A telescoping handle for a fishing rod includes a first cylinder having a first diameter, a second cylinder having a diameter greater than that of the first cylinder, and a third cylinder having a diameter greater than that of the second cylinder. The lumen of the second cylinder receives the first cylinder and the lumen of the third cylinder receives the second cylinder. The fishing rod has a butt end received within the first cylinder. An annular flange is formed in the proximal end of the first cylinder, a flexible and resilient material is wrapped around the distal end of the first cylinder and a radially inwardly extending annular crimp which the annular flange abuts is formed in the second cylinder. A cam is inserted into the lumen of the second cylinder at its distal end and locks the handle in its retracted or extended position and any intermediate position.
