A non-separable two-piece fishing rod includes a first rod section; a second rod section structured to matingly join the first rod section in an end-to-end engaged configuration; and a retention member having a first member end secured to the first rod section and a second member end secured to the second rod section, the retention member being constructed of flexible resilient material and being structured and dimensioned to create a longitudinal force between the first and second rod sections; the retention member being structured wherein the force created by the retention member between the first and second rod sections prevents the first rod section from separating from the second rod section in a casting operation. The fishing rod includes a latching mechanism, a latched indicating mechanism, a slowed connecting mechanism, and gripping means.