Collapsible Fishing Rods List
Fishing trips often come with a challenge: how to pack all your gear without feeling like you’re moving house. This is where collapsible fishing rods shine. These nifty tools solve the space problem while still letting you enjoy your favorite hobby.
Collapsible fishing rods, also known as telescopic rods, fold down to a fraction of their full size. They fit easily in a backpack or even a large pocket. This makes them perfect for hikers and campers who want to fish on the go.
We’ve done the legwork to find the best collapsible fishing rods on the market. Our team looked at durability, ease of use, and performance. We also considered factors like weight and how compact they become when folded, similar to how ice fishing rods are designed for portability.
In this guide, we’ll share our top picks for collapsible fishing rods. We’ll break down their features and help you choose the right one for your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, there’s a rod on this list for you. For those who prefer a different fishing setup, check out our recommendations for the best bass fishing setups or fly fishing combos.
Daiwa Ardito
The Daiwa Ardito is a popular collapsible fishing rod that’s caught the attention of many anglers. This telescopic rod offers a blend of portability and performance that’s worth a closer look.
The Daiwa Ardito collapses to a compact size, making it easy to carry in a backpack or even a large pocket. When extended, it transforms into a full-length rod ready for action. The rod’s build quality feels solid, with smooth connections between sections.
In use, the Daiwa Ardito handles well for a collapsible fishing rod. It casts decently and has enough sensitivity to feel bites. The medium-heavy action provides good versatility for different fishing situations.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly portable | Slightly heavier than one-piece rods |
| Solid build quality | May loosen over time with frequent use |
| Versatile for various fishing styles | Not as sensitive as high-end one-piece rods |
| Good casting performance | Longer butt section may not suit all anglers |
Who Is This For?
The Daiwa Ardito collapsible fishing rod is ideal for anglers who value portability. It’s a great choice for hikers, campers, and travelers who want to fish on the go. Beginners might appreciate its versatility, while experienced anglers could use it as a backup or travel rod.
The rod’s medium-heavy action makes it suitable for a range of fishing scenarios, from freshwater to light saltwater use. However, those who prioritize ultimate sensitivity or specialized performance might prefer a one-piece rod for their main setup.
Overall, the Daiwa Ardito offers a good balance of convenience and functionality. It’s a solid option for those seeking a reliable collapsible fishing rod without breaking the bank.
Shimano Convergence
The Shimano Convergence is a versatile collapsible fishing rod that caters to anglers who value portability without sacrificing performance. This rod breaks down into four pieces, making it easy to pack for travel or store in tight spaces.
The Shimano Convergence features a lightweight carbon blank that enhances sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the lightest bites. Its design aims to balance power and flexibility, suitable for various fishing styles.
SeaGuide Aluminum Oxide guides line the rod, promoting smooth and quiet casts. The cork handles provide a comfortable grip, essential for long fishing sessions. A Fuji reel seat with an exposed blank further increases sensitivity.
The rod comes with a protective tube, adding an extra layer of security during transport. Its versatile action makes it suitable for different lure types and fishing techniques.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly portable (4-piece design) | May loosen at joints over time |
| Lightweight carbon blank | Not as sensitive as one-piece rods |
| Versatile for multiple fishing styles | Requires more maintenance |
| Comes with protective tube | Slightly heavier than non-collapsible rods |
Who Is This For?
The Shimano Convergence collapsible fishing rod is ideal for travelers, hikers, and anglers with limited storage space. It’s particularly suited for beginners who want a versatile rod without a hefty price tag.
This rod can handle various fishing scenarios, from freshwater lakes to light saltwater use. Its portability makes it perfect for spontaneous fishing trips or as a backup rod.
However, seasoned anglers who prioritize maximum sensitivity or specialized performance might prefer non-collapsible rods for their primary setup. The Shimano Convergence offers a good balance of convenience and functionality for those who value versatility and portability in their fishing gear.
Zebco 33 Spincast
The Zebco 33 Spincast reel is a popular choice among anglers, known for its simplicity and reliability. This reel features a stainless steel exterior combined with a composite body, giving it a sturdy feel. The Zebco 33 Spincast comes pre-spooled with 10lb Cajun monofilament line, ready for immediate use.
One of the standout features of the Zebco 33 Spincast is its ease of use. The casting mechanism involves pressing a button at the back of the reel before your cast and releasing it at the end of your swing. This design helps prevent line tangles, making it ideal for beginners.
The reel’s retrieval system is smooth, with all-metal gears contributing to its durability. It also includes a MicroFine dial-adjustable drag and a QuickSet anti-reverse feature. The Zebco 33 Spincast now boasts a 4.1:1 gear ratio, allowing for 20% faster lure retrieval compared to previous models.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use | Less sensitive than other reel types |
| Tangle-free design | Limited casting distance |
| Durable construction | Not ideal for heavy lures |
| Smooth retrieval | May require frequent maintenance |
Who Is This For?
The Zebco 33 Spincast is perfect for beginners and casual anglers who value simplicity and reliability over advanced features. Its user-friendly design makes it an excellent choice for children or adults new to fishing.
This reel’s durability and ease of use also make it suitable for experienced anglers who prefer a no-fuss fishing experience.
While not specifically designed for fly fishing, the Zebco 33 Spincast can be a good starting point for those interested in learning basic casting techniques before transitioning to more specialized fly fishing gear. Its versatility allows for use in various fishing environments, from freshwater lakes to light saltwater fishing.
Daiwa Travel Combo
The Daiwa Travel Combo offers a portable fishing solution for anglers on the go. This set includes a telescopic rod and a Daiwa Crossfire 2500 reel, all packed in a convenient carrying case.
The rod in the Daiwa Travel Combo features V-Joint technology, which helps eliminate flat spots at connection points. It collapses to 26 inches, making it easy to pack in luggage or a car trunk. When extended, the rod measures 7 feet 2 inches with medium power and fast action.
The Crossfire 2500 reel that comes with the Daiwa Travel Combo performs smoothly with a reliable drag system. It’s pre-spooled with a line, allowing for immediate use upon arrival at your fishing spot.
The Daiwa Travel Combo’s rod offers good sensitivity for a collapsible design. It handles well for various fishing techniques and can manage a range of lure types. The combo comes in both cork and EVA handle options to suit different preferences.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly portable | Less sensitive than one-piece rods |
| Comes with reel and case | May loosen over time with frequent use |
| Good casting performance | Not ideal for heavy lures |
| Versatile for different fishing styles | Requires careful handling when collapsing |
Who Is This For?
The Daiwa Travel Combo is ideal for anglers who prioritize portability. It suits travelers, hikers, and those with limited storage space. Beginners will appreciate its ready-to-use setup and ease of transport.
While not specifically designed for fly fishing, the Daiwa Travel Combo can serve as a starting point for those interested in the sport. Its versatility allows for use in various fishing environments, from freshwater lakes to light saltwater fishing.
Experienced anglers might find the Daiwa Travel Combo useful as a backup or travel rod when space is at a premium. However, those seeking specialized performance for fly fishing may prefer dedicated fly fishing gear.
St Croix Trout Series
The St. Croix Trout Series offers a range of spinning rods designed for trout fishing. These rods feature SCII carbon fiber construction with SCVI reinforcements, making them both strong and lightweight. The series includes various lengths and actions to suit different fishing environments.
St. Croix Trout Series rods come equipped with Sea Guide Atlas Performance guides and a Sea Guide NPS reel seat. They sport split grip handles with EVA material for comfort during long fishing sessions. The rods also benefit from St. Croix’s Fortified Resin System (FRS) technology, which enhances blank strength.
The 7-foot light power model with extra-fast action handles line ratings of 4 to 8 lbs and lure weights of 1/16 to 1/4 oz. This versatility allows anglers to use various techniques and lures for trout fishing.
While not a collapsible fishing rod, the St. Croix Trout Series offers 2-piece models for easier transport. The rod’s sensitivity helps detect subtle bites, crucial for trout fishing. However, some users note that the fast action may not suit all trout fishing techniques, especially when using dough bait.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight and sensitive | May feel cheap for the price |
| Versatile for different techniques | Not ideal for small streams |
| Strong blank construction | Small rod butt |
| Good for casting light lures | Fast action not suitable for all baits |
Who Is This For?
The St. Croix Trout Series suits anglers targeting trout in medium to large rivers and lakes. It’s a good choice for those who appreciate sensitivity and versatility in their fishing rod.
Beginners might find it helpful for learning various trout fishing techniques, while more experienced anglers could use it as a specialized trout rod in their collection.
However, fly fishing enthusiasts should note that this is a spinning rod series, not designed specifically for fly fishing. Those looking to focus solely on fly fishing may need to consider other options more suited to that technique.