Telescopic fishing rods are simply any type of fishing rod which is made up of tubular sections which fit inside of each other. This allows the rod to be collapsed down to a small size making it easy to transport and store. However, the telescopic design of such rods also weakens them and compromises the rod’s casting ability when compared to two or three-section rods.
Most telescopic rods are cheap and cheerful spinning rods, typically designed for mackerel fishing. The very cheapest are usually made in China and are between 5ft and 8ft in length and cast around 1oz (28g). Such telescopic rods are sometimes sold in sets consisting of the rod, reel, line and a number of lures. While these rods and sets will be lacking in quality and refinements compared to more expensive fishing equipment, they are massively popular with children and young people and many people gain their first experience of sea fishing with this type of rod and reel set-up.
Pros and Cons of Telescopic Rods
One of the major advantages of telescopic rods is that they are easy to both store and transport. A 10ft spinning rod will break down into two 5ft sections, but the same size telescopic rod will be a little over 2ft in length. Cheaper telescopic rods are also likely to be extremely bendy and flexible, meaning they are more forgiving of casting styles and as many telescopic rods are so inexpensive they can easily be replaced if they are damaged.
On the negative side, telescopic rods will, as mentioned, not perform as well as two or three-section rods of the same size. Casting distances will be shorter, they will be less effective at playing and landing fish, and even pulling out of snags can be more difficult with a cheap telescopic rod if they are overly flexible. Another issue is that anglers should ensure that telescopic rods are clear of sand, mud or any other substance before they are closed, as this can scratch and damage the rod. Furthermore, telescopic rods should not be over-extended they may prove difficult/impossible to close again if they have been opened too forcefully.
Telescopic Rods Available to Anglers
Unbranded telescopic rod and reel sets (which include line and lures) are available for very low prices from online retailers such as Amazon, some of which are sold as sets containing a telescopic rod, reel, line, lures and other tackle. Other more recognised brands make telescopic rods which will be of higher quality, although at a higher price. A relatively new development is the telescopic beachcasting rod. Brands such as Shizuka, NGT and Angling Pursuits manufacture full-size 12ft telescopic beachcasters. While there is no getting away from the fact that such rods will not perform as well as two or three-section beachcasters when it comes to casting or reeling in fish, they will still catch fish. Occasional anglers, holiday anglers and those looking for a backup or spare rod will all find a use for this type of telescopic beachcasting rod.
See the suggestions below for a range of telescopic rods and sets, available from Amazon (please note: these are affiliate links where British Sea Fishing earns a small fee at absolutely zero additional cost to the buyer).
This set contains a fibreglass telescopic fishing rod, a front-drag fixed spool reel, carry bag and numerous other accessories. A number of different rod lengths are available, all of which collapse down to a small size making this set ideal for travelling anglers.
This rod and reel combination from Shakespeare is ideal for anglers looking to catch species such as mackerel around the coastline of the UK. The telescopic Firebird rods are available in four sizes, ranging from a 2.4m (7ft 10ins) rod which casts up to 25 grams (just under 1oz) to a 3m (9ft 10ins) version which casts up to 50 grams (1¾oz). The fixed spool reel comes supplied pre-spooled with line.
This rod is a full size (12ft) beachcaster which is telescopic, meaning it can be collapsed to a small size, making it easy to store and transport. It can cast weights between 100 - 200 grams (3½ - 7oz). It is made from a composite material and features a screw-winch reel seat.
Summary
Telescopic rods are not for all anglers. Those fishing rugged coastline with rough ground and strong tides will not be able to use telescopic rods, nor will anglers fishing for the largest and most powerful species. But for anglers fishing in the summertime from sheltered harbours, piers or bays who are targeting smaller species such as mackerel, telescopic rods make perfect sense and remain highly popular. The range of telescopic rods available from Sea Angling Shop – all of which come as sets with a reel and line included – can be viewed by clicking here.