When searching for portability, you’ll want the best telescopic fishing rods the market has to offer. With plenty of designs that allow you to get the most out of your angling experience, you can have strength, durability, and exceptional portability. We’ve found five of the most prestigious telescopic rods and have reviewed them so that you can find the perfect one for you.
Best Telescopic Fishing Rods Reviews
1. KastKing Blackhawk II
The KastKing Blackhawk II is a fantastic option for someone looking for high-quality performance, comfort, and a relatively new design. With the innovative Soloscopic Performance Technology, you’ll have a similar performance of a one-piece rod in a six-piece telescopic design. You’ll surely be impressed with the sheer amount of convenience and power this model has to offer.
Product Highlights
By far, the most exciting highlight of this rod is that it features unique technology for unmatched sensitivity, performance, and durability. As mentioned, it performs just like a one-piece rod but can easily be broken down into six pieces for storage. Each cast is said to be consistent with smooth tapering to help eliminate dead spots in the blank.
There are 14 different lengths you can choose from if you opt for this model, which makes it one of the more multipurpose rods on the market. It’s perfectly designed for spinning or baitcasting in freshwater or saltwater. Regardless if you’re going after trout or bass, there are plenty of options open to you when you own the KastKing Blackhawk II.
Angling has never been more convenient or accessible than with a telescopic rod. You can easily break it down for travel, but it also allows you to leave the reel on your rod. Anglers will also love that they can leave the line fully rigged, so the rod is ready to be used.
It’s also essential to consider quality when you’re buying a fishing rod, especially a telescopic one. The KastKing Blackhaw II features stainless steel line guides as well as graphite reel seats. You’ll also appreciate the EVA handles added to the rod that adds exceptional comfort and grip, even in wet conditions.
What to Like About It
If you’re a traveling angler, you’ll love how easy this rod is to assemble and disassemble. When you collapse it, it will be small enough to fit into your luggage, and it also feels incredibly durable to last through multiple trips. The overall build quality of this rod is something to write home about, as it isn’t wobbly, has a clean and modern color scheme, and feels similar to a one to a two-piece rod.
What Not to Like About It
When you use your new rod for the first time, you might experience issues with the guides lining up. Some users have noted the guides will regularly move with each cast, causing you to have to readjust them continually. Also, the floating guides seem weak, which means they may be prone to breaking over time.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Fits into luggage
- High-quality build
- Feels like a one to a two-piece rod
- Doesn’t wobble and feels sturdy
Cons:
- Guides may not line up
- Floating guides feel weak
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
2. Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod
Best for anglers who have an affinity for ultralight fishing rods, the Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod is a fantastic option. It has plenty of exciting features, including a carbon fiber design, as well as a retractable handle for portability. It’s easily one of the more convenient travel rods you can get your hands on.
Product Highlights
There are several highlights of this rod that you’ll want to take note of, especially when it comes to its high-quality design. The central premise of this rod is to give you high-performance fishing, meanwhile being completely collapsible and easy for travel. Made from CNC machined aluminum, the reel seat offers optimal corrosion resistance.
Also, the guides are three-point welded stainless steel with a 24-ton carbon fiber and E-glass construction. You’ll easily be able to deadlift up to 10 pounds, making it the ideal rod for both freshwater and saltwater excursions. Users will appreciate having the EVA molded handle, which offers a fantastic level of grip without compromising the integrity of the rod.
What to Like About It
If you enjoy traveling for your fishing trips, you’ll appreciate how small this rod becomes when disassembled. It also arrives with a carry bag, so it’s even easier to pack inside of your luggage without compromising its integrity. As a backpacker or hunter, it’s quite a convenient rod to have as its weight vs. performance is very impressive.
You might also find the Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod is a fantastic option for children. As it has user-friendly components, you’ll love teaching your kids how to fish with this setup.
What Not to Like About It
Since the Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod is a travel rod, you can guarantee it won’t be as strong as one- or two-piece rods. Unfortunately, one of the most significant issues is the adhesive used for the rings, as it’s not as strong as expected. You may be required to glue the eyelets back onto the rod on your own.
Some users have also noticed that the reel doesn’t sit as tightly as desired. You also won’t be able to tighten it sufficiently enough by hand.
Pros:
- Easy to disassemble
- Great for kids
- Convenient travel rod
- Ideal weight to power ratio
- Useful for backpacking and hunting
Cons:
- Eyelets improperly adhered
- Will require additional adhesive
- Reel seat sits loose
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
3. Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Rod
Another option for anglers searching for a telescopic travel rod will want to consider the Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Rod since it’s retractable. Instead of having to disassemble the rod for travel and storage, this design folds into itself. Equally as useful for fresh and saltwater, this is an exciting piece of gear to consider.
Product Highlights
With medium power, this rod features stainless steel hooded reel seats designed specifically to avoid seawater corrosion. For comfort, you’ll love having the EVA foregrip, which is molded for ergonomic use. Also, as mentioned, the rod folds into itself so that it’s far more convenient to carry around, you’ll surely love using it for an upcoming fishing trip.
The primary material used to design the Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Rod is carbon fiber, which is known for its high-density features. You’ll also notice there is fiberglass included in the rod, which offers optimal durability and hardness. Anglers will be able to tackle most species of fish with the help of this telescopic fishing rod.
Overall, the aesthetic of the rod is quite notable, as it’s not too flashy and has a unique attention to detail. With the help of its sophisticated technology, every cast will feel comfortable and natural. You’ll surely appreciate how lightweight it feels when held, which also makes it ideal for beginners and children.
What to Like About It
The most significant advantage you’ll experience with the Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Rod is its portability. It is simple to use that even your kids will love to go fishing on the weekends, especially as it is easily extended and retracted.
Also, the case that it ships with is compact. By regularly using the case, you can help to prevent any damage to the rod when it’s in your luggage.
When it comes to performance, the rod is quite comfortable to hold, and even in saltwater, it helps to keep corrosion at bay. Combined with your favorite reel, you can target multiple types of fish with ease.
What Not to Like About It
There’s a likelihood you’ll experience a lot of fatigue when using this rod, especially as it’s tip-heavy. Some users have noted that when reeling in large fish, the tip broke off of the rod, rendering it useless. The overall weight of the rod may be too light for larger fish species.
Pros:
- Easily retractable and extendable
- Useful for kids
- Very compact when retracted
- Comfortable to hold
- Prevents corrosion
Cons:
- Could be too lightweight
- The tip may break off
- Very tip-heavy
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
4. AGOOL Telescopic Fishing Rod
There’s not much else you’ll need aside from what’s included with the AGOOL Telescopic Fishing Rod. Not only will you receive a rod and a reel, but you’ll also have a wide assortment of accessories and gear to put to good use. This product is likely one of the most comprehensive rods on this list, especially for beginners.
Product Highlights
The most impressive aspect of the AGOOL Telescopic Fishing Rod is that it comes with everything you need to fish right out of the box. Every order comes with a fishing rod, reel, carrier bag, fishing line, lures, hooks, and a few other accessories. You can conveniently store all of the items in a bag for a quick ready-to-go travel kit.
The rod in this kit is made from fiberglass and high-density carbon fiber, similar to most of the other telescopic rods on this list. You’ll appreciate the durability and hardness the rod has to offer. You’ll also notice piano porcelain used to create the colorful guide rings as well as the stainless steel hooded reel seats.
Regardless if you intend on fishing in salt or freshwater, this rod is equipped to handle both. With the help of the stainless steel components, you’ll have optimal corrosion resistance. As an added benefit, the grip is made from EVA molded foam to help absorb sweat and moisture.
In terms of the reel, it is designed to offer optimal performance and is interchangeable for left- and right-handed anglers. The fully adjustable screw reel seat features 12 ball bearings and a one-way clutch. With the ultra-thin streamlined design, you’ll love the aluminum spool that also offers high-tensile gears.
What to Like About It
In general, you can tell that the AGOOL Telescopic Fishing Rod is an excellent deal for someone looking for a beginner’s kit to fishing. You’ll also love how easy it is to pack for quick trips, whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater. Many users have noted that the rod is both lightweight and durable, without any concerns about breakage with more substantial fish.
What Not to Like About It
Even though the included accessories are convenient to have, they’re not the highest quality, especially the fishing line. Most anglers will be better off using their unique fishing line since the one included will snap and break more often than you’d like. Also, an issue you might experience is with retracting the rod, as it might get stuck after a couple of uses.
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Plenty of included accessories
- Lightweight and durable rod
- Useful for fresh and saltwater fishing
Cons:
- Poorly constructed line
- Rod may not fully retract
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
5. Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod
As the fifth and final telescopic rod we’ll explore, we have the Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod, which is one of the premium rods on the market. Made from high-quality materials with a lightweight design, you’ll easily be able to bring it with you on any trip.
Product Highlights
The most notable feature of this rod is the quality of its craftsmanship since it has 24T carbon fiber and stainless steel. You’ll appreciate its anti-corrosion features, making it ideal for saltwater fishing. In addition to the stainless steel reel seat, there are also stainless steel line guide rings for your ease of use.
When holding the rod, you’ll appreciate the comfort of the EVA molded soft handle that is ergonomic and easy to use for hours on end. The foam is also ideal for absorbing sweat and moisture to help prevent hand fatigue and blistering. If you’re searching for a lightweight rod, this is one of the better options, as it’s designed explicitly to be packed down and carried in a backpack.
With multiple sizes to choose from, you’ll have a broad application of uses for the Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod. It’s highly recommended for backpackers and campers searching for a convenient yet powerful telescopic rod.
What to Like About It
Fitting the Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod into your gear bag has never been easier, and you’ll love being able to assemble it in a matter of seconds. When in use, the flexibility of the rod is quite notable, though its durability helps to keep it secure for long casts. It’s a highly versatile design for all types of fishing in salt and freshwater.
What Not to Like About It
For the length of the rod, you might expect a more substantial handle; however, this rod has a relatively short handle. Some users also experienced the screw rings attached to the reel consistently loosening, so you have to tighten them with every recast. Also, some quality issues were experienced with the guides, as they may slip off of the pole.
Pros:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Ideal for fresh and saltwater
- Feels durable
Cons:
- Tiny handle
- Screw rings loosen constantly
- Guides may slip
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
Buyer’s Guide
Searching for the perfect telescopic fishing rod will take a little time, especially since you’ll want to invest your money wisely. Not every design is the same, and some feature specific elements that are far better than others. You’ll surely want to pay close attention to the guides, lengths, power, weight, and material that each rod has to make sure you’re making the perfect decision.
1. Material
Similar to any other rod, the telescopic rod you choose will need to have an ample amount of durability and strength, meanwhile maintaining its flexibility so that it can’t break.
Most telescopic rods have two materials: fiberglass and carbon fiber. The reason as to why these two materials are the most popular is that they are incredibly strong but still allow for a reasonable level of flexibility.
2. Weight
The weight of the rod has a lot to do with the materials, which is why fiberglass and carbon fiber are as popular as they are. A rod with a more reasonable weight will help to reduce fatigue and encourage you to fish for longer while more massive rods can lead to stability issues and discomfort.
Overall, telescopic rods are known to be lightweight since they can be disassembled and packed into a backpack. You won’t want an incredibly massive rod weighing you down on your next backpacking trip.
3. Guides (Eyelets)
The guides along the length of the rod help to distribute tension when you have caught a fish. Without the guides, you’ll find it’s not very easy to land fish quickly and effectively. You will want to ensure the quality of the eyelets is superb; otherwise, you are at risk for your rod tip snapping or losing your line entirely.
On average, you’ll want to opt for a rod that has between five and seven eyelets, as this gives you optimal control and strength without compromising the rod. The more guides it has, the more weak points the rod will have because it will be longer.
4. Lengths
One of the traits you’re likely to read about when you start searching for a telescopic rod is their length. This has a lot to do with the number of sections and eyelets, as well as the distance of your casts. The longer your rod is, the more space it will take up with disassembled.
Typically, you’ll want to opt for a full length that is easy to store in a backpack, but that is still long enough for you to achieve a decent cast. Paying attention to the compact length will let you know how long the rod is once it disassembles.
5. Power
Depending on the type of fish you’re going after, you’ll need to consider the power of your chosen rod. Most telescopic rods will have medium to medium-heavy power ratings with minimal sensitivity. The heavier the power, the easier it will be to tackle large fish, and you’ll find it simpler to work with heavier lures.
Best Telescopic Fishing Rods FAQs
1. What Is a Telescopic Fishing Rod?
A telescopic fishing rod is also known as a compact or travel rod, for a good reason, as they can be taken apart and stored away much more straightforward than other rod types. With their design, they typically come in a few different sections that allow you to assemble and disassemble the unit in minutes quickly. Ideal for backpackers and hunters, these convenient designs are also a fantastic option for beginners and children.
2. Are Telescopic Fishing Rods Any Good?
Of course, telescopic fishing rods are good, especially if you’re someone who loves to travel to fish. They open a whole world of possibilities, as you won’t have to worry about carrying around your full-size gear. Many rods are capable of being disassembled small enough to fit into your luggage or a backpack.
The higher quality telescopic rods are going to give you superior performance, especially if you’re most interested in focusing on massive fish and lures. Otherwise, they are a fantastic option for quick fishing trips where you won’t want to bring your full-size gear.
3. What Is the Difference Between a Fishing Pole and Rod?
The difference between a fishing pole and rod may vary depending on where you live, as those in the Southern United States have a far different opinion than residents of England, for example. In most cases, fishing rods are typically shorter than fishing poles, and they give you the benefit of a reel as well as line guides. Fishing poles, on the other hand, are longer and have a line attached directly to the very tip.
Some anglers suggest that you use fishing rods to get a general lure placement while using fishing poles to place bait in particular areas. You aren’t likely to get as much versatility and flexibility with a pole as you would with a rod.
4. What Is a Medium Heavy Fishing Rod Used For?
As mentioned, the power of your rod could be rated from medium to heavy, which relates to how easy it will be to tackle large catches. A medium-heavy fishing rod is best for catching medium to heavy fish, or if you intend on using heavy lures, this rod would also be ideal. Typically, it will have a substantially stronger design that helps to protect the integrity of the rod when going after big catches.
5. Are Carbon Fishing Rods Good?
Carbon fishing rods are seemingly one of the most popular fishing rods on the market due to their flexibility and strength. Carbon fiber gives users an exceptional level of durability without being too stiff to let the rod break while fishing. It also has a sleek and modern aesthetic that can contribute to the look of your other fishing gear.
Our Final Recommendation
Overall, the KastKing Blackhawk II seems to be the best option for a telescopic fishing rod that you can bring with you everywhere. It quickly breaks down into several small parts, which is quite convenient for backpacking and hiking. Also, its performance is far superior to the others on this list, as the rod has high-quality and responsive materials for fresh and saltwater fishing.