Sometimes, fitting your bulky fishing gear with you on the go can be nearly impossible. Weight and space restraints can really limit your ability to catch fish. However, that is until you find the perfect remedy for those issues. This remedy is the telescopic fishing rod.
What is a Telescopic Fishing rod?
A telescopic fishing rod is one that folds down into itself that transforms six feet of rod into about 18 inches when compacted down. This allows you to fish on the go and travel with your favorite gear. Although not as strong as one or two piece rods they make up for that in practicality and portability.
They also tend to be pretty reasonably priced so we took a look at some of the best telescopic fishing rods under 50 dollars on the market today!
If you are in a hurry and just want a recommendation then check out the Plusinno telescopic fishing rod here. It is a rod reel combo and is a great weight and size to put in the back of a car or in a suitcase if you are headed off somewhere for the weekend. Team it up with a small tackle box and you will be ready to jump out and fish.

Jawbone Telescopic spinning rod
One of the most well-known and affordable telescopic fishing rods on the market is the Jawbone. This one in particular is catered for spinning reels.
Coming in at just $15 at many places, it is affordable for just about everyone. On that same note, you should keep in mind that this is not meant to tackle big fish. Especially at this price point, you should cater the rod to panfish and other smaller species.
It comes at six feet long and features a comfortable cork handle. Although it does not seem like an important detail, the comfort in your hand is something to consider.
Quantum Embark telescoping casting rod
On the flip side, this Quantum rod is made for casting gear. This includes your traditional button reels and the ever-so-popular baitcasting reels. So, you need to know what type of fishing reel you have in order to get a rod that is compatible.
Quantum is a great brand and house-hold name in the fishing community. So, you can feel good about your purchase when investing in this company’s gear. Plus, it is very affordable to get this good of quality. Pretty good for kayak fishing as there are inexpensive enough to only swear a little if you drop them over board and pack down small.
- ULTRA-DURABLE: The Embark telescopic casting rod is constructed with a solid glass tip and is reinforced with...
- EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE: Unbelievable strength and extended rod life, the Quantum Embark telescopic casting rod is...
- COMPACT & CONVENIENT: The 6-foot 6-inch telescoping casting fishing rod conveniently collapses down to 18-inches...
- ALL-DAY COMFORT: With its sensitive IM6 graphite rod and comfortable EVA handle, this telescopic rod is dependable...
The size is pretty basic and is made to be fairly durable. The last thing you need is to hook into a decently-sized fish and for it to snap. So, invest in a telescopic rod that will stand the test of time, at least for a little bit.
Quantum Telecast
A slightly cheaper version of the same brand is the Quantum Telecast. This telescopic fishing rod comes in both casting and spinning options, so if you like the model, you can get one for each type of reel. Six feet is the golden standard for many telescopic rods, so that is the size you will most likely find. However, the Telecast also comes in at five feet and five-and-a-half feet. So, if you are planning on targeting some smaller fish, you can lighten the load a bit.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The Zebco QX24 Telecast telescoping fishing rod conveniently extends from 18.5-inches to...
- ALL-DAY COMFORT: This casting rod is constructed with durable and sensitive QX24 IM6 graphite that can detect...
- FAST ACTION: This fast action and medium power rod was engineered with 3 + Tip D-ring guides for smooth retrieves...
- VERSATILE USE: With the ability to hold a line weight of 6-12 pounds and a lure weight of 1/8-1/2 ounces, this rod...
The price point is super affordable, and the rod will last a long time in your arsenal. These make fantastic gifts for fishing fanatics that want a steady rod to travel with.
Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel.
These are great little telescopic fishing rod and reel sets for a really good price. I actually fish with two of these from piers and jetties near me. Its why i can recommend them. These rods are light, and easy to stash in a case, or backpack. If you have a mini tackle box it will suit you for those times you drive past a fishing spot and think if only i had a rod.
- 【SENSITIVE & STRONG】PLUSINNO fishing rod blanks. All Elite Hunter Select fishing rods are constructed with IM6...
- 【Super Smooth Power】Stainless steel guides with Ceramic inserts makes it more smooth and durable, avoids line...
- 【DOUBLE LOCKING REEL SEAT】 - Sturdy plastic reel seat with double locking structure is easy to assemble and...
- 【Portable and Easy to Carry】- Plusinno Portable Telescopic Fishing Rod features a collapsible design which...
This telescopic fishing rod comes in a couple of size options, under and over 6ft long. this is similar to most rods and in truth they are better kept shorter as they are easier to manage. The reel is fine, its not going to win any awards but its smooth and casts well. The rod it light to medium so don’t be hooking into any large tuna or anything.
This one may be considered expensive by telescopic standards, but it is a great value for what you get in return, and it comes with a functional basic reel to complete the set. Don’t let this price deter you, because it will be well worth it.
Eagle Claw telescopic spinning rod
Coming in a 5’6”, the Eagle Claw telescopic fishing rod is perfect for the budget angler who wants a steady tool while saving some money. Eagle Claw is a known brand for having affordable products such as lures and hooks.
- 5'6" spinning rod
- Lightweight aluminum reel
- Pre-loaded with line | Use for Bass fishing or freshwater fishing
- Lure Weight: 1/8-1/2 | Line Weight: 4-10
This rod is quite affordable, but use that information with a touch of caution. Cheaper does not always mean better. More specifically, we recommend getting a different telescopic rod if you are targeting any fish bigger than panfish or small bass. Because of the build and the size, it will have a hard time handling anything bigger.
Bass Pro Shops Power Plus
Bass Pro Shops is one of the world’s leading outdoors retailers. So, it was only a matter of time before the store would produce quality products of their own. One of said products is the Bass Pro Shops Power Plus graphite spinning rod.
This is a highly-rated telescopic fishing rod that can absolutely get the job done in a pinch or on the go. This option comes at 6’6”, which is on the higher end of telescopic length, especially when thinking of freshwater options. This is a great perk to keep in mind because it will be able to handle larger fish.

Bass Pro Shops Adventur1
Another top line of telescopic fishing rod made by Bass Pro Shops is the Adventur1. This one is a bit more beefed up than the Power Plus and offers a stronger base to handle bigger fish.
This is also one of the few rods on this list that is seven feet long. This is a really big perk, especially when fishing for species like bass or smaller saltwater species. So, keep this in mind when weighing your options.
This is a graphite casting rod, so not only is it compact but also lightweight. So, when travelling, you won’t have to worry about a heavy rod that takes up a bunch of space, despite the larger build.
Although it is a bit more expensive than some of the others listed, it will most likely last longer. It is not made as a temporary fix. When buying this rod, you are in it for the long haul. This is a good thing to look for in a rod so your hard-earned money is not squandered.
Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod (and Reel)
Another fairly generic brand that makes up lack of recognition with pretty decent build quality. these sets are often packaged together with a reel, and although perfectly functional if you have a better reel it would be a good idea to use it on the rod. ( you can still have the other for quick change overs.
This model is light and would suit strapping on to your tackle bag or backpack if you are off hiking along with small tackle boxes to see if you can catch anything at those out of the way streams and lakes. I have a friend who fishes with me, and as he says the fish don’t care what gear you are using.
It’s true, we once caught sardines using a ring pull as bait!!
Telescopic rods at this price point are designed to get you into the action quickly and to provide easy storage and portability. The Sougayilang brand certainly do this and they do it well. If you hook into a monster you will have to be a little carefully as the are definitely medium to light, but surely that just adds to the sport!

Something for the Kids? Telescopic Children’s Fishing Set from Plusinno.
The second Plussino rod we have here, mainly because as long as you are careful they will do you really well for not many of those hard to come by dollars. this one, well it might not suit you, but if you have (younger) kids around who you want to introduce, or who have been stuck in side for what feels like years (February 2021 was Covid time in case you are reading this from the future) it may suit them.

This is designed to be a kid friendly introduction to fishing for younger children. It comes with a mini tackle box, landing net, hooks, lures, floats, jig heads, soft lures sinkers and more. It is actually pretty well equoied and simple enough. The hooks are stil sharp so some careful handling of those will be required, but it will catch fish.
- Kids will enjoy hours of angling fun with this PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Kit. It comes complete with a telescopic...
- Choose a lightweight fishing rod that is soft and flexible. For most kids, four or five feet in length will be...
- Adult fishing equipment will be too cumbersome and complicated for your child to handle. Instead, purchase kids...
- Fishing is great opportunity for adult and children to get outdoors and connect with nature. Select suitable...
We all remember the first fish we caught, usually on a borrowed rod, why not get them their own and let them join you? on the plus side they won’t be using your expensive Shimano gear as well!!
Final Thoughts
Although these are not designed to go tuna fishing or even hang off the back of a boat and troll ( you might be ok on a kayak, but not much faster) they are fit for purpose. That purpose being to get to those out of reach places where you cant take all your heavy gear, and to carry with you in case you see a fishing spot, lake or pond that must, surely hold fish!
I have a large (too large) selection of fishing rods and yet still find myself returning to a telescopic rod on many occasions. I have friends who come with me who want to try fishing, and telescopic fishing rods are an inexpensive way of letting them try it out before they go out and stop up on their own kit.