The 6 Best Telescopic Fishing Rods in 2024 – Buyers Guide

A telescopic rod makes an excellent travel rod, as it's lightweight and compact. If you're looking for a travel rod then check out one of the best telescopic fishing rods that we recommend here.
best telescopic fishing rod

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In our opinion the PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is the best telescopic fishing pole on the market at the moment. It comes as a full rod and reel combo, is very well priced, has a carrying case and makes a fantastic gift.

You can take my word for it as I’ve been fishing for more than 20 years now and have reviewed, broken and bought more rods than my wife knows about. For this review, we looked at over 500 individual reviews of rods to find the best deals for you. 

Image Product Details  
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest OptionKastKing Blackhawk II
  • High Quality Graphite
  • Saltwater / Freshwater
  • Multiple Sizes
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest KitShinePick Rod Kit
  • Most Accessories
  • Includes Spinning Reel
  • Great Gift
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBudget PickSougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod
  • Compact Size
  • Lightweight
  • Multiple Sizes
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Best Telescopic Fishing Rod Detailed Reviews

PLUSINNO Combo Rod & Reel Combo

PLUSINNO Combo Rod & Reel Combo

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Pros:

  • This kit features all the fishing gear an angler could need
  • One of the best spinning rods and reel around now
  • Non-slip foam handle for secure grip all-day
  • Anti-rust stainless steel components

Cons:

  • The reel is quite small
  • The sections can sometimes get stuck

While the PLUSINNO is one of the more expensive fishing rods on this list, it’s worth checking out. This rod and reel combo is among the best telescopic fishing rods you can buy for under $100. The smart design combines carbon fiber and e-glass, resulting in a strong backbone with lots of elasticity. It features top-quality components, like the stainless steel line guides and reel seat.

The non-slip polymer handle is comfortable and allows you to get a firm grip, even with slippery hands. This all translates to a smooth cast and the power and precision to land your lure exactly where you want it. PLUSINNO has put careful thought and exquisite workmanship into every element of this fishing rod telescopic design.

The reel seat comes with 12+1 ball bearings for smooth functioning, while the large spool can hold lots of line. All the parts are corrosion-resistant and anti-rust, so you’ll spend less time on tedious maintenance. The reel provides plenty of power to land the fish you catch.

All in all, this PLUSINNO kit features one of the best telescopic fishing rods on the market right now. Plus, you get everything else you need. No more shopping around – you can get right out on the water!

KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod

KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod

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Pros:

  • High-quality construction
  • Pre-rigged to save you time
  • Flexible yet strong rod

Cons:

  • Aligning the eyelets of the rod can be difficult on setup
  • The sections loosen with use (so you need to retighten them occasionally)

The KastKing Blackhawk II is a fast action, lightweight telescopic rod that comes in both spinning or casting models. You can take your pick from 14 different models, which vary according to length and power. This wide range of choices makes it easy to find the perfect rod for your needs.

This six-piece telescopic rod is made from durable carbon with a solid glass tip section. It has a smooth taper and multiple floating line guides, allowing for greater accuracy and line performance. The carbon matrix blank is sturdy, yet has just the right amount of flex. Also, the Blackhawk has some cool extra features like a hook keeper, reinforced reel seat, and comfortable EVA foam-handle. All this comes in at just under $50, so this rod is a steal.

If you like to travel frequently, the Blackhawk II is the ideal rod for you. It’s lightweight and portable, and you can even leave the line fully rigged and get casting quicker than ever.

ShinePick Rod Kit Fishing Pole and Reel Combo

ShinePick Rod Kit

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Pros:

  • Contains everything you need to get fishing
  • Very lightweight and portable
  • Suitable for left and right-handers

Cons:

  • The line can get tangled easily

The ShinePick fishing rod kit is an excellent choice for anyone who’s just starting out. This full kit includes everything you need to get straight out on the water, including a rod, reel, line, lures, hooks, and a case to hold it all.

This telescopic rod is made from high-density carbon fiber composite. This construction makes it strong but lightweight, perfect for a backpacking trip to that distant mountain lake. The entire set weighs only 0.75kg in total, so you’ll hardly feel it at all. The rod and reel setup balance each other well for effective casting. Also, the ergonomic handle is comfortable for all-day fishing.

The ShinePick telescopic rod kit is one of the cool fly fishing gifts for the wannabe angler. You could also keep it as a backup set for a friend or if your rod breaks when you’re out on the water. Either way, this rod and reel kit offers amazing value for money. If you want to save time and money shopping for each piece of fishing gear separately, grab this kit and get out on the water!

Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod

Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod

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Pros:

  • Suitable for larger fish
  • Nice action with plenty of sensitivity
  • Very low price

Cons:

  • Quite heavy
  • The reel can sometimes feel loose on this rod

If you’re looking for a cheap telescopic rod, check out this product by Sougayilang. It’s very affordable, but it’s well-made from sturdy components. It’s kitted out with porcelain line guides that allow your line to flow unheeded for a smooth cast. The rod tips are reinforced, while the 24T carbon blank can withstand whatever challenges you give it.

The Sougayilang telescopic spinning rod is affordable, durable, and lightweight. Plus, it looks cool with a black blank and blue, green, or silver accents. There are several different lengths available, from 5.9ft right up to an impressive 9.8ft. It’s rare that you’ll find a longer rod that can collapse down into such a compact size.

On the water, this medium action rod performs well. That fast tip makes all the difference, providing loads of sensitivity, so you don’t miss any strikes. It can also withstand the pressure of a big, fighting fish on the line!

FISHOAKY Carbon Fiber + Reel Combo

FISHOAKY Carbon Fiber Reel Combo

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Pros:

  • Compact size (less than 18 inches long when collapsed)
  • Includes a great reel, 100m of fishing line, plus lures and hooks
  • Excellent value for money
  • Sturdy carbon fiber build
  • One of the best travel rod and reel combos

Cons:

  • No instructions included for setup
  • Not as sturdy as some models

These spinning rods from FISHOAKY contains 33 different pieces you need to start fishing. This set features a carbon fiber spinning rod, spinning reel, line, various fishing lures, and some hooks. It even comes with a storage/travel bag to keep all your gear together.

So, is the fishing rod any good? We think so! It feels lightweight in hand but solid enough to handle some lunker fish. The graphite composite blank is hardwearing and corrosion-resistant, so this rod is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. You can choose from 5.9ft, 6.89ft, or 7.88ft lengths depending on whether you like to fish little streams or bigger water.

No corners have been cut on the construction. The rod is made from a mixture of carbon fiber and e-glass and features ceramic line guides. The sturdy reel can apply plenty of pressure to haul in big fish, and the interchangeable makes it suitable for right-handers as well as lefties.

When it comes to travel, the FISHOAKY telescopic fishing rod and reel combos are super compact. These rods collapse down to 16-17 inches depending on the model, making them perfect for throwing in your backpack or taking in your carry-on.

Telespeed Telescopic Fishing Rod

Telespeed Telescopic Fishing Rod

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Pros:

  • One of the best telescoping fishing poles
  • Eye-catching, streamlined design
  • Features high-quality components

Cons:

  • Only collapses down to 19.5 inches
  • The lowest eyehook is too high

This sleek, elegant rod from Telespeed is one of the top telescoping rods on the market right now. It looks cool with its black and white design and is the right choice for any angler, from beginners to pros.

This rod is made from durable carbon fiber, which provides a huge amount of strength while remaining lightweight. So it’s one of the best travelling fly rods, without losing out on any of the backbone you need for big fish and large water.

The graphite reel seat and stainless steel guide features complete the durable construction. You’ll also find the extendable EVA foam handle easy and comfortable to use for a smooth swing. With hardwearing, anti-rust components, this rod is an ideal one for fishing in freshwater and saltwater conditions.

How To Buy a Telescopic Fishing Rod

How To Buy a Telescopic Fishing Rod

Before you buy a telescoping fishing rod, it’s important to understand all the different features. Here’s our buyer’s guide to the essential factors every telescopic fishing rod should offer!

Read on to find out how to choose the fishing rod that meets your needs.

Material

The construction of the rod is a critical factor in how strong it will be, but also in how much it will weigh. The best telescopic fishing rods tend to be made from graphite, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. You may find that some products are a combination of these different materials, to create a smart composite with the best features of each material.

But it’s not just the rod blank that you should examine. Take a close look at the line guides, as they need to be high quality and allow the line to pass smoothly through. Look for ceramic guides, or our favorite, stainless steel guides. These guides tend to be the most hardwearing, less likely to break, and won’t rust in saltwater conditions.

The handle is another important factor. If you like to fish all day, you’ll need a comfortable EVA foam handle with an ergonomic shape. Even better if it has a non-slip texture, so you can get a firm grip when you have wet hands.

Weight and Size

The best telescopic rods are very lightweight, making them easy to carry. This factor is crucial if you’re backpacking or kayaking, and want to travel light. You don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy rod.

But the size is also important for a travel rod. Recent technology has allowed for even smaller telescopic rods without losing out on any strength. You’ll be impressed by how tiny these rods are when packed away! Will it fit into your backpack or even your carry-on luggage? Make sure to double-check before you buy!

Action

The action of a rod refers to how deeply it will bend under pressure, for example when you make a catch. You can choose from fast, moderate, and slow action rods (and rods that fall somewhere in between on the scale).

Fast action rods are the stiffest and only bend right at the tip, which tends to be very sensitive. If you want to throw your lures long-distance or tackle big waters, a fast action rod will provide the backbone you need.

On the other hand, a slow action rod will bend deeply, protecting light tippets. It will also be more responsive with higher sensitivity all down the rod.

Strength

Just because you need a collapsible fishing pole, doesn’t mean you want to give up any of the power you’d expect from a traditional rod. Some telescopic rods can lack power as most models are hollow. If power is a priority for you, go for a model that has a larger diameter, as this tends to translate to increased strength.

Rod Handle

Every rod handle is a little bit different, and which type you like will depend on your individual preferences. However, we think that EVA foam handles tend to provide the best grip while being comfortable for longer angling sessions.

The length of the handle can also vary. With a longer handle, you can use two hands for a stronger swing – handy for bigger rivers or open sea fishing. However, this can get tiring after a while. Models with shorter handles are ideal for tight spots where you’re casting up close.

Price

You have to think about your budget before you splurge on a rod. The good news is that these types of rods are very affordable, allowing anyone to give fishing a try. Plus, having a hobby you love has been proven to improve your life in several ways. [1] So, a rod is well worth investing in.

One way to get started on a budget is by buying a fishing rod and reel combo. These kits will generally include the line, lures, and hooks you need, so you don’t need to spend any more money. One purchase will kit you out for countless fishing trips. Plus, you can often save you money compared to buying a reel separately. Eventually, you can upgrade the reel and other gear if you like!

But if you have a bit more money to spend, you’ll find some excellent rods with more user-friendly features. In our list, you’ll find various rods plus a few fishing rod and reel combos to choose from. There’s something for every budget, so don’t worry!

Telescopic Fishing Rods FAQ

FAQ

Are telescopic fishing rods any good?

Telescopic fishing rods are excellent choices if you need a compact rod. Not only do these rods pack up into tiny packages that you can store in your kayak or backpack or attach to your fishing vest. The best models are as powerful and durable as any one-piece rod out there!

What is a telescopic fishing pole?

A telescopic fishing pole is a rod that collapses in on itself, rather than coming apart into different sections. They are very portable and make an excellent choice for a travel fishing pole.

Is Sougayilang a good brand?

Sougayilang is building a respected reputation for making durable yet low-priced fishing gear. Sougayilang sells fishing rod and reel products and other accessories, and they compare well against other big brands.

Telescopic Fishing Rods wrap up

The Wrap Up

A telescopic rod makes an excellent travel rod, as it’s lightweight and compact. But don’t be fooled by these specs – they can still put up a fight if you hook a bigger fish on your line. Collapsing rods have been improved significantly in the past decade, so they’re an excellent choice for any fisherman or woman. If you’re tempted to buy one of these portable carbon fiber or graphite rods, you won’t go wrong with the top-rated products reviewed above.

Have any questions go ahead and drop us a comment! Then check out more cool resources for anglers at Fly Fisher Pro!

References

[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/02/3-science-backed-reasons-having-a-hobby-will-help-your-career.html

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