Tenkara USA (Japaneese Flyfishing)

[pszy22]

It's a very interesting concept and idea, as CM said, going back to the days of Walton/Cotton and Dame Juliana.

The rods pretty much seem to be a refined version of the telescoping fiberglass/graphite bream/crappie cane poles that have been around most sporting good stores forever. Granted the U.S. version is much less refined, but they usually sell for about $10 -

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0031278115799a.shtml

The one thing I do very much recognize is that the line is plain and simple what we call a furled leader. Again very traditional, something Isaac would instantly recognize. However it is a pretty expensive furled leader. I'll sell you one for $5.

The flies seem to be pretty much basic soft hackle type patterns for the most part.

I think it would be a fun way to fish in some situations, I'm not sure you can't come up with a slightly less refined set up for somewhere less than $20 if you would want to give it a try.

[CM_Stewart]

gzacckey,

I haven't fished the 6:4 yet so I can't compare them yet.

The two streams I fish the most are fairly small. In many spots on the stream I can wade along one bank and fish the other bank, and there are very few spots where I could not fish either bank by wading midstream. They are not terribly brushy, but there are trees and brush along the shores, and overhanging tree limbs that occasionally catch my rod tip as I play a fish. Heres I comment I made on another board with a pic from one of the streams: http://www.tenkarausa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=14 If the streams you will be fishing are pretty tight, the 11 foot model might be best for you. I don't have that one so I can't comment on it.

Obviously, with no reel, you cannot let a fish run. If it's big enough to break your tippet, it will. My biggest was a 17 1/2" that luckily chose to stay in a relatively small pool. A 15" fish will get your heart pumping, because you're not sure you'll be able to land it, but so far I haven't had problems doing so. The rods are supple enough that they protect light tippets very well. I only fish 6x (more on that later), but as a fish tries to run, the tension from the rod very gradually gets heavier and heavier, and because the rod is so long the tension is from above. It pulls the fish's head up and brings them to the surface. Even the browns seem to jump a lot. When was the last time you caught a fish you weren't sure you'd be able to land?

pszy22,

Yes, you can come up with a less refined version from Cabela's, and before I got my first tenkara rod that is just what I did. I started with a telescopic fiberglass pole like the one in your link. It was heavy and the action was such that it just couldn't cast a light line (the rod tip kept wiggling at the end of the cast, killing the line's momentum). They also have a graphite one, which I thought was fine until I got a real tenkara rod. They're just not the same. They're also not nearly as strong. I hooked the biggest trout of my life on a Cabela's pole, with 6.4# test tippet, and it broke the rod (that's why I went to 6x). There's a post on the Tenkara USA forum from a guy who caught a carp on his brand new tenkara rod, with 8# test tippet, and ended up breaking the line as he tried to drag the carp onto the shore. Ever try to break 8# test line with a steady pull? That's a strong rod (it also comes with a lifetime warranty, which the Cabela's doesn't have). Look, I'm all for saving pennies, but this is case where you really do get what you pay for.

I have no financial interest in Tenkara USA. I just love tenkara fishing. I have a couple of the Tenkara USA rods and I think they are good value for the money. I got here on a long path of trial and error, because at the time nobody sold tenkara rods in the US. Now they do, and I am just trying to let people learn from my trials (and errors).

[TyroneFly]

I read somewhere that the best carbon fiber is made in Japan. Not surprising to hear that these rods are bullet proof.

Reading about some of the gear they have their tippet material is made by Gamma Technologies. I assume this is the same company that make the Frog Hair line of tippet. If so, great stuff.

Be sure to let us know your impression after you fished the rods.

[pszy22]

pszy22,

Yes, you can come up with a less refined version from Cabela's, and before I got my first tenkara rod that is just what I did. I started with a telescopic fiberglass pole like the one in your link. It was heavy and the action was such that it just couldn't cast a light line (the rod tip kept wiggling at the end of the cast, killing the line's momentum). They also have a graphite one, which I thought was fine until I got a real tenkara rod. They're just not the same. They're also not nearly as strong. I hooked the biggest trout of my life on a Cabela's pole, with 6.4# test tippet, and it broke the rod (that's why I went to 6x). There's a post on the Tenkara USA forum from a guy who caught a carp on his brand new tenkara rod, with 8# test tippet, and ended up breaking the line as he tried to drag the carp onto the shore. Ever try to break 8# test line with a steady pull? That's a strong rod (it also comes with a lifetime warranty, which the Cabela's doesn't have). Look, I'm all for saving pennies, but this is case where you really do get what you pay for.

I have no financial interest in Tenkara USA. I just love tenkara fishing. I have a couple of the Tenkara USA rods and I think they are good value for the money. I got here on a long path of trial and error, because at the time nobody sold tenkara rods in the US. Now they do, and I am just trying to let people learn from my trials (and errors).

CM,

I'm sure the rods are a vast improvement. I was just struck by the similarities to both the origins of fly fishing and good old cane pole fishing. The thing I found most interesting was the use of the furled line. Looks like a fun way to fish.

Seems like a great way to Czech nymph.

[Ken Y]

When My dad was a young kid, he hooked a carp on a tenkara pole. It was a strong fish, so he switched the rod over to his father, who landed the fish. I believe the tenkara rod originated during the time samuria were roming japan. The younger " soldiers" were not allowed to plactice fighting excesively because it was thought that they would overthrow hte emperor. Someone came up with the idea of fishing to practice sword fighting. The casting stroke of the long rods simulated the stroke of a real katana.

[pszy22]

That's very interesting, especially to me since I practice both Iaido and fly fishing.

thanks!

[pszy22]

CM,

It does sound like a very fun way to fish. I'm 70% convinced to get a rod. I furl my own leaders, so I'll end up making my own line for it.

I tend to fish real big waters, but I usually fish in close, This system would be great for 80 of my fishing, that's the only question I'm still mulling, do I want to give up the other 20%. Of course, I think it would enhance the 80%.

To be honest, the other big selling point, in reading, a number of folks claim it was a method used by the Samurai. I also study Japanese swordsmanship (Iaido), so that has some synergistic interest to me.

[CM_Stewart]

OK, I've had a chance to fish the 6:4 Yamame rod and compare it side by side with the 5:5 Ebisu.

gzacckey,

If you are an ultralight fan and will also be fishing for bluegills, I think you would like the Ebisu better, and maybe even the Iwana which is really his ultralight rod (unless there's a good chance you might catch a 4 or 5 pound largemouth when fishing for 'gills). The Yamame feels like a much more powerful rod. Unfortunately, that raises the question of comparing the Ebisu 5:5 with an Ebisu 6:4, and I can't help you with that one. I really like the flex of the 5:5 I have and I can recommend it highly. There is a tenkara presentation by a noted Japanese tenkara instructor at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum this coming Saturday. Tenkara USA will be there with demo rods. If they have both the 5:5 and the 6:4 Ebisu there, I'll try to compare them.

pszy22,

If Czech nymphing would be a major reason for you getting a tenkara rod, you might prefer the Yamame. I think the Ebisu, at least the 5:5 that I have would be a little light for fishing a team of several heavily weighted nymphs. I have fished a single beadhead nymph (size 12 hook, 1/8" brass bead, no lead) and the Ebisu handled it perfectly. I haven't tried a team of heavy nymphs with the either rod, but I think the Yamame would handle them better than the Ebisu. Also, when you start dragging heavy nymphs down among the boulders, you tend to catch bigger fish. I'm pretty sure the Yamame will handle bigger fish than the Ebisu, or at least handle them more easily. And no one's asking you to give up the other 20%. In any situation, you want to use the best tool for the job.


Actually, anyone who is interested in getting a tenkara rod should probably just call Daniel at Tenkara USA. He's just starting out so a lot of his business is going to be referrals and word of mouth. I'm pretty sure he's going to want happy customers, which means getting the rod that best suits the kind of fishing you'll be doing. I only know two of his rods. He know's 'em all.

[Fishin' Jimmy]

Fishin' Jimmy

Here! Well a year has gone by now! LOOK at what WE ARE TALKING ABOUT!!!! Just when you thought that the wheel could not be revented!! IT is still round and we are all having fun and thinking of new ways of using this idea. I think it is great!

THe owner of FAOL get a big round of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! from me for starting this converstion about fly fishing.