Last fall I got into creek fishing, but a problem I consistently ran into was getting my rod caught in branches, having to set my rod in the water to get around logs, and just general unwieldy-ness. The racket I made was not enjoyed by the fish, and usually spoiled possible honey holes. I've been thinking about telescopic combos, but I don't know where to look. I'm wondering if anybody has any input on cheap (around $100 or less) telescopic rods? (These fish are chubs and sunfish so ultralight is preferred.)

  For those species and something that won't break the bank, look into the 4'6" to 5'6" Okuma Celilo.  I don't think there's a better ultralight rod for less than $30.

Hell man, that's perfect! I'm putting it in the cart!

the pflueger trion is my ultralight of choice for creek fishing, handles both panfish and creek smallmouths really well

 

i use the smallest Mr. Crappie panfish jighead size and a Mr. Crappie 2" grub (electric chicken is the best color in my creek)

4 minutes ago, Kenny Yi said:

the pflueger trion is my ultralight of choice for creek fishing, handles both panfish and creek smallmouths really well

I've heard talk of creek smallies around me so I might snag one of those, thanks man!

From what I know, the Celilo is not a telescopic rod. Are you truly looking for something telescopic or just a shorter rod so you're nimbler while wading the creek?

short 5'6 or 5'0, I use a shakesphere featherlight and its fine, I go cheap because you will be banging it through thick brush and cover and there is no point in buying a nice rod if you are going to trash the thing. anything more than 50$ is overkill because you will break it fishing in skinny overgrown creeks. and Basspros ultralights have quality issues, but I wont go into that

 

1 hour ago, redmeansdistortion said:

  For those species and something that won't break the bank, look into the 4'6" to 5'6" Okuma Celilo.  I don't think there's a better ultralight rod for less than $30.

Good solid rod for the price, The blank is fair and it comes with SIC guildes so you wont burn through the eyes with thinner diameter lines used for creek species. I own one and the blanks run slightly heavier than most UL but its not by much and it takes a hell of a beating, thing has some battle scars

2 hours ago, Finessegenics said:

From what I know, the Celilo is not a telescopic rod. Are you truly looking for something telescopic or just a shorter rod so you're nimbler while wading the creek?

Really I was looking for something telescopic, something able to be put into a backpack and not stick out too far, but the Celilo seems like a great fit if I'm not able to find exactly what I'm looking for

Most of my creek fishing is now for trout but I understand where you are coming from. 

My creek rods are two pieces and around 6' at max. Even then, i still end up with the tips hitting branches and leaves now and then. All are ultra light rods. I have had luck with daiwa presso, spinmatic and okuma celilo. No tips broken yet.

My reels have been up until recently, daiwa QG 750 series and shimano Sahara 500. Last year i tried out the piscifun carbon x 500 size. I do know the daiwa and shimano can take quite a few dunks and keep on ticking. I'll have to see how well the carbon x holds up this year.

I use anywhere from a 6' to a 9' fly rod on small creeks and up to a 7' spinning rod too.  If hiking is the issue, there are some things that really help the may seem obvious but aren't, or at least weren't to me.  Always when going through brush or bushwhacking have the rod tip pointed behind you with the tip only a little above shoulder height if possible.  This will put the spine of the rod, and not the eyes in contact with any branches and help them to slide off without getting hung up.  it also allows for you to throw the rod to the side if you fall and have very little chance of landing on it as it will only be the butt section ahead of you.  

There will always be times you have to set a rod over or under an obstacle, comes with the territory.