Telescope rod for sea fishing

Can You Use a Telescopic Rod for Sea Fishing? Not Every Time!

Telescopic rods are often marketed as the perfect choice for anglers on the move. They’re compact, easy to carry, and can be a great solution for those who love fishing but don’t always have the luxury of space. But when it comes to sea fishing, where conditions can get rough and the fish can get big, are telescopic rods up to the task?

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using telescopic rods for sea fishing, highlight when they can be useful, and when it’s best to go with a more traditional or normal fishing rod. We’ll also provide our personal insights, recommendations, and experiences to help you make an informed decision.

Telescope rod for sea fishing

Quick Recap of Telescopic Fishing Rod: A telescopic rod is a fishing rod that collapses into itself, making it easy to carry and store. Unlike traditional rods, which are usually two or three pieces, telescopic rods can retract into a much shorter length.

Read a complete guide on What Is a Telescopic Fishing Rod?

Can You Use a Telescopic Rod for Sea Fishing?

In short, yes, you can use a telescopic rod for sea fishing, but with some caveats. Telescopic rods can be great for certain types of sea fishing, especially if you’re targeting smaller fish or fishing in calmer conditions. They are especially useful for beginners, those fishing for fun on holidays, or anyone who values portability.

However, if you’re targeting larger fish in challenging sea conditions, telescopic rods often fall short compared to traditional two- or three-piece rods.

This is true for surf fishing, but we’ve successfully caught bigger fish using telescopic rods in other conditions. Read our full guide here: Can Telescopic Rods Handle Big Fish? Real Life Experiment

Why?

Telescopic rods generally lack the strength, durability, and casting power needed for more challenging fishing scenarios. But that doesn’t mean they’re useless. Let’s dive into where and when these rods can shine.

Why Do We Love Telescopic Rods for Sea Fishing?

We’ve used telescopic rods in a variety of sea fishing scenarios, and while they aren’t always our first choice, there are definite perks to having one in your kit.

1. Portability is a Game-Changer

One of the standout features of a telescopic rod is its portability. You can literally carry it in your backpack or store it in your car without taking up too much space. For anglers who travel light or enjoy spontaneous fishing trips, this is a huge benefit.

When we’re hiking along a coastal trail or exploring new fishing spots, lugging a full-size rod is a hassle. But with a telescopic rod, we can be more flexible. We’ve pulled over by a pier or rocky shore and quickly set up without needing extra space. This convenience means we get more fishing done with less effort.

Being able to carry your fishing rod anywhere means you’ll never miss an opportunity to fish when the conditions are just right.

2. Quick and Easy Setup

Telescopic rods are easy to set up. You don’t need to worry about assembling multiple pieces. Just pull out the sections, lock them in place, and you’re ready to go.

We love using telescopic rods for casual, quick fishing trips where time is limited. It’s so simple to unpack, and within minutes, we’re casting our lines. For short trips where every minute counts, having a quick setup is a big plus.

No-fuss assembly means you spend more time fishing and less time setting up, which is great for impromptu fishing sessions.

The Downside of Telescopic Rods in Sea Fishing

While telescopic rods have their advantages, we won’t sugarcoat their limitations. Sea fishing is tough on gear. Saltwater, sand, and the sheer size of some fish mean that not every rod can handle the strain.

1. Durability Issues

One of the biggest complaints we’ve had with telescopic rods is their durability. They’re more fragile than traditional rods, especially when exposed to the harsh conditions of sea fishing. Saltwater can cause rust, and sand can get into the joints, causing the rod to wear out faster.

After a few months of using a telescopic rod in saltwater, we noticed that the metal parts were corroding, even with regular cleaning. The joints, where the sections collapse into each other, also started to feel a bit loose. Over time, we learned that telescopic rods need a lot more care if you want them to last.

While they’re not as durable as traditional rods, careful maintenance—like washing down your rod after each use and avoiding sandy environments—can extend the life of a telescopic rod.

2. Less Casting Power and Sensitivity

In our experience, telescopic rods simply don’t match up to the casting power and sensitivity of traditional rods. They’re great for lighter weights and smaller fish, but when it comes to heavy surfcasting or trying to land a bigger fish, they fall short.

We tried using a telescopic rod for casting heavier lures (3-6oz) in deeper water, but it couldn’t handle the load. The casting distance was limited, and the rod felt less responsive, making it harder to detect bites. Traditional rods, with their sturdier build, always gave us better control and accuracy.

If you’re targeting smaller fish or fishing in calm waters, telescopic rods work just fine. But if you’re aiming for something bigger, like tuna or cod, you’ll need a traditional rod for the extra power and sensitivity.

When to Use a Telescopic Rod for Sea Fishing?

There are definitely situations where a telescopic rod is a great option. Based on our experience, here’s when we think it’s worth using one:

1. Light to Medium Surfcasting

If you’re planning to do some light surfcasting, a telescopic rod can work just fine. This is especially true if you’re targeting smaller fish, like mackerel or perch. You won’t need a lot of power to cast out light baits or lures.

We’ve used telescopic rods in calm surf conditions and had success catching small fish. The lighter weight and ease of use made it a pleasant experience, especially for a quick trip.

Telescopic rods are ideal for casual sea fishing when you’re targeting smaller species and don’t need heavy tackle.

2. Float Fishing from Piers and Rocks

Float fishing, where you’re using lighter setups to catch fish like bass or mackerel, is another area where telescopic rods shine. Their portability makes them easy to carry to spots that might be hard to reach with a traditional rod.

We’ve taken telescopic rods to piers and rocks many times. The flexibility to move around and fish from different positions is a huge plus when you’re dealing with crowded piers or rocky shorelines.

The ease of transportation and setup makes telescopic rods great for fishing from piers and rocks, where space is limited.

We’ve covered this topic in detail in a separate article; do give it a read: Can You Float Fish with a Telescopic Rod?

Our Recommendations for Telescopic Rods in Sea Fishing

After trying several telescopic rods over the years, here are our recommendations for anyone looking to buy one for sea fishing:

1. Invest in Quality

If you’re going to use a telescopic rod for sea fishing, spend a little more and get one from a reputable brand. We’ve found that higher-end models, like those from DAM, Daiwa, or Shimano, hold up much better in saltwater environments.

We’ve had good results with brands like Shimano and Daiwa. They offer better construction, more durable materials, and are less likely to break under pressure. The extra investment pays off in the long run.

Spending more on a quality telescopic rod means it will last longer and perform better, especially in tougher sea conditions.

2. Use the Right Reel and Line

Even the best rod won’t perform well without the right reel and line. For sea fishing, you need a reel that can handle saltwater, along with a strong enough line to handle larger fish and tough conditions.

We pair our telescopic rods with corrosion-resistant reels, usually in the 4000 size range, and use a heavier line when needed. This setup helps us get the most out of our telescopic rods without compromising performance.

Using a saltwater-resistant reel and the right line can make all the difference in getting the most out of your telescopic rod.

3. Proper Maintenance is Crucial

One of the biggest challenges with telescopic rods is keeping them in good condition, especially after exposure to saltwater. Always clean your rod thoroughly after each use, paying special attention to the joints and guides to prevent rust and damage.

We’ve learned the hard way that proper maintenance is key to extending the life of telescopic rods. Washing down the rod after every saltwater session and storing it in a dry place helps prevent rust and keeps it working smoothly.

Taking the time to care for your rod ensures it lasts longer, saving you money in the long run.

Check our recommended Best Telescopic Fishing Rods

When to Avoid Telescopic Rods in Sea Fishing?

Despite their benefits, there are times when telescopic rods just aren’t the best choice. Here’s when we recommend avoiding them:

1. Rough Sea Conditions

If you’re fishing in rough waters or targeting larger species, a telescopic rod may not have the strength or durability to hold up. In these situations, we always opt for a stronger traditional rod.

We’ve tried using telescopic rods in rougher conditions, but they just don’t have the backbone to handle big waves or heavy fish. Traditional rods provide more control and stability, which is essential in these environments.

2. Heavy Surfcasting

For surfcasting with heavier weights (6oz+), telescopic rods often lack the power needed to cast far and accurately. When fishing for bigger species like cod or large bass, a traditional rod is a much better option.

Whenever we’re using heavier lures or targeting larger fish, telescopic rods simply don’t have the casting power or strength to compete. We’ve found that multi-piece rods are much better suited for these situations.

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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.