I’ve always loved fishing—and I love to travel. But the two don’t always go together. Most of the time, I fly with only hand luggage, and packing a full-size fishing rod just isn’t possible. I searched the internet high and low for a truly compact fishing set with a real working reel, something I could always keep with me. But I found nothing that met my needs.
So I did what any maker would do—I designed one myself for myself.
That’s how Fish8r was born. It started as a small project just for me, but quickly grew into something much bigger. The very first version was a simple insert that fit into an Altoids tin. But after putting it on MakerWorld not everyone had those metal boxes, so I created a custom printable case. You can print altoid insert here.
Later I needed a fun birthday card for my friend, so I designed a 3D-printable KitCard version—a flat print-in-place A6 sheet with all parts ready to cut out and assemble into a real fishing set.
As more people found my design on MakerWorld, they started asking if I could print one for them. That’s when I decided to make a professionally printed sets using strong carbon fiber filament—durable, lightweight, and perfect for travel. While this isn’t professional-grade tackle, it’s fully functional and absolutely capable of catching fish.
The biggest challenge was the rod. Designing something small and strong enough to work, yet printable on most 3D printers, wasn’t easy. After a lot of trial and error—and some inspiration from traditional Japanese wood joints—I created a 4-part, 600mm rod that prints beautifully and handles over 1kg of tension without breaking.
So now, after a full year of design, testing, and real-world fishing, I have something I’m proud of: A complete fishing set that fits in your pocket and goes anywhere.
How You Can Get One
You can choose how to experience Fish8r:
- Buy a professionally printed set right here, made from quality carbon fiber filament, included quality fishing line, hooks and weights all ready for fishing.
- Or download the 3D files on MakerWorld https://makerworld.com/en/models/1402284 and print it yourself if you’ve got a 3D printer at home.
It also makes a fun and thoughtful gift for your fishing buddy, your kids, or anyone who loves nature, travel, and clever gadgets.
Compact, creative, and actually works—Fish8r is a conversation starter and a fish-catcher in one.
Safety Note: Always be cautious near water. This set is small and safe, but water isn’t. Never let young children play near water without adult supervision.