Snakehead fishing in the Philippines is a different kind of challenge. Whether I'm targeting the Haruan (Channa striata) or the powerful Toman or Giant Snakehead (Channa micropeltes), success often depends on accurate casting, the ability to work lures around heavy cover and having enough power to control a fish determined to bury itself in thick vegetation or spool you out.
For these situations, one of the combinations I've used on multiple fishing trips is the BONE VoyageX BXC664H Travel Rod paired with the ATC Combat V2 Bait Casting Reel.
What I appreciate about this combo is its combination of portability, casting performance and raw strength. And while snakeheads are among its primary applications for me, this setup is certainly not limited to them.
COMPACT DESIGN, SERIOUS POWER
The BXC664H is a 6'6" heavy-power, four-piece bait casting travel rod. Its compact construction makes it convenient to pack for local fishing trips and overseas adventures, without sacrificing the power I want from a “heavy power” setup.
The shorter length is particularly practical when fishing from a boat or kayak. It gives me better maneuverability in tight quarters and makes it easier to control a fish along side the boat, where excessive rod length can sometimes get in the way.
Despite its compact size, the rod's crisp blank, paired with the casting capabilities of the Combat V2, allows me
to achieve excellent casting distance and accuracy when targeting fish around vegetation, structure, open water and other productive spots.
BUILT FOR HEAVY COVER AND HARD-FIGHTING FISH
When a large Toman or Haruan strikes, I need a setup that can apply pressure and help turn the fish away from the cover before it becomes entangled.
The BXC664H provides the backbone, while the ATC Combat V2 contributes a robust “monster fish stopping” multi-disc drag system. Together, they give me a dependable platform for demanding situations where strength and fish control matter.
Snakeheads may be the main target, but the same qualities are useful when pursuing other powerful predatory fish.
MORE THAN JUST A SNAKEHEAD COMBO
One of the advantages of this setup is its wider range of fishing applications.
In freshwater, the BXC664H and Combat V2 can be used for other hard-fighting predators, including Barramundi, Black Bass and Peacock Bass, particularly when fishing around submerged structure, vegetation or other areas requiring robust tackle.
The combo can also be useful for brackish-water and saltwater inshore applications, targeting predatory species that respond to heavier lures and require strong equipment. Depending on local conditions, these includes powerful inshore game fish.
For me, the appeal is having a travel combo that can move between different environments and target different
predators instead of being restricted to a single species.
LIGHT ENOUGH FOR LONG CASTING SESSIONS
Heavy-power tackle doesn't have to mean carrying an unnecessarily cumbersome setup.
Snakehead fishing often involves hours of searching, casting and retrieving across challenging water. The
combo's lightness and manageable size makes it practical for extended sessions while retaining the power needed when a larger fish takes the lure.
Its versatility with lighter to heavier presentations also gives me room to adapt to different fishing conditions, provided the lures remain within the rod's rated limits.
MY VERDICT
The BONE VoyageX BXC664H and ATC Combat V2 makes a solid combination for anglers who want a compact, powerful bait casting setup for demanding fishing situations.
For me, it's a practical choice for snakehead fishing in heavy cover, but its usefulness extends to other freshwater predators, as well as suitable brackish-water and saltwater inshore applications.
It's compact enough for travel and boat or kayak fishing, manageable enough for long casting sessions, and powerful enough for situations where controlling a hard-fighting fish is essential.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BONE VoyageX BXC664H Travel Rod
Specification Details
Model : BXC664H
Series : VoyageX
Rod type : Bait Casting
Length : 6'6"
Sections : 4-piece
Power : Heavy
Action : Fast
Line rating : PE 1–2.5
Lure weight : 10-40 grams
Blank material : TorayCA 40 ton carbon fiber
Guides : Fuji K-Alconite
Reel seat : Fuji ECS
ATC Combat V2 Bait Casting Reel
Specification Details
Model : Combat V2
Gear ratio : 7.0:1
Retrieve : Left-hand or right-hand options
Maximum drag : Up to 10–12 kg, depending on spool
Bearings : 10+1 stainless-steel ball bearings
Frame : Aluminum
Gearing : Brass main and pinion gears
Braking system : Magnetic
Spool options : Shallow and deep aluminum spools
BONE VoyageX BXC664H + ATC Combat V2
Compact for travel. Powerful in heavy cover. Versatile across freshwater and inshore predator fishing.
One compact combo. Multiple predatory species. Freshwater to Inshore waters.
That's the kind of versatility and reliability I look for in a travel “heavy power” fishing setup.
— Chris Nucum
BONE Fishing World PH Field-Staff
Fishing Villa Tackle and Outdoor Pro-Staff