One of the main problems with a conventional fishing rod is that they’re just too long. They measure 8 to 10 feet in length, and that’s not always easy to bring along with you. And that’s why telescopic fishing rods are very popular. They’re just easier to bring along.
In fact, the first telescopic fishing rod was invented way back in 1887, because the inventor (Everett Horton) kept having entangling his fishing rod in branches on the way to his favorite fishing spots.
What’s a Telescopic Fishing Rod?
Basically, it’s a fishing rod that operates the same way. It folds out to match the length of a conventional fishing rod, but you can collapse it to a more portable size. When fully folded into itself, it may only be 18 to 26 inches long. That’s easier to travel with, compared to a full-sized fishing rod measuring 10 feet long.
Like regular fishing rods, telescopic fishing rods can be made from fiberglass or graphite. Fiberglass is the more popular option, since this material is both durable and flexible. It can bend without breaking, when you’re dealing with stubborn fish.
But graphite rods are more sensitive. That is, you’re able to more easily feel the slightest twinge when you have a bite.
Nowadays, you can go for a composite option that can combine the best of both worlds. You may end up with just the right combination of durability, flexibility, and sensitivity—along with portability!
Top Benefits of the Telescopic Fishing Rod
It should be easy enough to understand the advantages you get with a telescopic fishing rod.
It’s A Lot More Portable
That’s the most obvious advantage, isn’t it? Imagine you’re traveling by plane or by car and you have to deal with a 10-foot fishing rod? Exactly how do you bring this along with you? It’s just problematic figuring out how to deal with placing it in your car.
Then there’s the matter of holding that long fishing rod with you while hiking, on the way to your favorite fishing spot. You’ll experience exactly how Everett Horton felt more than a century ago, when his fishing rod kept getting caught in branches along the way. It’s not a fun feeling.
But when you have only a 2-foot rod to deal with, your problem goes away. It’s simply a matter of sticking it inside a backpack or bag. It sure is a lot easier. You won’t have to buy a special (and costly) case for your fishing rod. Since it fits into your carry-on luggage, you won’t have to worry about a baggage handler breaking your precious fishing rod as well.
They’re Very Affordable
Sure, you don’t want to go with the cheapest telescopic fishing rods. You still get what you pay for, and the cheapest rods just won’t work as well.
But the mid-priced models are fantastic, and can perform just as well as their longer counterparts. There are models that cost less than fifty bucks that even professionals really like.
They Work Just as Well as Regular Fishing Rods
It’s true that in the old days, you did have to sacrifice strength and other features to enjoy the benefit of greater portability. Those old telescopic fishing rods simply broke more easily.
But today, advances in flex technology and material design (especially for carbon fiber) have made these telescopic fishing rods just as good as regular ones. The best manufacturers have eliminated all the traditional weak spots, by evenly distributing the weight and material throughout the rod.
You just have to make sure you use the fishing rod properly, and that starts with opening it the right away.
- Place the butt of the telescopic fishing rod on a flat surface.
- Pull out each section gently, until you feel each section lock into place.
- Do the same routine for the next sections, until you’ve extended the fishing rod completely.
- Don’t snap the fishing rod into place, when you’re expanding the last section. That’s just unnecessary. You may damage your fishing rod, and maybe even hurt yourself.
- When you’re done with your fishing, just twist the sections until they loosen. That will then fold the telescopic fishing rod into itself, and you’re good to go.
You have to unfold the telescopic fishing rod right, or else something may go wrong.
It also helps if you get the right fishing rod, with a proper design. You need to make sure your telescopic fishing rod can fasten securely in place. If it doesn’t lock properly, then it can rotate and cause problems while you’re fishing.
You should also make sure your telescopic fishing rod can retract completely. If it doesn’t, then you’re more likely to end up with damaged guides.
If your telescopic fishing rod can completely retract but now it doesn’t, then you should check the joints for any trapped sand or dirt that prevents the complete retraction.
They Allow for Spontaneous Fishing
You don’t have to plan for your fishing adventure every time. You can just bring along your telescopic fishing rod as part of your EDC, like your knife.
Bring it along when you’re hiking, camping, or even while trail biking. If you happen to stumble upon a stream of water where there’s fish, then you’re always ready to get fishing.
Conclusion
You may want to consider telescopic fishing rods if you’re traveling constantly, or even if you just have lots of branches along the way to your fishing spots. With telescopic fishing rods, you’re always ready for a fishing adventure!