Slickline cables and methods for preparing such cables are disclosed. A slickline cable includes a pre-manufactured polymer composite rod having a channel therein; an optical fiber disposed in the channel; a fastener securing the optical fiber in the channel, wherein the fastener is selected from the group comprising a polymer tape, a polymer layer, and a combination thereof, and an outer tube disposed outside the polymer composite rod having the optical fiber therein. A method for manufacturing a slickline cable includes preparing a polymer composite rod having at least one channel therein; placing at least one optical fiber in the at least one channel in the polymer composite rod; securing the at least one optical fiber in the at least one channel using a polymer tape, a polymer layer, or a combination of a polymer tape and a polymer layer; disposing an outer tube over the polymer composite rod.