The 7 Best Telescopic Fishing Rod | Reviewed & Tested

Whether you are an avid angler chasing trophy fish or a weekend hobbyist exploring local lakes, choosing the best telescopic fishing rod can dramatically improve your experience. Among the many options, a telescopic fishing rod stands out for its space-saving design, portability, and ease of use. These collapsible fishing poles are ideal for travelers, backpackers, campers, or anyone seeking a compact fishing setup that doesn’t compromise on performance. In this comprehensive guide, we have handpicked and tested the best telescopic fishing rods of 2025, comparing them on durability, build quality, casting accuracy, and user satisfaction. Whether you are looking for a telescopic spinning rod for saltwater or freshwater, a lightweight portable rod for hiking trips, or the best collapsible rod for beginners, our expert reviews cover a range of the Best fishing rod to help you reel in your next catch with confidence.

Each rod in our list has been tested in real fishing environments to ensure reliable performance. We focused on rods that offer the best mix of strength, sensitivity, and convenience. From budget-friendly picks to high-performance models, you will find options for every skill level and fishing style. With this guide, you can be sure to find a telescopic rod that suits your needs and makes your fishing adventures even more enjoyable.

Top Best Telescopic Fishing Rod

Choosing the best telescopic fishing rod means looking at things like how easy it is to carry, how strong it is, how it bends, if it works with your reel, and whether you are fishing in saltwater or freshwater. Our top choices are great for everyone, from beginners to experienced anglers. The Daiwa Ninja X Tele 706TL is our top pick because it is made of strong carbon fiber, has a sensitive tip for better control, and casts really well. It is perfect for both shore and boat fishing. If you want a rod and reel set that is easy to travel with, go for the KINGSWELL Telescopic Fishing Rod.

It is our favorite combo setit folds down small, comes with a spinning reel, and has extra tips, making it great for vacations. For fishing in the ocean or salty water, the Magreel Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is your best bet. It is built to resist rust and is strong enough to handle big fish. If you are getting a rod for kids, the Zebco 33 is a great choice. It is easy to use, does not tangle easily, and has a push-button reel with a tough fiberglass rod.

Best Overall – Daiwa Ninja X Tele 706TL

The Daiwa Ninja X Tele 706TL is a great choice for anyone who wants a strong, easy-to-carry fishing rod. It is made from high-quality carbon fiber, which means it is tough, lightweight, and casts smoothly. You can fold it down to a small size, so it is perfect for travelers, hikers, or anyone fishing on the go. This rod has a quick, sensitive tip for fast action and a strong base to handle bigger fish. It works well in both freshwater and light saltwater. With its stylish look, comfy cork handle, and careful design, the Ninja X Tele gives you top-level performance for all kinds of fishing trips.

It is especially useful when you need a rod that performs well but doesn’t take up much space. Whether you are fishing from a pier, boat, or riverbank, this rod adapts easily. The guides are smooth and help reduce line friction, giving you better casting distance. If you want a travel rod that feels like a full-size one, this is a solid pick.

Best for Combo – KINGSWELL Telescopic Fishing Rod

The KINGSWELL Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a perfect travel-friendly option for anglers who want both convenience and performance in one set. When fully extended, it reaches about 6 feet 9 inches, and it folds down to just 22 inches—great for storing in a backpack, suitcase, or car. It is made from strong yet lightweight Japanese graphite carbon, and it’s built to handle tough catches while staying easy to carry. The rod has a medium-heavy, fast-action feel, which helps you cast farther and feel even the lightest bites. Some of its standout features include a floating guide system for better casting, alignment marks on each section to help you set it up correctly, and a built-in hook holder. 

The handle combines a real wood grip at the front with soft EVA foam at the back for comfort during long fishing sessions. It also comes with a size 3000 spinning reel, which includes a 5+1 stainless-steel bearing system for smooth operation and an interchangeable handle for left or right-handed use. This combo is great for both beginners and experienced anglers who need a reliable, space-saving setup for travel or casual fishing trips.

Best for Saltwater – Magreel | Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Telescopic

The Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod & Reel Combo is a great pick for people who fish in saltwater and need something compact and dependable. It is made with strong 24T carbon fiber and has a stainless steel reel seat that resists rust, so it holds up well in both saltwater and freshwater. The rod also has smooth ceramic guide rings, which help reduce friction for better casting. The included aluminum spinning reel runs on a 5.2:1 gear ratio, which gives you smooth and steady line retrieval. 

This setup folds down small enough to fit in a backpack or suitcase, making it easy to carry while traveling. What makes this combo even better is that it’s a complete starter kit. It comes with fishing line, a set of lures, a small tackle box, and a padded carry bag, everything a beginner or traveler would need to get started right away. Many users love how well it performs, especially for the price. However, some have noted that the rod may wear out with heavy use over time. Still, for casual anglers or those who fish on the go, it offers great convenience and value.

Best for Kids – Zebco 33

The Zebco 33 Telescopic Spincast Combo is a great choice for kids and beginners who want to enjoy fishing without dealing with complicated gear. This rod is simple to use and very beginner-friendly. It extends to 6 feet when in use and folds down to just 22.5 inches, so it is super easy to carry and store in a car or backpack. It is built with strong fiberglass, and it can handle light fishing without being too heavy for young hands. The included spincast reel comes pre-spooled and features an anti-reverse clutch, adjustable drag, and even a built-in bite alert—perfect for helping new anglers know when they’ve got a fish on the line. It has medium power, which means it is ideal for catching small fish like bluegill, crappie, or trout, just the right level to help kids learn and feel successful. 

The twist-lock reel seat and soft EVA handle add comfort, making it easier to hold for longer fishing sessions. Overall, this combo is designed to be fun, simple, and frustration-free, giving kids and beginners a smooth introduction to the world of fishing. It is a smart, portable, and dependable way to help build early fishing skills.

Sougayilang 7

The Sougayilang 7 telescopic fishing rod is easy to carry and does not lose strength or quality. It is made from strong carbon fiber, so it is very light but can still catch fish up to 3 kg. The rod folds down to about 47–51 cm, so you can easily fit it in a backpack, car, or travel bag. It comes in different sizes (1.8 m, 2.1 m, 2.4 m) and colors, making it useful for many types of fishing, like catching bass, trout, or small saltwater fish. It has smooth ceramic rings for the fishing line and a soft, non-slip EVA handle, giving you a comfortable and enjoyable fishing experience at a good price.

This rod is perfect for beginners and travelers who want a handy fishing tool without carrying heavy gear. The build quality is solid, and it feels good in hand, even during long fishing trips. Whether you’re fishing from the shore, a boat, or a dock, this rod gives you the flexibility and control you need.

Eagle Claw PK56TS Pack

The Eagle Claw PK56TS is a simple and super compact telescopic fishing rod that is great for quick and surprise fishing trips. When fully opened, it is 5 feet 6 inches long and made of fiberglass, giving it moderate strength. It works well with fishing lines between 4 to 10 pounds and lures that weigh between 1/8 to 1/2 ounces. It comes with a spinning reel that has one ball bearing, a multi-disc drag system, and a handle that folds quickly, making it easy to use and store.

People like this rod because it is very light and easy to carry. You can keep it in your car, backpack, or even a drawer. It is perfect for catching small fish like panfish and trout. However, some users say the reel is not always strong and might not last long if you try to catch bigger fish like bass. Still, it is a good choice if you want an affordable backup rod that can surprise you when you least expect it. It is especially useful for beginners or travelers who want a no-hassle fishing setup.

KastKing Blackhawk II

The KastKing Blackhawk II telescopic rod is made for serious anglers who want a powerful rod that is also easy to carry. It is built with high-quality graphite, which makes it strong, lightweight, and very responsive. The rod bends quickly (fast action), so you can feel even small bites and react fast. It is great for catching fish like bass, walleye, and even some light saltwater species. When opened, the rod is about 6 feet 6 inches long, but it folds down to less than 30 inches. 

That means you can easily fit it in a backpack, suitcase, or on a bike, perfect for travel or outdoor trips. It has rust-resistant line guides, a strong reel seat to hold your reel in place, and a tough aluminum bottom section that works with a gimbal belt if needed. The Blackhawk II is packed with premium features at a fair price, offering excellent value for both casual and experienced anglers. Whether you are fishing from a boat, shore, or on the go, this rod gives you flexibility, durability, and top-level performance in a compact form.

Testing Procedures of the Best Telescopic Fishing Rod

• Location

To check how flexible and useful each telescopic rod is, we tested them in different places like lakes, rivers, and saltwater beaches. This helped us see how well the rods work in various weather conditions, on rough or smooth ground, and when casting short or long distances. By trying them in multiple locations, we got a clear idea of which rods perform best in different fishing situations and environments.

• Fish

We tested the rods by fishing for various types of fish, ranging from small panfish and trout to medium-sized bass and sea bream. This helped us check how strong each rod is, how well it sets the hook when a fish bites, and how sensitive it feels in your hand. By using the rods on fish of different sizes, we were able to see which rods are better for light fishing and which ones can handle stronger fish without breaking or bending too much.

• Features

We carefully looked at all the important parts of each telescopic rod. This included the reel seat (where the reel attaches), the quality of the line guides, how easily the rod folds and unfolds, how well the locking system works, and how comfortable the handle feels in the hand. We also checked what materials the rods are made of to judge their durability.

 On top of that, we tested how strong the rod is when fully extended and whether the joint connections stayed tight during use. All these checks helped us understand how well each rod would perform in real-life fishing situations.

• Lures

We used different types of lures during testing, including spinning lures, spoons, soft plastic baits, and small crankbaits. The lures weighed between 1/8 ounce to 1 ounce. This helped us see how accurately each rod could cast, how it moved when casting or reeling in, and how responsive it was when using light to medium fishing gear. It gave us a good idea of how well each rod performs with a variety of common lures.

How to Choose the Best Telescopic Fishing Rod

• Materials

Most good telescopic fishing rods are made from carbon fiber, fiberglass, or a mix of both. Carbon fiber rods are very light and sensitive, so you can feel even small bites. They are great for experienced anglers who want fast action. 

Fiberglass rods, on the other hand, are stronger and more flexible. They do not break easily, which makes them a good choice for beginners or fishing in rough conditions. Some rods combine both materials to give you the benefits of sensitivity and strength in one.

• Weight 

Lightweight rods are easier to carry, hold, and use for long periods without getting tired. Most telescopic travel rods weigh between 100 to 250 grams. When choosing a rod, it is important to look for one that feels well-balanced in your hand. 

A balanced rod helps you cast more accurately and reduces strain on your wrist and arm, especially during long fishing trips. The lighter the rod, the more enjoyable and comfortable your fishing experience will be.

• Durability

Telescopic rods are made to fold and unfold many times, so they need to be tough and long-lasting. A good rod should have corrosion-resistant guides to prevent rust, especially if you are fishing in saltwater. The joints where each section connects should be strong and tight so they do not loosen over time. Also, the locking mechanism that holds the rod in place should be firm and secure. Choosing a rod with these features helps make sure it stays reliable and performs well, even after repeated use in different weather and water conditions.

• Lengths 

Telescopic rods usually come in lengths between 5 feet and 9 feet. Shorter rods (5 to 6 feet) are great for fishing in small or tight areas and are also easier for kids to handle. They are light and simple to control. Longer rods (7 to 9 feet) are better for casting farther and give you more control over your fishing line.

 These are ideal for more experienced anglers who fish in open spaces like rivers, lakes, or beaches. Choosing the right rod length depends on where you fish and how far you need to cast.

• Sections 

Telescopic rods are made up of multiple sections that slide into each other. More sections make the rod fold down smaller, which is great for travel and storage. However, having too many sections can reduce the rod’s sensitivity, meaning you might not feel light bites as easily. For a good balance between easy portability and solid performance, look for rods with around 6 to 8 sections. This gives you a compact design without losing too much feel or strength while fishing.

• Accessories Included 

Some telescopic rod combos come with extra gear like spinning reels, fishing line, lures, and carry bags. These all-in-one sets are great for beginners who are just starting out or for travelers who want a ready-to-use fishing kit.

Telescopic Fishing Rods VS Traditional Rods

• Performance

Traditional fishing rods are still slightly better when it comes to power and casting accuracy. However, modern telescopic rods have come a long way. Today, they can deliver about 80–90% of the performance you get from a regular rod. For most recreational anglers, this is more than enough. 

Telescopic rods now offer good strength, smooth casting, and decent sensitivity, making them a reliable choice for everyday fishing trips. Whether you are fishing for fun on the weekend or while traveling, these rods can perform surprisingly well.

• Convenience

Telescopic rods are very easy to carry and store, which makes them super convenient. They collapse down into a small size that can fit into backpacks, suitcases, or even your car’s glove compartment. This makes them perfect for travelers, hikers, campers, or anyone who wants to fish without carrying big, bulky gear. 

You can take them just about anywhere and be ready to fish at a moment’s notice. Their compact design is ideal for people who fish on the go or like to keep a rod handy for surprise fishing opportunities.

• Durability

Durability depends on the quality of the rod. Traditional one-piece rods are naturally stronger because they don’t have moving parts. However, many modern telescopic rods made with carbon fiber and well-designed joints can also be very long-lasting. If the joints fit tightly and the materials are high quality, these rods can handle regular use for years.

• Ease of use

Telescopic rods are very easy to use. You can set them up and pack them away in just a few seconds, which makes them perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone who wants to start fishing quickly. There is no need for complicated rigging or special tools; just extend the rod, attach your reel, and you are ready to go. 

Their simple design makes fishing less stressful and more fun, especially for people who are new to the hobby or prefer a hassle-free experience.

Conclusion

Finding the Best Telescopic Fishing Rod depends on what you need, whether it is easy to carry, the type of fish you are after, how far you want to cast, or how much you want to spend. Whether you’re someone who fishes on weekends, travels often, or wants to teach your child how to fish, there is a rod on our list that will suit you. The Daiwa Ninja X Tele 706TL is the best overall with its top-quality features and balanced performance. 

If you’re just starting or buying for a child, the Zebco 33 is a great choice. Just remember to check the rod’s material, length, flexibility (action), and any extra accessories before buying. With the right pick, you’ll enjoy smooth and fun fishing wherever you are.

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