Top 5 Best Collapsible Fishing Rods of 2021

The sun is out and the mayflies are getting ready to hatch.  This means the Spring and Summer fishing season is beginning!  In sweet anticipation of this favorite pastime, let’s take a look at your gear.  What type of pole do you use?  Do you use a telescopic fishing rod or a traditional fishing pole?  Did you even know that there were options?

What Is A Telescopic Fishing Rod?

A telescopic fishing rod is a fishing pole that collapses into itself.  With this type of rod, an angler can take an 8 to 10-foot pole and condense it down to 12 to 26-inches.  To close it, start at the bottom end of the rod, just above the handle.  Simply turn to release it, then carefully slide each section down into the other.  To open the rod, reverse the process.  Begin by pulling out some line, then stand the pole up by propping it against a log, or the seat on your boat.  Then, starting at the tip pull each section out individually.

This feature makes a telescopic fishing rod highly transportable and compact.  Easily stored in the trunk of your car or under the bench seat of your truck. It will also fit comfortably in your carry-on bag.

#1 – [Top Pick] – KastKing Blackhawk II

The KastKing Blackhawk II series comes with 14 different options in length and actions for both spinning and casting rod models.  Stainless steel line guides make this a great pole for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. 

A solid glass tip and KastKing KastFlex Toray 24-Ton Carbon rod make up the Soloscopic Performance Technology.  This combination gives a 1-2-3 punch of durability, sensitivity, and performance.

High-quality features such as a graphite reel seat, comfortable EVA handle, and floating guides make this telescopic rod a favorite among anglers.  The reel with line going through the guides can be left on the rod saving valuable fishing time.  Simply open the bail and extend the pole.  You are now ready to go fishing!

#2 – [Best Reviews] – Plusinno EW 300 Combo

This rod is available in six different sizes; 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 feet.  It is made up of high-density carbon fiber giving it sensitivity superior to its fiberglass counterpart.  You will be able to feel those little nibbles with ease.

The Plusinno EW 300 has stainless steel guides making it safe to use in saltwater without fear of corrosion.  It also comes equipped with a comfortable EVA handle. 

You’ll be able to easily fish all day with this lightweight pole.  It also comes with a bonus option to purchase the rod and reel plus a carrying case.  The kit includes line and a lure to get you started.

#3 – [Best Value] – Daiwa Megaforce

The Daiwa Megaforce brings to the table a telescopic fishing rod capable of collapsing down to just 27 inches.  This makes it perfect for travel or throwing in your backpack for a relaxing backcountry fishing experience.

This rod presents a lightweight and well-balanced carbon fiber shell along with premium titanium oxide guides.  A high-quality EVA and cork handle rounds out this rod with a comfortable grip.

The Megaforce offers a variety of different actions and is a higher-end telescopic fishing rod.  Both sensitivity and lightweight action makes this collapsible fishing rod comparable to a traditional one-piece rod.

#4 – [Most Affordable] – Lixada Telescoping Pen Fishing Pole

This tiny telescopic fishing rod has a mini aluminum alloy spinning reel that includes forward and reverse ratchet drag control.  It has a 4.3:1 gear ratio and 2+1 BB with a copper axis making for smooth and effortless operation.

When fully extended, this telescopic fishing rod reaches out to 39” making it great for fishing in areas where bigger rods would be inconvenient.  When not in use, it collapses down to a mere 8.1”.  The small size makes it fit easily in your pocket or tackle box.

The Lixada rod is made out of glass steel fiber making it solid and strong.  It also comes in a few different size options that extend to 3.28 feet, 4.59 feet, and 5.25 feet.

#5 – [Best Combo Package] – ZACX Telescopic Fishing Rod

The ZACX telescopic fishing rod comes in two sizes and is made out of high-density carbon fiber making it lightweight and durable.  The spinning reel is durable metal with a unique wooden folding handle.  It is ambidextrous and easily changes from right to left-handed.  This rod also offers a soft EVA handle and ceramic guide rings.

The small size makes it perfect for casual fishing.  The full package includes 35-lb test line, various weights, swivels, lures, and hooks.  All wrapped up in a sturdy carrying case, this telescopic fishing rod is perfect for the frequent traveler. 

It has everything you need.  It can be easily thrown into your suitcase or backpack.  Because this package comes complete with everything you need to go fishing, it is a great starter kit for a new fisherman.

TELESCOPIC FISHING ROD: PROS AND CONS

There are advantages and disadvantages of using a telescopic fishing rod.  The main attribute is its portability.  You can fish whenever and wherever you wish.  With this rod tucked neatly away in your car or truck, it is easy to stop by your favorite lake or pond on the way home to drop a line real quick.

With portability in mind, collapsible fishing rods are also travel-friendly.  As mentioned above, this rod can easily fit into your carry-on bag. There is no need to check baggage. So, there is no worry of damage during transport in a full cargo area or need for an expensive carrying case.

Another advantage is that it can be customized with your favorite reel.  Typically, they are paired with either a spinning or baitcasting type of reel.

In addition to easily affixing your favorite reel, telescopic rods tend to be stronger and more durable than a traditional fishing pole.  Stress and weight are evenly distributed along the pole due to it being in sections.

Even though this type of fishing pole sounds like a dream come true with superior portability, some drawbacks should also be addressed.  First, is the material used. Fiberglass is the most popular making them flexible and durable.  This sounds like it would be a good thing, right?  Well, fiberglass is less sensitive than composite or graphite rods.  Therefore, light strikes or investigative bait pick-ups can go undetected.

Also, because there are so many moving parts, telescopic rods are subject to wear and tear.  Opening and closing the rod can deteriorate the joint areas over time.  It must be opened and closed slowly and with attention. Be sure not to use a “whipping” motion to open it as this is sure to damage the rod rendering it unusable.

Along this same line, an angler using a collapsible rod must make sure that sections are securely locked.  If they are not, one section will slip into another making casting and reeling difficult and frustrating.

TELESCOPIC FISHING RODS VS. TRADITIONAL FISHING RODS

Telescopic poles are designed to be portable while traditional fishing rods are built for performance.  A traditional rod has a higher quality build as well.  They have better quality handles and bigger eyelets, or guides.

Additionally, the uninterrupted, one-piece design of a traditional rod makes it more sensitive.  This makes it easier to detect a tiny, little nibble on your bait or lure.  There’s nothing more disappointing than not hooking a fish because you couldn’t feel it play with your bait

However, if you are willing to sacrifice a little bit of sensitivity then a telescopic rod is the way to go.  Because of their design, they are harder to break, potentially giving them a longer life.

While a traditional pole outperforms mainly because of sensitivity, a collapsible rod is easier to carry.  You can effortlessly hike out to a secret backcountry lake and enjoy an afternoon of fishing without fear of breaking your rod along the way.

Similarly, picture this: you are driving by a lake and see a spot with the perfect habitat for your favorite target fish to thrive in.  Your heart starts pumping, your adrenaline elevates, and a big smile appears on your face.  You remember that you have a telescopic fishing rod tucked away in your car, making a spontaneous excursion like this one possible.