Are Telescopic Fishing Rods any Good? [Detailed Guide]

When buying a fishing rod, anglers have many options to choose from.

Those who are just beginning their fishing adventure could face some difficulties. Manufacturers advertise their rods as the best ones, but actually, what suits someone else, may not be the best option for you.

One of the popular rod types are telescopic fishing rods.

Telescopic rods are affordable, easy to transport and are very versatile. Beginners can find them very useful. There are certain drawbacks to this concept too, such as possible damage to the joints and guides when closed. Also, telescopic rods are not as strong as some other types of rods.

If you are thinking about buying one of these, and want to know are telescopic fishing rods any good, read the following chapters with detailed explanation of this concept:

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What Exactly is a Telescopic Fishing Rod?

Before answering are telescopic fishing rods any good, you should know what exactly are they.

Telescopic rods are type of rods that can be collapsed to make them shorter, and easy to transport. Sections are fixed together in a way that when you pull them out, you have a full-size rod. When collapsed, sections are stored into each other.

When collapsed, they are very small, and their length is usually between 1-2 feet. Extended rods come in many sizes, so anglers can choose the one that fits their needs.

These rods were initialy used by anglers who like to fish in distant areas and have to hike a lot to get there. Today, many anglers use them for convenience. You can carry them around in any bag, store them anywhere at home, and they are available in many stores.

Telescopic rods were invented more than a century ago, and their quality increases year after year.

Old-fashioned anglers are usually against them, but the truth is, you can find really good models on the market today.

The more section the rod has, the more line guides it will have. Having multiple and quality made guides is important for weight and stress distribution. However, more sections mean that there is a greater chance that a connection between the two fails.

It is important to mention that you should open them slowly in a controlled manner, instead of making a fast and hard opening. This may cause difficulties when closing it.

Additionally, anglers have to be careful while fishing on sandy areas, because small particles of sand and dirt can enter the joints and cause damage to the rod.

What are Telescopic Fishing Rods Made Of?

Telescopic rods are made from different materials, and those materials are the same as those used for other rod types.

They can be made from graphite, fiberglass and different composites. Every rod material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Material also affects the price range a lot.

Fiberglass is more flexible and heavier. These are great for beginners because they are cheaper and very durable.

Graphite rods are lighter, stronger and usually have smaller diameter. Their price is higher and they are prone to damage if used roughly. This makes them a bit harder to use by beginners. Their biggest advantage is sensitivity.

Composite rods include materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber and other materials. By combining them, you get the properties of both. Their price can go from quite low to very high, but they also offer versatile use.

As you can see, telescopic rods are made in a similar way as any other rod, so you can choose the material you want.

When it comes to the handle, the materials used are usually cork or covered with foam.

Reel seat is usually made from aluminum or stainless steel.

Most of the models have a hard plastic cover that is used to protect the line guides when the rod is collapsed. Here you can check more about most important parts of a fishing rods ...

Saltwater rods use materials that are better suited for salt water and do not corrode easily.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Telescopic Rod? [Reasons]

When talking about are telescopic fishing rods any good, you have to know their advantages and disadvantages.

Not every angler has the same needs, and what is a dealbreaker for you, may actually be a benefit for someone else.

Of course, some features are universally good or bad, and here I am going to list both.

Advantages of a Telescopic Rods

SIZE AND TRANSPORT

When collapsed, these rods are very small.

That enables anglers to carry them in a backpack or any other small bag. You do not need a car to transport them, and they are also very lightweight. If you are one of those anglers who like to travel with their rods, you can take these into your carry-on baggage in the aircraft, and not worry about possible damage your rods could suffer in the cargo hold.

PRICE

Telescopic rods are very affordable.

Of course, the cheapest models made by shady manufacturers will not have satisfying properties, but even the good models are not too expensive, at least when compared with other types of rods.

This is important for beginners who are still learning and do not actually know what kind of a rod they need, and the last thing they want is to worry about possible damage on an expensive rod.

VERSATILITY

These rods can be used anywhere, anytime, and you can catch all kind of fish with them.

This versatility makes them great for both beginners and experienced anglers who like to take a small rod on vacation and enjoy some fishing while traveling.

Disadvantages of a Telescopic Rods

OPENING/CLOSING DAMAGE

When opening and closing these rods, you can easily make some damage of you are not doing it right.

If you open them aggressively, you will have to forcefully close them. If you open them too lightly, they might rotate and move when you catch a fish. All this adds more wear and tare and these rods will have a shorter lifespan than other types of rods.

Also, when closed and transported, these rods are not completely compact, and the sections can “wiggle” inside. This can cause damage on the line guides.

MULTIPLE SECTION PROBLEM

Multiple joints are great to have a large extended rod, and a short one when closed, but having many sections increases the possibility that one of them fails. If one of the sections is weaker than the others due to any kind of damage or dirt stuck in side, the overall strength and rod action will be working at a reduced capacity. This can be very annoying and almost impossible to fix.

So, if you value longevity of your rods more than anything, telescopic rods are not for you.

LIMITED USE AND ACTION

I said these rods are versatile and that you can catch many fish species.

That is true, however, for the majority of popular fish species and some average specimens. If want to catch a huge carp, or a wels catfish, telescopic rods are not going to be very useful. The same goes for large saltwater species, where you will have to use two-piece rod that is much stronger.

Another problem is that action of telescopic rods is slow to medium, and there are no good fast action options.

How Does A Telescopic Fishing Rod Work?

Telescopic fishing rods and reels actually work in the same way as other rod types.

You have to choose other pieces of your tackle to match the rod and the fish specie you are trying to catch.

When it comes to handling your rod, you have to know how to open and close it properly. To open it, put the base of the rod on a flat surface and extend the sections by pulling them out until they lock in place. Make sure that the line guides are all in line.

Never use “whipping” motion to extend the rod as it will damage the joints. Maybe not the first time you do it, but over time you are going to see some damage.

To collapse the rod, carefully rotate each section until it becomes lose and collapses. If it seems stuck, be patient and do not force it in. You could accidentally damage it.

During both opening and closing procedure, avoid applying any side pressure as it can damage the rod.

The worst thing that can happen if the rod is not properly extended is that it collapses or rotates during fishing. It will make your casting difficult and reeling in almost impossible, especially with the fish hooked.

This may seem as the rod is overly sensitive and that you have to treat it like a baby, but it is not that hard. Well manufactured rods are going to be very easy handle.

What Kind Of Fish Can You Catch With Telescopic Fishing Rods?

When considering are telescopic fishing rods any good, you will always hear that you can catch numerous species with these rods. So, what fish exactly can you catch with it?

Whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater fishing, there are all kinds of species you can catch, and here I am going to mention the most popular ones.

FRESHWATER SPECIES

When using telescopic rods on rivers or streams, depending on the rest of your tackle and bait, and the rod size, you can catch the following species:

• Trout (smaller to medium specimens)
• Salmon (smaller to medium specimens)
• Bream
• Carp (smaller to medium specimens)
• Bass
• Crappie, Bluegill, Panfish, Perch

When talking about carp, telescopic rods will not be very good if you want to catch a record-breaking specimen.

Telescopic carp fishing rods are quite useful, as the carp rods are usually around 12ft long, or even longer. When you collapse it, it becomes easy to handle. And there are telescopic rods made especially for carp fishing, so you do not have to worry that it will not be powerful enough for such a fish.

Another interesting concept are telescopic fly fishing rods.

You all know that fly fishing is frequently done in wild places which are not easy to access. Collapsible rod makes it easy to get there. Telescopic fly rods are usually a bit thicker at the base than regular fly rods, so anglers might find it a bit uncomfortable.

Also, with a telescopic version, you are not going to be able to cast as far. Telescopic fly fishing rods are fun and sometimes useful to have, but it is not a rod you would like to take on a tournament.

SALTWATER SPECIES

By using telescopic sea fishing rods, you can catch various saltwater fish species. Some of the frequently caught are the following:

• Mullet
• Common pandora
• Black scorpionfish
• European bass
• Gilt headed bream
• Atlantic mackerel

There are much more species you can catch with these rods, and it mostly depends on species available in your area.

They all have a few things in common, and that is they all weigh up to just a few kilograms at most, and can be caught with medium action rods.

So, Are Telescopic Fishing Rods any Good? Or Bad?

After I mentioned all the advantages and disadvantages, it is time conclude are telescopic fishing rods any good or not.

Telescopic rods are gaining more and more popularity. There is a reason for that. A lot of amateur anglers like their simplicity and the fact these rods are quite affordable. Some anglers buy them because they like to take them everywhere and appreciate their size.

If you are buying them for these reasons, and know what to expect from telescopic rods, then yes, they are great.

If you are looking for an extremely precise, high-end rod, for a specific use, then you are probably an angler with a lot of experience and you are well aware of the fact that these rods are not going to meet your specific need.

Overall, telescopic rods are used by both beginners and experienced anglers because they have a lot of advantages. You just have to know what to expect and make an informed decision.

If all of this seems too complicated, or you don’t like it, think about getting a fishing pole. Some of those can be disassembled into sections and transporting them is easy. Sections do not enter each other and the risk of damage is reduced. The difference between rods and poles is that poles are not used with reels, and that makes them easier to use.

Which Brand Manufactures are The Best for Telescopic Fishing Rods?

As I already mentioned, you should choose rods made by reputable manufacturers, even if they are a bit more expensive.

These rods last longer and perform better, so you are actually saving money on the long run.

You can find the list of the best telescopic fishing rods in the last chapter, where I am going to mention the specific models.

When it comes to brands, those are the same brands that produce quality rods at affordable prices even when it comes to other types of rods.

If you chose a telescopic rod made by KastKing, Sougayilang, Pulssino or Shimano, you will not go wrong. All of those have certain advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to you to decide which one would suit your needs. The thing I can tell you is that all of those are made from good materials and are quite durable.

Where Can You Buy Telescopic Fishing Rods?

As telescopic rods are gaining popularity over the years, they are easily available all over the world.

You can buy them at well equipped tackle stores, or online. You can order them from manufacturers website, or other verified sites that sell these products. Even some tackle stores have a web shop. Most of the large and well-known online stores have a worldwide shipping, so getting these rods is going to be fairly easy.

Those who would like to save some money can think about buying used equipment. There are hundreds of online communities, forums and sites where you can find adds for fishing equipment.

Depending on your location, you will have more or less opportunities, but it is worth trying.

If you really can’t find a telescopic rod you like, you can always ask more experienced anglers for help. Majority of them are going to be very happy to help.

What To Look For When Buying A Telescopic Fishing Rod?

When buying a telescopic fishing rod, consider the following features:

MATERIAL

I already mentioned the materials used to construct telescopic rods. For a beginner, fiberglass or composite option may be the best one due to price and resistance.

LENGTH

Shorter rods are great for fishing on very small waters, or in places with extremely dense vegetation. Longer rods enable greater casting distance and are more suitable for larger waters, or saltwater use. Longer ones are also more suitable for catching larger fish.

LINE GUIDES

Line guides can be made from metal, ceramics or stainless steel. Ceramics are great for the fishing line as they are extremely smooth. They are also lightweight. But, because this is a collapsible rod and the guides can get damaged, maybe it is better to chose metal or steel options.

FEELING

If you can, you should take the rod in your hands and feel the handle. It should have a good grip and you should feel comfortable while holding it. This is important for longer fishing days.

What are The Best Telescopic Fishing Rods? My TOP 3 Choice!

Finally, here is my telescopic fishing rods "review". I am going to mention three telescopic rods that I find very good and useful, together with basic info about them.

#1: Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Rod

This rod can be used in both saltwater and freshwater, so it gives you almost unlimited possibilities. It is made from carbon fiber and fiberglass, which makes it very sensitive and it gives excellent feedback. Because it contains fiberglass, it is also quite flexible, so you will get the best properties in one rod.

The reel seat is made from stainless steel which makes it resistant to corrosion. It is a medium power rod, suitable for catching various species.

This Plusinno telescopic fishing rod (#ad) is quite affordable too, and also available in combo kit, together with a matching reel.

You can choose different lengths, between 5.9 and 8.8 ft.

#2: Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod

Another great rod to consider is Sougayilang telescopic fishing rod (#ad).

It is available in sizes between 5.9 and 7.8 ft. Materials used in construction are the same as in previously mentioned model.

This rod is also suitable for both freshwater and saltwater use.

Line guides are ceramic, which makes them smooth and they create less friction. To make them sturdier, they are covered with a form of epoxy. Stainless steel reel seat will not rust.

When collapsed it is only a bit more than 16 inches long, which is an excellent feature.

Price slightly varies depending on the length and it is quite affordable.

This rod can also be purchased together with a reel.

#3: Kastking Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod

This rod is said to have one-piece characteristics in six-piece telescopic rod. And that statement is not far from truth.

You can choose among 14 different models of Kastking telescopic fishing rods, depending on a length and action.

Although, those declared as fast action are not as good as non-telescopic fast action rods.

Sections fit perfectly into each other so that the power transition goes full length when the rod is extended.

Carbon is used for this rod construction, which makes it a bit less sturdy, but it is also very sensitive and responsive.

Stainless steel line guides are well made and durable. Reel seat is made from graphite. These rods are also suitable for both saltwater and freshwater use.

Kastking Blackhawk II telescopic fishing rods (#ad) offer a lot for a more than a reasonable price.

There are so many different options to choose from, and I think anyone will be able to find a model to satisfy their needs.

Conclusion

When trying to decide are telescopic fishing rods any good, you should ask yourself what do you expect from them.

Those searching for lightweight, portable, and versatile rods are going to be satisfied with them. Beginners can use them easily and their price is more than reasonable.

If you are looking for a specialized piece of equipment, then these rods are not the best option.

Telescopic 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, even if you are not primarily using this type of rods.

They are great as a back-up option to have on longer trips, or to keep them with you at all times so that you never skip a fishing opportunity.