have any of you used or currently use a telescopic rod?
I remember any telescopic rod I saw 20 or 15 years ago were really cheap made, I bought a travel telescopic rod to my daughter 8 years ago and it was fun, she loved the rod until it broke on a fish when she was lifting and bounching a fish with the rod, I never bought another telescopic rod again, that was 2008 if Im not mistaken.
lately I've been seeing some modern telescopic rods that might be really nice as backpack rods or to carry them on the car everyday, Daiwa, penn, DAM, kastking blackhawk II, Sougayilang, plusinno, etc that you can see videos of reviews and opinions of them on the web, most of them are good.
I also see some guys on the other side of the pond, customizing telescopic rods with good quality guides, like the next one I'll show you.
any one has experience with good quality or best bang for the buck telescopic rods ?
I have been using telescopic rods since I shore fished in Japan 15 years ago. I have 2 Shimano telescopic rods. I have used it for striper fishing on the Sacramento river and have landed 10# stripers. I have also used it shore fishing for bonefishing in Hawaii and like how it is easy to transport. I think Japanese mail order fishing sites have a good selection. Good luck.
I have been using telescopic rods since I was little ( in fact I grew up around them) , repaired and modified several. They are very convenient for transport and are good for coarse fishing and some lure fishing. I have in my possession a Berkley short bolognese rod that was repaired by me and is in active service.
I got a "throw-in" partial (bottom 5 sections) older Yong Sung pole (Korean?)
looks like really nice thin-wall tobacco glass -- good building blocks
I`m back to those also.
They are getting better and better, way easier to handle.
(https://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/uploads/monthly_2019_12/5dfb6545780a8_Picture004.jpg.912ce75d22a9f8ac72a9f9c4b68d5deb.jpg)
(https://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/uploads/monthly_2019_12/5dfb6543eacdd_Picture002.jpg.3e211e21b0cf520f2a9d67939270455e.jpg)
(https://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/uploads/monthly_2019_12/5dfb654268223_Picture001.jpg.d7076a79a1d6e28dfd9796628633c609.jpg)
(https://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/uploads/monthly_2019_12/5dfb654069668_Picture003.jpg.ba97f6520cd7e0101489759014b8f65d.jpg)
thanks guys for your replies
I have a plusinno telescópic 2.4mts rod a friend gave me because it had a broken tip and a twisted guide by a good hit.
I put a new tip and I was thinking to fix the guide but after seeing those custom jobs on factory telescopic rods I think this rod will have a mayor face lift job, better guides and my personal touch on a custom wrapp.
I did a lift test with the rod and I could lift and bounce my tool box which weight average 9#, so it should be good for spotties sand bass and triggerfish by the shore.
One thing I would suggest is to get rid of the stock guides, put collars on the ends of the segments and below them wind a new set of guides. It will make repairing the rod much fater. Also replacing the tip with a solid one makes a whole lot of difference in regards to durability.
Generally, yes, even better, buying only such rods from the start. But this one shown above from OP is just a play thing, so no need, or purpose.
extra-thin UL solid glass tips are crazy fun to abuse, super-sensitive (VISUALLY, only!), and virtually indestructible
not so good for casting distance/accuracy & you wouldn't want them on a better rod (or much longer than 2') because of the weight
but, for a short-sectioned "knock-around" telescopic that's kinda' heavy, anyway, it's a great idea!!!
especially, if you want to catch baitfish, then re-rig the same rod to use that baitfish
only issue is finding a quality tip-top w/ small-enough tube (or 2-wire attachment)
Quote from: Tile on February 15, 2020, 02:33:36 PM
....Also replacing the tip with a solid one makes a whole lot of difference in regards to durability.
Quote from: philaroman on February 16, 2020, 06:29:03 PM
extra-thin UL solid glass tips are crazy fun to abuse, super-sensitive (VISUALLY, only!), and virtually indestructible
only issue is finding a quality tip-top w/ small-enough tube (or 2-wire attachment)
thanks, I have the problem of the tiptop covered, I good friend gave me some old school carboloy tiptops on diferent sizes, actually the rod already have one installed, now I need to find some good quality one leg guides for it.
I plan to use it mostly for small fish from the shore with bait, so the flexible solid glass tip will work wonders with 4# triggers or 2# spottybass here in Baja.
I've been downsizing my rods and reels when fishing from shore with the kids cuz it makes the fish more fun and this kind of telecopic rods will make it 3x easier to transport that even 2-pc 9ft rods that I was using.
this one supposedly 3/4 of the rod is made of graphite and the last two section are glass.
@tile, I kind of loss on the "collars" on the end of the segments, what do you mean with collars? (trims of thread to reinforced the segment end with epoxic?)
not saying all solid UL glass tips are the same
the top <1' of mine can be bent into a complete circle
(damsel flies won't land on it -- too bouncy, LOL)
never handled a tip-top w/ #3 tube, but I bet it would be too big
smallest I had (4.5 ?) needed a sleeve/insert,
made from the very tip of a broken graphite UL
These collars were found on older rods but no one offers them anymore :( . The best option is wrapping the guides as normal.
by collars, do you mean what looks like a tip-top,
but w/ a perfectly smooth, cylindrical, open-end tube?
here is the modern Fuji version: https://www.fujitackle.eu/fuji_telescopic_rod_guides
...and I have an old, small one where the "pipe" (collar?) is metal, welded to the guide frame
it was the tip-top on a 3m composite Euro Shakes
I think, for an optional spring/wire light-bite indicator
Look how those Fuji are serrated. Nice detail.
Usually those cheap ones fall off sooner or later. If not tied.
I never had luck with tele rods, few were stuck in open position and the rod just did not feel right, mostly el cheapo rod I tried I chucked.
I have a new love for 4 piece fly rods :-)
These days virtually all top end fly rods are 4 piece - it doesn't affect the action like older spigoted rods. Absolute delight for travelling. A couple of years ago I had a blast fishing for barramundi and giant snakehead, in Thailand, with a 4 piece fly rod. The rod easily fits in a suitcase - no more extra checked in rod cases. I just wish they were allowed in carry on luggage (Not in the UK/Europe, same with reels and line >:().
That is why I like telescopic rods with wrapped guides. The reason is that the wrapping and the guide take the section out of round and prevent full lockup.This was true when I repaired my short bolognese rod which had 2 segments stuck and I got them unstuck very easy after removing the wrapping and guide.
I have just waxed joints on my rods. At the exit point, and then spin them back and forward all around.
I will try to post some photos later, but I have three of the Kastking Blackhawk II rods (two spinning and one casting). The casting rod is a 7'6" MH Inshore model, and it feels like a real fishing rod. A little thin on the tip but it is supposed to be solid glass and flexible. I probably wouldn't want to tackle a 10 lb striper or red with this, but for smaller fish especially bass it seems fine.
Every now and then you might have to adjust the guides to keep them in line. (mostly an issue with the floating guides near the tip, not so much of an issue with the wrapped guides at the end of each section.)
I have this one, I'm guessing it's a 80's era Hawaiian Angler. I use it to catch bait occasionally.
Virtually all modern fly rods are 4 piece now. Some of the longer two handed salmon rods are even 5 or 6 piece.
I've been using Orvis rods for a number of years they just suite me better than most I've tried.
I did used to have a telescopic spin/fly rod - the handle could be turned round to accomadate a fly or spinning reel. I've no idea what happened to it :-\ But it was cheap and nasty.
I was just thinking about buying one of these 20'er as a glorified cane pole for crappie fishing https://www.grizzlyjig.com/p-196-shooting-star-telescopic-series-w-foam-handles.aspx
Hi Thrasher, if you want to see how these rods work, try viewing Japan "ayu fishing" on the web. Amazing what the 20 ft rods can do.
Quote from: thrasher on February 24, 2021, 01:43:07 PM
I was just thinking about buying one of these 20'er as a glorified cane pole for crappie fishing https://www.grizzlyjig.com/p-196-shooting-star-telescopic-series-w-foam-handles.aspx
The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten - Benjamin Franklin
if you want real telescopic crappie fun, forget reels and seats and guides... oh, my
spend way more than $15 & spend it mostly on blank -- i.e., proper modern fixed-line pole
I have tried regular cane poles but keeping my line tight so the wind doesn't push my bobber under the pier or all over the place is a pain. I know I can twist line around the tip to adjust height but the silly reel makes it easier ;D I was skeptical of the whole telescopic thing but seeing how people have success with them I figured $25 was a small investment to give it a go.
It's a two piece telescoping, not a travel rod, but I built/adapted this sweetie (https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=30226.msg351456#msg351456) a few ago & it works just fine. I use it a lot when I'm lazy fishing. I don't take things seriously with it, though, it's just plain fun to use. I've never lost a fish on it but if I did it wouldn't be the end of the world. There will always be another. ;)
Quote from: thrasher on February 24, 2021, 04:40:39 PM
I have tried regular cane poles but keeping my line tight so the wind doesn't push my bobber under the pier or all over the place is a pain. I know I can twist line around the tip to adjust height but the silly reel makes it easier ;D
[within reason] you can compensate for wind/chop by selecting correct float style
(and I do mean finesse "float" -- anything sold as "bobber" ain't likely to qualify)
not suggesting you actually buy the overpriced Japanese works of art & fancy Euro synthetics
I'd be more likely to hang those on Xmas trees, rather than chuck 'em into brush-piles
just research the purpose-specific float styles & DIY w/ cork, balsa, boo skewers, quills, etc.
I've spent minimal $$$ to upgrade my quills from Goose to Porcupine (also, excellent non-scratch picks)
...basically, meandering around THAT rabbit hole -- can see inside enough to learn / not payin' to de$$$cend ;)
I use Thill balsa pencil slip floats, I just called them bobbers. When you have 4-5 rods hanging on the rail of a pier trying not to get tangled or encroach on my neighbors rods I find having a reel to bring in slack or let out a little line is far easier. The main point I was trying to make is that I was hesitant to buy a telescopic rod but seeing how people do actually like to use them I may try one.
got it... a 20-30' fixed-line pole is definitely more of a "one rod-in-hand, from the bank" scenario
still, your float choice is good for price/availability/versatility & mediocre to poor for anything specific
even Thill has MUCH better options among packaged specialty floats, as opposed to Wally-bin, by-the-piece Thill
get a good assortment of smallest Center-Slider, Waggler, Shy-Bite, Mini Stealth, etc.
one or more of those styles will outperform the generic budget pencil, in EVERY situation
start a Float thread if you want me to really blather/pontificate -- 'nuff hijacking :D
I was mistaken on the spinning rods being BlackHawk II rods. They are a prior version with wrapped guides except for a floating guide or two near the tip. One is a 5'10" MH MF 8-17 lb line, 1/4 to 1/2 oz lure. The other is 8'10 MH MF 12-27 lb line, 1/4 to 3/4 oz lure. The casting rod is a BlackHawk II Inshore 7'6" MH Mod Fast 10-25lb line, 3/8 to 1 1/4 oz lure.
I went out in the yard and picked up 3 pounds of lead with each, and they definitely bent over, mostly towards the last 1/3, but had no trouble lifting the weight. If one is designed for 27 lb line, it should be designed for 9 lbs of drag. Lifting weights like this is not typical of fishing, and each could have handled more lbs of drag bending less when fighting a fish.
I also did the same with a 6 ft one piece Shimano worm and jig spinning rod (M MF), and it lifted the same weights with a bit less curvature, and had better guide placement.
Still, the three Kastking telescopic rods feel like real rods (not the toys of yesterday's telescopic rods) and while they are not my favorite rods, they are passable. Their key benefit is that they are portable and packable.
I just read some of the reviews on the Kastking site. While I have had no issues, it appears that about one in 10 of the reviewers had rods break sometimes just from casting. If you get one try it out during the return period and make sure it is not defective. Don't know about kastking.com but amazon typically has a return window on these.
Bought a chinesium 19' rod a few years back and was reasonably happy with it. Few months back, it shattered when I overloaded it casting a 2 ounce weight. One rod cost $90 and an identical one sold a few months later sold for $20. Don't know which one broke. Bought another cheapo chinesium 16' as backup.
Would buy a good one if I could find one that's got the length and light weight, but haven't been able to find any other than the chinesium stuff. Anyone got suggestions?
The singular big drawback with telescopic rods is the inability to place guides around the fighting curve of the rod, especially the tip section being most vulnerable. Years ago my wife and I picked up some rods for our first every Tigerfish trip on the Zambezi, and she elected for the telescopic version of the Shimano range that suited the weight class we were using. I opted for the multi-section travel version. My 6 piece rod came home, her telescopic never made it past the first day. Both were rated equally, but just the ability to overload the tip caused the failure. Second trip, she opted for the multi-section. we still have both after 20 years of use.
I have a pair of the Shimano Exage STC rods, 50g and 100g. Excellent rods that go anywhere. The heavier BX 100gm is a real beast, great for big lures from the beach. The lighter AX model caught my first baramundi in Thailand - very dependable tough rods.
Quote from: Jeri on February 27, 2021, 06:41:08 AM
The singular big drawback with telescopic rods is the inability to place guides around the fighting curve of the rod, especially the tip section being most vulnerable. Years ago my wife and I picked up some rods for our first every Tigerfish trip on the Zambezi, and she elected for the telescopic version of the Shimano range that suited the weight class we were using. I opted for the multi-section travel version. My 6 piece rod came home, her telescopic never made it past the first day. Both were rated equally, but just the ability to overload the tip caused the failure. Second trip, she opted for the multi-section. we still have both after 20 years of use.
That's the reason Kastking and some others use "floating" or sliding guides near the tip of the rod, with the rest of the guides being wrapped. Not a perfect solution, but I suppose it helps. I may have to try one of the multi-section rods.
Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on February 27, 2021, 11:25:03 AM
I have a pair of the Shimano Exage STC rods, 50g and 100g. Excellent rods that go anywhere. The heavier BX 100gm is a real beast, great for big lures from the beach. The lighter AX model caught my first baramundi in Thailand - very dependable tough rods.
Quote from: SteveL on February 27, 2021, 01:52:25 PM
That's the reason Kastking and some others use "floating" or sliding guides near the tip of the rod, with the rest of the guides being wrapped. Not a perfect solution, but I suppose it helps. I may have to try one of the multi-section rods.
The Shimano Exage series of rods are exceptional blanks, unfortunately they do suffer slightly from poorer quality components and some design faults. Have their spin travel rods, and had to rebuild because of guide insert failures. Had their boat travel rods, and again inserts were an issue. Subsequently, when we moved to Africa and started our custom rod business, the Exage Surf became a frequent model inthe workshop for repairs on 2 guides of the 8 on lust about every rod we saw - just a spacing flaw, but very frequent occurrence.
Apart from that, the blanks are superb, just not available to the general public as a purchase item, though the pricing of the rods is such that the costs of a rebuild with quality components makes them a very valued piece of fishing equipment. My little 6 piece, 9' spinning rod feels almost small enough to carry in my pocket, and has landed several Tigerfish over 20lbs.
Yup - same here Jeri - two guides on the AX I've replaced - inserts dropping out. But they are still the first rods to go in the suitcase :)
our local store selling Tsunami telescopic rods. did anyone tried them?
I have 5 different rods but they all less than 6 feet.
I have two that I bought years ago at the lowest price I could find - one is 9' the other a bit over10'. I used them as travel rods for fishing for tiddlers off breakwaters etc. when on foreign holidays and they have been great fun. One is a Shakespeare, the other I can't remember, Leeda perhaps. The action of one is terrible and the other a bit less bad but I am amazed they have lasted so long given the sea and sand they have endured! But, great in the suitcase for whiling away an hour or two and it wouldn't break my heart if I carelessly trod on one.
For 'proper' fishing on holiday, I would pick a multi-section travel rod designed and built for that job with good quality rings and reel seat and an action fitting the intended method and quarry.
Having said that, some of the telescopic rods I saw in tackle shops on mainland Europe were amazingly expensive and few anglers seem to use anything else when fishing the coast; certainly nothing like a UK beachcaster.
I have a 14' Shimano Aperto Iso XT that I use for striped bass in the Sacramento river. I use a 60gm weight without problems. Got it while vacationing in Japan. Have you tried Japanese tackle websites?
one youtuber shows few telescopic rod from Japan. My only concern is to choose right model,
another is how to return if it doesnot work.
Daiwa also has new model
https://daiwa.us/collections/travel-packs/products/daiwa-travel-combo
don't know if it's still true, but in general,
good Japanese is VERY expensive
Koreans come close for much less