6 Tips for Maintaining and Storing Your Telescopic Fishing Rod

Telescopic rods offer all the features of a full-length fishing rod, with the convenience of collapsing into itself. It is ideal for those looking to pack small or those with limited space in their houses.

Although telescopic rods are as reliable as regular poles, some claim they are not as long-lasting. As a result, you have to take more measures to preserve and prolong the lifetime of your rod. 

But don’t worry. You came to the right place. We will share 6 tips for maintaining and storing your telescopic fishing rod. This way, you can keep your rod functioning longer and better. 

Cleaning Your Rod After Each Use

It is impossible to fish without getting wet. This includes your rod. That’s why it is crucial to dry your telescopic rod after each use. Just follow these steps: 

• Use a damp cloth to take away any dirt and sand. Make sure the fabric is clean, and pay close attention to the line guides.
• Next, use a clean cloth to dry your telescopic rod. Use a smaller piece to clean each line guide too. 

I recommend doing this after each fishing trip, especially if you are fishing the next day. This way, you can keep moisture and debris from accumulating. 

It is crucial to point out that you must do this after collapsing the rod. You won’t be cleaning the whole rod otherwise. 

Lubricating The Joints

Each section of a telescopic rod should fall in place without too much effort. You won’t want to bend or erode the joint, rendering the rod useless. 

That’s why it is crucial to lubricate each joint to keep them sliding smoothly. I particularly suggest using a lubricant spray. In other words, don’t use grease, as it is difficult to apply, you will make a mess, and more often than not, you will be using more than necessary. You might think that the latter is not a deal breaker. But it is. 

Using too much lubricant will do more harm than good, as the sections won’t stay in place. In other words, they will slip under pressure, making it difficult to fish. 

Can You Use WD40 On Fishing Rods?

Yes, you can. WD40 is a great spray. It is not only a superb lubricant, but it will also protect against corrosion. Yeah, I know. The body of the rod is not metallic. But the line guides are! So, make sure to apply WD40 to each one. You can use a clean cloth to do so. 

Do the same with each joint. Start from the bottom up and twist each section to ensure the area is well-lubricated. Collapse it and move to the next one once finished. 

You might not need to lubricate the joints after each fishing trip. But we do recommend applying some lubricant to each line guide to keep them from rusting. 

Clean the Inside

Most telescopic fishing rods, like the Daiwa Megaforce Tele Spin, come with an end cap. Although you can’t dislodge each section, you can use a clean cloth to clean the inside of the rod. This way, you can take sand and dust particles out and prevent them from damaging the internals. 

Some people yank their rods up and down to remove any rock or particle that might have found its way inside. I don’t recommend this, as you can damage a line guide. 

Handle Maintenance

Cork and EVA foam are the most common handle materials. Thankfully, the maintenance process is the same. Rinse them with abundant water if you use the rod on saltwater. Next, grab a clean towel and squeeze the handle to remove excess moisture. 

Sometimes, I wrap a newspaper around the handle to absorb it all. Sadly, there is not much newspaper paper around nowadays. You can use napkins instead. 

Cleaning the Reel Seat

The way by which the rod supports the reel could be either screwed or clipped in place. Either way, this area requires your attention as well. First, remove the reel. Use a damp cloth to clean the surface.

Check if the screw or clip needs lubrication. Apply some as needed. We recommend using WD-40 as it also protects against corrosion.

Fixing Broken Line Guides

Some angler dump their fishing rods away if one of the line guides break. This is like getting another car over a flat. So, check here before doing anything reckless.

How To Store a Telescopic Fishing Rod

It is time to discuss storage. Many anglers put their rods in the garage or basement and forget about them until the next fishing trip. Needless to say, this doesn’t do your rod any favor. 

Most telescopic rods, like the KastKing Blackhawk II, come with a tip cap and case. The cap protects the tip of the rod, which is the most sensible section of any group, including telescopic models. So, it is a good practice to put the cap on while the rod is not in use. 

Ideally, you want your telescopic rod to come with a hard case. Sadly, not all models come with one. Either way, you have to use the case regardless.

Once the rod is inside the case, it is time to put it away until the next fishing season. I usually store my rod vertically, including my telescopic model. This prevents unnecessary stress on the frame, which might end up bending in time.  

I also keep my rods in a cool, dry place away from sunlight in the garage. I use a dehumidifier to control the moisture. However, you don’t need to get one for the rod alone. I did it to keep the mold at bay. But note that you should keep the rod in a dry place regardless. This will keep the line guides from rusting. 

Can I Use A Telescopic Rod In Saltwater?

Yes, you can use a telescopic fishing rod in saltwater. Naturally, you need to clean it afterward. Not only because of the salt water but also because of the sand. That’s why I recommend adding one extra step to the process we described before: Rinsing the body with fresh water. 

Storage and Maintenance of Telescopic Fishing Rods

Now you know how to clean and store your telescopic rod properly. This way, you will extend its life span and keep it functioning as it was straight out of the box. 

The key lies in washing the rod after every use with a damp cloth. Dry it with a clean cloth, and lubricate it with WD40 or something similar. If saltwater is involved, then you need to add an extra step to the cleaning process. Rinse the whole body with plenty of fresh water. 

Make sure to remove all moisture from the handle and remove any debris from the inside. Once everything is done and dusted, put the tip cap on and stash it inside the case. Remember to place the rod vertically in a cool and dry place away from sunlight!