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Best Telescopic Fishing Rod

Last Updated: March 2024
Nancy Perry
Product Review by Nancy Perry

In this article, we’re going to review some of the best telescoping fishing rods, with a view to determining the market-leader.

Portable fishing poles are becoming more and more popular as anglers opt for equipment that is versatile and easily transportable.

As buying advice for a collapsible fishing rod, there are a few things that you’re going to want to consider.

Obviously, we all want the best possible gear for our fishing adventures; our telescoping fishing rods are a major factor in giving us that edge out on the water.

When a fisherman has the proper equipment (and knows how to use it with all of the insider’s tips), the chances of success are greatly increased.

For this reason, you not only want to find the best telescopic fishing rod available but the best one for you and your fishing style.

Our Reviews
1

Goture Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

This lightweight telescopic fishing rod and reel combo package by Goture features a high-quality fishing rod and a very smooth, well-made reel.

The Goture telescopic fishing rod is both lightweight and durable and features an impressive build quality, made of durable 24T carbon fiber and E-glass for a composite that should withstand most stress and outside elements.

Special care has been paid to the coating of the fishing rod, making it resistant to corrosion and other similar damage that lesser fishing rods might be more susceptible to. Rods with a telescopic design aren’t a huge investment, but it’s nice to protect them as much as possible from damage.

Because of the high-quality materials used throughout the rod, it makes it ideal for some larger fish. In addition, the rod is also designed for efficiency, so your battles are won more efficiently without being as taxing on your body, extra features such as an eva handle provide comfort during use.

The fishing reel is also carefully crafted with premium quality bearings and a one-way clutch for smooth boat fishing experience. It has a stainless steel shaft, brass gears, and a machined aluminum spool.

The fishing rod comes in four different sizes, with the largest making it quite a long rod. Sizes available are 2.1 meters, 2.7 meters, 3.0 meter, and 3.6-meter lengths.

The rod collapses into a much smaller, easy to carry size and you don’t need any additional equipment to contain it once collapsed. It’s a convenient pole that would serve any camper, hiker, or casual fisherman well.

If you are a pro, this could easily be used as a backup or super-utility rod in some situations. It’s not a substantial investment, so there’s not much lost if it doesn’t work out. There’s a lot to love about this rod and reel combo!

The reason that this did not win the title of “Best Reel Combos” is simply a matter of value. The rod and reel combo that we did select just included more and was packed with tons of value in the quality of the build.

Though this fishing rod and reel combo was not selected as the best, it does appear to be of the same level of quality. The only difference is that for your money, you don’t also get the free extra equipment.

Pros

  • Made from premium materials
  • This rod and reel combo includes the rod and aluminum reel
  • The kit comes in four different sizes, which range from children’s sized to full-grown adult
  • Fiberglass fishing rod with telescopic design capable of handling larger fish perfect during sea fishing
  • Fully collapsible fishing rod that can easily fit in the trunk of your car
  • EVA foam handle for a comfortable grip and skid resistance
  • Great for bass fishing
  • Can be used on a boat or the bank

Cons

  • Does not come with any fishing line
  • Some users have found the reel to be too small and uncomfortable
2

Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

Finally, here we have a very simple but elegant telescopic fishing rod and reel combination made by Sougayilang. Sougayilang telescopic fishing rod package has some versatility in the way of sizes as well as added features and equipment.

This rod and reel combo wins our vote as the best saltwater rod and reel combo due to its versatility, length, strength, and durability. It has all the right tools to be a capable saltwater rod, but it is a versatile piece of equipment that will serve you just as loyally in freshwater fishing.

Two packages are available from Sougayilang telescopic fishing package, the first is the rod & reel combo, the second option is the rod & reel combo with a few added extras which offers great value for money. These additional extras include lures, leads, and some other basic accessories that you’ll need. Nothing fancy, but a great little starter fishing kit.

The telescopic fishing rod itself is telescopic and made with 24T carbon fiber, making it resistant to corrosion, very light in weight, and also very strong for its size. Added comfort features such as an eva handle improve grip and handling in adverse conditions.

The build quality of the reel is excellent for the price and made of quality materials, like stainless steel ball bearings and brass gears. It has some great built-in features like cast control.

This fishing rod reel has the strength and the durability to be a very powerful piece of equipment in saltwater, which is why we have named it as the best saltwater telescopic fishing rod on our list.

Pros

  • Two kit options are available
  • Multiple sizes
  • Lightweight fiberglass rod that is easy to lift and use while also being strong and sturdy
  • Can handle larger, saltwater fish and also stand up to the surface abuse of saltwater
  • Price range is great
  • Excellent build quality

Cons

  • Very popular fishing rod and reel, so may not always be available
3

GOOFISH Travel Fishing Rod

The GooFish solid nanotip telescopic travel fishing rod comes as a stand-alone rod that is available in two sizes.

The price could be a little better, as there’s no reel or added extras included, which is a bit of a let down considering most other manufacturers provide at least a fishing reel as standard.

Build quality can be considered as okay but it could be better for the price.

Some features of the GooFish portable fishing rod include a strong and durable tip with a movable guide, an exposed reel seat that is easier to feel and also fast action for saltwater and freshwater fishing. The eva foam handle design is of fluorescent yellow camouflage color.

The GooFish, with its lightweight design, may be an ideal addition to the telescopic fishing rods of many hikers.

 

Pros

  • Lightweight design for fast action and easy transportation
  • 12-month warranty from GooFish
  • Corrosion resistant, it can be used in both freshwater and saltwater
  • Available in two sizes to accommodate children and adults
  • Can be used when Kayak fishing
  • Collapsible fiberglass rod for easy storage and on-the-go fishing

Cons

  • No fishing reel and reel seats included
  • Price could be better
4

Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Rod & Reel Combo

Next on our list and one of our top picks is the Plusinno Rod & Reel Combo, here we have an excellent novice to the intermediate kit which includes an abundance of extras.

Price is one of the strong points of this rod & reel combo, competitively priced compared to their competitors, the Plusinno telescopic fishing rod offers the beginner a really affordable option when on a tight budget for fishing gear.

Build wise, the Plusinno telescopic fishing rod features a mixture of fiberglass and high-density carbon fiber throughout. Making this rod strong, durable, and with perfect elasticity. The handle is an impressive EVA foregrip, which has been added for maximum comfort. Next, we have the included spinning reel, made to last and protected from seawater corrosion, the build quality is excellent for the price.

Lightweight, smooth and powerful, the Plusinno telescopic fishing rod comes with a deep aluminum reel, large line capacity, short body, and instant anti-reverse power drive gear for high strength.

As well as the above, and as with most telescopic fishing rods, it’s very easy to carry and transport due to its closed compact length.

Pros

  • 4 sizes available
  • Fantastic starter kit
  • Fiberglass rod with excellent build quality for the price
  • HA 3000 reel provides a smooth, efficient reeling process
  • EVA foam handle for comfort

Cons

  • Faults can appear fairly quickly with some models
  • No separate carry case for the reel
5

AnglerDream Tenkara Carbon Fiber Fly Fishing Rod

The AnglerDream Tenkara Carbon Fly Fishing Rod is just that, an Anglers Dream!

Measuring in at 12-13ft, with a 7:3 action and 9 segments make this fishing rod light but strong, enabling even casual anglers to catch fish that may otherwise have got away.

The fishing rod itself is of excellent build quality and made from a strong 30T Carbon Fiber and features a triple-A cork grip, making handling the rod more comfortable and enables the Angler to hold for longer periods of time. The last thing you want when out fishing for long periods of the day, is to be uncomfortable.

The AnglerDream can also collapse to 21.5 inches, so transporting your rod is made even more effortless.

As a nice added extra, the AnglerDream Tenkara comes with everything a beginner needs to get started straight away. Included in the package is 1 x furl leader, fluorocarbon tippet x 5, fly box x1 and 12 x flies, plus 2 x hook keepers.

As another buying advice we have for you at this price point, build quality and also the added extras, we can’t recommend this rod enough for all the beginner anglers out there.

Pros

  • Good option for beginners.
  • Great price point, especially considering the build quality
  • Light, but durable
  • Telescopic pole
  • Quality cork grip
  • Added extras included, to get you started

Cons

  • Great for beginners, but experienced anglers may want a more advanced rod

About the Best Telescopic Fishing Rods

Though you may already know a little about telescopic fishing rods, it’s always good to ‘get your head back in the game’ as far as theory and research goes’.

General things that we’re going to recap on include; what they are, what kind of fishing they’re great for, and the do’s and don’ts when it comes to making your purchase.

One of the main attractions to a collapsible fishing rod is that – by their very nature – they can be easily transported and stored.

With this collapsible fishing rod they are perfect for keeping on a boat, in a closet, in the car, or anywhere else, for that matter.

Usually, telescopic and collapsible fishing rods are made of fiberglass or graphite; these composite materials allow for both durability and flexibility.

Portable fishing rods typically do not come with a reel, but there are exceptions, so, if this is a key requirement of yours, it’s worth doing your research to ensure you make the right choice for your needs.

Types of Fishing with Telescopic Fishing Rods

Before you purchase a telescopic pole, you should know what kinds of fishing they are best suited to; the last thing you want to do is to buy a rod that doesn’t work with your preferred style of fishing.

Fortunately, there is a collapsible fishing rod for nearly every type and style of fishing.

The important thing is looking at the individual rod to ensure that it’s designed to meet your needs.

Telescopic fishing rods cater to the majority of fishing types, including:

  • Freshwater fishing
  • Saltwater fishing
  • Fly fishing
  • General fishing

An important point to note here is that, if you are intending to take part in saltwater fishing activities, you’ll need to take particular care when selecting your rod; a rod that is corrosion resistant essential.

Types of Fish with Telescopic Fishing Rods

Another key factor you should consider when choosing your ideal telescopic fishing rod – or any rod for that matter – is the type of fish you’re intending to catch; is your fishing gear capable of catching the type of fish you’ll be targeting?

Most telescopic rods can handle the majority of small to medium-sized fish without running into too many problems.

These include:

  • Bass fishing
  • Crappie fishing
  • Trout fishing
  • Salmon fishing

How to Use a Telescopic Rod

When it comes time to use your telescopic rod, the process doesn’t differ too much from your general fishing rod.

There are, however, some things that you should be aware of ahead of time.

Telescopic fishing rods either collapse by giving you the ability to take them apart, or they collapse into themselves.

It may sound obvious, but you should make sure you know which method your rod uses before you make your purchase’ you don’t want to walk out of the store thinking you have a collapsible rob, when indeed it comes apart, or vice versa.

You can leave your pole assembled after use, but many people choose to collapse it to store in the car or garage.

Other Considerations

Advantages of a Telescopic Rod

You’ve probably guessed some of these considerations already, but there are numerous benefits to using a telescopic rod.

Portability

Ok, I take the point…this one is a little obvious.

But the fact remains, the reason telescopic rods are so popular is, well, just that; they’re telescopic…

This means they’re more accessible, portable, and generally less of an inconvenience.

This gives an added freedom when setting out on your next big adventure, whether that’s a camping trip, hikes, long drives, a cabin retreat, or anything in between.

Having mobility – or rather having not to lug around a long rod – is a big bonus, and should definitely be a factor for consideration for those anglers who are looking to fish frequently, and travel here, there, and everywhere.

Durability

The second benefit is also common knowledge among anglers who have experience with telescopic rods.

The durability of this telescopic fishing rod is extremely impressive; particularly given that they can be completely disassembled and made with high-density carbon fiber.

Some of the collapsible fishing poles are even made with high-density carbon fiber, and this surely helps with the durability.

When the rod is collapsed, it’s often stronger than when it is at full length, as more rod strength is compacted into a smaller area.

Fishing Rod Guides

The small eyelets that run down the length of your collapsible fishing rod are known as rod guides, and they are there to ensure the line stays straight and even when in use. Typically, the more rod guides on your rod the better, they can be made from several different materials:

Ceramic guides

Ceramic guides have found a lot of use in recent times, thanks to their ability to eliminate ‘ring grooving.’ Ceramic guides are typically considered to be smoother during casting, and when reeling in your catch.

Stainless steel guides

Stainless steel guides don’t provide the same level of smoothness as ceramic guides do, but they are considerably tougher. If you often fish in adverse conditions, you should consider a rod with stainless steel guides.

However, for a cast as smooth as butter, opt for ceramic guides; casting distance remains unaffected by neither ceramic guides nor stainless steel guides.

Disadvantages of Telescopic Rods

The very factors that make the rod so adhering to flexible anglers around the world are unfortunately the cause of the rod type’s downsides.

These ‘disadvantages’ center around mobility, but aren’t necessarily negative; hence the inverted commas.

They are things you should keep in mind when deciding whether a telescopic rod is right for you, or not, though.

We bang on about this a lot, but the primary objective of selecting a rod is always to find something that works best for you and your fishing style.

And there will be occasions when telescopic rods aren’t the right fit and do not meet the required criteria; for example, there are styles of fishing for which these rods aren’t well suited.

One of the things you need to be aware of when shopping for these poles is that they are not intended to be premium rods.

If you’re a professional who is looking for something top-of-the-line, then a telescopic rod is probably not the best option, as it’s unlikely to meet all of your requirements.

That said, telescopic fishing rods are a handy, mobile, and affordable way to catch fish.

The low price and limited intended functionality make them pretty hard to beat with regards to general fishing and the need for flexibility.

The simplicity of the rod means that it’s versatile and can be used for several different types of fishing, and for catching several different types of fish.

As long as you’re aware of the limitations of this type of rod beforehand, you shouldn’t run into any major issues and have a really enjoyable fishing experience.

Recap

After careful review, we have decided to name our champion as it is one of the best; the Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod

We also named it the best saltwater telescopic fishing rod, which is a further testament to the versatility and quality of this rod.

You’re not just getting a fishing pole and reel with this package, though…

You’ll also get a starter kit and carrying case for the rod.

It’s this value for money that really sealed the deal for us.

We are confident that this is a high quality telescopic fishing rod on the market.

It’s rare to find so much value and quality in a package priced so competitively, truly one of the best.

Though the Sougayilang impresses all those who use it, any of the rods on our list could be a good candidate for you depending on your needs.

Think we’ve missed out on market-leading telescopic fishing rods?

Let us know by leaving your favorite in the comments below!

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