If you’re an angler, adding the best telescopic fishing rod in your arsenal goes a long way to better your experience in the water. These fishing rods have greatly revolutionized fishing experiences. Their portability, strength, and versatility make them invaluable assets on a fishing trip.
Shopping for the best telescopic fishing rod can be challenging. Many products compete for the top spot, and you can easily get confused. We have compiled a detailed guide to help you choose your most suitable rod.
What Is a Telescopic Fishing Rod?
This is a unique fishing rod with the ability to collapse into itself for greater portability. When collapsed, a telescopic rod can be as small as 12″, making it easy to transport in a backpack or car trunk.
Fiberglass and graphite are the primary materials used to make telescopic fishing rods. Fiberglass is highly flexible and durable. Graphite, on the other hand, offers super sensitivity. Some brands also make composite rods combining the two materials for versatility.
Pros and Cons of Telescopic Fishing Rods
As with any other fishing gear, telescopic fishing roads have advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Convenience: Telescopic fishing rods collapse into small lengths when not in use. They can also extend to long rods when fishing. This means you can store or carry in small spaces such as under the seats, trunks, and backpacks.
- Versatility: Most telescopic fishing rods fit any fishing. They can fish in salty and fresh water to catch different types of fish. This level of flexibility allows anglers to carry them without worrying about their next fishing sites.
- Cost: Telescopic fishing rods are very affordable. Yes, some premium rods may cost you a couple of dollars, but the packed features are worth it.
- Easy to use: These fishing rods are simple. Threading a fishing line is pretty straightforward. Within an easy-to-use reel, you can assemble these rods quickly.
Cons
- Short lifespan: Compared to traditional rods, telescopic rods are less durable. Unlike the old models, these rods can easily break under intense pressure. They combine many sections that can break if used in rough environments or with large fish.
- Delicate: Opening and closing telescopic rods roughly can easily break them. Aggressive handling of these rods increases their wear and tear, thus decreasing their efficiency and lifespan.
Our Top 7 Picks of the Best Telescopic Fishing Rods
1. KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod
2. Daiwa Megaforce Telespin Telescopic Fishing Rod
3. Sougayilang 24T Carbon Fishing Rod
4. PLUSINNO Fishing Reel and Rod Combos
5. Magreel Telescopic Fishing Pole
6. Hurricane Mako Telescopic Rod
7. Shimano STC Telescopic Fishing Rod
7 Best Telescopic Fishing Rods of 2023
Are you in the market for the best telescopic fishing rod? Here are the top seven that will take your fishing to the next level.
1. KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod
Several things make KastKing Blackhawk II our top pick. It’s efficient, durable, and has unbeatable versatility.
Kastking Blackhawk II has four layers of 24-Ton graphite fibre shards weaved into the carbon cloth. These toughen the rod, making it crack-resistant even amid extreme stress. On top of that, they keep the pole light and super sensitive.
The Soloscopic performance technology is another feature we cannot overlook. It comprises six blanks and fixed but adjustable stainless steel line guides. With cosmetic EVA handles and a granite reel seat, all these add to the aesthetic beauty of this rod.
Kastking Blackhawk is a unique pole in 14 sizes and can spin the fishing reel combo and baitcasting. You can also use it in salt and fresh waters for different types of fish. Whether traveling with a suitcase or light with a backpack, Kastking Blackhawk is a good go-to telescopic rod.
Pros
- Features Soloscopic performance technology
- built with high-quality materials
- Comes in a variety of sizes to choose from
- Features comfortable EVA foam handles
- Easy and smooth assembling
- Has a cloth bag
Cons
- It doesn’t include a casing
- Too long, even when collapsed
2. Daiwa Megaforce Telespin Telescopic Fishing Rod
If you’ve been a fan of telescopic fishing rods, you must have come across Daiwa telescopic rods. The company prides itself on building quality and enduring fishing rods. In this model, they’ve packed multiple premium features that enable you to navigate the most demanding fishing sites.
The rod has titanium oxide line guides which greatly reduces friction. It also features a graphite backbone that’s responsible for the rod’s sturdiness and is lightweight. Their composite cork and EVA foam handles provide a non-slippery grip that’s comfortable to hold.
The Daiwa Megaforce Telespin rod comes with five casting weights and six collapsible lengths with similar designs. These allow you to fish without distance limitations.
The major drawback associated with this telescoping fishing rod is its length. Although some models can achieve a collapsed length of about 20.90”, some are too long for backpacking.
Pros
- Sturdy and lightweight
- Features a wide variety of weights
- Has many premium features
- Non-corrosive
Cons
- Some models are too bulky
- Expensive
3. Sougayilang 24T Carbon Fishing Rod
This telescopic fishing rod is popular for its ultralight weight. Despite using high-quality materials that include 24-Ton carbon fiber and e-glass, its weight is well balanced.
The Sougayilang fishing rod handle is made from EVA foam, making it non-slippery and comfortable. The CNC aluminum reel seat is both strong and non-corrosive. That means you can use this fishing rod in both salty and fresh water.
The rod’s feel has nothing you can complain about. Made from stainless steel, it provides smooth casting and retrievals.
In terms of versatility, the rod’s guides can operate with both braided and mono-fishing lines. That allows you the freedom to use it on different fish species.
Pros
- ultralight weight
- Comes in four sizes
- Operate in both salty and freshwater
- Has a sturdy and durable reel seat
Cons
- Doesn’t include a reel
4. PLUSINNO Fishing Reel and Rod Combos
This PLUSINNO rod is a composition of quality, simplicity, and efficiency. Made from a mixture of carbon and fiberglass, it is sturdy and durable. With granite blanks, the rod has a high sensitivity for maximum detection.
The rod’s guides are made from aluminum oxide. Besides, the reel seat is made of stainless steel, allowing it to operate even on salty fishing grounds.
The high-tensile plastic material used to make the reels are elastic, reducing their ability to break when fishing. It also features interchangeable handles between the right and left hand for flexible fishing.
Regarding portability, the PLUSINNO fishing rod has a casing for easy packing and transportation. Its compact nature makes it ideal for fishing with a boat or Kayak.
If you’re looking for a versatile telescopic fishing rod, you won’t go wrong with this Plusinno combo. With anti-reverse gear and medium rating capability, you can handle any fish.
Pros
- Comes with a casing
- You can switch power ratings depending on the type of fish you’re targeting
- Features an anti-reverse gear to avoid snapping in case of a big fish
- Build with high-quality materials
- You can use it in both sea and boat fishing
Cons
- Doesn’t include lures or lines
5. Magreel Telescopic Fishing Pole
This is a good pick if you’re looking for a premium fishing rod to help you on the go. Magreel Telescopic Fishing Pole is a high-quality fishing rod perfect for novice and experienced anglers. Made of high-density 24-Ton carbon fiber, it’s strong, light, and durable.
One of the standout features of this pole is its sensitivity. Its construction’s high-density carbon fiber material allows you to feel even the slightest nibble on your bait. Additionally, the pole has a fast action. That makes it highly responsive to your movements, giving you control over your line and lure.
The rod has a range of lengths and actions to suit different fishing styles and locations. The longer versions of the pole are perfect for shore fishing, while the shorter ones are ideal for boat fishing.
The handle of the pole is made from high-quality EVA foam, which makes it soft and comfortable to hold. This is instrumental when fishing in rough waters or windy conditions. The comfortable grip will help you maintain control over your line.
Pros
- Suitable for use in both salty and freshwater
- Non-slippery handle
- Comes with a protective cap
- Comes with a beautiful casing
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t include a quality reel
- Small handle
6. Hurricane Mako Telescopic Rod
Designed with a high-quality graphite blank, Hurricane Mako telescopic fishing rod is both lightweight and durable. It has stainless steel guides and ceramic inlets. These provide smooth line flow and reduced friction during casting.
In terms of performance, the Hurricane Mako rod has great sensitivity and responsiveness. It has a fast action, allowing quick and accurate hook sets. You can as well extend or retract the rod with ease.
The rod is also a master of versatility. You can use it for various fishing techniques, including baitcasting, spinning, and trolling. Whether fishing in fresh or saltwater, the rod is an all-around option.
Overall, Hurricane Mako telescopic fishing rod is reliable, high-quality, and versatile. Thus, it can adapt to a variety of fishing situations. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, this rod is a great choice to provide many hours of enjoyable fishing.
Pros
- Has ceramic inlets
- Adaptable to different fishing needs
- Offers great value for your money
Cons
- A bit bulky compared to other telescopic rods
- Has a fragile collapsible system
7. Shimano STC Telescopic Fishing Rod
The Shimano telescopic fishing rod revolves around its stainless-steel guides, carbon fiber blank, and general design. The rod unleashes unlimited power with various models, ensuring it doesn’t compromise the length. Regarding portability, the smallest rod can collapse to about 12″, making it super portable.
It’s an upgrade of the STC Exage BX Mini-Tele Spin rod. The rod is more advanced and lighter compared to its predecessor. However, it uses the same travel concept that allows it to collapse into a compact spinning rod, making it highly portable.
Using carbon fiber in the blank construction makes the rod lighter than all conventional rods yet stronger. That means it can support fishing for huge fish species.
Additionally, the rod has a Shimano stainless steel guide fitting. The anodized steel frame offers a balanced strength and performance. It also has a high-quality but durable cork with a secure and comfortable grip. There’s also a Shimano DPS reel seat.
Pros
- Comes with a hard travel casing
- Sturdy and durable full cork handle
- Has a stainless-steel guide that makes it corrosion resistant
Cons
- Not Flexible
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Telescopic Fishing Rod
Choosing the best telescopic fishing rod can be challenging, especially for new anglers. Below are the things you should look at in a telescopic fishing rod:
Length
Telescopic fishing rods come in various lengths, so you should choose one that best suits your needs. Longer rods provide greater casting distance, while shorter rods offer more precision and maneuverability.
The length of your telescopic fishing rod depends on the form of fishing you intend to do. If you’re shopping for a rod to fish during camping or hiking, a short pole is a good choice. And that size will be determined by the size of your backpack.
Material
Carbon and fiberglass are the most common materials for making telescopic fishing rods. Carbon rods are more sensitive and lighter. However, they’re very fragile and thus not the best for fishing in extreme conditions.
On the other hand, fiberglass rods are more durable, heavier, and stiffer. Some companies also go the extra mile to combine the two materials. If you’re not sure of the best material for your fishing, you can go for composite rods.
Action
The action of a rod refers to where it bends along its length. Telescopic fishing rods can have a fast, medium, or slow action. The action you choose should depend on the type of fishing you’ll be doing.
Portability
One of the biggest advantages of telescopic fishing rods is their portability. You should consider the collapsed length of the rod, which can range from a few feet to a foot or less. Your mode of transportation will inform the size of your rod.
Power
The power of a rod refers to how much force it takes to bend the rod. A telescopic fishing rod’s power can range from ultra-light to heavy. The power you pick depends on the type of fish you’re targeting and the conditions you’ll be fishing in.
Brand and Price
When buying a telescopic fishing rod, choose a reputable brand with a good track record of producing high-quality fishing gear. Price is also important, as telescopic fishing rods can range from very affordable to expensive.
Target species and fishing style
You should choose a telescopic fishing rod designed for the fish you’re targeting and your fishing style. Different rod designs suit fishing styles, such as trolling, casting, or spinning. So, consider which type of fishing you’ll do most often and go for the rod specifically designed for it.
Final Verdict
There are many options when shopping for the best telescopic fishing rod, which can be confusing. That’s why we prepared this ultimate guide to narrow your search.
The above products stand out for their quality, durability, and performance, so you can’t go wrong with them. Choosing the best telescopic fishing rod increases your chances of winning a big catch and enjoying your time on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Telescopic Fishing Rods Worth It?
Telescopic fishing rods are worth every penny, especially for anglers who travel to their fishing spots. The name telescopic refers to the compact nature of the rods. They easily collapse and fit into a casing to carry anywhere worldwide. They allow you to travel and exercise your hobby in the waters without worrying about long fishing rods.
Can Telescopic Fishing Rods Handle Big Fish?
Yes, you only need to choose the right rod and apply the right skills. Even though most of them tend to be shorter than conventional rods, they get the job done.
Should I Get a Reel and Rod Combo?
This depends on your preference. However, it’s better to focus on the rod first and then choose the reel later. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea; it’s okay if you get your preferred rod.
What Are the Best Maintenance Practices for Telescopic Fishing Rods?
With proper care and maintenance, telescopic rod durability will significantly improve. Below are the best tips to care for and maintain your rod to keep its functionality optimal:
- After every fishing activity, thoroughly clean the rod using a soft, damp cloth
- Dry it before returning to the store
- Inspect the rod every time before using it for any damages
- Apply a lubricant on the guides to prevent abrasion
- Do not expose your telescopic fishing rod to chemicals and solutions that can destroy it
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