A Complete Guide to bass fishing

7 Best Telescopic Fishing Rods That We Use & Recommend

If you love fishing and are always on the move, telescopic fishing rods can be incredibly handy. They’re perfect for anglers who don’t have much storage space or enjoy impromptu fishing outings. These rods combine convenience with quality, making them a great choice for many fishing enthusiasts.

In this article, we’ll share our top recommendations for the best telescopic fishing rods, highlighting their features, benefits, and reasons for our recommendations. We’ve personally tested each rod to ensure you get the most accurate and helpful information.

What to Consider Before Buying a Telescoping Rod?

Before you hit that buy button, it’s essential to know what to look for in a telescopic fishing rod. While portability is a key factor, there are several other important considerations that will impact your fishing experience.

1. Material Matters

Telescopic rods are usually made from either carbon fiber or fiberglass. In our experience, carbon fiber rods are lighter, more sensitive, and generally more durable. They allow you to feel even the slightest bite. On the other hand, fiberglass rods are more flexible but heavier. They can handle rough use and are perfect if you’re looking for something sturdy for larger fish or tougher conditions.

For most anglers, especially if you’re moving around a lot, carbon fiber offers the best balance of portability and performance.

2. Action & Power

Rod action refers to how much the rod bends when you put pressure on the tip. The power of the rod determines its strength. If you’re targeting small freshwater species, a light to medium action rod is ideal. But for saltwater fishing or larger fish like bass or pike, you’ll want something with medium-heavy power.

The action and power you choose will affect your casting distance and control over the fish. For versatility, we recommend medium to medium-heavy action rods that can handle a wide range of fishing situations.

3. Portability & Storage

One of the main reasons we use telescopic rods is their compactness. A rod that packs down to under two feet is a game-changer for travelers. But be careful not to sacrifice quality for portability. The rod should still feel solid when extended and handle well under pressure.

Make sure the rod comes with a case or sleeve for extra protection, especially if you’re frequently moving from one location to another. We’ve found that rods with protective cases last longer.

4. Ease of Use

Telescopic rods are designed for quick setup. Some even allow you to have the line pre-threaded through the guides, which means you can start fishing in minutes. We love rods that come pre-rigged or have hook keepers, so you’re ready to go the moment you reach your fishing spot.

5. Maintenance & Durability

Telescopic rods can be a bit more fragile than their multi-piece counterparts, especially at the joints. So, make sure to clean them thoroughly after each use, especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater. Rinsing them down and drying them properly will help prolong the rod’s life.

Our Top Picks For Telescopic Fishing Rods

  1. KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod – Lightweight carbon fiber rod, great for versatile saltwater and freshwater fishing. Check On Amazon
  2. Daiwa BBB Telescopic Casting Rod – Smooth casting and portable, ideal for travel anglers. Check On Amazon
  3. Fiblink Surf Spinning Telescopic Fishing Rod – Durable and strong, perfect for surf fishing and large fish. CheckOn Amazon
  4. Kingswell Telescopic Rod and Reel Combo – Easy setup with alignment markers, great for general fishing trips. Check On Amazon
  5. Daiwa Ballistic Telescopic Spinning Rod – Lightweight, precise, ideal for finesse fishing and small species. CheckOn Amazon
  6. Zebco 33 Telescopic Rod – Pre-spooled and simple, perfect for beginners and kids. Check On Amazon
  7. KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rod – Affordable and easy-to-use, ideal for novice anglers. Check OnAmazon
  8. Eagle Claw Pack-It Telescopic Fishing Rod – Compact and budget-friendly, great for casual or backup use. Check On Amazon

Category 1: Best for Backpacking & Travel Fishing

1. KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod

Next up, we have the KastKing Blackhawk II, one of our favorites for travel fishing. This rod is built with carbon fiber blanks, making it incredibly lightweight and strong. What makes the Blackhawk II stand out is the floating guide system, which ensures that the line flows smoothly when you’re casting.

KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod
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Features & Benefits

  • Carbon Fiber Blanks: These provide a great balance between strength and lightness, making the rod durable without sacrificing sensitivity.
  • Floating Line Guides: This helps prevent line twisting and improves casting performance, especially in windy conditions or rough waters.

We’ve used the Blackhawk II for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. It’s versatile enough to handle different types of fish, and we’ve never had an issue with it under pressure. This rod holds up extremely well, even after two years of use.

“I’ve used it for bass, pike, and saltwater. It has held up extremely well over two years and has become my go-to travel rod.”

2. Daiwa BBB Telescopic Casting Rod

The Daiwa BBB Telescopic Casting Rod is a fantastic choice for those who prefer casting rods. It’s compact, easy to transport, and offers high-end performance that rivals some multi-piece rods. We especially love how smooth the casting feels.

Daiwa BBB Telescopic Casting Rod
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Features & Benefits

  • Smooth Casting: The Daiwa BBB offers a seamless casting experience, with minimal effort required to get long, accurate casts.
  • Highly Portable: Collapses to a very small size, making it ideal for traveling.

One of the best things about this rod is how easy it is to set up and use. Whether you’re fishing in a river or a lake, it offers excellent casting accuracy. The only downside is the lack of alignment marks, which makes setting it up a bit tricky.

“It’s one of the best rods I’ve cast, but missing alignment marks is a surprising oversight.”

Category 2: Best for Saltwater Fishing

3. Fiblink Surf Spinning Telescopic Fishing Rod

The Fiblink Surf Spinning Telescopic Fishing Rod is another excellent choice for saltwater fishing. This rod is a bit heavier than some of the other options on our list, but that’s because it’s designed for surf fishing, where strength is critical.

Fiblink Surf Spinning Telescopic Fishing Rod
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Features & Benefits

  • Durable Construction: This rod is built to withstand strong waves and rough waters, making it ideal for surf fishing.
  • Long Casting Distance: The Fiblink can cast far, giving you the ability to reach deeper waters and catch larger fish.

This rod is an absolute beast in rough conditions. We’ve used it for larger saltwater species, and it holds up well under pressure. Its weight can be a bit much for longer fishing sessions, but if you’re targeting big fish, this rod is a reliable choice.

“This rod held up against strong surf and rough conditions. For the price, I couldn’t ask for more.”

Category 3: Best High-End Telescoping Rods

4. Kingswell Telescopic Rod and Reel Combo

The Kingswell Telescopic Rod and Reel Combo is our top pick for several reasons. This medium-heavy action rod is perfect for general fishing and comes with several features that enhance its usability and performance.

Kingswell Telescopic Rod and Reel Combo Background Removed Large
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Features and Benefits

  • Line Alignment Markers: The rod has built-in line alignment markers, making it easy to set up with straight guides every time. This feature saves time and frustration.
  • Compact Design: When collapsed, it fits easily into a small bag or the back of your car, making it perfect for travel and camping trips.
  • Quality Build: Made from durable materials, this rod withstands heavy use and harsh conditions.
  • Good Casting Performance: Whether you’re casting light lures or heavier ones, this rod handles them all efficiently.

We loved this rod for its balance of quality and convenience. It’s priced at around $99, which we think is a fair deal considering the rod and reel combo. Plus, it comes with a travel bag that can accommodate an additional rod and reel along with a small tackle box.

During testing, the Kingswell rod demonstrated impressive versatility and ease of use. The line alignment markers made the setup quick, while the rod’s durability and compact size made it a favorite for spontaneous fishing outings. Whether targeting bass or trout, this rod consistently delivered a satisfying fishing experience.

5. Daiwa Ballistic Telescopic Spinning Rod

Daiwa has built a strong reputation for quality in the fishing world, and the Ballistic X Tele Spin is yet another example of its high standards. This rod is expertly crafted, combining Daiwa’s VHF carbon fiber blank and X45 technology, which ensures lightweight durability and precision, a must for finesse fishing techniques.

With the Seaguide Zirconia guides and Daiwa’s Air Sensor reel seat, this rod is comfortable to hand, giving anglers excellent control and feedback from the line.

Daiwa Ballistic Telescopic
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Features and Benefits

  • Superior Japanese Craftsmanship: True to Daiwa’s tradition, this rod is designed with precision. The X45 carbon fiber construction ensures strength and flexibility, making it ideal for both artificial and natural bait fishing.
  • Lightweight yet Sturdy: The HVF carbon fiber and ceramic zirconia inserts in the guides make the rod both lightweight and strong. It’s easy to transport, weighing 5.64 ounces and having a transport rod length of just 27.16 inches.
  • Exceptional Casting Precision: The fast tip action, combined with torsion-resistant segments, lets the rod perform well over various distances. Ideal for trout, panfish, and finesse fishing, this model shines in detecting even the lightest bites.

For those who prioritize sensitivity and comfort, the Ballistic X Tele Spin does not disappoint. The exclusive Air Sensor reel seat and cork/EVA handle are designed for stability and comfort. During testing, this rod showed impressive precision and response, transmitting feedback from the water right to the angler’s hand.

Though lightweight, this rod is better suited to smaller catches like trout and panfish, as it may lack the strength for large bass. Nevertheless, for finesse fishing enthusiasts who require accuracy and sensitivity, this rod is an excellent addition to their gear.

6. Zebco 33 Telescopic Rod

The Zebco 33 Telescopic Rod is an excellent choice for those introducing kids to fishing or for beginners looking for an easy-to-use, affordable option. This rod is designed with simplicity in mind, making it accessible to newcomers.

Zebco 33 Telescopic Rod Large
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Features and Benefits

  • Pre-Spooled Reel: The rod comes with a pre-spooled reel, which means it’s ready to use immediately. This feature is particularly helpful for beginners who might find spooling a reel daunting.
  • Affordable Price: Priced between $30 and $40, the Zebco 33 is one of the most budget-friendly options available, offering great value without compromising on essential features.
  • Compact Size: While it may not be as compact as some other telescopic rods, it still provides good portability, making it suitable for light fishing trips.

This rod is well-suited for light fishing and is ideal for kids due to its ease of use and affordable price. One limitation is the super soft tip, which restricts the range of lure sizes you can use.

In our testing, the Zebco 33 proved extremely user-friendly, making it perfect for introducing kids to the sport of fishing. The included pre-spooled reel eliminates the need for a complex setup, allowing users to start

Category 4: Best for Beginners

7. KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rod

If you’re just starting and need an affordable and easy-to-use rod, the KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rod is a solid choice. This rod is beginner-friendly, and its design makes it simple to set up and get started.

KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rods
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Features & Benefits

  • Beginner-Friendly: The Compass is designed for ease of use, making it a great option for novice anglers.
  • Affordable: It’s one of the most affordable rods on this list, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still a capable rod.

We love how simple this rod is to set up, making it perfect for beginners who don’t want to deal with complicated equipment. The only downside is the reel, which could be of higher quality. But for an entry-level rod, it’s more than sufficient for casual fishing.

“Perfect for quick fishing trips. Packs down neatly and easy to store in my car.”

Category 4: Budget-Friendly Options

8. Eagle Claw Pack-It Telescopic Fishing Rod

For those on a budget, the Eagle Claw Pack-It is a great option. This rod is surprisingly durable for its price and is perfect for casual fishing trips or as a backup rod. We love how compact and lightweight it is, making it easy to store in the car or carry around in a backpack.

Eagle Claw Pack-It Telescopic Fishing Rod Large
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Features & Benefits

  • Inexpensive: Its price point is one of the most affordable rods available, making it a great option for beginners or as a secondary rod.
  • Compact & Lightweight: It’s incredibly easy to pack and carry, making it great for spur-of-the-moment fishing trips.

The Eagle Claw Pack-it is a fantastic budget-friendly option. We’ve used it for small freshwater species, and while it’s not the most sensitive rod, it’s sturdy and reliable. If you’re on a tight budget, this rod will get the job done.

“I’ve had mine for four years, and it’s great for backpacking. Works best for smaller fish, though.”

You might want to read: How Much Does a Fishing Rod Cost? Explore Budget Options!

Pros and Cons of Telescopic Rods

Pros

  • Portability: Telescopic rods are compact and easy to transport, making them ideal for travelers and backpackers.
  • Convenience: They’re easy to store and set up, perfect for spontaneous fishing trips.
  • Quick Setup: Some models allow you to have the line pre-threaded, so you can start fishing in minutes.

Cons

  • Durability: Telescopic rods are generally not as strong as multi-piece or single-piece rods, especially at the joints.
  • Sensitivity: While some models offer decent sensitivity, many fall short compared to high-end traditional rods.
  • Maintenance: Telescopic rods require regular cleaning and care, especially after saltwater use, to prevent damage.

We’ve covered pros and cons of telescoping rods in detail here: What Is a Telescopic Fishing Rod? Pros & Cons

Tips for Using and Maintaining Telescopic Fishing Rods

To get the most out of your telescopic rod, it’s essential to take proper care of it. Here are a few tips:

1. Cleaning and Storage

After each use, especially in saltwater, rinse your rod thoroughly with fresh water. Dry it completely before collapsing and storing it. This helps prevent corrosion and prolongs the life of the rod.

2. Pre-Rigging for Quick Setup

Many anglers, including us, prefer to keep the rod pre-rigged with hooks and lures. This means you’re ready to fish as soon as you reach your spot, saving you time and effort.

3. Check for Misalignment

When extending the rod, always check that the segments are properly aligned. Misalignment can lead to weak spots and cause the rod to break under pressure.

Experiences and Recommendations

Seasoned anglers and fishing guides endorse these rods based on their personal experiences and positive feedback from clients, confirming their quality and reliability.

We’ve used these rods in various fishing conditions, from rivers and lakes to saltwater environments. The Kingswell and Enigma rods stood out for their versatility and durability.

When choosing a telescopic rod, consider the type of fish you’re targeting and the environments you’ll be fishing in. High-quality materials and features like line alignment markers can make a significant difference.

Balance convenience with quality. While telescopic rods are great for travel and storage, ensure you choose one that meets your performance needs. Investing in a good rod can enhance your fishing experience and ensure you’re ready for any adventure.

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Meet Jack Morrison, our experienced captain at FishChart. With over 15 years of fishing know-how in Cape Cod, Jack knows where to find the best spots and how the ocean behaves, making every trip rewarding. He's certified in weather analysis, ensuring accurate forecasts for safe and enjoyable outings. Jack's expertise in safety and navigation ensures everyone aboard has a successful and pleasant journey.