Backcountry trout

[Valumpessa]

Quality graphite (IM8 or better) 5-1/2 ft ultralight (2-6 lb), 2 or 3-pc fast-action spinning rod coupled with a small UL mid-range Shimano or Diawa reel. Load it up with 4 lb test mono (2 or 3 lb if only small trout). Broken down this setup can easily strap to the ouside of your pack and not interfere with your maneuvering around.

You're golden with the Panther Martins - they tend to spin easiest (no clevis). I'd make sure you have several small 1/16th and 1/8th ouncers. Also grab some small Thomas Bouyant spoons to have on hand too... they can be deadly when all else fails.

For streams the above advice is spot on - cast upstream into pools or eddies, let sink a little and retreive just fast enough to keep lure spinning and just off the bottom.

Good luck!

 

[Ferrulewax]

It would be cool if a company made a higher end telescopic rod.

They do. But it’s pretty much a Japanese thing. I know the guy that runs tenkarabum used to sell high end JDM telescopic spinning rods

Edit- Found some:

Daiwa Ardito Premium Telescopic Travel RodsARD6106TLFS-TR

Features: The all new 2024 Daiwa Ardito Premium Telescopic Travel Rods are designed to be the companion of anglers who love to fish but don't want the hassle of carrying around a single piece stick! Constructed with the V-FLEX Ferrule Joint System, the rods have strategically placed V-Flex...

discounttackle.com

Daiwa BBB

Daiwa BBB rods, telescopic fishing rods, portable fishing rods, travel fishing rods, HVF Carbon rods, Braiding-X technology, lightweight fishing rods, compact fishing rods, freshwater fishing rods, saltwater fishing rods, baitcasting rods, spinning rods, versatile fishing rods, K-guides fishing...

www.yokitackle.com

 

[thinhorn_AK]

They do. But it’s pretty much a Japanese thing. I know the guy that runs tenkarabum used to sell high end JDM telescopic spinning rods

Edit- Found some:

Daiwa Ardito Premium Telescopic Travel RodsARD6106TLFS-TR

Features: The all new 2024 Daiwa Ardito Premium Telescopic Travel Rods are designed to be the companion of anglers who love to fish but don't want the hassle of carrying around a single piece stick! Constructed with the V-FLEX Ferrule Joint System, the rods have strategically placed V-Flex...

discounttackle.com

Daiwa BBB

Daiwa BBB rods, telescopic fishing rods, portable fishing rods, travel fishing rods, HVF Carbon rods, Braiding-X technology, lightweight fishing rods, compact fishing rods, freshwater fishing rods, saltwater fishing rods, baitcasting rods, spinning rods, versatile fishing rods, K-guides fishing...

www.yokitackle.com

That’s pretty cool, I’ve always thought those things were the best way to pack a rod into the backcountry but as mentioned, they are generally terrible for actual fishing.

 

[Ferrulewax]

That’s pretty cool, I’ve always thought those things were the best way to pack a rod into the backcountry but as mentioned, they are generally terrible for actual fishing.

I would guess that the higher end ones mitigate most of the issues the cheap ones have. My Diawa tenkara rod has a great action.

 

[wyodan]

They do. But it’s pretty much a Japanese thing. I know the guy that runs tenkarabum used to sell high end JDM telescopic spinning rods

Edit- Found some:

Daiwa Ardito Premium Telescopic Travel RodsARD6106TLFS-TR

Features: The all new 2024 Daiwa Ardito Premium Telescopic Travel Rods are designed to be the companion of anglers who love to fish but don't want the hassle of carrying around a single piece stick! Constructed with the V-FLEX Ferrule Joint System, the rods have strategically placed V-Flex...

discounttackle.com

Daiwa BBB

Daiwa BBB rods, telescopic fishing rods, portable fishing rods, travel fishing rods, HVF Carbon rods, Braiding-X technology, lightweight fishing rods, compact fishing rods, freshwater fishing rods, saltwater fishing rods, baitcasting rods, spinning rods, versatile fishing rods, K-guides fishing...

www.yokitackle.com

I think these are the way. You are more set up to fish. I have a nice 4 piece rod, but I find it a PIA to set it up and take it down by the time I restring it every time. In all honesty though, it probably only takes me 5 minutes.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I think these are the way. You are more set up to fish. I have a nice 4 piece rod, but I find it a PIA to set it up and take it down by the time I restring it every time. In all honesty though, it probably only takes me 5 minutes.

That can be annoying though. I spin fished for like 2 solid years because I could just toss the rig in the backcountry of my truck or into my boat and go vs. putting fly rods together.

 

[mtnwrunner]

Save yourself a bunch of grief and money......get yourself a 4 piece ugly stick with a decent reel. As in an older mitchell 308.
Practically any panther Martin or rooster tail will work.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I’d use a silver vibrax. They also make one that’s red and blue that works well. I’m partial to the silver though, I’ve absolutely cleaned up with those.

 

[9487329]

I know you said you don't fly fish, but tenkara is really the lowest barrier to entry and the most fun after just a few outings. For around $200, you can be set up with everything you need for a couple ounces total.