This is our review of the best telescopic fishing rods in 2021
Imagine this scenario. You’re out for a drive and come across a lake you’ve never fished before. It looks perfect—open shoreline, fishy-looking weed beds, and lily pads—if only you have a fishing pole handy!
The simple fact is that ordinary fishing rods are inconvenient. It’s almost impossible to have one with you at all times, but telescopic fishing rods are another story.
A telescopic fishing rod also referred to as collapsible fishing rods, offers many of the advantages of a traditional rod, along with the added bonus of portability. Telescopic rods collapse in on themselves for easy transport, making them a great travel fishing rod. You can keep one in your car at all times, toss one in your backpack without care, and even bring one on an airplane.
Of course, not all telescopic fishing rods are up to par when it comes to quality. Many of them are far too breakable, and some simply don’t have the right balance of strength and sensitivity compared to other fishing rods.
The best telescopic fishing rod has none of these issues, however. And after extensive testing, we’ve determined the Kastking Blackhawk ll is the best telescopic fishing pole on the market in 2022.
The KastKing Blackhawk II Fishing Rod offers the perfect balance of quality and convenience. These rods are available in lengths ranging from 6’6″ to 8″ and ranging in power from medium-light to medium-heavy.
Not Every angler has the same preferences and budget so continue reading below for our complete list of best telescopic fishing rods and why each one made the cut.
The KastKing Blackhawk II Fishing Rod offers the perfect balance of quality and convenience. These rods are available in lengths ranging from 6’6″ to 8″ and ranging in power from medium-light to medium-heavy.
The Daiwa Ballistic X Tele Spin is available in seven sizes ranging in length from 6.23′ to 9.84′. The smaller sizes are ideal for trout and panfish, while the larger versions can easily handle larger fish like carp and catfish.
Despite its low price tag, this is a tough spinning rod that’s ideal for fishing lakes and ponds, and works well when paired with a medium-light spinning reel and 6- to 10-pound line.
If you’re looking for a collapsible rod and reel all in one package, then the PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a great option. It’s a convenient solution that travels well and offers excellent strength and durability.
The Sougayilang Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod is a solid spinning combo that also happens to come with a useful selection of tackle, including a spool of line, a handful of lures and a few swivels and jigheads. It’s a solid all-in-one fishing starter kit.
Small, lightweight and easy to handle, the IEBIYO Telescoping Fishing Pole and Reel Combo is a great option for parents who want to introduce their kids to fishing.
The Mako Telescopic Rod from Hurricane is a dependable rod that handles the rigors of saltwater fishing well. It’s a 6-section collapsible fiberglass rod with a comfortable EVA handle and graphite reel seat with stainless steel cushioned hoods for defense against corrosion.
This rod allows you to feel light bites, while offering the backbone for a solid hookset. It has a durable EVA handle and a built-in hook keeper.
At a quick scan, the Lixada Pen Fishing Rod & Reel Combo could be easily written off as a silly gimmick. In reality, it’s a fun little rod and reel that also happens to be one of the most compact and teasily-transported combos you can get.
The Magreel 24T Telescopic Carbon Fiber Fishing Rod is one of the most all-around adaptible telescopic rods. If you’re looking for a telescopic fishing rod that’s equally at home pursuing stripers in the surf as it is chasing largemouths on your local lake, this is a great option.
Reviews For Best Telescopic Fishing Rod
KastKing Blackhawk II Fishing Rod — Best Telescopic Fishing Rod Overall
The KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rods offer the perfect balance of quality and convenience. These rods are available in lengths ranging from 6’6″ to 8″ and ranging in power from medium-light to medium-heavy. You can also choose between spinning and casting rods, depending on your preferred style.
Overall, the 7’0″ medium-power KastKing Blackhawk II rod is a great middle-of-the road choice that works well for bass and trout anglers, and can also handle bigger fish should the need arise. It has a smooth taper to the rod blank, along with a comfortable EVA handle, reinforced reel seats, and a convenient hook keeper.
These rods are made of a graphite/fiberglass composite, which gives you a pretty solid compromise between each material’s greatest advantages. The combination makes KastKing rods strong, flexible and surprisingly sensitive compared to most collapsible fishing poles.
This telescopic fishing rod has floating line guides, which some find to be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it allows the rod to telescope smoothly and improves performance greatly. On the other hand, you have to make sure the guides are aligned each time you open up the rod, and they may require occasional adjustments.
Pros:
- Excellent quality materials
- Great balance of strength and sensitivity
- Available in multiple sizes
- Smooth performance
- Spinning and casting rods available
Cons:
- Difficulty aligning the guides
Daiwa Ballistic X Tele Spin — Best Premium Telescopic Rod
Arguably the best high-end telescopic rod money can buy. The Daiwa Ballistic X Telescopic Fishing Rods are the perfect choice if you’re ready to shell out for a beautifully crafted collapsible rod that you can count on using for years to come. For strength and durability, this one is tough to beat.
The Daiwa Ballistic X Tele Spin is available in seven sizes ranging in length from 6.23′ to 9.84′. The smaller sizes are ideal for trout and panfish, while the larger versions can easily handle larger fish like carp and catfish. Each model is designed with a premium EVA handle and genuine Fuji line guides and Fuji DPS reel seat.
These are graphite rods, which offer exceptional sensitivity compared to most telescopic rods. They also offer excellent casting distance and accuracy when matched with the proper fishing line and lure weight.
If there is a downside to the Daiwa Ballistic X Tele Spin it’s that it’s not quite as packable as some other telescopic rods. The smallest version of the rod is the 6.23′ model, which offers a transport length of 22.44″ when fully collapsed. The longer rods are bigger still.
Pros:
- Excellent quality materials and craftsmanship
- Multiple sizes available
- Good for freshwater and saltwater
- Strength to catch big fish
- Smooth, accurate casting
Cons:
- Expensive
- Longer collapsed length than average
Eagle Claw Pack-It Telescopic Spinning Rod — Best Telescopic Fishing Rod on a Budget
A 5’5″ telescopic fishing rod made of durable fiberglass, the Pack-It telescopic Spinning Rod from Eagle Claw is a great choice for budget-conscious anglers. Despite its low price tag, this is a tough spinning rod that’s ideal for fishing lakes and ponds, and works well when paired with a medium-light spinning reel and 6- to 10-pound line.
Fiberglass construction gives the Eagle Claw rod a great arc and flexibility. The rod is easy to handle, with the EVA foam handle and ceramic line guides to protect your line from abrasion. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
The Eagle Claw Pack-It Telescopic Spinning Rod has just four line guides, and is a bit shorter than most telescopic rods. It’s not quite the champ when it comes to casting distance, but it’s commendably portable. Its size and weight make it great for small to mid-size fish like panfish and bass. For big game fish, you might want something sturdier.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to use and handle
- Flexible fiberglass construction
- Small size offers convenience for carrying
- EVA foam handle
Cons:
- Not as strong as some other telescopic rods
- A bit short
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo — Best Telescopic Rod & Reel Combo
If you’re looking for a collapsible rod and reel combo all in one package, then the PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a great option. It’s a convenient solution that travels well and offers excellent strength and durability.
The rod that comes with the PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is made of high density carbon fiber, with fiberglass composite for reinforcement. The addition of high density carbon fiber gives it power and durability, as well as some good flex and elasticity. It has stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts, and a corrosion-resistant machined aluminum reel seat. The reel is a quality spinning reel with a 5.2:1 gear ratio and smooth ball bearings.
While the PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod does come in four sizes, the options are a bit more limited than some other telescopic rods. They range from 5.9′ to 8.9′ and are all essentially medium-weight rods that perform best with 6 to 10 pound line well.
Pros:
- Includes collapsible spinning rod and reel
- Durable yet lightweight rod
- Smooth casting
- Quality reel
- High density carbon fiber
Cons:
- Limited size options
Sougayilang Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod — Best Telescopic Fishing Rod Kit
The Sougayilang Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod is a solid spinning combo that also happens to come with a useful selection of tackle, including a spool of line, a handful of lures, and a few swivels and jigheads. It’s a solid all-in-one fishing starter kit. It would be nice to have a carrying case, but that’s a minor issue.
The rod is a composite of high density carbon fiber and fiberglass, which makes it lightweight and strong at the same time. The reel is a YB3000 series spinning reel with a 13+1 stainless steel ball-bearing design and a 5.5:1 gear ratio. It’s a solid piece of equipment.
Six size options are available, ranging from a 5.91′ to 10.8′ rod and corresponding reel (collapsed length ranges from 18.5″ to 27.6″). Sougayilang also makes several different variations on this package that come with a varying selection of lures and tackle. Most of the lure choices seem to be aimed at bass fishermen, but the rod and reel are well suited to a wide range of game fish, including saltwater.
Pros:
- Affordable starter kit
- Durable, lightweight construction
- Quality rod and decent reel
- Ideal for bass fishing
Cons:
- Not a well-known brand
- Doesn’t come with carrying case
IEBIYO Telescoping Fishing Combo — Best Telescopic Fishing Rod for Kids
Small, lightweight and easy to handle, the IEBIYO Telescoping Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a great option for parents who want to introduce their kids to fishing. The handle is made to be easily gripped by small hands, and the included casting reel has a classic push-button design.
The rod itself is made of fiberglass, with six segments including five stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts to protect the line. It telescopes out to approximately 4’6″, just the right size for young anglers who are just learning how to fish. The collapsed length is just shy of 14″, and a handy carrying case is included.
Granted, this isn’t a fishing rod and reel combo you would want to use if you’re tangling with big game fish. It’s ideal for panfish, trout, and smaller bass. Its casting range is somewhat limited, as would be expected considering its length. Chances are, most kids will want to graduate to a more “grown-up” fishing rod and reel combo when they get older, but this is a great place to start.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Reel and line included
- Perfect for kids learning to fish
- Comes with a carrying case
Cons:
- Lacking in strength and durability
Hurricane Mako Telescopic Rod — Best Telescopic Fishing Rod for Saltwater
The Mako Telescopic Fishing Rod from Hurricane is a dependable rod that handles the rigors of saltwater fishing well. It’s a 6-section collapsible fiberglass rod with a comfortable EVA handle and graphite reel seat with stainless steel cushioned hoods for defense against corrosion. The stainless steel guides have ceramic rings that protect your line.
The Hurricane Mako Telescopic Rod comes in 7′ and 8′ sizes, both of which are great for surf fishing or casting from piers and jetties. You might not want to go after huge game fish with this rod, but it has the ability to tackle stripers, bluefish drum and other saltwater species. Freshwater anglers would find it suitable for catfish and carp as well.
These rods don’t have specific weight ratings, but the 8′ model would be considered somewhere in the medium-heavy range. It handles 10 to 25-pound line very well, and is much stronger than most telescopic spinning rods. The Mako collapses to about 20″.
Pros:
- Corrosion resistant in salt water
- Excellent strength and durability
- Protective plastic tube included
Cons:
- Only available in two sizes
Quantum Embark Telescopic Fishing Rod
This is a dependable workhorse of a telescopic fishing rod from a brand known for making top-quality fishing gear. The Quantum Embark Telescopic Fishing Rod is mostly made of sturdy graphite, with a flexible fiberglass tip for sensitivity. This rod allows you to feel light bites, while offering the backbone for a solid hookset. It has a durable EVA handle and a built-in hook keeper.
The only real downside of this design is that the fiberglass rod tip is the only part of the rod with any significant bend to it. The rest of the rod feels rather stiff, but it’s definitely suited to larger fish. From bass and walleye to carp and catfish, the Quantum Emark is a solid choice that’s well-made from quality materials.
The Quantum Embark Telescopic Fishing Rod comes in two variations: a spinning rod and a spincasting rod. Both are 6’6″ rods that collapse to 18″. The spinning rod is considered medium and rated for 6 to 17 pound line, and the spincasting rod is medium-heavy and rated for 8 to 20 pound line.
Pros:
- Ultra durable construction
- Choice of spinning or spincasting rod
- Strong and flexible fiberglass tip
- Excellent for medium to larger game fish
Cons:
- Only flexible at the rod tip
- Limited size options
Lixada Pen Telescopic Fishing Rod & Reel Combo
At a quick scan, the Lixada Pen Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo could be easily written off as a silly gimmick. In reality, it’s a fun little rod and reel combo that also happens to be one of the most compact and easily-transported combos you can get. It’s a bit of an exaggeration to say that it’s the size of a pen, but it’s honestly pretty close.
These rod and reel combos come in four sizes, ranging from 3.2′ to 5.9′, and collapse down to just 8″. A screw-on cap secures the collapsed rod to the handle, and it actually does look a bit like a pen. A nice little mini spinning reel is included, though it comes spooled with some pretty low-quality fishing line. You might want to take the line off and re-string it with something better.
Is it a durable rod? Kind of. It’s made of graphite and stainless steel, and it’s pretty tough for its size. This isn’t a fishing rod and reel combo you’ll want to use for muskie fishing. It’s close to what you might consider an ultralight combo and well-suited to catching bluegill, crappie, and other smaller panfish. It’s the perfect size to keep in your backpack or glove box, just in case you ever need it. Heck, you could practically carry it in your pocket.
Pros:
- Extremely compact and portable
- Includes rod and reel combo
- Lightweight
- Fun ultralight combo for panfish
Cons:
- Not strong enough to take on bigger fish
- It comes with weak fishing line
Magreel 24T Telescopic Carbon Fiber Fishing Rod
The Magreel 24T Telescopic Fishing Rod is one of the most all-around adaptable telescopic rods. If you’re looking for a telescopic fishing rod that’s equally at home pursuing stripers in the surf as it is chasing largemouths on your local lake, this is a great fishing pole.
With 24-ton carbon fiber construction and a stainless steel hooded reel seat, the Magreel 24T Telescopic is suitable for a range of fishing conditions from freshwater to saltwater. It comes in several sizes, ranging from 5.9′ to 10.8′. The shortest and longest models compress down to 16.3″ and 19.8″, respectively.
The 24T carbon fiber fishing pole from Magreel is also a very low-priced rod, especially considering its quality. It’s lightweight and sturdy. Some users have complained of the rod breaking after minimal use, but these issues seem to be rare.
Pros:
- Adaptable to fresh and saltwater
- Choice of length and weight
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Affordable
- High-density carbon fiber construction
Cons:
- Potential breakage issues
Best Telescopic Fishing Rod-FAQ’s
Still not sure which collapsible fishing rod is right for you? Consider your needs, including what types of fish you like to catch, how often you plan to use your rod, and whether you expect to do a lot of traveling with it. These frequently asked questions might help you find the ideal telescopic fishing rod for your needs:
What are the advantages of a telescopic fishing rod?
The main advantage of telescopic fishing rods is convenience. They can be collapsed to a small size, which makes them easy to carry. You could keep one in your car at all times or even carry one in your backpack when you hike or bike to your favorite fishing spot. Telescopic fishing rods are great for travelers.
What kinds of fish can you catch with a telescopic rod?
Really, you can catch just about any fish with the right telescopic fishing rods. Most of these rods are somewhere between medium-light and medium-heavy, which makes them well-suited to fishing for bass, walleye, larger trout, catfish, carp, and even saltwater species like stripers and salmon. There are also lighter telescopic rods that are good for panfish and heavier ones that are intended for big game fishing.
Are there disadvantages to a telescopic rod?
Convenience comes at a cost. Telescopic fishing rods can never be quite as sensitive as traditional fishing rods, simply because the number of sections reduces your ability to feel what’s going on at the end of your fishing line. Some also claim that they are less durable than traditional rods, but this is open to debate. Telescopic rods have come a long way in the last 20 years.
How should I care for my telescopic rod?
For the most part, you should care for a collapsible fishing rod in much the same way as any other fishing rod. Cleaning it after each use is especially important because dirt and grains of sand can get in between each segment and interfere with the rod’s ability to extend and compress smoothly.
What should I consider when buying a telescopic fishing rod?
Like any rod, it’s important to choose the size and weight that best matches the type of fish you intend to catch. Other considerations include whether it’s a spinning (reel on the bottom) or casting (reel on top) rod and whether the overall design meets your needs. Consider the length (compressed as well as extended), number of segments, and the material the rod is made out of.
You may want to opt for a telescopic fishing rod and reel combo. Buying rod and reel combos are always a good idea because you know the rod and reel combos will pair well with one another, and it will most likely save you money when you bundle the two together.
Is graphite or fiberglass, or carbon fiber better for telescopic rods?
Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Fiberglass is stronger, but graphite or carbon fiber is lighter and more sensitive. Some of the best telescopic fishing rods are made using a composite of both fiberglass and graphite for the best of both worlds.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best telescopic fishing pole should now be an easy choice with the help of this article and our FAQ section, you should now be able to make an informed decision about which one will suit your needs best.
For more guidance on choosing your next fishing rod, check out the pages below.
