If you are an adventurous angler seeking a portable and lightweight fishing rod for hiking and backpacking or just as a spare, then this article will help you make the right choice.
Here, we focus on reviewing the best telescopic fishing rods since they are compact and foldable to a size that fits in your backpack. Lastly, we also share a short buying guide near the end of the article so keep on reading!
IN A HURRY? HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS…
| Best Telescopic Fishing Rods | Product | Brand | Length | Closed Length | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best portable fishing rod |   | Lixada Pen Fishing Rod Reel Combo | 3.28ft, 4.6ft, 5.25ft, 5.91ft, 6.89ft | 8.0 inches | Check Price |
| Best telescopic fishing rod and reel combo |   | Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo | 5.91ft, 6.89ft, 7.87ft, 8.86ft | 15.75inches, 16.14inches, 16.54inches, 16.93inches | Check Price |
| Best telescopic fishing rod for beginners |   | Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Package | 5.91ft, 6.89ft, 7.87ft, 8.86ft | 15.75inches, 16.14inches, 16.54inches, 16.93inches | Check Price |
| Best telescopic fishing rod for children |   | Kids Fishing Pole With Full Kit | 5.24 feet | 14 inches | Check Price |
| Best telescopic fishing rod for the money |   | KastKing Blackhawk Telescopic Fishing Rod | 6.5ft, 6.7ft, 7ft, 7.2ft, 7.5ft | 21.7inches, 24.0inches, 22.4inches, 25.2inches, 26.8inches | Check Price |
Table of Contents
What Is The Best Telescopic Fishing Rod?
Best portable fishing rod
- Reel & Rod Combos: Enjoy fishing soon with this prepared fishing reel and rod combo
- Fishing Rod: Glass steel fiber rod, solid and strong to fight with big fish, and aluminum alloy shell, corrosion resistant and lightweight
- Fishing Reel: Mini spinning reel with fishing line, 4.3:1 gear ratio, 2+1BB with copper axis for smooth and easy operation
- Designed for Fishing: Only 9.8oz, lightweight for easy transparent, and 8.0in in collapses length to fit in your pocket or fishing tackle, working well in freshwater and saltwater
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Specifications | |
Length | 3.28 ft, 4.6 ft, 5.25 ft, 5.91 ft, 6.89 ft |
Closed length | 8.0 inches |
Weight | 9.8 oz |
Gear ratio | 4.3:1 |
Ball bearings | 2+1 |
Material type | Glass steel fiber rod + aluminum spool |
This pen fishing rod is a fun little kit to have in the glove box or trunk case in case you come across a pond. It can be used for testing the waters before coming back with proper fishing gear. As such, this fishing rod isn’t intended for hauling in a monster 30-pound bass. The reel construction is similar to a decent budget reel available at Walmart. It is made out of metal on the base and plastic on the line housing.
On the downside, the eyelets are very small. This means you’ll have to take your hook and leader on and off every time you want to put it away. Next to that, the pen fishing rod is made of cheap material so you get what you pay for.
That said, it is still one of the best pen fishing rods on the market right now. Finally, it has a very small hold in the palm of your hand reel so you can’t put a lot of line on it to cast. Also, the fishing line that comes with it is of poor quality as well. So, you are better off replacing it with some 2-6lbs mono or braided fishing line on it.
Best telescopic fishing rod and reel combo
- Good grip: The collapsible fishing rod features EVA foam grips which provide comfort even after long days of fishing
- Multipurpose: The parts are made of anti-seawater corrosion such as aluminum oxide guides and stainless steel bearings. As a result, it is suitable for freshwater and seawater fishing
- Portable: Comes with a case making it more convenient for carrying around or traveling
- User friendly: The spool handle can be modified for both left-handed and right-handed people. Also, it has a plastic tip guard to protect the fishing rod while it’s collapsed
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Specifications | |
Length | 5.91 ft, 6.89 ft, 7.87 ft, 8.86 ft |
Closed length | 15.75 inches, 16.14 inches, 16.54 inches, 16.93 inches |
Weight | 5.29 oz, 6.17 oz, 7.09 oz, 8.40 oz |
Gear ratio | 5.2:1 |
Ball bearings | 12 + 1 shielded stainless steel |
Material type | Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass rod + aluminum spool |
This collapsible fishing rod is compact and lightweight without giving in on strength and durability due to the types of material being used. Thus, it is a nice fishing rod to have when out backpacking or when space is limited.
One major drawback is that it doesn’t come with a hook keeper and there’s no eyelet on the first section of the rod closest to the reel which leaves you with some string unsupported when reeling in a fish.
Best telescopic fishing rod for beginners
- Good grip: The collapsible fishing rod features EVA foam grips which provide comfort even after long days of fishing
- Multipurpose: The parts are made of anti-seawater corrosion such as aluminum oxide guides and stainless steel bearings. As a result, it is suitable for freshwater and seawater fishing
- Portable: Comes with a case making it more convenient for carrying around or traveling
- User friendly: The spool handle can be modified for both left-handed and right-handed people. Also, it has a plastic tip guard to protect the fishing rod while it’s collapsed
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Included | Carrier Case, Telescopic Fishing Rod, Fishing Reel, Fishing line, Various Fishing Lures, Fishing hooks, Additional Accessories |
Length | 5.91 ft, 6.89 ft, 7.87 ft, 8.86 ft |
Closed length | 15.75 inches, 16.14 inches, 16.54 inches, 16.93 inches |
Weight | 5.29 oz, 6.17 oz, 7.09 oz, 8.40 oz |
Gear ratio | 5.2:1 |
Ball bearings | 12 + 1 shielded stainless steel |
Material type | Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass rod + aluminum spool |
If you are a beginner angler then this telescopic rod is probably the best choice for you. Next to the fishing rod and reel, you also get a fishing line, lures, and a carrier case. This is all offered at such an affordable price. So, you are certain to get the best bang for your buck with this budget-friendly fishing kit.
The reel is very smooth in casting and retrieval and the rod is well-built. As such, this fishing rod and reel combo feel sturdier and more durable despite being inexpensive. It is an ideal choice to have in your car or for backpacking in case you pass by a lake or river.
One drawback to the telescopic rod is that it can be difficult to keep the eyelets aligned. It also seems that the manufacturer doesn’t produce consistent quality. As a result, some people have had their fishing rod snap in half.
Best telescopic fishing rod for children
- Child friendly: The length and weight of the fishing rod make it ideal for children
- Good grip: Equipped with PVC handle for maintaining a tight grip
- Portable: The closed length is 14 inches making it fit neatly in a backpack and travel bag
- User friendly: The spool handle can be modified for both left handed and right handed people. Also, it has a plastic tip guard to protect the fishing rod while it’s collapsed
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Included | Carrier Bag, Collapsible Fishing Rod, Spinning Reel, Fishing line, Various Fishing Lures, Fishing hooks, Additional Accessories, Beginner’s Manual |
Length | 5.24 feet |
Closed length | 14 inches |
Weight | 4.5 oz |
Gear ratio | 5.2:1 |
Ball bearings | 2 + 1 plastic |
Material type | Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass rod + plastic spool |
This fishing rod comes with a beginner’s manual with clear explanations for basic fishing skills, simple diagrams for rigging options, and a few tips and tricks for fishing with family. On top of that, it is suitable for ponds, streams, rivers, bass, and trout fishing.
However, the reel is made of plastic material which makes it a non-durable collapsible fishing rod. That said, it certainly gives the child the feeling of casting the line and really going fishing.
Best telescopic fishing rod for the money
- Available in different lengths: This travel fishing rod is available in 14 lengths and actions in travel spinning rod and casting rod models.
- Good grip: The compact fishing rod features EVA foam grips which provide comfort even after long days of fishing
- Good design: The fishing rod comes with a hook holder and reinforced reel seats
- Multipurpose: There’s a spinning fishing rod or baitcasting rod for almost any fresh or saltwater fishing situation whether your trout fishing, bass fishing and/or kayak fishing
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Specifications | |
Length | 6.5 ft, 6.7 ft, 7 ft, 7.2 ft, 7.5 ft |
Closed length | 21.7 inches, 24.0 inches, 22.4 inches, 25.2 inches, 26.8 inches |
Model types | Spinning, Casting, Inshore casting, Inshore spinning |
Material type | Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass |
This compact fishing rod features a handle, reel seat, and eyelets that are made of durable and high-quality material that fit the purpose of each part. It’s also compact and lightweight without giving in on strength and durability due to the types of material being used. Therefore, it is a nice fishing rod to have when out backpacking or when space is limited.
A major drawback is that once dirt such as a tiny bit of sand gets inside the rod, it becomes more difficult to collapse/expand the rod. So, be sure to wipe down the rod before putting it away. A final remark is that the line guides tend to rotate a little after some use causing you to readjust the guides throughout the day.
How To Choose The Best Telescopic Fishing Rod
Most likely you are looking for a telescopic fishing rod because they are compact and thus easy to take with you when traveling or backpacking. They are also referred to as collapsible fishing rods, folding rods, and portable fishing rods. Unfortunately, there is not a one size fits all type of telescopic fishing rod.
So, in what follows we’ll discuss the different factors that influence the type of telescopic fishing rod you end up going fishing with.
Budget
As with most things, the higher the price usually also means the better the quality. Thus, the budget that you set for yourself when shopping for a telescopic fishing rod will also determine the quality you end up with. In general, telescopic fishing rods ranging in the $50-$80 range offer a consistent level of quality.
In this range, you can be certain that you are purchasing a telescopic fishing rod where the price solely reflects its quality and doesn’t include its aesthetic quality. This is also a good price range if you’re a beginner and trying to figure out whether a telescopic fishing rod is a right choice for you.
Components
The components of a telescopic fishing rod also influence which type you ultimately end up with. For starters, you have the rod guides which are those little eyelets that the fishing line runs through. They are responsible for directing the fishing line from the rod to the water and handling the weight and pressure when you have a fish on the hook.
It is favorable to aim for a telescopic fishing rod with a minimum of five guides which is similar to traditional fishing rods. More guides won’t be a problem, but anything less might cause weak points which will affect the overall strength and balance of the entire rod. Also, the material used for the rod guides needs to be up to the task at hand. Rod guides constructed of ceramic are usually the best as they are both lightweight, low-profile, and decently durable. The lighter your rod guides are, the better the sensitivity of the entire setup.
Style of Fishing
Next, you need to consider what type of fish and where you are planning on fishing. This is because it influences the action and power of the telescopic fishing rod. The action refers to the rod’s flexibility when under strain while power refers to the rod’s resistance when being flexed.
Fast action is useful for big, strong predators in deep water. Using a fast-action rod in small or shallow waters will prove frustrating for catching anything but weeds and driftwood. Slow action rods work well with short casts and small fish. They’re highly accurate because of their short cast distance but are susceptible to blowing in windy conditions.
Finally, the rods are labeled medium, medium-heavy, light action, or heavy power. If you only have one choice available to you, go with a medium power rod. Medium power will cover the fullest possibilities in fresh and saltwater environments.
Type of material
The materials that the telescopic rods are constructed out of will play a major role in the overall durability of the rod. In fact, it is the material that is responsible for providing strength and flexibility in any fishing rod. Fiberglass, graphite, carbon fiber, or a combo of any of the aforementioned are excellent materials that can provide durability as well as dependability.
The lightweight, flexible design of a carbon fiber rod enables it to transmit vibrations through its length to the angler’s hand, making the fisherman feel the fish biting the hook. Durability and hardness are guaranteed with a carbon fiber rod mixed with fiberglass, which integrates the strengths of the two materials. There is an unwritten understanding that fiberglass is stronger than carbon fiber and is, therefore, better suited for larger fish.
Type of rod
There are different options to choose from when searching for the best telescoping fishing rod for you.
These options are spinning rods, surf rods, and fly rods. The spinning rods are designed for spinning reels and can be used for sport and recreational fishing.
Next, you have surf rods which are ideal when fishing in saltwater due to their anti-corrosive properties. Finally, fly rods are easy for casting artificial baits although most anglers opt for spinning rods due to being versatile.
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