Choose a telescopic fishing rod for travelling light

Telescopic fishing rodsare perfect for people who want their angling equipment to be portable and versatile.

Although fishing purists and experienced anglers may not opt for this type of rod, it has many advantages for those who like to drop a line occasionally or combine their fishing with other outdoor pursuits.

Telescopic outfits are designed to collapse down into a small piece of equipment that can be transported easily, before opening up into a large rod once you reach the water.

Rods as large as 20 or 30 feet can be closed up to under two feet with a telescopic model, which means this kind of rod has become popular with surf fishermen.

Many anglers of this discipline favour telescopic fishing rodsover two and three-piece models because the shorter sections mean that the rod has more eyes, which translates to improved control and a greater power curve. 

Telescopic rods can therefore offer the user further casting and are less likely to break, as well as providing better fish-fighting abilities.

For this reason, people who go kayak fishing and those who like to cast off from a pier may also choose a telescopic outfit.

Other benefits of telescopic fishing rods include their general affordability and the fact they can be used in a variety of situations.

Casual anglers who plan to enjoy a spot of fishing during a camping trip or family holiday will often choose this type of rod, as its portability means it can easily be included with the rest of their gear and carried to remote areas.

When using telescopic fishing rods, you should look after them in much the same way as other types of rod, although it is particularly important to take care when opening and closing the sections.

This is because flinging the rod open rapidly is likely to cause damage and could make it difficult to close up later on.

Usually made from graphite, fibreglass or a composite of these materials, the rods often come with ceramic line guides and Hypalon grips.

As with other areas of the fishing market, buyers have a wide range of products to choose from when selecting a telescopic fishing rod.

Some manufacturers now offer so-called hybrid models, which are part telescopic, part multi-piece rods for those who want the best of both worlds.

When buying telescopic fishing rods, it is important to ensure you choose a good quality model, as poorly-made versions are more likely to break when they are being extended or closed up.