There are some facts you need to know before purchasing a telescopic fishing rod. Some anglers praise them, while others are not about their features. As with all the rods, they have their advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you know them all before deciding if you should get a telescopic rod or not.
Telescopic Fishing Rod Explained
Before diving deeper into the topic, let’s ensure you know exactly what telescopic rods are.
Generally speaking, they are any type of rod that you can collapse and make shorter. Therefore, they are easy to transport. Particular parts are fixed together, so you get a full-size fishing pole when you pull them out. The special design allows you to put particular parts into each other when you collapse the rod.
Usually, they are between 1-2 feet long when collapsed. The length of the extended rod varies. Thanks to this, telescopic rods can be chosen based on your needs.
Telescopic rods were invented over a century ago. In the beginning, they were used mostly by fishermen who fished in more remote areas – as they have to carry a rod for a long time, it is better to have a smaller size. Nowadays, many anglers choose telescopic rods because of convenience. You can not only transport them easily, even in your bag, but they also take up much less storage space in your home.
These types of rods are now more developed and use modern technologies. This is why you can find telescopic rods on the market that are as good as regular ones, with all the additional benefits.
If you have a telescopic rod, be sure to open it slowly and with control. If you do it too harshly or way too fast, you might have difficulties with closing the rod. Also, be careful when you fish in sandy areas – particles of sand can get into the joints and cause damage.
Telescopic Rods: Advantages and Disadvantages
As with any type of rod, a telescopic one has its strengths and weaknesses. While choosing any rod, remember to take into account your own preferences. Something that can be a big benefit for you might not impress other anglers, and vice versa.
Advantages of Telescopic Rods
Small Size and Easy Transportation
The first and biggest advantage is the size of the rod. Of course, when collapsed, they are smaller than a classic rod. Because of that, you can carry them around in your backpack. There is no need to transport them in a big car, as they are also lightweight.
They are also a perfect choice for people who love to fish on their vacation. You can transport collapsible rods in most carry-on baggage without the stress that they can get damaged in cargo transport.
Price
You can get telescopic rods at a very affordable price. However, be aware of who made them. If you choose some untrustworthy producers, you probably won’t be happy with the rod’s properties. Having said that, you can find inexpensive models of good quality.
The lower price can be a huge advantage for beginners. If you have just started fishing, you might not know how everything works. Surely you don’t want to additionally worry about possible damage.
Versatility
You can take a telescopic rod anywhere and anytime you want. The good news is that you can catch almost any type of fish with it. Because of that, they are a great choice for beginners, as well as more advanced anglers, who want to enjoy a small fishing trip without the need to carry long and heavy rods with them.
Disadvantages of Telescopic Rods
Risk of Damage
When you open and close a telescopic rod, you have to do it right. Otherwise, you can quite easily damage the rod. People who aggressively open a telescopic rod need to close them back using force, and because of that, wear and tear happens faster and shortens the lifespan of telescopic rods.
On the other hand, if you don’t use enough strength to open them, they can be loose, and parts can rotate while you fish.
The other “risk factor” that makes the lifespan of telescopic rods shorter is the fact that particular parts can move inside other parts, leading to quicker damage to the line guides.
Some Usage Limitations
It is true that you can catch a lot of species with a telescopic rod. However, if you are hunting for a particular big species, such as wels catfish or big carp, this type of rod probably won’t be enough. It also won’t help you with catching bigger species of saltwater fish.
The other problem is with the telescopic rod’s action limitations. This type of rod is usually slow to medium. You can rarely find fast-action telescopic rods. So, if that is the action you need, you might spend more time searching or simply need to choose another type of rod.
What to Pay Attention to While Choosing a Telescopic Fishing Rod
You surely want to get the best telescopic fishing rod for your needs. While choosing, have your needs in mind. Also, think about the price and the rod’s durability.
You can choose a telescopic fishing rod made of fiberglass, graphite, or different composites. Fiberglass is heavier and more flexible. These rods are usually cheaper and more durable. Because of that, they are a perfect choice for beginners.
Rods made of graphite are stronger, lighter, and usually a bit thinner. However, they cost more than fiberglass ones, and if you use them roughly, they may get damaged quickly. This is why they are recommended for more experienced anglers, who will enjoy their much higher sensitivity.
A telescopic rod is a great choice if you need something compact. Take it with you, and enjoy fishing without any transportation problems. Remember that whichever fishing rod you choose, the most important aspect is to fit your personal needs.
