A Complete Guide to bass fishing -

Can You Float Fish with a Telescopic Rod?

Float fishing is a classic, enjoyable method for catching fish. It’s a favorite because it offers simplicity and excitement as you watch the reel and float dip when a fish bites. But can you float fish with a telescopic rod? Many anglers ask this, especially those looking for portable gear they can carry on trips or tuck into small spaces. Today, we will dive deep into telescopic rods and explore whether they are suitable for float fishing based on our experiences, opinions, and tested recommendations.

A Complete Guide to bass fishing -

What is Float Fishing?

Float fishing is a technique where a float, also called a bobber, keeps your bait suspended in the water. This helps present the bait at the right depth, increasing the chances of catching fish. The float visually alerts you when a fish bites, making it an engaging method, especially for beginners.

For float fishing for trout, a well-balanced rod is essential to ensure smooth casting and quick responses to bites. The type of rod you choose directly impacts your fishing experience, and that’s where telescopic rods come into question.

What Is a Telescopic Rod?

Telescopic rods are designed for maximum portability, collapsing into themselves for easy storage. Unlike traditional rods, which are one or two pieces, telescopic rods consist of multiple segments that collapse into the handle, making them ideal for spontaneous fishing trips when space is limited.

Their main advantage is convenience. Lightweight and compact, they can fit in a backpack, making them perfect for hiking, biking, or traveling. Despite their portability, they can still extend to 10-13 feet, offering a quick and easy setup for impromptu fishing sessions. While lighter than traditional rods, they work well for smaller species or calm waters. However, there are trade-offs when it comes to performance, particularly in float fishing, where sturdiness may be a concern.

We have a detailed article on Telescopic Fishing Rods. Do give it a read!

Can You Use a Telescopic Rod For Float Fishing?

The Challenges of Using a Telescopic Rod for Float Fishing

However, when it comes to float fishing, we’ve found some real challenges with telescopic rods. One of the main problems is durability. Telescopic rods have more joints compared to traditional multi-section rods. Each joint is a potential weak spot. While we’ve had good experiences with some models, we’ve also encountered issues like snapping when handling larger fish or getting sand in the joints, which can render the rod unusable.

Another issue is the rod’s action and sensitivity. Float fishing requires a good feel for the fish’s bite. With telescopic spinning rods, we often notice a delay or lack of sensitivity, especially when targeting smaller fish. This can make it harder to detect subtle bites, reducing your chances of success.

Additionally, the line tends to stick to the rod blank on telescopic models, which affects smooth casting and reeling. This problem is something we’ve repeatedly noticed. Traditional rods or multi-section rods tend to perform much better in this regard, making them the preferred choice for experienced float anglers.

Telescopic Rod vs. Multi-Section Rod – Which is Better for Float Fishing?

We’ve tried both telescopic and multi-section rods, and for serious float fishing, multi-section rods come out on top. Multi-section rods, such as tele rods such as the JW Young’s Travel Trotter, are far better balanced and easier to handle during long fishing sessions. They also don’t suffer from the same durability issues as telescopic rods. When fishing in challenging conditions—such as from piers, rocky shorelines, or targeting larger fish—a multi-section rod is much more reliable.

You might find it helpful: Can You Use a Telescopic Rod for Sea Fishing? Not Every Time!

That said, for spontaneous or casual fishing trips where convenience outweighs performance, telescopic rods can still hold their own. If portability is your priority, and you’re not planning to cast a fish for hours or target large species, a telescopic rod can be a good choice.

Recommendations for Float Fishing with a Telescopic Rod

While telescopic rods aren’t perfect for float fishing, they can still be used effectively with the right setup. Here’s how we get the most out of them:

  • Choose the Right Rod Length: For float fishing, you want a rod that’s at least 10-13 feet long. The extra length helps in casting farther and controlling your float better. Telescopic rods come in various lengths, so choose one that gives you enough control.
  • Use Light Line: Since telescopic rods can’t handle heavy-duty fishing as well as traditional rods, we always use light lines (4-6 lb). This prevents the rod from snapping and also helps with sensitivity. Using lighter gear makes the rod perform better in float fishing scenarios.
  • Pick the Right Floats: We recommend using smaller, lighter floats, such as stick floats or loafer floats. These floats are easy to manage and work well with telescopic rods. The combination of a lighter float and a light line reduces strain on the rod and makes for smoother casting.

You might want to read: How To Transport Fishing Rods? Tips for Every Vehicle Type

Our Experiences and Opinions – Telescopic Rods Are Not Always Ideal for Float Fishing

Over time, we’ve found that telescopic rods are best suited for the job and specific scenarios rather than being an all-rounder. If you’re float fishing on calm water or targeting smaller fish, a telescopic rod can work fine. We’ve used them for short sessions in local ponds or streams with no issues.

However, for bigger fish, rough water, or longer sessions, telescopic rods just don’t hold up as well. The convenience they offer in size and portability doesn’t make up for their lack of durability and sensitivity. In such cases, multi-section rods are a far superior choice.

In float fishing, control and balance are key. And when you’re using a telescopic rod, you’re sacrificing some of that control. This is especially true when you’re dealing with unpredictable conditions or larger species. That’s why, while we appreciate the convenience of telescopic rods, we don’t recommend them for serious float fishing.

Suggested Telescopic Rods for Float Fishing

If you’re set on the idea of using a telescopic rod for float fishing, here are a few options we’ve tried and found useful for casual fishing trips:

  • KastKing Blackhawk II: This rod is affordable and offers decent performance for a telescopic rod. We love its portability and ease of use. It’s ideal for light float fishing, but don’t expect it to handle big fish (Read More: Can Telescopic Rods Handle Big Fish?)
  • Daiwa Procyon Tele: For a higher-quality option, the Daiwa Procyon Tele is a great choice. It offers better durability and balance than many other telescopic rods, making it a solid contender for casual float fishing trips.

Check more recommendations on the Best Telescopic Fishing Rods That We Use & Recommend

FAQs

Can I use a telescopic rod for float fishing for trout, including brook trout or stocked trout?

Yes, you can use a telescopic rod for float fishing for different types of trout, such as brook trout or stocked trout. While it may not provide the same sensitivity and control as traditional rods, it works fine for smaller species or casual fishing trips.

What trout fishing lures work best with a telescopic rod for float fishing?

Telescopic rods work better with lighter trout fishing lures. Spinners, small crankbaits, or stick floats paired with light lines are great choices for float fishing with a telescopic rod, especially when targeting brook trout or stocked trout.

Are telescopic rods suitable for casting heavier trout lures or trout baits?

While telescopic rods can handle some trout baits like worms and minnows, they are generally less effective for casting heavier trout lures. Using a lighter setup with lighter lures or baits is recommended to prevent strain on the rod and improve your chances of success.

Is it difficult to detect bites from brook trout or stocked trout with a telescopic rod?

Telescopic rods tend to have less sensitivity compared to traditional multi-section rods, making it harder to detect subtle bites, especially from smaller trout like brook trout. A lighter line and float can help improve bite detection.

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Meet Jack Morrison, our experienced captain at FishChart. With over 15 years of fishing know-how in Cape Cod, Jack knows where to find the best spots and how the ocean behaves, making every trip rewarding. He's certified in weather analysis, ensuring accurate forecasts for safe and enjoyable outings. Jack's expertise in safety and navigation ensures everyone aboard has a successful and pleasant journey.