Fishing Poles?

Like someone pointed out, The use of a willow branch would be just as useful as a telescopic fishing pole.
Trot lines or fish traps are a great thing to learn.

Check out these threads :-
www.abovetopsecret.com...

www.abovetopsecret.com...

These were great threads from Dan Tanna.

If you really wanted something functional I would go with a good sturdy fixed spool reel, and a good telescopic rod.

I used to have a great small spinning reel as a kid and it was so basic that it could not go wrong. I am still looking to purchase one again.