Best Telescopic Fishing Rods of 2024: Expert Guide

Are you looking for a portable, convenient, and easy to use fishing rod? Telescopic fishing rods are a great option. Their main distinguishing characteristic is a collapsible design that makes them easy to pack and store. Some come as a rod and reel combo, while others are only available as rods.

This article provides you with detailed information about telescopic fishing rods – what they are, their advantages and disadvantages, how to choose the right one, and review of the best 10 for your consideration.

10 Best Telescoping Fishing Rods Reviews

Buyer’s Guide: Telescopic Fishing Rods and Factors to Consider When Choosing One

What Is a Telescopic Fishing Rod?

A telescopic fishing rod also referred to as a backpacking rod, portable fishing rods, or slidable out fishing rod, is a collapsible fishing rod. The various retractable parts collapse into each other for easy packing and portability. The collapsible parts are also known as blanks.

In some rods, the blanks collapse into the handle, while in others, they collapse into the bottom blank. Usually, the blank adjacent to the handle is the biggest, and the rest keep getting smaller and smaller. Most of the telescopic fishing rods collapse to less than a quarter of their stretched-out size.

They are suitable for hikers, bikers, backpackers, anglers, and travelers who want to be able to fish at anytime, anywhere. They can be used to catch crappie, bass, trout, and smaller fish in streams and lakes. They can also be used in oceans to catch salmon and tarpon.

Advantages of Telescopic Rods

The main advantage of telescopic rods is that they are small and compact-sized. As such, they are easy to carry around, and they save storage space. They can be packed easily in cars, backpacks, bikes, ATV, or as part of your flight luggage. There are some really small telescopic rods that you can actually tuck into your pants pocket. When it comes to storage, you can place them in a drawer or hang them on the wall.

Another advantage of telescopic rods is that although most parts are retractable and collapsible, they are still held together so that you don’t have to worry about deconstructing and reassembling them. They are generally affordable, and you can find a good quality telescopic rod and reel combo at less than $50

Disadvantages of Telescopic Rods

The main disadvantage of telescopic fishing rods is that they have a fragile opening and closing mechanism that can break easily. To prevent breakage, open one section at a time while adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that each part locks into place and that the guidelines are well aligned. Otherwise, the rod could break due to uneven load distribution once you start fishing.

Another disadvantage is that the retractable parts rub against each other with every opening and closing of the rod. The friction leads to faster erosion of the parts that come into contact.

Telescoping fishing rods are typically not heavy-duty. However, if it comes with a high-quality reel with a high drag capacity, you can use it to catch larger fish.

Types of Telescopic Fishing Rods

There are three main types of telescopic fishing rods: those that have a spinning reel, the ones that have a baitcasting reel, or those that stand-alone.

How Do Telescopic Fishing Rods Differ from Traditional Fishing Rods?

Telescopic fishing rods are built for convenience and portability, while traditional rods are designed for performance. Traditional rods have a higher quality build characterized by better quality handles and bigger eyelets. Therefore, they are more durable than telescopic fishing rods.

The smaller and lighter build of telescopic rods comes at the cost of durability. Some people complain that the telescopic fishing rods’ multi-piece construction design compromises sensitivity, which may result in missed catches.

There is a more limited variety of telescopic fishing rods on the market compared to the wide range of traditional fishing rods. This can be explained by the lower demand for telescopic fishing rods.

How to Know Which Is the Best Telescopic Fishing Rod

The following are factors to consider when choosing a telescopic fishing rod:

• Number of Sections. The fewer the number of sections, the better as the fishing rod is sturdier and less likely to break. On the other hand, the more blanks, the longer and more complicated it is to expand and collapse the telescopic fishing rod. It also means more points of weakness at the joints of the sections. The idea is to go for a rod with your preferred length but with the minimum number of sections.
• Extended and Collapsible Lengths. The typical length of extended telescopic fishing rods ranges between 6 and 12 feet. The right length depends on your fishing needs and preference. Shorter rods offer better sturdiness and are ideal for catching stronger and bigger fish. Longer rods allow you to cast further and deeper but are not sturdy enough for bigger catches. When it comes to the collapsible length, the shorter, the better for easier portability and space-saving storage.
• Line and Lure Weight. Generally, telescopic fishing reels are lightweight and thin. While some have one line, others have two. The key with lines is to ensure that they are compatible with the rod. Note that thinner lines are more sensitive and easier to cast. However, a very heavy catch may cause them to break.
• Materials. Telescoping fishing reels are either made of carbon, fiberglass, or both. Each material has its pros and cons. Carbon is lighter and flexible as a result, more sensitive when casting, but it’s better suited for lighter catches in still water as it is prone to breaking. On the other hand, fiberglass is sturdier and stronger; therefore, it handles heavier catches and moving water better. However, fiberglass rods are heavier than their carbon counterparts.

There are also a few telescopic fishing rods made of aluminum or steel. A blend of carbon and fiberglass offers excellent sensitivity and durability.

• Telescopic fishing rod power refers to the weight that it can handle before breaking. They mostly have a medium power rating that is designed for catching small and medium-size fish.
• Line Guides. Most telescopic fishing rod line guides are either made of ceramic or metal. Ceramic is better preferred as it is lightweight, low profile, and offers a smoother drag. Conversely, metal is strong but generates more friction and is prone to rusting, which compromises the guide’s durability.
• Some telescopic fishing rod handles are made of rubber, other aluminum, while others cork. Rubber offers a firm, comfortable, non-slip grip. Aluminum and any other metallic handle materials tend to get slippery when you sweat or are exposed to water. EVA handles offer optimal grip and comfort.

Whichever handle the fishing rod can reinforce with grip tape or cord for a non-slip grip. Most seasoned anglers chalk their hands for a better grip on the fishing rod’s handle.

Another aspect to consider when it comes to handles is handle length. Longer handles are better suited for wider and deeper casting and vice versa. The default design is that longer fishing rods have longer handles.

• Reel seat. The reel seat is the part of the rod where the reel is attached. It should be sturdy and wide.
• You can find telescopic fishing rods from as low as $12 up to $100. While the price is not necessarily a direct indication of the fishing rods’ quality, higher-priced rods tend to have a better build and quality. With the lower-priced rods, it can be hit or miss. When it comes to price, set a budget and work with it. Check reviews of the products you are considering to ascertain that they have a good rating.

Features of the Best Telescopic Fishing Rods

In conclusion, the following are the top features to look out for in a telescopic fishing rod:

• Ceramic line guide
• Comes with a carrier bag
• Non-slip, comfortable handle
• Your preferred length
• Wide and sturdy reel seat
• Price within your budget

How to Care and Maintain a Telescopic Fishing Rod

Clean it often and thoroughly. Accumulation of sand and dirt along the grid lines produces more friction and consequently more wear and tear. Besides, saltwater can accelerate rusting of the metallic parts.

Therefore, it is best to clean the rod with soapy, warm water after every use. Take your time to remove any sand, grim, debris, or algae that might have gotten stuck on the rod. Wipe it dry before storing.

Regularly inspect the guides for any burrs on the inside. You can do so by passing a ball of cotton through the guides. If it is burred, it will hold some of the cotton. A burred guide is likely to break your line so ensure to replace it.

Conclusion

Whether you are a novice, intermediate or seasoned angler, you can find the right telescopic fishing rod or rod and reel combo. Most can be used in salt and fresh water to mostly catch medium-sized fish.

When deciding which one is the best choice for you, consider your preferred size, materials, handle, and power rating. If you will be traveling a lot with yours, it helps if it comes with a carrier bag. Most have a quality build that can last for a considerable time with proper cleaning and maintenance.

Our pick for the best telescopic fishing rod is KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod. It has a quality build and offers excellent performance and sensitivity.