The 10 Best Telescopic Fishing Rods of 2021
Photo: Sougayilang
Long fishing rods are very practical because they allow you to cast the bait far out. However, this design is not easily portable.
Sure, you can get a multiple-piece rod that can be dismantled for compact storage/transportation, but this means assembly/disassembly all the time.
The most practical solution is a telescopic rod. This can be adjusted lengthwise to suit different fishing conditions, then folded back to a compact size after use.
That said, we have compiled a list of the best telescopic fishing rods in the market. Read through and take your pick.
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10 Best Telescopic Fishing Rods – Review
- 1. Best Overall Telescopic Fishing Rod: Plusinno Fishing Rod
- 2. Best Budget Telescopic Fishing Rod: Sougayilang Fishing Rod
- 3. Best Heavy-Duty Telescopic Fishing Rod: Plusinno HA 3000
- 4. Best Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo: Magreel Fishing Rod
- 5. Best Sensitive Telescopic Fishing Rod: KastKing Blackhawk II
- 6. Best Cork-Handle Telescopic Fishing Rod: Daiwa Megaforce
- 7. Longest Telescopic Fishing Rod: Goture Red Fox
- 8. Compact Telescopic Fishing Rod: Zebco ZCASTS56TEL
- 9. Fiberglass Telescopic Fishing Rod: Eagle Claw PK555SP
- 10. Telescopic Fishing Rod with a Smooth-Running Reel: Sougayilang Combo
- How to Buy the Best Telescopic Fishing Rods
- Conclusion
10 Best Telescopic Fishing Rods – Review
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1. Plusinno Fishing Rod (Best Overall) |
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2. Sougayilang Fishing Rod (Best Budget) |
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3. Plusinno HA 3000 (Best Heavy-Duty) |
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4. Magreel Fishing Rod (Best Fishing Rod & Reel Combo) |
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5. KastKing Blackhawk II (Best Sensitive) |
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6. Daiwa Megaforce (Best Cork-Handle) |
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7. Goture Red Fox (Longest) |
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8. Zebco ZCASTS56TEL (Compact) |
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9. Eagle Claw PK555SP (Fiberglass-Built) |
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10. Sougayilang Combo (With a Smooth-Running Reel) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Plusinno Fishing Rod (Best Overall) |
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2. Sougayilang Fishing Rod (Best Budget) |
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3. Plusinno HA 3000 (Best Heavy-Duty) |
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4. Magreel Fishing Rod (Best Fishing Rod & Reel Combo) |
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5. KastKing Blackhawk II (Best Sensitive) |
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6. Daiwa Megaforce (Best Cork-Handle) |
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7. Goture Red Fox (Longest) |
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8. Zebco ZCASTS56TEL (Compact) |
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9. Eagle Claw PK555SP (Fiberglass-Built) |
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10. Sougayilang Combo (With a Smooth-Running Reel) |
1. Best Overall Telescopic Fishing Rod: Plusinno Fishing Rod
Photo: Plusinno
- Rod Length: 5.91 – 9 ft.
- Weight: 4.12 – 5.89 oz.
Strength, high sensitivity, smooth-running, and good grip make this product our overall best collapsible fishing rod.
The unit is built using IM6 carbon matrix technology blanks that are incredibly strong and sensitive to fish bites. This construction is ideal for fresh and saltwater use, which means you can use it for surf fishing.
For smooth running, the rod has stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts. These provide a smooth and durable surface for the line to glide through with minimal friction. The ceramic also enhances sensitivity by transferring vibrations to your hand through the guide and rod.
That said, a reel is included in the set and it has a total of 9 bearings (8BB + 1 clutch) that ensure you cast the line and pull your catch smoothly. The component also has an interchangeable handle for left- or right-hand use.
Carbon split and full handles are built-in for comfortable holding. They are made using EVA and cork materials for non-slip use.
You also get a wide selection of accessories that include crankbaits, jig heads, float bobbers, swivels, sinkers, soft lures, a carry box for all these, and a carry bag for the entire kit.
The only problem is that the rod has a plastic reel seat, which is not very durable. However, this component has a double-locking design that is easy to assemble and disassemble.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Best Budget Telescopic Fishing Rod: Sougayilang Fishing Rod
Photo: Sougayilang
- Rod Length: 8.86 ft.
- Weight: 8.3 oz.
Despite having great power, sensitivity, and durability, Sougayilang telescopic rod is very reasonably priced. It is made using high density 24-ton carbon fiber and E-glass to form composite blanks that perfectly balance power and sensitivity.
The unit has a corrosion-resistant CNC-machined aluminum reel seat plus 3-point welded stainless steel guides with corrosion-resistant ceramic inserts. These features allow you to fish in freshwater or try out surf/inshore fishing.
That said, the ceramic inserts are designed to be used with either braided or mono fishing lines with the same level of power control.
Other features are high-density EVA grip handles and a beautiful carbon-fiber texture on the exterior. The only problem is that you don’t get a reel or any fishing accessories.
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3. Best Heavy-Duty Telescopic Fishing Rod: Plusinno HA 3000
Photo: Plusinno
- Rod Length: 5.91 – 8.86 ft.
- Power: Medium
- Weight: 5.29-8.4 oz.
The Plusinno HA 3000 comes as a rod and reel combo , with both components having a heavy-duty design. Starting with the rod, it is built using high-density carbon fiber and fiberglass to form a hard, durable, and elastic composite piece.
This component has a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel hooded reel seat that can withstand seawater. It also features durable aluminum oxide guide inserts and a comfortable EVA fore-grip handle.
As for the reel, it has high-strength power-drive gears, a deep aluminum spool that can hold a long line for surf fishing, and a high-tensile strength plastic body.
The unit is also equipped with a thick-coiled bail spring plus an S-curve oscillation system for good line winding, instant anti-reverse, and an interchangeable ambidextrous handle. Overall, these features make this the best saltwater telescopic fishing rod in this review.
On the downside, the product is quite costly and it does not come with a lure or line. However, there is a full kit option with all these accessories but this is more expensive.
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4. Best Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo: Magreel Fishing Rod
Photo: Magreel
- Rod Length: 5.91 – 8.86 ft.
- Weight: 5.29-8.8 oz.
While there are many telescopic fishing rod and reel combos, Magreel’s piece stands out because it comes with a powerful reel that is ideal for large fish. It also includes a 120-meter fishing line, 2 tackles of multiple fishing lures & accessories, and an EVA carrier bag for easy portability.
Aside from that, the rod is built using sturdy 25-ton carbon fiber with a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel hooded reel seat and a protective cap over the tip. It also features stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts for quick heat dissipation and a comfortable EVA-grip handle.
On the other hand, the reel has a powerful 5.5:1 gear ratio for fast retrieval and a deep aluminum spool that has a large capacity of 285, 230, and 150 meters for a line that is 0.18, 0.2, and 0.25 mm thick respectively.
This component also features a thick bail line, instant anti-reverse, and a foldable handle that is interchangeable for left- or right-hand use.
The only problem is that the rod is quite heavy for its size. For instance, the 8.86-ft option weighs 8.8 oz., which is quite heavy. This can cause fatigue during long fishing days.
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5. Best Sensitive Telescopic Fishing Rod: KastKing Blackhawk II
Photo: KastKing
- Rod Length: 7 ft.
- Power: Medium-Heavy
- Action: Fast
- Weight: 5.3 oz.
The KastKing Blackhawk II has a 6-piece design plus a solid glass tip that are joined together via Soloscopic Performance Technology. This makes it highly sensitive because the rod acts as a single piece.
Basically, this technology involves 4 major components. First is multilayered carbon-matrix blanks with a 90º vertical compression layer, 135º & 45º diagonal distortion-resistant layer, and a 180º horizontal crack-resistant layer.
The other 3 components are snug-fit ferrules for full-length power transition, smooth & consistent tapers to eliminate flat/dead spots, and multiple floating guides for improving line performance.
Other than that, the unit is fitted with high-quality components such as a reinforced graphite reel seat, a comfortable EVA handle, and stainless-steel guides with ultra-smooth URS line guide inserts.
On the downside, the rod is not ideal for saltwater use and it does not come with a reel or any accessories.
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6. Best Cork-Handle Telescopic Fishing Rod: Daiwa Megaforce
Photo: Daiwa
- Rod Length: 6.89 – 11.81 ft.
- Weight: 4.23 – 12.88 oz.
If you prefer cork over EVA fishing rod handles, we highly recommend Daiwa’s Megaforce . It is fitted with high-quality fore and rear cork handles that give you a firm grip when casting and fighting the fish.
As for the blanks, they are made using carbon fiber and these are well-balanced with outstanding action for good performance when casting and fighting fish.
The rod is fitted with lightweight titanium oxide guides that have improved inlays to support its quick resilience.
You also get a casting weight of 0.25-0.88 oz. and multiple sizes to choose from. However, all these options don’t have reels or any accessories included. Additionally, they are only designed for freshwater fishing.
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7. Longest Telescopic Fishing Rod: Goture Red Fox
Photo: Goture
- Rod Length: 9 – 24 ft.
- Power: Medium
- Weight: 2.54 – 10.09 oz.
The Goture Red Fox is available in different sizes that go up to 24-ft long. This is the longest in our telescopic fishing rod review and to hold it together, the unit is built using 30T carbon fiber. The material has special internal reinforcement for increasing wall strength plus joint thickness.
This eliminates stress points along the telescopic joints so that you get a lightweight rod that does not buckle when fighting light and medium-size fish.
That said, the rod is quite lightweight relative to its size because the biggest size is 24-ft long but weighs only 10.09 oz. This makes it easy to handle for smooth casting far out into the lake or reservoir.
All the different sizes (9-24 ft.) collapse to a 2.43-ft length that is easily portable. They also have a medium power for tackling small to medium fish sizes and a sensitive, comfortable, slip-resistant super polymer handle.
On the downside, the rod is not ideal for saltwater use and it does not come with a reel.
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8. Compact Telescopic Fishing Rod: Zebco ZCASTS56TEL
Photo: Zebco
- Rod Length: 5.5 ft.
- Power: Medium
- Weight: 6.1 oz.
Measuring in at only 5.5 ft. when fully extended, Zebco’s ZCASTS56TEL is very compact and this makes it the ideal choice for kids or short people.
The rod is built using durable fiberglass material and has medium power, making it ideal for fighting small fish like trout and panfish. A twist-lock reel seat is built-in for easy assembly/disassembly, which makes it easier for kids to use.
You also get a comfortable EVA handle and 3 guides plus the tip ring, which are enough for the line considering the rod’s length. However, you don’t get a reel or any accessories. The rod is very affordable though so you can easily buy these extras.
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9. Fiberglass Telescopic Fishing Rod: Eagle Claw PK555SP
Photo: Eagle Claw
- Rod Length: 5.5 ft.
- Weight: 4.94 oz.
Eagle Claw’s PK555SP is built using fiberglass material, which makes it durable and super flexible. It has a very short length of 5.5-ft when fully extended, which is ideal for kids or short people.
3 stainless steel guides plus a tip are fitted along its length and these have ceramic inserts for quick heat dissipation when pulling fish in.
On the other end is a comfortable EVA foam handle that gives you a good grip when casting or fighting fish. Overall, this design is ideal for fresh and saltwater use.
The only issues are that the reel seat is made of plastic, which is not very durable, and a reel is not included.
More Detailed: Click here
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10. Telescopic Fishing Rod with a Smooth-Running Reel: Sougayilang Combo
Photo: Sougayilang
- Rod Length: 5.91 – 7.87 ft.
- Weight: 5.29 – 7.94 oz.
Coming as a full kit, Sougayilang Combo includes a smooth and highly efficient reel that has 14 bearings (13 + clutch).
On top of this, the bearings are sealed for corrosion-resistance and they are used on precision-matched gears with a powerful 5.5:1 gear ratio. These ensure the reel runs smoothly for a long time under fresh or saltwater conditions.
The rod is built using high-density carbon fiber plus fiberglass to form a hard and durable composite piece. This is fitted with a durable stainless steel hooded reel seat and multiple guides that have colorful SIC ceramic inserts to help with heat dissipation.
Other components that make up the full kit include 3 lures, a line, multiple accessories, and a carrier bag. On the downside, the piece has a very short handle that might not be very comfortable to hold.
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How to Buy the Best Telescopic Fishing Rods
Photo: smallkayak.myfreesites.net
1. Length
The first thing to consider when buying a telescopic fishing rod is its length. For activities like surf fishing, you need a long rod to cast the lure as far out as possible. In such a scenario, the Goture Red Fox is ideal. For short guys or kids, short rods like Zebco’s ZCASTS56TEL are best.
Read More: The Best Surf Fishing Rods
2. Action
Action shows the point on the rod where it bends as the fish pulls back. It is measured on a scale of slow to fast.
Slow action bending around the middle to form a wide U shape. This makes it very flexible and ideal for long-range casting. However, they are not very sensitive because they bend easily.
However, with a fast action rod, you get high sensitivity because it bends just very little (close to the tip). The only issue is that they are not very good for long-range casting because the blanks are not very flexible.
3. Power
Power indicates the amount of force required to bend a rod, and it is measured on a scale of ultra-light to heavy.
Ultra-light rods bend very easily and as such, they are not ideal for catching large, heavy fish. On the other hand, heavy rods don’t bend easily. They are tough and stiff enough to handle strong fish without breaking.
4. Line Guides
For maximum durability, line guides should be made of stainless steel and placed on each telescopic piece. This means the longer the rod, the more the guides that should be on it.
Additionally, these guides should have inserts for smooth line passage. Ceramic inserts are most commonly used because they help to dissipate heat when reeling while also improving sensitivity. For this, be sure to check out Plusinno’s Fishing Rod .
5. Handle
Telescopic fishing rod handles can be made using EVA foam, cork and a few have rubber grips. None can be said to be better than the other and therefore, you should select this based on personal preference.
6. Weight
This is a no brainer. Lightweight telescopic fishing rods are better because they cause less arm fatigue during long fishing days. That said, when doing a weight comparison, ensure the rods are the same length then pick the lightest piece.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we recommend Plusinno’s Fishing Rod as the overall best telescopic fishing rod because it is built using durable and sensitive IM6 carbon matrix blanks. It also has smooth ceramic inserts, an ambidextrous 9-bearing reel, and multiple accessories.
However, the one that gives you the best combination is Magreel’s fishing rod . This is because it comes as a rod, reel, line, and lure-kit combo with multiple accessories and a carrier bag.
If you want a super-sensitive rod though, check out the KastKing Blackhawk II . It has Soloscopic Performance Technology that makes it function like a single piece. This will transfer vibrations of the smallest fish bite to your hand.