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Tenkara rod recommendations


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#1 Matt DeLaVega

Matt DeLaVega
  • Forum Staff
  • Ohio

Posted 13 September 2015 - 07:18 PM

I am a pretty devout fly fisherman. My passion is blue line native brook trout streams. Most of them offer little room for casting, so often I only have two to three feet of fly line off the rod, and 7-8 feet of leader/tippet. I am interested in streamlining this, and Tenkara seems like the ticket. I am thinking level line so I can cut a selection of line lengths. I am set for flies, and am good with leaders and tippet. What I need are some rod recommendations. I would like to go with a shorter rod, or one of the adjustable length rods. I will likely buy two, the Rhodo from Tenkara USA fits the bill. 8'10"-10'6" It is $215. I don't mind the price too much, just wondering if there is something else comparable for a lower cost that someone could endorse. I have a ridiculous amount of money invested in the 6 fly rods that I currently have, but this purchase is for a  very specialized purpose. Rod action is not of great importance on a stream that is less than ten feet wide, shrouded in rhododendron and hemlock trees, and where a trophy fish is likely 10 inches.

 

So if someone can suggest a more middle of the road rod that fits, I would really appreciate it. Thanks


The member formerly known as Skipjack


#2 CMStewart

CMStewart
  • NANFA Member

Posted 14 September 2015 - 05:42 PM

Take a look at the Nissin Fine Mode Kosansui 270. It is an 8'10" rod (not adjustable) which equals the shortest length of the Rhodo. I would argue that action is critical on such a short rod because it has to be soft enough to load with a very short line yet be stiff enough to keep those 10 inchers out of the snags. The Kosansui has a soft enough tip to cast a light line but has enough backbone in the midsection to control a fish. Tom Davis of Teton Tenkara did a review of the rod here:

http://tetontenkara....270-review.html

Perhaps the best thing about the rod is that it is just $100 (but it is a very nice rod for its length).

 

Full Disclosure - I import and sell the Fine Mode Kosansui 270.



#3 Matt DeLaVega

Matt DeLaVega
  • Forum Staff
  • Ohio

Posted 14 September 2015 - 06:10 PM

Well I don't wan a rod that is stiff as a board, but I do not need the action of a $500 dollar Winston. I would prefer to purchase from a member. Thanks, I will check it out, and all things being equal, likely purchase a couple.


The member formerly known as Skipjack


#4 Matt DeLaVega

Matt DeLaVega
  • Forum Staff
  • Ohio

Posted 15 September 2015 - 11:23 AM

Actually I will probably pick up one of the Nissin Fine Mode Kosansui 270 and one of the Nissan pocket mini's in the shorter length. Still keeps me under budget. Thanks.


The member formerly known as Skipjack


#5 Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch
  • NANFA Guest
  • AL

Posted 31 October 2015 - 06:30 PM

I don't have the Fine Mode, so I can't speak for it- but I've got two interesting and affordable rods that have been a blast for small fish, although I haven't gotten into micro territory yet.

Daiwa Kiyose 24SF.  It's a bit stiff for a rod it's size and weight, but still very sensitive.  I can feel the small little bream biting on it, and it is a blast when a hand-sized fish is hooked.

Shimotsuke Kosasa/Kosaza 150.  This is a very small rod which is uniquely made of fiberglass instead of carbon.  VERY cheap.  I picked that one up on eBay from a seller in Japan, was only $18 with free (SLOW) shipping.  It is hilarious and fun.





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