Tenkara Times 360 or 390?

[allrounder]

Hi,

I've been a 'lurker' on the forum for a few months now and after following advice here have had some great sport on my local small river catching trout on a Tenkara UK Issui 8', with 8' of Yamatoyo level line, a 3' mono tippet and a small gold head. 

The set up seems great for small river 6-8" trout plus the single 'big' 11" fish I've caught.

I also do a bit on the Ure, I tried the 8' Issui and caught a couple of small grayling using a down and across style but felt under gunned.

I'd like a longer rod and would prefer to get one with a similar light and balanced feel to the Issui, after looking on the forum and various reviews online it seems as if the Tenkara Times Try 360 6:4 or 390 7:3 rod might fit the bill.

Could anyone give any advice as to which rod they'd recommend, would the 360 feel appreciably lighter in use? Or would the extra foot of the 390 give greater coverage and more chance of a fish.

I'd be very grateful for any help as I don't feel I've sufficient experience to make a correct decision myself and don't want to end up with a number of 'not quite right' rods.

Thanks

[adric]

Hi allrounder

I have not used either rod but for a larger river I would go for the longest rod you can manage.

Richard

[dbl]

Hi Allrounder

I agree with Richard, if you have got the space a longer rod is always better. However, length is not the only thing. If you are looking for bigger fish in heavier waters, especially with a beadhead, that will make a difference to the suitability of a design. Also weight is not all, the balance will affect your perception of the weight.
From your location, I would suggest you should contact Paul and John at Discover Tenkara. If you have a session with them you could try different rods. I know they advise Tenkara Centre UK and I believe they also can show you the Japanese Oni rod. Esoteric tackle is also worth checking out!
Speaking personally,although a grayling novice, I have caught good sized grayling in heavy water on the Welsh Dee on a Tenkara USA Amago (about 13 ft) and a 4lb tippet, and felt in complete control, with the rod doing all the work. However, personally I find it a bit heavy so I avoid using it if I can use a lighter rod.
Tight lines!

[allrounder]

Thanks Richard, yes I can see the longer rod being better.

Thanks dbl, unfortunately family and on-call work commitments would make a session with John and Paul nigh on impossible but I have signed up for their very informative email tutorials.
Thanks for the info about the Tenkara USA Amago, the heavy feeling is what I wanted to avoid and the Tenkara Times 390 is a much lighter rod so I'll probably go with it.

Cheers