Hi there! Are you looking for the best telescoping fishing rods? You’re in luck! More than 20 years of fishing experience have allowed me to try telescopic rods in China, Australia, and Canada.
I’ve carefully compiled a list of the best telescoping fishing rods on the market today, considering things like quality, power, price, length when folded, and longevity. One clear winner among these ten great choices is the Zebco 33 Spinning Reel and Telescopic Fishing Rod Combo. This combo is not just any other fishing gear; it’s a compact, lightweight, high-quality product that is, most importantly, built to last.
With its durable construction, comfortable grip, and smooth reel action, the Zebco 33 Spinning Reel and Telescopic Fishing Rod Combo is the best choice if you’re short on time and want the best. It will please even the pickiest anglers.
People often think that telescopic fishing poles are fragile. But if you thought all of them were the same, these twelve will change your mind.
Our Top 10 Picks
- QudraKast Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
- Zebco Roam Telescopic Fishing Rod and Spinning
- Eagle Claw Pack-It Telescopic Spinning Rod
- Zebco 33 Reel and Telescopic Fishing Rod Combo
- Eagle Claw PK56TS Pack-It Telescopic Spinning Rod
- BlueFire Fishing Kit, Telescopic Rod and Reel Combos
- Zebco 202 Reel and Telescopic Fishing Rod Combo
- Quantum Embark Telescopic Fishing Rod
- HURRICANE Mako 8′ 6Pc Telescopic Rod
- 6.29 ft Long Rod
- YO-3000 Reel 5.2:1
- Slim EVA Foam Grip
- Telescopic Rod & Tools
Pros
- Durable Materials Used
- Stylish Red Design
- Portable Telescopic Rod
Cons
- Tight drag
The QudraKast fishing pole is stylish and functional. The rod is 6.29 feet long and bright red. Its design is both aesthetically pleasing and very useful. The pole weighs 350 grams and is made from stainless steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and carbon oxide metal.
The QudraKast YO-3000 fishing reel is a work of engineering that is made to last. Power drive gears, a strong metal body, and a high-carbon fiber aluminum reel seat on the side plate make it last a long time. Numerous tests have demonstrated that the hydrophobic line roller bearing is very resistant to rust, even in harsh environments. It supports mm/M 0.20/240, 0.25/200, and 0.30/140 lines and has a gear ratio of 5.2:1.
The stick has a solid grip and good tensile strength. It is lightweight and sensitive due to its high-volume fiber carbon composition. The slim design, EVA foam grips, and carbon oxide metal guides with ceramics prevent winding by dissipating heat.
It comes with a 130-m line, a telescopic rod and reel, and a toolbox with hooks and other tools, all packed in pretty gift boxes.
Telescopic rods and reel sets are movable because they are light. You can put these small gadgets in your bag, car, or boat. The pole should be adequately cleaned after fishing. Use a damp towel to wipe off the marks.
- 6-foot Fiberglass Rod
- Pre-Loaded Spincast Reel
- Telescopic & Portable
- ComfortGrip & Medium Action
Pros
- Portable Telescopic Design
- Comfortable Grip Handles
- Easy to Use Reel
Cons
- Fragile tip (potential for breakage)
The Zebco fishing kit provides a one-stop solution for all your fishing needs. This gorgeous green 6-foot rod weighs just 0.13 pounds and is composed of solid materials.
This fishing equipment is straightforward and user-friendly. A strong fiberglass rod and spincast reel make catching giant fish simple. It comes pre-loaded with a 10-pound Zebco Cajun line and a QuickSet anti-reverse mechanism, making it suitable for use anywhere.
The Roam telescopic combo has a striking look. It expands to 6 feet and shrinks to 18.5 inches. It stands out with its stunning stainless steel front cover, unique no-tangle design for simple casting, and modest size for portability. It’s perfect for mobile adventurers.
This outfit requires comfort. Durable ComfortGrip rod handles provide hours of fishing comfort. The rod’s medium-fast action and medium-heavy power make it ideal for panfish, trout, and bass. It can store 6 to 12 pounds of line and 1/8 to 1/2 ounces of bait.
The spin cast reel’s all-metal gears and 3.6:1 gear ratio make it easy to retrieve your catch. It’s also easy to change so that you can retrieve things with your right or left hand.
People who like being outside have chosen Zebco for more than 70 years. You can be sure of the quality of their work because they offer a one-year guarantee on both the work and the supplies. With this high-quality product from a well-known brand, you can confidently fish.
- Durable Fiberglass Rod
- Portable & Telescopic Design
- Ceramic Guides for Smooth Casting
- EVA Foam Handle for Comfort
Pros
- Durable Fiberglass Material
- Smooth Ceramic Guides
- Portable and Packable
Cons
- Reel Not Included
This fishing pole from Eagle Claw is both durable and practical. The spinning fishing method is done with this yellow and black single-piece pole.
The 5’6″ rod is made of long-lasting fiberglass, making it sturdy and practical. Although it has a spinning reel seat, the reel is not included in the box.
Ceramic guides on the rod provide a smooth flow of the line and reduce the possibility of it breaking. Despite its compact size, this rod is sturdy and confident.
The clay guides on this rod are incredibly durable and provide a consistently smooth performance that will stand the test of time. The Eagle Claw fishing rod is a reliable equipment with a generous one-year warranty, ensuring its superior quality. It will help you prepare for your next fishing trip and make the experience enjoyable.
- 6-foot Fiberglass Rod
- No-Tangle Reel System
- Telescopic Portable Design
- Comfort EVA Handle
Pros
- Durable Fiberglass Material
- Easy to Use Reel
- Comfortable EVA Handle
Cons
- Weak tip section (lacks backbone)
The Zebco 33 is a durable, multipurpose fishing rod for busy people. This 6-foot black fiberglass rod weighs 1 pound and is robust.
The Zebco 33 is user-friendly. Its reel is reliable and on a sturdy telescoping rod. A revolutionary no-tangle reel comes pre-spooled with a 10-pound Zebco Cajun line. It suits beginner and experienced fishermen.
The Zebco 33 telescopic combination is well-made. Expands to 6 feet and compresses to 22.5 inches. A sturdy E-glass rod and easy-casting spin cast reel provide a tremendous all-purpose fishing rig.
With this pairing, comfort is vital. Durable EVA handle for hours of fishing pleasure. The rod’s moderate-fast action and medium power make it suitable for panfish, trout, bass, and catfish. It holds 6-12 pounds of line and 1/8-1/2 ounces of bait.
This size 30 spin cast reel runs well. Its all-metal gears and 4.1:1 gear ratio provide a smooth retrieve. The reel has right- or left-hand retrieval, a MicroFine dial-adjustable drag, and QuickSet anti-reverse.
Zebco, an outdoor adventure company since 1949, guarantees its products. Zebco products come with a one-year labor and material warranty. You may fish confidently, knowing you’re using a quality product from a reputable brand.
- 5’6″ Freshwater Rod
- Pre-Loaded Spinning Reel
- Durable Aluminum Build
- EVA Foam Grip Handle
Pros
- Flexible and Durable Material
- Pre-Loaded Reel for Quick Start
- Comfortable EVA Foam Grip
Cons
- Cheap reel (tangles constantly)
The Eagle Claw fishing rod is flexible and durable for adults. This 6.4-ounce yellow stick is made of rigid materials that improve efficiency.
The Eagle Claw spinning rod is 5’6″ long and is made for fishing for bass in fresh water. It comes with a light metal reel already loaded with line, so you can start fishing immediately.
It’s suitable for many different types of fishing because it can handle bait from 1/8 to 1/2 inch and line weights from 4 to 10 pounds. The aluminum rod is strong, and the EVA foam grip makes long fishing trips more relaxing.
- Telescopic Carbon Fiber Rod
- High-Speed Spinning Reel
- Anti-Corrosion Guide Rings
- Portable Carry Bag Included
Pros
- Lightweight
- High-Speed Spinning Reel with Smooth Retrieve
- Convenient and Portable Carry Bag
Cons
- Limited bait (short trips)
Explore the whole BlueFire fishing gear for all ages. This excellent deal includes a fishing rod, reel, line, lures, hooks, and a carry bag.
The fishing rod’s high-density carbon fiber makes it both robust and lightweight. The 2.1-meter telescopic rod can be folded down to 15.74 inches, making it suitable for most backpacks. This rod is ideal for bass, crappie, walleye, and other fishing on hikes and camping trips.
The package contains spinning reels with a high-speed 5.2:1 ratio and a smooth retrieve rate to catch large fish. Both novices and experts may use these rugged reels for high-performance fishing.
The kit comes with a strong nylon bag. Its enormous capacity accommodates many tools. Ideal for saltwater, inshore, and freshwater bass trout fishing. It also fits effortlessly in your handbag, luggage, or boat, making it convenient to fish anytime. So, get the BlueFire fishing gear for your next excursion!
- 5’6″ Telescopic Fishing Pole
- Size 30 Spin Cast Reel
- EVA Handles for Comfort
- Portable & Compact Design
Pros
- Easy to Use Reel
- Comfortable EVA Handles
- Portable Telescopic Design
Cons
- Light tackle (fish)
The Zebco 202 spin cast combination is a popular fishing equipment for beginners and experts. This 5-foot, 6-inch, 1-piece telescopic fishing pole and size 30 fishing reel combination is simple to use and perfect for capturing a variety of species.
Durable EVA handles make the fishing rod and reel combination comfortable all day. Its moderate-fast action and medium-light power make it great for panfish, trout, walleye, and bass. It can handle 6-10 pounds of line and 1/16-3/4 ounces of bait.
The size 30 spin cast reel has strong metal gears, a fast 2.8:1 gear ratio, and a stainless steel pick-up pin that make it work smoothly and consistently. The QuickSet anti-reverse and dial-adjustable drag keep the handle from going backward, which keeps the hook in place while you pull in your fish. The right-hand reel is pre-spooled with a 10-pound Zebco line, so you can start fishing sooner.
Since 1949, Zebco has guaranteed its outdoor goods. A 1-year guarantee from retail purchase for artistry and material faults covers Zebco products. You can fish confidently, knowing you’re utilizing a quality product from a trusted brand.
- Ultra-Durable Glass Tip
- Medium-Heavy Fast Action
- Telescopic & Portable Design
- IM6 Graphite & EVA Grip
Pros
- Ultra-Durable with Glass Tip
- Medium-Heavy, Fast-Action Power
- Comfortable EVA Grip
Cons
- Broke on 12 lb line
The Quantum Embark telescopic casting rod is durable and practical. This black, single-piece rod is for casting.
A vital glass tip and graphite reinforcement make the rod ultra-durable. It supports 8-20 pounds of fishing line and 1/4-1 ounce of lure and can handle the largest fish.
The 6-foot 6-inch rod compresses 18 inches for simple transport, usage, and storage. A built-in hook-keeper secures your fishing line and hook to avoid snagging.
This medium-heavy, fast-action power rod is durable and reliable. It features a sensitive IM6 graphite rod and an EVA grip for all-day comfort. Use the Quantum Embark telescopic casting rod to lead your fishing adventures.
- Durable Fiberglass Blank
- Ceramic Guides for Smooth Casting
- Graphite Reel Seat & EVA Grips
- Telescopic & Portable Design
Pros
- Durable Fiberglass Blank
- Smooth Ceramic Guides
- Comfortable EVA Grips
Cons
- Crooked guides hurt cast
The Mako 8′ 6Pc Telescopic Rod from HURRICANE is a durable fishing rod. This colorful one-piece rod weighs 1.01 pounds.
The rod’s 6-section fiberglass blank ensures its durability and effectiveness. Ceramic guides reduce line friction for smoother casting and retrieval.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced angler, the Mako 8′ 6Pc Telescopic Rod from HURRICANE is an excellent complement to your kit.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Travel Fishing Rod
Now that you’ve decided to get a telescopic fishing rod, here’s what you need to think about to pick the right one for you.
Collapsed Length
The first thing to think about is the length of the rod when it’s collapsed and extended. Collapsed fishing rods are amazing because they can fit into small bags. But that doesn’t always mean they’ll fit into your bag. You should know what you’ll be carrying your telescopic fishing rod in. Will it be a backpack, a suitcase, or other luggage? The purpose of a telescopic rod is to take it anywhere. If it can’t fit into your bag, it defeats the purpose. If you’re using a suitcase, you won’t have a problem. But if you’re using a backpack, measure your backpack and choose a rod that fits inside.
Extended Length
Next, consider the rod’s extended length. Longer rods allow for greater casting distance. For surf fishing, you’ll need different lengths: at least 8 feet for small fish, 10 feet for larger fish, and 12 feet for big ones. However, telescopic rods are less sturdy than regular rods. Even if you get a 12-foot rod for big fish, it might break. I recommend a maximum of 10 feet. If you’re not surf fishing, the extended length is less important. You can choose based on the closed length instead.
Number Of Sections
The number of sections in your telescopic rod doesn’t have strict rules. More sections mean the rod can retract to a shorter length. But with more sections, there’s more chance for damage. If you’re not surf fishing, choose a rod that fits in your backpack or luggage with fewer sections. You don’t need a long rod, so fewer sections are better to minimize the risk of damage. For surf fishing, if you want a short collapsed rod, choose more sections. If you prefer fewer sections, the collapsed rod will be longer. It’s up to personal preference, so there’s no wrong choice.
Action And Power
Many people complain that telescopic rods aren’t sensitive. With more sections, when the tip bends, it’s hard for other sections not to bend too. This makes the rod less sensitive. So, it’s better to choose fast action rods. The rod power depends on the fish you’re targeting. For small fish, medium power is okay. For bigger fish, like decent-sized ones, go for medium-heavy power. And for large fish, you’ll need a heavy rod. But since telescopic rods can be flimsy, it’s safer to choose a medium-heavy rod, even for small fish.
Reel Seat
Lastly, consider the reel seat. Make sure it’s strong and won’t break easily, like aluminum or stainless steel. For saltwater fishing, look for one that won’t rust, like aluminum, which is very durable and resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel is okay too, but aluminum is better against corrosion. Carbon fiber reel seats are lighter, but not as durable as aluminum. If weight is important to you, choose carbon fiber, otherwise, aluminum is a better choice.
FAQs
This question often surprises me. Telescopic fishing rods are versatile, just like traditional rods. You can use them for all types of fishing, including surf fishing, if you pick the right one.
Sure, this is an important question. If you’re asking, it shows you’re aware of the differences with telescopic rods. These rods are generally less durable than regular ones. Even the top telescopic rods can’t handle fish heavier than 15 pounds.
Initially, this may seem like a rhetorical question, but it’s more complex than it appears. When extending a telescopic fishing rod, each section must be turned to lock it into place before moving on to the next section. Likewise, when collapsing the rod, each section needs to be unlocked by rotating it.
Conclusion
Telescopic fishing rods are the lightest, most convenient, and least priced on the market.
For this reason, they are perfect as a backup or travel rod.
However, telescopic fishing rods have a reputation for breaking easily.
That’s the reason I went out to find the best telescopic fishing pole, and I did. The Zebco 33 Spinning Reel and Telescopic Fishing Rod Combo is the best telescopic fishing combo I’ve ever used; it’s the best in terms of quality, durability, and effectiveness.
Now that you’ve found the perfect telescopic pole, enjoy your time fishing! If you still need any fishing gear, have a look at our selection of the best products.