctly. You fight the fish with the drag on the reel NOT the rod. If you try bending into a decent fish with the rod it will most likely break. Lifting fish out the water with the rod will also most likely knacker it, use a net, hand or even hold the line and then pull fish up out of the water. Play fish with the drag and tire them out and you won't have any issues. I have a decent 6 section travel rod that I use but having the ability to have a pen size rod I can stick in my pocket is a bonus. I would recommend one as long as you use it properly. The 6lb rainbow was caught on a gold fly flicker on 3lb line.
