We do a lot of fishing when in the bwca but one challenge seems to be transporting fishing poles without being awkward or getting broke. We typically strap our poles to the canoe to keep them out of the way, but then they don't get used as much. I've always assumed that the telescoping fishing poles were not very quality (or potentially heavy) however I've never seen one in action. Anyone ever use these and if so what one you'd recommend?

To answer your initial question, I quit using telescoping rods when I transitioned from backpacking to canoeing. Perhaps they have improved, but I felt that you lost some sensitivity in rod responsiveness. .

To address the question of lashing poles, I never lash my fishing rods in the conventional sense. I go with one of two options. My preferred method is to tie a rod sock along side the gunwales, underneath the thwarts in a manner that doesn't constrict the sock itself. In other words, I want the rod(s) I'm using to easily slip in and out of the sock Then I strap down somewhere near the reel to help support the weight and anchor the rod (into the sock). If you place this anchor point somewhere near where you are sitting, you should be able to easily undo the lashing and withdraw your rod (like a pistol from a holster). If the traveling conditions are going to be particularly rough, I've also used a smaller rod tube for both transport and have anchored the tube in something of the same fashion as the rod sock (although I sometimes have to add zip ties toward the ends to add anchor points on the tube (if it doesn't otherwise have them).

I initially started down this road using the tubes you insert into a golf bag as a guide to the club handles, but this can be a problem with the larger eyelets of spinning reels (plus these don't offer the "end eyelet) protection of the methods mentioned above.

Lastly, if I'm looking for a shorter fishing pole for transport, I'm much more likely to go with a breakdown "travel" rod that comes in 3 or 4 segments. I'll always shoot for something in the range of 30" so it can be easily transported (commercial air, float plane or pack).

dd

I have had the same collapsible since 1996, it is a backpacking model but it goes with me 75% of my trips.

A 3# bass would be all it could handle, I'm not much of a fisherman so I am not much help here, but I would assume there are some sturdy quality collapsible poles out there.

Forget those collapsable or telescope versions of fishing poles. Just get a uglystick and be done with it. One tough rod and if you break it you are not out too much.

I now only use collapsible rods. I do not know if they affect my fishing, since I do not have a lot of skill in that direction anyway. I fish mostly to alleviate boredom (if that makes sense). What I really like is that they fit inside my pack, which is a must for me. I have gone the "tinker" route and had multiple items to carry over portages, and it just took too much time and effort to pack and unpack the canoe. As well as worrying about pole damage while portaging. So, with all that said, I have found some nice four piece graphite poles I like, and have good fishing with.

Unless it's a pretty high-end/high cost model, there's not enough sensitivity in your average telescoping rod. All of the time you save not worrying about being careful with it on portages can be spent wondering why you aren't catching any fish.

I'm an avid BWCA fisherman. I gave up on lashing full length rods to the canoe as the always seem to get damaged. I also found that telescoping fishing rods just don't have the strength necessary. Even if you are fishing for walleyes, you will inevitably hook into a Northern Pike which will likely be too much for the telescoping rod. I am a huge fan of pack rods. If you are unfamiliar, pack rods are 4 piece rods that pack down to less than 2 feet which would fit perfectly in your pack. Cabelas carries a number of brands including their own. A storage tube is included with some brands. I use a cardboard mailing tube to transport mine inside my Duluth Pack. Four-piece pack rods start at $35 and go up from there. Google "Pack Rods Cabelas" and you will see many varieties. I highly recommend giving pack rods a try.

I've used a telescoping fiberglass 6' fishing rod and have caught 24" lake trout, hammerhandle pike and the occasional perch or bass around 12-16". I stopped taking it on my canoe trips when I upgraded to lighter two-piece graphite rods at 6'6". It was just a personal preference.

I used to take a telescoping rod with a spinning reel on all my backpacking trips. It was actually one of my favorite rigs I've owned. I'm not an avid fisherman, though. I don't have it anymore, but if I did, I'd still be using it for camping trips.

It wasn't good for larger fish, though. I mostly used it for trout in mountain lakes in Colorado and small pond fish in TX. I don't think I'd use it in BWCA for bigger fish.

If you want a cheap, easy-to-pack rod/reel combo that telescopes, get the Eagle Claw Pack-it instead of the Shakespeare. They're both around $20-25 but the Eagle Claw is a better choice. I have used the Shakespeare and it's no bueno.

For around $40, you can get the Plusinno, which I've never used but seems to be a better quality rig than the other two.

You'll definitely sacrifice rod quality for the convenience of the telescoping rod... if you're not a serious fisherman, then you may not care.

You are right when you say you consider telescoping rods to be of low quality. Do not waste your money on them. Learn how to transport 1-2 piece rods; it is not that difficult.

I've been using a Fenwick SilverHawk 6' 6" 2-piece spinning rod for the past several seasons. I've been very happy with this rod, but with the sections measure slightly over 40", its too long to store in a pack or conveniently transport on a commerical flight.

Today, I received a Fenwick Eagle 6' 6" Travel 3-piece spinning rod. It comes in a padded tube with shoulder strap ... the tube measuring 30". This will be my alternative to the 2- piece. Still a bit longer than my 6' 6" 4-piece Bass Pro spinning rod that I take along for backup (broken into sections it measures 21").

I use all two piece rods. BDBed to the under side of two thwarts inside the canoe. Only broke one rod once when the pack strap grabbed the rod when I was picking up the pack.

I found a telescoping rod last year in the water at a portage in Canada. It had a nice reel on it. I just pulled it down off the shelf. It's only 4'6" and not much backbone. Not sure it would set the hook on a walleye very well.

I use 2 piece rods in a home made rod tube made of sewer pipe. I didn't like putting the rods on the thwarts, I was always worried about catching a tips when loading and unloading the canoe.
I use sewer pipe because it is a lot lighter then pvc.
I use a 5 piece rod when packing in a suit case going on vacation, but I don't like it as well as 2 piece rod. I definitely like the 5 piece better then a telescoping rod as I get a better feel of the bite and it is less likely to break.

The telescoping rods I've seen at cabelas seem more like novelty than anything else and low quality at that.

I'm typically a two piece rod man too. I can fit two inside a hard fly rod case that I have shortened. It does fit in a duffel.

I DO have my eye on St Croix's travel rod though. We'll see.

St Croix travel rod.

quote dentondoc "Lastly, if I'm looking for a shorter fishing pole for transport, I'm much more likely to go with a breakdown "travel" rod that comes in 3 or 4 segments. I'll always shoot for something in the range of 30" so it can be easily transported..."

I've used a cheaper 4 segment rod, probably $20, from Gander. Purchased in the early 90's. Could never be sure a section wouldn't let loose mid cast. But it packs nice. Never have a problem with my 2 piece 6ft. coming apart.

On another note when paddling the paddlers just put their pole behind them. It can be problematic with a duffer though.

strange, when I went on a Wabakimi Project trip, telescoping is all we had, caught some nice size walleye and NP, certainly bigger than you'd usually catch in BWCA, no problems, I have to admit I was skeptical until we caught several fish.

I use the Browning Travel Rod. It's a four-piece carbon rod with a hard travel case. I know with a multi section rod you lose some sensitivity, but at this price point, it's not a toy, and I've been quite happy with it.

I try to take a couple decent setups for myself in most cases, but always bring along a few 2 piece rods as well. 3-4 years ago, I got 2 Daiwa 2 piece spinning combos for $35. I was pretty surprised at how sensitive they were, and did not worry too much if they got snagged, broken, etc.
The telescoping rods are just not worth it in my opinion. They can't handle a fish of much size and the sensitivity is less than optimal to say the least.

quote bfurlow: "I try to take a couple decent setups for myself in most cases, but always bring along a few 2 piece rods as well. 3-4 years ago, I got 2 Daiwa 2 piece spinning combos for $35. I was pretty surprised at how sensitive they were, and did not worry too much if they got snagged, broken, etc.
The telescoping rods are just not worth it in my opinion. They can't handle a fish of much size and the sensitivity is less than optimal to say the least."

I have never considered using a telescoping rod (yech) ;)
They seem terrible, even compared to the medium-light, 2-piece, no-name graphite options available at KMart..
You can get a pretty darn decent 2-piece fishing rod for $30 nowadays.
With 5 rubber bands on board, they should stay lashed to your front seat while transporting.

i've done overkill and underkill for rod stowage and think dd's rod sock idea is right down the middle with convenience, protection and ease of use in mind.
personally don't care for telescoping rods. have not used one but in the store they just don't feel right.

I have never found a telescoping rod worth using anywhere. We take nothing but two piece rods. I designed a rod carrier made from canvas for the outer shell, padded material in the inside, velcro strips on the inside to hold the rods. Then roll up the rods and I have velcro straps that secure the rod wrap on the outside. I have a carrying strap attached at both ends.
Something similar can be purchased if you don't want to make your own.

Rod Wrap