Best Telescopic Fishing Rods Reviewed 2024

Do you like to travel? If so, you might want to invest in one of the best telescopic fishing rods.

Telescopic fishing rods, or collapsible fishing rods, are essential if you are constantly on the move.

Telescoping fishing rods are portable and can be taken on long trips without using up a ton of space. 

If you’ve never considered buying one of these rods before, you might be wondering whether it’s worth your time and money to do so. 

The short answer? Absolutely. 

In the past, these rods may have gotten a bit of a bad rap, as people assumed that they weren’t quite as durable and that they lacked the structural integrity of regular rods.

That’s far from the case. Today’s good quality telescopic fishing rods are strong, sturdy, and designed for long term use.

Here’s how to find some of the top collapsible fishing rods out there, as well as my top picks.

Best Telescopic Fishing Rods 2024: The Short List 

In a rush? Don’t feel obligated to read the entire article (don’t worry – I won’t be offended!). 

Here are the best telescopic fishing rods on the market today:

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Top Telescopic Fishing Rods

Here are the top retractable/telescopic rods on the market today

Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit

This setup from Okuma makes the list as one of our best telescopic fishing rods – even though it’s not a 100% true telescopic rod. 

Nevertheless, it more than makes up for it with its dynamic features. It’s equipped with an excellent action along with a great spinning reel, a helpful travel case, and more. 

You’ll even get a tackle box with this rig! 

At six feet long, this travel rod is perfect for fishing in tight settings. Not only that, but it can easily be broken down into five pieces for maximum portability. 

Five pieces may give you more parts that you have to worry about breaking. However, you’ll love that this rod is collapsible, and you won’t mind being a bit more careful when you’re walking through the woods. 

You can throw everything into the case at the end of the day. At 17”x 9”x 3”, this case is super portable and can easily be stashed in the back of your car. 

It’s padded and has a slot that you can slide your tackle box into.

Not only that, but this rod is equipped with ceramic guides that are corrosion-resistant and durable. 

It has cork grips, too, which not only add to the beauty of this rod but also its longevity. It looks much more like a rod for serious anglers instead of a toy for kids. 

You’ll love how this rod feels in your hand and you can use it to fish for just about anything, including walleye, panfish, bass, and trout. 

Pros:

• Has a superb feel and excellent sensitivity
• Comes with a high-quality carrying case and tackle box
• Equipped with comfortable cork grips

Cons: 

• Not technically telescopic but functions in the same way 

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod

KastKing is another great name when it comes to superior fishing tackle.

This quality rod is available in a whopping fourteen different lengths and actions (including a baitcasting option) so you’re sure to find the rod that fits the bill for you.

This rod is also equipped with 24-ton carbon matrix blanks, which offer superior sensitivity and long term durability. You won’t get any reel or tackle included with your purchase, as you will with the last option. 

Designed for serious anglers, this rod is collapsible. It casts with ease and is incredibly lightweight. It is backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty to give you greater peace of mind in your purchase. 

Although the grips on this telescopic fishing rod are not cork, you will still love the way it feels in your hands. 

It has an EVA handle and a reinforced reel seat for comfortable, effective fishing no matter the setting or weather.

Pros:

• Backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
• Great sensitivity ratings
• Can be purchased in 14 different actions and lengths 

Cons:

• Non-ceramic rod guides are not the most durable

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

This fishing rod and reel combo from Plusinno is affordable, compact, and I’ll say it – absolutely adorable! That said, it certainly packs a punch when you’re out there on the water.

It comes with its own carrying case, which is not only helpful for keeping the separate components of your combo kit intact and safe but also when it comes to space utilization. 

The case makes for a super portable fishing system to say the least.

Great for carrying with you back in the woods, this rod and reel combo can be purchased in four different sizes. The rod can be secured to a backpack if you want to ditch the carrying case and be totally hands-free.

When it comes to the durability of the rod, you won’t be lacking anything either. It is made out of carbon fiber that is reinforced with a composite of fiberglass. 

The ceramic guides and reel seat are both corrosion-resistant. The reel seat, made out of aluminum, is a nice finishing touch to an already fantastic reel.

You’ll get a 3000 size reel that has a smooth function and excellent drag. It is a great reel by itself, let alone the fact that it’s included in this combo as a bonus item. 

An affordable and reliable fishing rod and reel, this product is backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty just like many of the others I’ve reviewed on this list.

With a soft action and maximum sensitivity, this rod and reel is the perfect choice for practically any angler. 

Pros:

• Has corrosion-resistant ceramic guides and aluminum reel seat
• Carrying case will keep all of your components safe, or you can hook the rod to your backpack
• Tackle and reel are both included with your purchase

Cons: 

• Shortest rod is sixteen inches, which is still longer than many of the other rods on this list

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod – Carbon Fiber Ultralight Fishing Pole 

With a collapsed length of 16.5” and an extended length of 5’9” (at the smallest) this rod isn’t the smallest you’ll find – but boy, it’s effective and comfortable to use.

Like many of the other rods on this list, the Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod can be purchased in various lengths, with options ranging from the aforementioned 5’9” and going as long as 10’9”. 

When collapsed, the rod is 16.5 to 26.3 inches and can handle line weights between 5 and 15 lbs.

Backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, this carbon fiber rod is nonetheless extremely powerful. 

It has a comfortable EVA foam handle and sturdy attachment points, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking down on you.

It comes with handy guides that make it easy to install your fishing line. Not only that, but it’s lightweight, retractable, and folds down to a size that’s small enough to tuck into a standard-sized backpack.

If you like to bring your fishing rod with you on backwoods camping trips, this telescopic rod is the way to go.

Pros:

• Backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
• Folds down small enough to fit into most backpacks
• Lightweight and durable

Cons: 

• Does not come with a reel or any kind of accessories 

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

Eagle Claw PK56TS Pack-It Spin Combo Telescopic Rod

This fishing rod by Eagle Claw is fun to use and also very affordable. You’ll lose a bit of line weight capacity when compared to some of the other options on this list, but that’s a small sacrifice to make when you consider how convenient this rod is to use.

With a medium power and an extended length of 5’6”, this rod collapses down to less than 14 inches long. It can handle line weights of 4-10 lbs. 

Best for freshwater fishing (I like it for bass fishing in particular), it has a comfortable EVA foam handle that will give you a sure, steady grip in all kinds of weather (yes, even the pouring rain!).

It can be broken down into five separate sections. These pull out completely and then lock in for stability while you’re casting. 

It has a reel that is reversible so you can use it regardless of your handedness. 

It ships right to your door with lines already installed and ready to be used – another bonus for a novice angler who doesn’t want to mess around with getting a rod and reel set up. 

You can easily stash this rod in the trunk of your car and head to your favorite fishing hole – it’s incredibly compact while also being nicely functional.

Pros:

• Comes preloaded with line so you can start fishing immediately
• Easy to get set up and comfortable to use
• Packs down into five sections 

Cons: 

• Not the most powerful when it comes to larger fish species

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

Troutboy Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

While the name of this fishing rod and reel combo implies that it can only be used for trout, don’t worry – you can use this telescopic fishing rod on just about any freshwater fish species.

It is flexible and lightweight, compatible with line weights of 5-15 lbs. It’s backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty and is available in several lengths and actions.

You can choose between a medium or medium/heavy action when you buy this rod, which is made out of a carbon fiber e-glass composite. 

It’s available in extended lengths between 5’10” and 11’10” and collapses down to 18.8”-26.3”, depending on which length you select. 

Made with a durable EVA forearm grip, this rod is perfect for those extended fishing sessions where you just don’t want to call it quits. It has a decent drag and can be packed into any bag or backpack.

Pros:

• Durable and rugged when it comes to reeling in tough-fighting fish
• Backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
• Compatible with multiple line weights 

Cons: 

• Can be harder to collapse at the end of the fishing session

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

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

This telescopic rod is one of the best budget telescopic fishing rods you can buy. Hurricane isn’t the most common name when it comes to fishing rods and tackle, but it’s nonetheless a brand to consider.

Available in lengths of seven to eight feet, this rod is made out of a fiberglass and graphite composite. It breaks into six sections and is super lightweight.

Although you probably won’t fall in love with this collapsible rod’s foam handle, don’t worry – it will still get the job done as a portable, compact rod. 

Pros:

• Can be used in both saltwater and freshwater settings
• Very inexpensive option
• Heavy action can be suitable for larger fish

Cons:

• Does not pack down quite as small as some of the other rods I’ve reviewed

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

YONGZHI Kids Fishing Pole with Spinning Reels, Telescopic Fishing Rod

No list of the best collapsible fishing rods would be complete without a quick mention of the best pick for kids! 

This option by Yongzhi is a good option for kids who are new to fishing but still want to be responsible for their own gear.

With three color options to choose from, it’s a customizable rod that is perfect for kids both small and old alike. It can be used right out of the box. 

At a total length of just five feet, the pole breaks down to a compact closed size of 14 inches. It comes with ceramic guides and carbon fiber blanks. 

You can easily convert the spinning reel from left to right hand retrieve, so it can suit folks of all handedness capabilities. 

Pros:

• Packs down to a compact size of 14” 
• Three color choices available
• Perfect for little kids to use as an introduction to fishing

Cons: 

• Only suitable for smaller sized fish and younger anglers

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

How Foldable/Telescopic Fishing Rods Work 

If you’ve never used a telescopic fishing rod before, you might be a bit confused about how these unique rods actually work. It’s quite simple. 

A telescopic fishing rod works in a manner similar to an umbrella. It starts as a smaller pole and can be extended out, with each piece of the pole fitting snugly inside the next. 

When extended, all of the pieces form one long pole. 

Guide to Buying a Telescopic Fishing Rod

Length

Once you start shopping for your telescopic rod, you’ll quickly learn that rod length varies. 

The measurements between rods can produce vastly different results, so it’s important that you get a rod that’s the right length for you.

The longer the rod, the further you’ll be able to cast. You’ll find collapsible rods in lengths from 6 to 12 feet. 

Although you’ll be able to cast further with these longer rods, you may have more trouble navigating tight areas. 

Handle

If you plan on casting long distances with your telescopic fishing rod, look for a rod with a longer handle. If you want to cast shorter distances, a shorter rod is ideal. 

But wait, didn’t I already talk about length? Yes – but there’s something else that matters when you start considering the length of your rod, and that’s the handle. 

If you purchase a rod with a handle that has room for both of your hands, you’ll be able to cast much further.

You will also want to consider your comfort level. The most comfortable handles to use tend to be made out of EVA foam, but that’s not to say that you couldn’t go with an option like cork if you feel so inclined to do so.

Reel Seat

The reel seat is where you will attach your reel. There are three main types of reels for you to choose from when it comes time to pair it with your rod – a spinning reel, a spincast reel, and a baitcasting reel. 

Number of Sections

The number of sections your rod has is another important feature to consider. If your rod has multiple sections, it might be tough for you to extend it. 

It could also mean that you run the risk of things breaking in one of the sections. 

Blank Guides

Guides can be made out of anything from ceramic to metal or even plastic. The guides are generally going to be located at the bottom of the rod. 

What matters more is that you select quality guides, which will allow your line to move more easily. 

You’ll want to look for a telescopic rod that has around five-line guides. This will not only make your rod easy to use but will also give you the best possible results while fishing, too. 

More eyelets are usually better, as it will give you superior leverage against resistant fish. It’s a somewhat fragile balance, though, because too many eyelets can impact the balance and strength of your rod. 

Weight

You are also going to want to consider the weight of your telescopic rod. As a general rule of thumb, these rods are lightweight, perfect for portability and transportation. 

These are essential aspects of all rods, but particularly telescopic rods. 

After all, what’s the point of a rod that breaks down into a smaller size if it’s still super heavy to carry? 

Ferrules 

In general, collapsible fishing rods will have two ferrules. These will show you where the rod comes together. 

The ferrules are more or less standard on every collapsible fishing rod, but what’s important is that you look for a product with guides that line up easily when you attach the two pieces together. 

This will help your line take a straight path and can help you avoid crooked casts, too. 

Power

The power of the rod refers to how much space it can handle before it begins to flex. This is an important consideration to make when you are selecting your telescopic rod.

Most are medium to medium-heavy, but the lighter powered your rod is, the more sensitive it is. You will also be restricted more to lightweight fish, so you’ll want to weigh your options carefully here. 

Action 

You should also carefully consider the action of your rod. The action refers to the amount that the rod can flex at the tip. 

A fast action rod generally flexes just around the tip, while a medium-action rod will flex about halfway down the rod. A slow action rod can go from the upper handle to the tip.

What kind of action you choose will again depend on your preferences as an angler. Most telescopic rods are offered in medium to medium-heavy actions. 

You won’t be able to cast quite as far, but you’ll be rewarded with a more portable, compact rod instead. 

Line and Lure Weights

When you’re shopping for a telescopic rod, you might notice that it’s rated for various sized line and lure weights. 

You’ll want to pay close attention and make the decision based on what you intend to do with your rod.

There’s usually a range. For example, your telescopic rod might say that it can take 4-6 weight lines. You can purchase any line within this range and be good to go when it comes to fishing. 

Usually, you’ll find this information displayed on the butt of the rod.

Lure weight is something else you’ll want to pay attention to. In general, you can match up to most lures with certain types of line. 

Level of Experience

Another thing you should consider has nothing to do with the rod, but everything to do with you. How much experience do you have fishing? 

The beauty of telescopic rods is that they are geared more toward beginning anglers and people who are new to the world of fishing. 

Therefore, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend a collapsible rod for someone who is looking to engage in more finesse fishing techniques – although that’s not to say that you couldn’t use one if you wanted to! 

Fishing Setting

No matter what kind of rod you choose, it’s essential that you match it up to where you plan on fishing. 

You might need a longer rod for certain applications, like sea fishing.

Many rods are made out of materials that simply aren’t ideal for saltwater fishing, so you’ll want to make sure the one you choose is compatible with this if that’s something you plan on doing. 

Rod vs Combo

When you’re shopping for a telescopic rod, you’ll quickly discover that there are two main options to choose from – just the rod itself and a combination product. 

Each combo varies in terms of what you will receive, but more often than not, you’ll get something like the reel, lure, and line. 

Ask yourself whether you truly need the fishing gear that comes in the combo, as combination products tend to be much more expensive than stand-alone options. 

That said, combos often make great gifts for friends and family, and they’re good options for people who are new to fishing and don’t have any of the basic fishing gear.

Materials

You’ll find telescopic fishing poles made out of all kinds of materials, but I recommend going with rods made out of materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon fiber. 

Graphite is another good option, as it will offer more power, but be aware that it might break more easily.

These options are all incredibly durable while also known for their flexibility and strength. 

You might also find a rod with a glass tip – this sounds like it wouldn’t be the most durable, but don’t worry – it’s actually quite a good option, even if you tend to be hard on materials.

Look for guides and reel seats made out of corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or aluminum, particularly if you want to be able to use your telescopic rod in saltwater without worrying about the risk of corrosion. 

Should You Buy a Collapsible Fishing Rod? 

There are several reasons to consider using a telescopic fishing rod, many of which you are probably already aware of. 

Here’s the thing – telescopic fishing rods tend to have a serious stigma attached to them.

For the life of me, I can’t figure out why. Lots of people think that they will never perform as well as a single piece fishing rod. 

That’s not the case. Telescopic fishing rods have their place in fishing.

For example, if you are fishing in spots that are tough to reach by foot, it might not make a lot of sense for you to carry a large rod with you.

Not only is this incredibly cumbersome, but you run the risk of breaking your rod. 

A telescopic retractable fishing rod is a much smarter choice if you are fishing somewhere space is limited, or if you are traveling. 

If you’re a new fisherman, you may want to start with a telescopic rod simply because they tend to be more affordable than the alternatives. 

However, you don’t have to be a newbie, nor do you have to be on a budget to choose a telescopic fishing rod. 

You might simply be the kind of angler who appreciates being able to pull over on the side of the road and cast a line into the water at a moment’s notice!

If that sounds like you, consider investing in a collapsible fishing rod. You’ll love that you can go fishing on the spur of the moment! 

Sharing is caring!