Best Telescopic Fishing Rods – 2021 Ultimate Top Picks

| Last Updated January 25, 2022

Are you an angler that spends a lot of time on the road? If so, you know that traveling with a fishing pole can be a huge pain. Because of their shape, poles can easily get in the way. Telescopic poles are a great alternative. This article will walk you through some of our favorite picks on the market.

Comparison of the Best Telescopic Fishing Rods

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Carrier case with full kit is ideal for novices
  • Materials: Carbon Fiber reinforced with Fiberglass Composite
  • Collapsable for easy storage and transport
View Latest Price →
  • Fiberglass and carbon fiber construction
  • Materials: Stainless Steel, Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber
  • Handle: EVA
View Latest Price →
  • Shoulder strap can easily be adjusted
  • Materials: Graphite composite, ceramic guide inserts, stainless steel hooded reel seats
  • Handle: Cork
View Latest Price →
  • Lightweight and convenient to carry around
  • Materials: Aluminum construction and spool
  • Handle: Cork
View Latest Price →
  • Can use for fresh or salt water fishing
  • Materials: Graphite, E-Glass Composite, Carbon Fiber
  • Handle: EVA
View Latest Price →
  • Easy to store and transport
  • Materials: Graphite rod blanks, Glass tip
  • Handle: EVA
View Latest Price →

What is a Telescopic Fishing Rod? 

A telescopic fishing rod is very similar to any traditional fishing rod. The only real difference is that a telescopic rod can break down, or retract into itself, before and after use. The word telescopic means “having or consisting of concentric tubular sections designed to slide into one another.” 

People generally enjoy telescopic rods because they are a lot easier to transport and travel with. There’s no need to worry about a bulky rod poking someone in the eye on the way to the lake. However, some anglers believe a telescopic design can compromise the strength of the rod. 

Characteristics of Our Favorite Models

As with any new purchase, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the best possible product, in terms of value. Great telescopic rods should all have a set of baseline qualities which set them up for the best chance at success.

Mindful Construction 

As alluded to above, some telescopic rods are not as strong as one or two-piece rods because of the way they are constructed. Between each joint where the rod retracts in is the potential for a weak point, which can compromise the strength of the pole as a whole. Well-made telescopic rods will have enhanced strength in these potential soft spots. 

Durability 

No angler needs a rod that will fall apart after a few years of use. Your telescopic rod should be made with quality-made materials that are durable and long-lasting so the user can get as much enjoyment out of the tool as possible. 

Lightweight

Because a telescopic rod will probably also be a travel rod, it’s nice for it to be fairly lightweight and not bulky. That way you can throw it in a backpack without worrying it will weigh you down over the course of a day. 

Key Terms to Know

To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.

  • Materials: The materials the rod is made of.

  • Handle: The material and/or type of handle on the rod.

  • Fishing Technique: The technique(s) the rod is intended to be used for.

  • Available Length(s): The length(s) this rod is available in.

  • Available Power(s): Power refers to how much force it takes to bend the rod. These fall under the designations of ultra light/med-light/light/medium/med-heavy/heavy/etc.

  • Available Action(s): The actions the rod is available in. This refers to where the rod flexes and includes slow/moderate/moderately-fast/fast/extra fast/ etc. 

Review of the Best Telescopic Fishing Rods

If a telescopic rod seems like it would be the perfect fit for you, check out some of our favorite picks on the market today:

Best Overall:
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos - Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole

PROS

  • Stylish Design
  • Sensitive, Flexible Tip
  • Great Value for the Price
  • Easily Adjustable Drag System
  • Comes With a Carrier Bag and Rod Cover

CONS

  • Prone to Line Tangles
  • No Line Alignment Markings
  • The Reel Seat is Too Small to Accommodate Some Reels

What Recent Buyers Report

Those who purchased the telescopic rod and reel combo from Plusinno were excited by the convenience and usability of this product. Buyers commented on the stylish design with a rose gold finish and were satisfied with the special features. The main complaint is that the reel seat is not large enough to accommodate some replacement reels. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Plusinno rod and reel combination stands out to us thanks to its thoughtfully-crafted design. This is a rod created for effective usability and includes all the special features needed to achieve that. Along with an effective drag system, we also appreciate the 12+1 ball bearing design.

Who Will Use This Most

As with most telescopic rods, this is a great option for travelers. It’s super-lightweight and breaks down to a convenient-carrying size, and this particular listing comes with a rod bag included. This rod is also a good option for beginners, as it is really easy to set up and take down. 

What Could Be Improved and Why

A few minor design adjustments could have a positive effect on this combo. First, it would be nice for the company to include alignment marks on the rod. It could also benefit from a line guide adjustment, as some users say the current design is prone to the occasional line twist and tangle. 

Bottom Line

Overall, this is a solid choice for any angler looking for their first (or fourth!) telescopic rod. It’s crafted with materials that will hold up over time, includes a reliable drag system, and breaks down to a convenient size to travel with. 

Product Specs

Materials:

Carbon Fiber reinforced with Fiberglass Composite

Fishing Technique:

Spinning

Available Lengths:

4.27 ft / 5.25 ft / 5.91ft / 6.89 ft / 7.87 ft / 8.86 ft

Runner-up:
Sougayilang Fishing Rod Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole

Sougayilang Fishing Rod Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole with Spinning Reel for Travel Saltwater Freshwater Fishing

PROS

  • Sensitive to Shy Fish
  • Can Be Used in Saltwater
  • Sent in a Free Carrying Case
  • Nice Additional Accessories
  • Reel Allows for Super-Smooth Casting

CONS

  • Rod is a Little Heavy
  • A Bit Stiffer Than Advertised
  • Rod Outshines the Reel in this Combo

What Recent Buyers Report

The majority of buyers of this rod and reel combo were excited about its performance on the water. They praised the super-smooth casting ability and compared it to combos of high-quality brands. The major issue that buyers brought up was the performance of the reel, which lacks in comparison the rod. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This rod and reel combo earned a spot on our list for its casting ability. With a ball bearing count of 13+1, it can cast like butter and offers quick and easy retrieval. We also appreciate that it can be used in both salt and freshwater, if desired.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a good choice for anglers who need a little more versatility in their telescopic rod and reel combo. We’d recommend this pick to those who spend time on both freshwater bodies of water and those who head to the beach every once in a while. 

What Could Be Improved and Why

The obvious aspect of this set that needs improvement is the reel. Several users said the reel broke after only a couple of uses, but were quickly sent replacements by customer service. The reel could definitely use some structural enhancements.  

Bottom Line

Although the reel in this combo is not of the highest quality, this is still a fairly good choice for a variety of anglers. The casting is smooth, it is sensitive and versatile, and comes at a pretty reasonable price point for the value. 

Product Specs

Materials:

Stainless Steel, Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber

Handle:

EVA

Fishing Technique:

Spinning

Available Lengths:

6 ft / 7 ft / 8 ft / 8.8 ft / 10 ft / 10.8 ft

Available Action(s):

Moderate Fast

Best Spinning Rod:
Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit

Okuma Voyager Spinning Freshwater Travel Kit, VS-605-20, Blue

PROS

  • Flexible and Sensitive
  • Comes With Some Great Freebies
  • Rod is Made With Quality Materials
  • The 6-Foot Length is Ideal for Targeting Panfish
  • Graphite Composite Rod Offers Sensitivity and Strength

CONS

  • Reel is a Little Noisy
  • Rod Outshines Reel in This Combo
  • Reel Seat Can’t Accommodate Some Replacement Reels

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers of the Okuma combo were happy with several aspects of the product. First and foremost, the sensitivity and strength of the rod blanks. Like some other products on our list, buyers complained that the rod outshines the reel in the combo, as the reel doesn’t feel as high in quality.  

Why it Stands Out to Us

This rod and reel combo from Okuma stands out to us for a couple of different reasons. Firstly, we should mention that this is not technically a telescopic rod, but a rod that breaks down into five separate pieces. We like it because it has a thoughtfully-crafted design and is strong and sensitive. 

Who Will Use This Most

The design and length of the rod and reel combo from Okuma are ideal for those who want to target panfish. The sensitivity of the rod allows the angler to detect bites from small fish, and its six-foot length is ideal for the techniques associated with targeting panfish.

What Could Be Improved and Why

The reel in this combo could definitely use some minor improvements here and there. Some users complained of quality issues and another major complaint is that the reel clicks. This combo would also benefit from a larger reel seat that could accommodate different replacement reels, if needed. 

Bottom Line

Although there are some improvements that could be made with the reel on this model, this is a great option for anglers targeting small species of fish in freshwater. The rod is transportable, high-quality, and has some great special features that can make the angling process much easier. 

Product Specs

Materials:

Graphite composite, ceramic guide inserts, stainless steel hooded reel seats

Handle:

Cork

Fishing Technique:

Spinning

Available Lengths:

6 ft

Available Action(s):

Light

Best Fly Rod:
NetAngler Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo 4-Piece Fly Fishing Rod

NetAngler Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo 4-Piece Fly Fishing Rod 5wt Aluminum Fly Reel 28 Pieces Flies Kit with Free Rod Tip,Backing,and Cloth Carry Bag

PROS

  • Smooth Casting
  • Great Setup for Beginners
  • A Great Action for Fly Fishing
  • Comes With an Extra Tip, Just in Case
  • Comes Packaged With Everything You Need to Start Fly Fishing

CONS

  • Durability Issues
  • Not Super Comfortable to Use All Day
  • The Pre-Loaded Line Isn’t the Best Quality

What Recent Buyers Report

The majority of those who purchased this fly rod starter kit from NetAngler were excited by the all-inclusive setup. This kit comes with everything you need to start fly fishing, so it’s a great option for a gift. One complaint that arose concerned the durability of the rod, which needs to be handled with care.  

Why it Stands Out to Us

We liked this rod and reel combo kit because it is a great place to start for anglers who are looking to dip their toes into the world of fly fishing. This starter pack comes with all the fly fishing essentials, so beginners can hop right into the activity.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a great pick for beginners who haven’t tested their hand at fly fishing. It’s a super-reasonable price for all the gear, so it’s not a huge commitment. The rod is easy to set up and the reel even comes with pre-spooled line, so there is little to worry about preparation-wise. 

What Could Be Improved and Why

The rod structure in this combo could definitely use some minor improvements. A complaint was that with a little bit of bumping and bruising, the rod is likely to snap. So if the company could incorporate some structural enhancements, the rod could be greatly improved. 

Bottom Line

This starter kit is a great choice for newbies to the angling world who are ready to jump into fly fishing. Although there are some quality issues with the rod itself, overall, the set up is pretty solid. It offers smooth casting, great sensitivity, and the setup process is super easy.

Product Specs

Materials:

Aluminum construction and spool

Handle:

Cork

Fishing Technique:

Spinning

Available Lengths:

8 ft

Best Surf Rod:
Sougayilang Fishing Rod - 24 Ton Carbon Fiber Ultralight Fishing Pole

PROS

  • Sensitive
  • Great Value for the Price
  • Offers Great Pulling Power
  • Nice Range of Lengths to Choose From
  • Suitable for Use in Saltwater and Freshwater

CONS

  • Stiff
  • The Handle is a Little Long
  • Line Guide Design is Prone to Tangling

What Recent Buyers Report

Anglers who bought this surf rod and reel telescopic combo from Sougayliang had both positive and negative responses to parts of the product. Many were happy with the sensitivity and corrosion-resistance, but several complained of durability issues when targeting large fish species. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Sougayliang Surf Rod and Reel Combo earned a place on our list because it is tough in saltwater. We admired the sensitivity of the fiberglass material used in the construction and it comes at a great price point for saltwater anglers who want to stick to a reasonable budget. 

Who Will Use This Most

This rod is a suitable choice for anglers who need a versatile rod that can be used in both saltwater and freshwater. It’s corrosion-resistant and has sealed elements, so it won’t be broken down by the ocean weather. It also offers a good amount of pulling power for smaller ocean fish species. 

What Could Be Improved and Why

Unfortunately, this rod lives up to some of the undesirable elements of telescopic rods, as several users complained of durability issues when it came to fighting larger fish. This issue could be solved by adding structural enhancements to the joints where the rod retracts, giving a little extra backbone.

Bottom Line

Even with the issues with the rod, this is still a good option for a backup rod for surf anglers, or newbies to the surf angling who need a cheaper rod. The combo has some great features, including a powerful drag, sensitivity, corrosion resistance, and comes at a great price. 

Product Specs

Materials:

Graphite, E-Glass Composite, Carbon Fiber

Handle:

EVA

Fishing Technique:

Surf

Available Lengths:

5.91 ft / 6.89 ft / 7.8 ft / 8.86 ft / 9.84 ft / 11.81 ft

Strongest Telescopic Fishing Rod:
KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rods

KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rods, Inshore Spinning 8ft -Mod Fast-H Power

PROS

  • Solid Reel Seat
  • Attractive Design
  • Great Casting Abilities
  • Has a One-Piece Construction Feel
  • Sturdy Backbone Can Pull in Large Fish

CONS

  • Could Be a Little More Flexible
  • Have to Be Careful Not to Bend Guides
  • Floating Guides Can Be Annoying to Line Up
  • List Element
  • List Element

What Recent Buyers Report

The feedback on the KastKing Blackhawk Telescopic Fishing Rod is overwhelmingly positive. Mainly, users were thrilled with the casting abilities they could achieve with this product and the sturdiness of the construction, which made it feel like a one-piece rod rather than a telescopic one.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We love this rod from KastKing, mainly because of its construction. It can be tough to find a telescopic rod that is durable and holds its own up against one or two-piece rods, but the Blackhawk II definitely does. It features awesome material that can easily pull in large fish, one after the other. 

Who Will Use This Most

This pick would be suitable for anglers who need a tough rod without the weight of a tough rod. Most heavy-duty rods tend to be pretty weighty in the hand, but this rod, because it’s telescopic, is easy to travel with and handle. 

What Could Be Improved and Why

One complaint users did bring up were the floating guides, which are an inconvenient necessity to telescopic rods. They must be lined up before use, which can take time away from fishing. They also tend to move a little throughout a day, which can be an inconvenience. 

Bottom Line

Overall, the Blackhawk II line of rods from KastKing are a really solid choice for any angler. KastKing handles the telescopic design gracefully, keeping it strong and sturdy, despite the issues that commonly come along with this kind of construction.

Product Specs

Materials:

Graphite rod blanks, Glass tip

Handle:

EVA

Fishing Technique:

Spinning

Available Lengths:

7.6 ft / 8 ft

Available Power(s):

Medium Heavy / Heavy

Available Action(s):

Moderate Fast

7. Hurricane Mako Telescopic Rod

HURRICANE MK-806MHSPT Mako 8' 6Pc Telescopic Rod

PROS

  • Long and Smooth Casts
  • Extends to a Nice Length
  • Super Strong Construction
  • Great Value for its Price Point
  • Powerful Enough to Pull in Large Fish

CONS

  • Too Stiff
  • Could Be More Sensitive
  • Line Guides Are a Little Small

What Recent Buyers Report

Anglers who purchased the Hurricane Mako Rod were pleasantly surprised by its power. Many commented on the sturdiness of the construction, but some said this led to the rod being too stiff for their taste. Others were also excited about its overall value for the low price. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This rod from Hurricane makes an appearance on our favorites due to its strong construction. Telescopic rods are often criticized for weak points that come from being collapsible, but this rod isn’t affected by that. It’s strong and durable enough to pull in large fish.

Who Will Use This Most

This rod is advertised as a telescopic surf rod. It would be a solid choice for saltwater anglers looking for a more transportable choice to bring to the beach. It extends to around seven feet, which is a good choice for saltwater fishing, and has the power to pull in the larger species often found in the ocean.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Although we’ve praised this rod for its strength, it could definitely use a little more sensitivity. If Hurricane could incorporate a little more flexibility into the Mako rods, they would be near-perfect telescopic fishing rods. 

Bottom Line

Overall, the Hurricane Mako rods are an easy recommendation to make for any saltwater angler looking to lighten their load on the way to the beach. The Mako rods are a great length, super-strong, and come at a very reasonable price point. 

Product Specs

Materials:

Fiberglass, Graphite reel seat with stainless steel cushioned hoods

Handle:

EVA

Fishing Technique:

Spinning

Available Lengths:

8 ft

Available Power(s):

Medium / Heavy

Best Baitcasting Rod:
Akataka J'Special Telescopic Fishing Rod - Retractable Spinning Rod Baitcasting Rod

PROS

  • Stylish Design
  • Well-Balanced
  • Good Casting Ability
  • Comfortable to Use All Day
  • Strong and Smooth Construction

CONS

  • A Little Heavy
  • Better for Targeting Smaller Fish
  • Floating Guide Design is Not for Everyone

What Recent Buyers Report

Many purchasers of the rod and reel combo from Akataka were happy with its performance on the water. Among other compliments, they praised its smooth casting abilities and great balance. One complaint was about the floating line guide design, which can be inconvenient for some anglers. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

We chose to include this baitcasting rod combo on our list because of its overall usability and performance. The rod and reel are thoughtfully-crafted to be well-balanced and the construction is obviously well-done. We also appreciate it’s stand-out color design and the range of lengths the angler can choose from. 

Who Will Use This Most

We’d recommend this rod to those baitcasters who need something that is super transportable. This is a good pick for those who are often hiking or backpacking with their fishing gear, as this telescopic rod won’t take up the space of a traditional fishing rod. 

What Could Be Improved and Why

The rod isn’t a strong as we’d like it to be, so perhaps changing the construction materials to incorporate some structural enhancement would improve the design. It’s also a bit stiff, so incorporating some graphite could be a good choice. 

Bottom Line

Although there are some structural issues that could be improved, overall, this is still a great choice for anglers who need a travel or backup rod for baitcasting. It’s thoughtfully-designed and offers great casting ability, and not to mention, it looks pretty cool, too. 

Product Specs

Materials:

Carbon Fiber

Fishing Technique:

Baitcasting

Available Lengths:

7.1 ft

Available Power(s):

Medium Heavy

Available Action(s):

Fast

Aspects to Consider Before Buying 

Before jumping right into a purchase, there are a few aspects of telescopic rods that should be considered.

Number of Blanks

The more blanks on a telescopic rod, the smaller the rod can collapse. Also, a higher number of blanks equal a higher number of line guides, which can improve the performance of a telescopic rod. A higher amount of guides can provide better casting and take some pressure off a reel and line

The Material Used in Construction

The two most commonly used materials in rod construction are fiberglass and graphite. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Graphite is super-sensitive, while fiberglass can provide more strength and pulling power. If you want to play it safe, try to find a composite that combines the two. 

Rod Length

As with all fishing rods, the length is an important aspect to consider as it plays an important role in control and casting. Beginning anglers tend to feel more comfortable with a shorter rod as it can result in more control, but lengthier rods can provide super-long casts.

Types of Telescopic Fishing Rods

Just like traditionally-designed fishing rods, telescopic rods also have a couple of different design variations.

Spinning Rods

Spinning telescopic rods are those built to handle a spinning reel. They tend to be fairly small and light, and the reel hangs below the rod. Spinning rods are one of the most popular choices among beginning and intermediate anglers because they are super-easy to use and can provide excellent casting and control.

Casting Rods 

Casting rods tend to be a tougher model of rod to use, mostly due to the reel that is matched with them. The rod is designed so the reel will sit on top of the rod, allowing for the manual operation necessary for the technique of baitcasting. 

If you’re a beginner or just are not ready to try out techniques required for baitcasting, a spinning rod is your best choice. They’re versatile, easy to use, and perform very well in a variety of fishing settings. 

Conclusion 

Overall, telescopic rods are a great choice for any angler looking for the perfect addition to their traveling rod collection. They’re lightweight, easy to set up, and they won’t weigh you down on a backpacking or hiking trip. Hopefully this article gave you some ideas for a great rod choice. Happy fishing! 



My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at admin@biggamelogic.com. Read more about Big Game Logic.