The 3 Best Telescopic Fishing Rod (these are handy!)
What's the best telescopic fishing rod? This guide will help you decide.
Have you ever been someplace and found a body of water that looked like the perfect place to fish? Yeah, we have too. There’s nothing like NOT having your gear handy when you find a cool fishing hole. We have several good options for you.
There are lots of options for telescoping fishing combos, they’re so handy and fit virtually anywhere. No need to drive right by that fishing spot and not be able to wet a line. We’ve done some research, so you don’t have to search and search to find the best telescoping fishing rod.
Some of the problems that people find with these is that a collapsible rod can break when you hook into a big fish. So in our research, durability was a big item for us, in addition to being a lightweight and compact fishing rod.
Many think a telescoping rod is like a “gag” item, they’re so cheap and fragile. We wouldn’t put on a bass boat, or a center console offshore rig, because they’re more for someone who is a hobby fisherman, and not a serious angler, and people who travel a lot. Throw one of these telescoping fishing rods in the back of the car with a small tackle organizer and you’re good to go. Bottom line is you just want to catch fish, and the larger fish, the better!
There are so many choices to make, you don’t have the time to wade through the options. No worries, we have you covered with our research so you can make an educated decision on the best telescopic fishing rod combo.
Check out our top 3 telescopic rod and reels below, then read more detail on what factors to consider.
How We Choose
There are lots of options for choosing the best telescopic rod combo.
Our team has read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings to come up with a list that makes it easier for you to decide what telescopic rod is the best for you to use. Don’t bother spending lots of time reading over many many reviews, we’ve done it for you to find the best telescopic fishing rods.
What Are The 3 Best Telescopic Fishing Rods?
1. Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Telescopic Fishing Pole
Why We Love It
It’s made of high density Carbon fiber and fiberglass, which gives it strength and durability. The hooded reel seat resists corrosion from salt water, so it’ll last. The EVA Fore grip is really comfortable too.
This Plusinno telescopic fishing rod combo has a medium-power rod, so you could go after heavier fish, especially since the rod is a graphite blank. The large spool has large line capacity, and the 5.2:1 gear ratio on this spinning reel makes it comparable to more expensive, non-telescoping spinning reels. It’ll retrieve like other reels at a much higher price, even an easy to use spinning reel.
This telescoping fishing rod and reel combo is suitable for both saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing.
This combo collapses to about 2 feet, even though it comes in 3 sizes so you can decide what’s best for you.
The spinning reel feels prefect when casting and retrieving. Once adjusted to your liking the reel takes no effort to cast. In our opinion this is the best combo out there because of the overall quality, especially for the price.
Here’s What To Know:
Suitable for saltwater fishing or freshwater fishing
Collapses for easy storage and travel
Aluminum oxide guide inserts
Graphite blank constructed rod
Stainless steel hooded rod seats for anti corrosion
2. Kingswell Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Why We Love It
This Kingswell telescoping fishing rod and reel combo is the flagship of their line, and makes our list of best telescopic fishing rods. The 6'9" telescopic fishing rod combo is designed as an all around travel pole. We like that it collapses down to 22" making it portable and easy to carry. The rod is medium heavy stiffness provides a strong backbone needed when fighting larger fish. The stainless steel line guides have alignment lines so your fishing line always has proper alignment.
This fishing combo also has a sensitive tip for crankbaits, worms, and spinnerbaits. That’s the formula for high end rods used by professional bass tournament anglers. It features a real wood foregrip, EVA foam handle, and removable butt cap. (We just said "butt cap...")
Internally, the 5+1 stainless steel ball bearing makes it a very smooth spinning reel.
Kingswell is based out of Southern California, where they test their rods and reels with real anglers. A telescopic fishing rod combo has different design and construction requirements than traditional fishing rods and reels, and Kingswell pays attention to that. There’s a fine line between a thinner telescopic construction versus thicker ones. In this combo, it’s a really good combination of rod and reel.
Here’s What To Know:
6ft 9in fully extended
22” collapsed
Lightweight and easy to carry
Made with 24/30 graphite carbon fiber
Floating glass guides for enhanced casting distance
Alignment lines for easier assembly
Removable rear grip cap
Wood foregrip
3. Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos With Telescopic Fishing Pole
Why We Love It
The Sougayilang telescopic fishing rod combo is extremely popular. It’s a carbon fiber and fiberglass collapsible rod so it’s very durable and performs well, that’s a given. But there’s a BONUS – this combo comes with a lightweight and durable double zipper carrier bag, and a full fishing kit including fishing line lures, swivels, jigs and soft plastics. It’s everything to take out of the box and go find your favorite fishing hole.
The reel on this fishing combo has a 13+1 ball bearing setup and a 5.5:1 gear ratio so overall it’s really smooth. If you’re a righty or a lefty, don’ t worry, this reel crank is interchangeable. The unique honeycomb designed spool not only looks cool but it reduces weight while still keeping its strength.
The EVA knob is non-slip and really comfortable in your hand. And the cool rod guides are multi colored, something we thought was a nice touch. Typical rod guides are silver, and stainless steel.
Of course like all of the best telescopic fishing rod combos, it’s very portable and you’ll have no problem tossing it in your trunk, or even your boat.
Another thing we like about this fishing combo? There’s a one year worry free service guarantee, something we haven't seen in other telescoping fishing rods.
Here’s what to know:
100% carbon fiber
Comes with carrying case and fishing kit
Epoxy resin multi color rod guides
13+1 corrosion resistant smooth ball bearings
5.5:1 gear ratio
Interchangeable to right or left hand retrieve
1 year worry free service policy
What to consider
You've heard the term "you get what you pay for". So you’ll have to figure out a budget. A telescopic rod and reel combo can be had for $12-$20, or you can go all the way up to several hundred. For those with larger budgets, look for something in the $60-$90 range. Those usually will be a higher quality, and you'll get something that will last.
If you're wanting to save money and go for a telescoping rod in the $20 range, those will lack the quality and durability of the higher end models and you risk a failure, like the rod or reel breaking. Then you'll have to go buy another one and now you've doubled your expense, so you may as well go for quality from the get-go.
Materials
It is a common misconception that the best telescopic fishing rods are always the heaviest and most durable. However, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, many of the best collapsible fishing rod combos are made of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass.
This is because these rod materials strong and durable rod material is essential, because the rod weight will be very light, making them perfect for traveling. But don't mistake these telescoping rods for ultralight rods, they tend to be heavier all around as most collapsible rods are.
Additionally, it is important to note that while heavier rods may be more durable, they can also be very difficult to travel with. This is why it is important to find a balance between weight and durability when choosing telescopic fishing rods.
One of the best portable fishing rods you can buy will be made out of high density carbon fiber. High density carbon fiber rods are usually lighter and more sensitive due to their enhanced flexibility, which also translates into better feel when fishing for smaller fish such as crappie and bluegill. And in most cases, these will work well for bass fishing too.
But, if you’re looking for a durable telescopic rod that can handle a hard fighting fish, then you should go for a fiberglass rod. Fiberglass rods are stronger and better suited for larger fish such as walleye or pike.
Weight
Actually, weight is a separate factor that needs more explanation. People tend to buy light-weighted telescopic fishing rods, which is good and bad as well. With lighter products, you will run into trouble when something heavy strikes your bait.
The rod must have the capability to bend adequately to help you catch fish, especially if you've hooked into a larger fish. Typically most telescopic rods won't have the action and feel of a traditional rod, but you just have to remember this is more of a travel fishing pole than anything else.
Number of Sections
Telescopic fishing rods are a great option for those who want to be able to pack up their gear and head out for a day of fishing without having to lug around a conventional rod. However, when choosing a telescopic fishing rod, it's important to keep in mind that the fewer the number of sections, the better. More sections will weaken the overall strength of the rod, regardless of the quality of the materials used. So, if possible, it's best to opt for a product with fewer sections.
Length
One of the most important considerations is rod length when looking for the best telescopic fishing rods. For smaller spaces, a shorter rod is usually sufficient. However, you're going to be surf fishing, you'll need a rod that's at least 8 feet long to cast your lure as far as possible to find large fish.
Keep in mind that the length of the rod also affects its weight, so be sure to take that into account as well. With so many factors to consider, it can be helpful to consult with an experienced fisherman before making your final decision.
Telescopic Rods Compared To Traditional Rods
Price
There are a lot of telescopic rods in the market. But if you want to buy the best telescopic rod, you need to be prepared to spend a little more money. Still, the market for telescopic rods is not huge compared to traditional portable fishing rods. This means the available choices are limited, especially for the high-quality products; thus, the price can be a little high.
However, if you are planning to use it only on your next vacation or a couple of times a year, you can own one without having to rob a bank. Plus, it's much more convenient to carry around and doesn't take up too much space in your car or RV.
Performance
Telescopic fishing rods have come a long way in recent years. While they used to be considered subpar to to a premium rod, that is no longer the case. In fact, many anglers now prefer telescopic rods because of their convenience and portability. Performance-wise, traditional rods do have the upper hand, but telescopic rods have certainly closed the gap. So don't write off telescopic fishing rods just yet - they may just surprise you.
Convenience
Telescopic fishing rods are an excellent choice for anglers who want the best of both worlds – the convenience of a portable rod, with the power and performance of a conventional one. These rods are made of high-quality materials and construction, so they can withstand the rigors of travel and still deliver top-notch results when it comes time to fish.
Some telescopic fishing rods come with lures and reels included (a combo does, obviously), so you don't have to purchase them separately. With all of these features, it's no wonder that telescopic fishing rods are one of the best options for anglers today.
Durability
For the best telescopic fishing rods, you need to consider a few factors such as material, length, and weight. In terms of material, fiberglass is the best choice as it is both durable and lightweight. As for length, the most popular choices are 6.6 feet and 7.5 feet. Lastly, in terms of weight, the best telescopic fishing rods are those that are under 10 ounces.
With all these factors in mind, traditional rods are still the best choice for those who want to get the most out of their money. Telescopic rods are a good addition to anyone's fishing equipment, and may be convenient for those who travel a lot but in terms of longevity and performance, nothing beats a good old one-piece rod.
Best Telescopic Fishing Rod And Reel Combo FAQs
Every angler has passed by a body of water and said “man I wish I had my rod and reel with me…”. These telescopic fishing rod combos will take that pain away, since you can just drop one of these in the trunk and never worry again. But the other issue is quality: these things can break because the rod has to be thinner to be telescopic.
With all the different brands and types of telescopic fishing rod and reel combos, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. And hard to tell about quality
We’ve created a buyer’s guide of frequently asked questions to help you choose the best telescopic fishing combo for your budget. This guide will answer some of the top questions people ask when choosing the best telescopic fishing rod and reel combo.
What is the best telescopic fishing rod?
These are our choice for the best telescoping fishing rod and reel combos:
Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Combo
Kingswell Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Combo
What is a collapsible fishing rod?
Telescopic”, “portable“, “foldable”, there seem to be too many names for these fishing rods. Name aside, these are fishing rods that collapse down to a fraction of their extended length (like a collapsing telescope). Consider a long 12 foot beach rod that collapses down to 1.5-2 feet.
Are telescopic rods good for carp fishing?
They could be, most telescoping fishing rod and reel combos are good for fish under 20lbs. The convenience of a telescopic fishing rod is hard to beat.
What should I consider when buying a telescopic fishing rod?
A telescopic fishing rod has to be a bit thinner than a standard fishing rod, so consider the rod strength when buying one. Some can break because they have to be thin, so look for one with a strong backbone. Also consider what type of line you need to spool your reel.
Are Telescopic Rods OK?
Telescopic fishing rods made today are much better than those manufactured in the past, and you can really enjoy the fishing experience while using them. Telescopic rods are quite useful to have, and are a very convenient addition to your fishing gear.
Are telescopic fishing rods cheap?
Telescopic fishing rods can be cheap in price and cheap in quality so make sure you consider an option like the Plusinno Telescopic fishing combo, which is a quality rod and reel combination at a fair price.
Can you use collapsible fishing rods for fly fishing?
Yes you can, but this review is about the best telescopic fishing rods for spinning or baitcasting. There are different types of telescopic fishing rods used only for fly fishing, as fly fishing reels are different than spinning reels. We will review those in another article.
What fishing line is best for a telescopic rod combo?
Generally braid of 10-15lb and Mono or Fluoro of 6-8lb works for most situations.
The Best Telescopic Fishing Rods - The Last Cast
So what’s the best telescoping fishing rod and reel combo? There are several good ones but the Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Combo, the Kingswell Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo and the Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Combo top our list. We’ve leaned toward the rod strength as our main factor. To make it a telescopic rod, it has to be a bit thinner than a standard rod. The risk for the rod breaking is greater with a thinner rod, so we like strength as a major factor.
The reel quality on the top models are all pretty good, but our top 3 will last and perform for you. There’s no question they’re convenient and more portable than a traditional fishing rod, the consideration is quality and durability. If you focus on those key features, you’ll be in good shape.
Just click the orange button to check the price on the best telescopic fishing rod and reel combo. Thanks!
Cheers to the outdoors,
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