Akataka Telescopic Spinning Rod Review
Telescopic rods are getting more popular each year in the fishing community. In recent years I’ve noticed a number of new rod manufacturers launching their first telescopic rod models. This increase in competition has created some pretty innovative telescopic rods and options that are miles ahead of the previous generations of rods.
This article is a full review of the Akataka Telescopic Journey Special Spinning Rod. I’ve included the pros and cons that I found while testing it for both Bass and Rainbow trout here in the Pacific NW.
What Rod Model did you Review?
For this review I used the 7’1 Medium Heavy Spinning Rod, I had it paired with a 2500 Shimano spinning reel and 30# PowerPro Braid.
Akataka has both Spinning and a Casting Telescopic rods. For each of these rod types they have 2 different lengths and weight ratings:
- Spinning rods – 6’6 Medium and 7’1 Medium Heavy
- Casting rods – 6’8 Medium and 7’1 Medium Heavy
Each of these 4 rods are available in a green or orange color.
Highlight Features / Pros
Negative Features / Cons
The one feature for me that I wasn’t the biggest fan of was the 2 floating guides near the tip of the rod. These guides float up and down on smaller rod blanks. This isn’t the biggest deal, as you simply pull them down on the rod blank until they are snug and lined up with the other guides. Having said that, I completely understand the purpose for these 2 floating guides as they create a better congruency between the fishing line and rod when its bending.
Reel, Line and Lure sizes to pair with these rods

Image above: The rod on the left is a one-piece 7’1 MH Casting Shakespeare UglyStik. The rod on the right is the 7’1 MH Spinning Akataka Journey Special. I’ve extended the Akataka bottom rod blank (one immediately above rod handle) to show the width of the diameter of this blank which is the same size as the MH UglyStik.
Journey Special Telescopic Rod Specifications
- These collapsible rods are made of high density 30 ton carbon fiber for great power
- The rod is made up of 6 pieces (blanks) that are made of a corrosion resistant aluminum which gives it that lightweight feel
- There are 8 guides made of stainless steel with ceramic inserts that keep the fishing line inline and balanced with the rod bend
- The rod handle grips are made of EVA foam grip which is extremely durable and comfortable
- The end of the handle has a combination of the EVA foam and a rubberized cork
- Closed length of the rod is 24 inches
- 1 year warranty to cover any issues
Final Thoughts
Bang for you buck the Akataka telescopic rod is a decent rod to have in your tackle arsenal. Not only does this make a good primary rod but it’s the perfect backup rod in case you ever run into any issues on the water. It stores into tiny places so it’s not a hassle to have a backup. This rod impressed me so much that I’ve added it to my best telescopic rod tackle page which provides a lot more info on these types of rods their features and benefits.
If you have any questions on this rod or telescopic rods in general drop me a comment below or reach out to me directly on my Contact page. Cheers! Jesse