Long thought to be cheap at best and just for kids at worst, telescopic fishing rods have gotten a bad rap.
Not only are they neither, but they are also just as good as any traditional two piece rod out there.
And they have some added advantages.
Storage is not an issue when you can fold up your rod and knock it down to little more than the length of a small umbrella. Throw it in a backpack in case you need to hike to your favorite fishing hole.
Let’s dive in to see why you may want to buy one and which are the best telescopic fishing rods out there today.
Advantages And Disadvantages
Though I love to use a telescopic fishing rod, there may be some things that you don’t like. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons to see how they stack up.
Advantages
No more expensive fishing cases to purchase, no checking your rod, and no worrying about baggage handlers breaking it. There is a lot less planning necessary to go fishing with a telescopic rod. Whether flying, driving, biking, or hiking to your fishing destination your rod can unobtrusively tag along.
Do you live in an apartment with only a closet for your outdoors gear? Then you can have several rods and still only take up as much space as a couple of shoe boxes.
In addition to being highly portable, these rods can be stronger than standard fishing poles. Because they are in sections, stress and weight are more evenly distributed along the arc of the pole. This keeps the pole from snapping. Is there anything worse than struggling with a large fish for a while only to lose it due to a broken pole?
Disadvantages
Because most of the disadvantages of using a telescopic rod can be attributed to user error, it is helpful to be aware of the weak spots. First of all, when opening and closing the rod too quickly can cause it to break.
Whipping the pole into the open position is a sure way to ruin it. Care and patience must prevail when opening and closing your rod.
Fail to secure each segment tightly and you’ll find it collapsing on its own or worse, spinning during use, which will cause it to bend unnaturally and break under strain.
What To Look For In A Travel Rod
Unfortunately, even though there are some very high quality telescopic fishing rods out there, there are also some inferior ones.
Here’s what you should look for so you know you’re getting quality.
Action
A rod’s action describes where along its length it will begin to bend under load. Fast action rods are stiff for most of their length, bending near the tip. By contrast, slow action rods begin to give closer to the handle and reel seat, curving over a much greater percentage of their length.
Even the best telescopic fishing rods can be slow since they have to have sturdy construction to last. This means that trying to fish with lures that require fast action may not be possible with many of the telescopic rods available.
For instance, the tip of the rod may not twitch enough to do any walking the dog type surface fishing.
Power
Power describes how much force is required to bend a rod. Together with its action, a rod’s power tells you a lot about how it will perform.
A heavy power rod will resist quite a bit of load. These are used for the biggest, strongest fish, including tarpon, tuna, shark, large pike, and lake trout. A medium power rod is ideal for bruisers like big redfish, most pike, big walleye, and fish in the neighborhood of 10-15 pounds. Light and ultralight rods are designed for fish such as specks, trout, crappie, and bluegill.
Power describes a rod’s strength. Action tells you where it wants to bend.
Many telescopic rods offer up plenty of power. They have a lot of backbone due to their very nature so they can be quite tough.
Guides
These are generally the weakest link to any fishing rod and are the quickest things to end up breaking.
They can also get worn down quickly depending on the type of line you use.
For instance, braided line tends to do a number on guides and wears them down very fast.
They need to be silky smooth, protecting your line from a hard fight, and they need to be durable and strong. Fishing gear takes a beating, and if the guides break or deform with every impact, they simply won’t last.
Stainless steel is a good place to start, but without polished inserts like ceramic, or silicon carbide (SiC), abrasion can still be a problem.
Assembly And Disassembly
How quickly you can assemble your rod is a factor as well. You want it to be easy not because you are lazy but because if you have to force it open then you risk breaking something. As I mentioned, guides are easy to break so you want this process to be smooth.
Breaking it down also needs to be a fairly smooth endeavor, but it shouldn’t collapse too readily. If it does then it might mean that it can get loose while you are fishing which could spell disaster.
Handle
What material the handle is made out of is usually reserved for personal preference.
That said, however, you want to have it be a material that will hold up to the rigors of fishing and the elements. Not only should it be durable but it should offer non-slip grip.
Your hands will be wet and sweaty most of the time so you don’t want to lose your grip due to low quality material for the handle.
Our Top Picks
Hurricane Mako Telescopic Rod
Summary for box: Quality doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re on a budget then this is the ticket.
If you are on a budget but still look for quality then let’s start our best telescopic fishing rods list.
When you already have a trusted reel that you like to use then this is a nice option since it is just the rod and not a combo.
Its length of 7 feet makes it appropriate and effective as a longer casting rod. It is also quite sturdy due to its fiberglass construction. This material also makes it tough and able to cope well in salty water.
Another outstanding feature is the rod blank, which is divided into six sections each containing a compartment which makes it easily collapsible and portable for you to move it around.
The Mako Telescopic Rod by Hurricane is a bit more of a heavy-duty option than most of the competition that is better built to handle bigger fish. Its inherent design is also likely to hold up to wear and tear better than most alternatives in the long run.
There are no added extras, no travel case and no unnecessary features with the Mako. This is one of the best telescopic fishing rods and nothing else. This is your best option if you’re a more experienced angler who wants to avoid paying for low quality tackle and for a reel that will only last a season.
Use it as a cheap backup to your primary rods in case something breaks and it will perform as well as you need it to. You may even find it performing better!
Eagle Claw Pack-It Spin Combo Telescopic Rod
Summary for box: Another wallet friendly is this combo that stands up to some fighting fish.
Don’t be fooled by the low low price of this combo. It is still one of the best telescopic fishing rods even though it is very cheap.
This affordable and lightweight telescopic rod has durable fiberglass construction and is suitable for the beginners as well as the veteran anglers. The guides are made out of solid stainless steel with ceramic for extra durability and lengevity. Ideal for the on-the-go angler, the fishing rod accommodates line weight ratings of 4 to 10 pounds test. Featuring a glass blank material, the fishing rod is built tough to withstand the most rugged conditions.
It has aggressive action that I would classify as medium fast. This action makes this telescopic fishing rod excellent for hurling top water lures including spinnerbaits, buzz baits and crankbaits. The fiberglass material incorporates sensitivity and light weight to fashion a rod that makes it easy to cast far.
The EVA foam handles have a reputation for sturdiness, comfort and awesome grip. Also, it enables easy cleaning off of collected dirt and debris such as slime, fish oil and protein. All you need to use is detergent to clean the gunk away. The EVA foam grip also enables easy placement of the fishing rod for long periods in a beach spike or rod holder. In addition, the EVA foam grip ensures effortless and secure holding.
The yellow color provides easy visibility. The guide wrappings ensure secure and durable attachment of the double-footed line guides around the shaft. The ceramic guides provide a smooth channel through which the fishing line is routed along the length of the shaft, ensuring protection for the investment you make on your fishing line.
There is a total of five sections, ensuring that each section locks in place for reliable performance. The rod has three guides plus one tiptop to deliver accurate line placement consistently along the rod’s full length. It handles lure weights from ⅛ to ½ oz, and is perfect for use with a matching spinning reel.
Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Pole Combo
Summary for box: Making a name for themselves with some very high quality fishing gear and this telescopic fishing rod is no exception.
Ignore the hard to pronounce name of this telescopic fishing rod. It is one of the best out there.
The Sougayilang is made of top grade carbon fiber, so it’s among the most durable. It has excellent elasticity; it’s sturdy and reliable.
Included is a spinning reel that features CNC machine cut handle that’s collapsible, which makes this also a collapsible fishing pole. The full metal screw reel is adjustable, too.
Its lightweight is ideal for traveling and carrying it around. It weight about 0.12 to 0.35 kg. And at almost 6 feet long when fully extended it makes for a good freshwater rod or for chasing smaller baitfish on the salt. The rod features a line laid oscillation system and aluminum spool with high tensile gear.
The body is ultra-thin and compact when you collapse it. As far as action, I would put this in the medium to fast category. You won’t get much movement on top water, but jigging and diving lures will have some nice wounded fish features that will attract the prey.
As far as the reel goes, it is quite surprising how good it is and well engineered. The XY spinning reel has a hardened metal main shaft, perfect mesh drive gear and precision machined pinion gear for fish fighting power. If you have ever burnt out a clutch from fighting a tough fish then you will appreciate how well this holds up.
I would rate this as being ideal for landing fish up to 10 pounds. For the salt, I might target bluefish or small stripers.
It comes with a great carrying case with a padded interior to keep the rod in pristine condition when you aren’t fishing. And it takes up the same space as a shoebox.
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod And Reel Combos
Summary for box: A great value this kit comes with everything you need for a fishing trip including line, lures, and various fishing hooks.
Perfect for saltwater fishing, the rod has stainless steel hooded reel seats that ensure reliable resistance to corrosion, a dominant issue considering the conditions you will be fishing in. The reel seats ensure secure attachment of a reel, for wobble- and jiggle-free capture of the fish.
That jiggle is something that seems to happen to most telescopic fishing rods but luckily is not present in the Plusinno.
The rod itself is of a very high quality graphite construction, which offers lots of sensitivity to the angler. Recognized for being extremely delicate and sensitive, graphite poles let you feel even the tiniest nibbles on the bait that fish do at the end of the line, transmitting the vibrations to your hand so you can begin to set the hook for landing the fish.
The fishing rod delivers medium or moderate action, bending over the last half of the unit or at about the middle. This superb flex is great for long distance casting and hurling of small lures or flinging live bait without having to throw them off the hook. The medium action also delivers sufficient hook setting capability.
This proves to be ideal for the use of treble hooks, top water lures and crankbaits along with other reaction baits including spinnerbaits. The extended handle provides more area of leverage on the rod to facilitate control.
One area where I wish they focused a bit more attention on is the guides. They are aluminum to ensure light weight and are supposed to have resistance to corrosion from the saltwater. I feel like they are a little flimsy and may give after you’ve had the rod for a while and use it for fighting fish that love to pull back.
Of the best telescopic fishing rods, the Plusinno is one of the most compact. It whittles down to a mere 20 inches long.
KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Pole
Summary for box: Only high-quality components including stainless steel guides, graphite reel seats and EVA handles are used making the Blackhawk II.
KastKing is a leader in making all types of quality fishing rods. If you need convenience then take a look at the Blackhawk II.
I love that this telescopic fishing rod is compatible with various spinning reels, but has been found to offer the same excellent results when paired with baitcaster reels, as well.
The reel seat of this option has been built using CNC machined aluminum which means that it is impervious to corrosion and has a very high chance of being used for many years to come.
Part of the overall item durability also originates from the 3-point stainless steel guides that have ceramic inserts, thus giving fishers the freedom to utilize either mono or braided fishing line, depending on their own preferences.
What’s more, the guides are entirely corrosion-resistant, as is the rest of the rod. This detail makes it one of the top choices when it comes to fishing in saltwater and freshwater. All the angler has to do after a fishing trip on the beach is to give the rod a good rinse.
If you are a kayak fisherman then you will love that you can store this easily in most hatches or even in your milk crate if you don’t fill it to capacity like I usually do!
It is available in 14 different sizes from 6 feet 6 inches up to 8 feet. Action ranges from moderate to moderate fast to fast so choose carefully depending on how you plan to fish.
Will you be doing chunk baits? Then something stiff is best. Tossing lures that need some movement? Then better to go with fast.
Utilizing high-quality Toray carbon fiber blanks, the performance of this six-piece telescopic rod will match that of a single blank. The rod uses Castflex technology which is a unique way of multi-layering the carbon fiber cloth, giving it superb performance.
The six-piece section can easily fold down into itself and extend within seconds, and the use of the safety fishhook connector ensures the rig is kept intact without the need for reassembling every time.
AGOOL Telescopic Rod And Reel Combo
Summary for this telescopic fishing rod box: Though it isn’t the cheapest on the list, it does include everything you need to get started fishing.
The overall quality appears to be top-notch, and you can either use it as a traveling rod or as a backup rod. For a beginner angler, this rod is very easy to use. It comes with everything you need to start fishing right away. The pole is made from high density and high elasticity carbon fiber.
Combined with the high conductivity ceramic guide rings, you’re going to feel every nibble so be ready to set the hook. The reel is already spooled with braided line for even more sensitivity.
There is even carbon oxide wireline in the guides for smoother casting that is less likely to result in birds nesting. This is especially important when using braided line as if it snaps back it gets fouled up. Even though that doesn’t happen with the Agool, if you prefer to use something other than braided line feel free to swap it out.
The EVA handle is soft and comfortable and provides a good grip. It is anti-skid and has sweat absorption properties. Like other rods, this too has CNC aluminum spool with a 5.5:1 gear ration. It has 12+1 steel bearings and features thick coiled bail springs. The clutch is one way to prevent reverse casting for a smooth cast.
It is a long lasting rod that is convenient to use and is worth every penny.
Throw in all the lures and tackle and you have quite the bargain. Even the case is top notch to keep it in good shape for a long time to come.
High Altitude Brands Lightweight Portable Telescopic Fishing Pole
Summary for box: The smallest of the telescopic rods reviewed it comes in at only 16 inches and weighs a paltry 6 ounces.
Unlike some cheap telescopic rods, which probably won’t even last long enough to catch a few fish, the High Altitude Brands rod is designed to be your rod of choice for years to come. As mentioned, it is extremely strong and designed not to break when placed under extreme strain.
Though it is yet to be a household name that fishermen are familiar with, don’t let the lack of brand recognition fool you.
This is a high-end rod that also happens to be one of the best telescopic fishing rods out there. Oh, and it costs less than the KastKing.
Even though it is very high quality and made of good, strong materials, the High Altitude Brands telescopic fishing rod is also lightweight coming in at only 6 ounces. This has a number of benefits and is essentially one of the main things I look for when I buy a new extendable rod.
Featuring a carbon fiber design, the High Altitude Brands telescopic rod is extremely strong. In my eyes, this is an absolute must for any telescopic fishing rod, no matter how cheap they are.
Telescopic rods are naturally a little weak due to the fact that they are made up of a number of short pieces effectively slotted together. 24 Ton Toray carbon fiber & M6 graphite materials used in this rod make it a perfect blend of strength, sensitivity, and power.
Summary
This list of reviews of the best telescopic fishing rods should hopefully open your eyes to how they have really come along over the years.
Gone are the days when you think of the Popeil Pocket Fisherman when the topic of telescopic poles comes up!
These days you get the same performance that you would expect out of any rod with the added bonus of it being extremely portable. It’s a perfect solution for anybody short on space. Or, if you plan to have to hike to your favorite fishing hole. For the camper who wants to maximize space, I can’t think of a better option than the best telescopic fishing rod.
If you have any questions about these or other fishing rods drop a line in the comment box below and I will get right back to you.