3 Best Telescopic Casting Rods For Kayak Fishing

Hey there my fellow fishing enthusiasts. Today we are going to take a look at my 3 best telescopic casting rods for kayak fishing this year. To be honest, this one has come about purely on the fact that as I was researching casting rods for kayaks in a previous post, I noticed a few of these for sale.

As I looked into it more and more, my initial observations were backed up by the fact that not only are there a good number of options out there, but they are extremely popular as well meaning that there is obviously a market for them. And again, I had looked at these for spinner reels but had generally neglected them for the baitcasters.

So obviously thought it was about time I checked it all out. So let’s have a look at some options I have for a telescopic casting rod for the kayak…

I will review these in more detail below but if you just want to get moving without all the carry on, my 3 are listed here for your convenience:

	Rod	Price	Get it
	KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rod	$	CURRENT PRICE
	Sougayilang Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole	$$	CURRENT PRICE
	KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod	$$	CURRENT PRICE

Telescopic fishing rods are the type that fold down into themselves much like a telescope (hence the name). They don’t break down into pieces like general multi-piece fishing rods rather stay as one short entity until they are extended back out for use.

When fully extended, the better models look just like a single piece fishing rod and in theory, they should work just the same with the ability to add any reel as you see fit.

Why do they exist?

Quite simply, portability. As collapsible rods will draw down into the faction of their original size, they are a great option for travelers or those who have limited space or want to travel light such as with a kayak. Once compacted, they can easily be put into the kayak storage compartment, a fishing backpack, suitcase or the boot of a car.

The other advantage of them is that once they are collapsed, unlike multi piece rods, they remain in one piece.

How do they work?

So, just like a telescope, when you are ready to use your collapsible rod, you basically do the following:

1. Unclip the locking hook – this is the hook that stops the ends flying out when not in use.
2. Hold the handle end of the rod and gently pull each section out from within – do not ‘whip’ the rod out as this can cause it to break.
3. Lock each section in place – some do this with a little twist and some simply ‘click’ into place.
4. Attach your reel – if not already.
5. Rig your rod, add some bait and off you go.

At the end of the day, construction is similar to a multi piece rod where instead of attaching each piece, you simply extend the pieces from within the main section.

In short, baitcaster setups are generally accepted as being more suitable for experienced fisherman due to their tendency to tangle (bird’s nest) on casting. However, there are some definite advantages to them as well including:

1. More accurate when casting.
2. Longer casting capabilities.
3. Can handle heavier line and lure/sinker weight.
4. Can handle much bigger fish for their size than spinners.

So, if these are requirements that you have when fishing from your kayak, and you have the need to travel with your gear, I will give you a quick run through below on what to think about when looking for a good collapsible rod option to match your baitcaster reel. Some of this will determine your purchase and the rest is just an outline in case you have some personal preferences. Let’s check it all out…

Note: Fishing rods that are used with baitcasters are not interchangeable with those used with spinning reels. This post is being written based on the assumption that you have a baitcaster reel at the ready and are looking to add a telescopic rod to your collection to allow for travel etc. If not, then maybe check out my post covering best baitcaster reels for kayak fishing.

Location

I am starting with the location as it can definitely have an effect on the type of fishing rod that you could choose and will determine your answers to many of the variants I have listed below – especially when we are dealing with baitcasters.

We have already discussed that baitcaster reels and casting rods tend to be more accurate when casting and are also able to handle larger fish than spinners too so location will definitely have an influence on their use.

Some location considerations include:

• Holes: If there are any holes that you like to fish into then greater accuracy may be required.
• Rocks and other obstacles: Will you want to cast into them or over them? Baitcaster rigs can generally cast a little further than spinners so again, this may be worth a look if longer casting is required.
• Current: Is there a strong tidal current running? If so, larger line and tackle may be needed.
• Wind: Windy waters are harder to cast in for obvious reasons.
• Mangroves etc.: As discussed, casting here will require accuracy.

There is more to this but from a general point of view, if you are constantly fishing in an area where you either need accuracy or are chasing larger species then a baitcaster setup may serve you well. That said, I think that the lighter the setup you can get for a kayak the better, which in general may lead you to a casting rod on that advantage alone. We will discuss this in greater detail below …

For those of you who are still on the fence, I have discussed telescopic spinning rods in more detail in my post on Telescopic rod and reel combos for kayaks. Below we will discuss the ins and outs of casting rods…

Composition

In general, the only real difference between casting and spinning rods is that the reel is seated on the top instead of underneath with telescopic fishing rods manufactured from the same materials as their traditional straight piece counterparts. These three materials are Fiberglass, Graphite and Carbon Fibre with qualities as follows:

• Fiberglass – Very strong and durable with very little maintenance required (rinse off after fishing is generally all that is needed).
• Graphite – Graphite rods are generally more rigid with higher power ratings (see below) however tend to have greater sensitivity than their fiberglass cousins.
• Glass Tip – Glass Tips or ‘Hybrid’ rods are made from a combination of graphite and fiberglass. These are designed to give the best of both worlds with extra strength of the graphite rod added to the sensitivity of the glass tip.
• Carbon Fibre – This is a newer compound in fishing rods being more rigid than the fiberglass/ composite rods but also lighter. These types are becoming more and more popular for all levels of experience due to their toughness and versatility.

In the past, most tended to go for a fiberglass rod due to their durability, low maintenance requirements and favourable prices however the cost of a good carbon fibre rod has definitely reduced in recent times as well. Casting rods are also generally designed to be lighter in weight than their spinning cousins.

Length

When it comes to a kayak fishing rod, it is definitely not a case of the longer the better. Long rods can be used on a kayak for sure – in fact some prefer them if in the ocean or if they want to ‘jig’ a lure or cast a longer distance – however I always find them cumbersome and they can make it difficult to get a fish off the hook once you catch one. Shorter rods also provide for greater accuracy which can be helpful if you are fishing amongst trees, mangroves or other hazards.

So, depending on your location and casting requirements, I recommend that you can choose from the following lengths:

• 5 – 6 foot – Use when dropping directly below the kayak or precision of casting is needed. Not great for longer casting but can generally handle heavier sinker weights etc.
• 6 – 7 foot – These are a good middle of the road rod – especially if you only take the one or want to use it on a river bank as well. These allow for longer casting whilst maintaining accuracy.
• 7 – 8 foot – You are getting to the absolute end of length suitability here but these can work well if you are going to be drifting or trolling with a lure or need that extra casting distance. You could also look at this length if you wanted to use it for surf fishing as well.

Power

There are plenty of technical terms for the power settings of a fishing rod but in simple language, I have always known the power rating as a measure of how ‘bendy’ it is. Light power rods bend with little force and heavy need a lot of pressure to bend. So, in short:

• Light – very bendy – even whippy – will bend a lot with even the smallest fish. I like these in the kayak however for beginners it is easy to get the bottom confused with bites.
• Medium – needs a bit more pressure to bend – In general, this is a good measure for a kayak fishing rod and my suggestion for all round use.
• Heavy – takes a lot to make it bend – I would recommend these for a kayak in areas where the current is quite strong or you want to use particularly heavy sinkers etc.

There is also a measurement that some rods have in regards to what they call Action or Speed. This is determined by where the rod bends. Fast action bends from the top third whereas slow rods bend down towards the reel. For general use, I would go moderate or medium, unless to have a need to cast a long way or are chasing larger fish, then maybe edge towards a faster rod as they allow for heavier lures/rigs.

Handle/Grip

This has nothing to do with the art of catching fish rather than the comfort of it. Some common options include:

• Hard foam – sort of like a very hard version of a pool noodle.
• EVA – Soft Rubbery stuff.
• Cork.
• Rubber Shrink Tube – soft and extremely durable.

I like the Rubber shrink tube or EVA handles myself as they are comfortable and will last well in saltwater conditions. Cork is great if you want a light rod and a common choice for telescopic casting rods. I have also seen a few with golf club type grips made of superpolymer rubber in my recent research too.

As mentioned above, I have not ventured into the world of baitcasters for the kayak as yet and in the interest of full disclosure, I have not had any experience with someone using a telescopic version either. I have however included below the specifications for a single piece casting rod that a friend of mine recently purchased (as part of a combo) for use in his kayak.

Here are its specs:

Rod

• Length: 6ft
• Power: Medium/fast
• Composition: Carbon Fiber
• Handle: EVA

Feedback was that it the rod is light and very easy to use in kayak – especially in terms of accuracy. He actually stated that he finds the baitcaster setup easier to use in terms of casting and maneuverability – and he has manged to catch some decent fish on it too.

So based on the information above, and my own experience, I recommend the following for beginners:

1. KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rod

I have chosen this first option based on the fact that it is the best I have seen for the casual or budget minded fisher who is just after a good option when traveling. The rod is simple in design whilst maintaining a lightweight build and string reel seating with an all round balanced feel. It is backed by a great number of reviews and is a good, solid and durable product with specifications as follows:

Rod

• Length: 6.0 – 7.0 ft
• Collapsed length: 17″
• Composition: Graphite composite
• Connectors: Clip in as the rod is extended
• Power: Medium (6ft) – Medium/Heavy (7ft)
• Action: Moderate – Moderate/fast
• Handle: EVA

Other advantages include:

• Graphite reel seat
• Drop shot style hook keeper
• Stainless guides and ceramic rings

Why have I chosen it?

This is a good little all round use rod for a great price. I like the lightweight design for a kayak with good specifications for use in a number of environments (which is great for traveling). It will take a good range of line strength with a solid action range for long, accurate casting.

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2. Sougayilang Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole

This next option is a great one for those wanting to do a bit more fishing and are looking for some extra durability and smoothness of casting in their rods. It is designed for light weight travel but with the added strength of carbon fiber. Specifications include:

Rod

• Length: 5.9 – 6.9 ft
• Collapsed length: 26″
• Composition: Carbon Fiber
• Connectors: Twist in as the rod is extended
• Power: Not Stated (rated as medium elsewhere)
• Action: Not Stated
• Handle: EVA + cork

Other advantages include:

• Super lightweight composition – 6.4 oz
• Multiple floating guides improved line performance

Why have I chosen it?

I like this one for its super lightweight carbon build with specifications to handle most kayak conditions including where accuracy or some heavier weights are needed. I would maybe check further into the action and power settings however reviews look to report favourably on them. My only concern here is based on a number of reviewers being unhappy with the floating eyelet design so check that if you have a preference here as well.

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3. KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod

The third option I have chosen is a tad more expensive (basically the next model up from option 1 above) but for the kayak fisherman with experience in using baitcasters, it is a little more rounded allowing for greater casting and control. It has the ability to handle just about anything that you could catch in a kayak in both open and closed waters with extreme light weight durability via its Carbon Matrix build and solid glass tip. Its specs include:

Rod

• Length: 5.9 – 6.9 ft
• Collapsed length: Not stated
• Composition: Toray 24-Ton Carbon Matrix
• Connectors: Clip in as the rod is extended
• Power: Medium/Heavy
• Action: Moderate/fast
• Handle: EVA

Other advantages include:

• Super lightweight composition
• Snug-Fit ferrules to deliver full length power transition
• Saf-T Keeper hook holder
• Stainless steel line guides, graphite reel seats

Why have I chosen it?

This rod is a great one for those who looking for a little carbon built quality or for those who like ultimate smoothness and durability. The specifications make it perfect for providing ultimate casting length and accuracy as well as the ability to carry most sinker or lure weights as well. It is extremely versatile and able to handle pretty much anything that can be thrown at it.

And there it is – my 3 best telescopic casting rods for kayak fishing this year. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences with them.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul