Rod Research

[Deleted]

OK guys,

I'm currently researching tenkara rods, there lengths, actions, compatible lines etc. I thought it might be a good idea to ask what you guys generally fish and what you think might be the best option for my fishing.

Options I've found are rods between 9' & 14' with actions between 5:5 & 8:2

The price range I've found is between £35 & £300, ideally I don't want to fork out more than £100 nor do I really want to import.

Most of my fishing is done on small Scottish burns and rivers that are very overgrown, some so much so that they're very difficult to fish even with the lightest western setup. I do have access to some open waters also which would be ideally suited for tenkara but for my day to day it's all pretty overgrown.

So, any recommendations for setup ?

......if anyone has a second hand rod I'm open to offers :-)

[Deleted]

I have a 12 foot 5.5 action Ebisu.

My experience with over grown small Scottish burns is limited.
Here is my honest opinion on my rod.

The Ebisu has a wooden handle. Cork is better in my opinion.
The rod handles dries, wets & spider patterns wonderfully but does show its weakness with larger heavy nymphs.
If i had my choice again i'd pick an stiffer action to cover a broader range of flies.
My next rod will be longer & stiffer but this only reflects the rivers i fish which are medium to large.

You fish small burns? maybe a shorter rod? maybe a soft action? im only going on common sense here that would dictate small river, small rod. Small fish & small flies, soft action.
I am only applying a western style methodology here.
You wouldnt run at a small overgrown brook with tip actioned 10 foot 8 weight would you.

I have enjoyed reading about your search for a Tenkara rod. I was in the same position as yourself last year and was asking myself the same questions but without the help from the forum.
I wish you all the best & hope you will be fishing with a Tenkara rod very soon.

Regards Stevie.

[cm_stewart]

If you do not wish to import, your options are pretty limited. For "small Scottish burns and rivers that are very overgrown, some so much so that they're very difficult to fish even with the lightest western setup" your best (perhaps only) choice may be the TenkaraUSA Iwana with the add-on 9' grip. Because you have to buy the longer 11' or 12' rod in order to be able to use the 9' grip, it will run you about $200, although you would then also have a rod that can be used on the more open waters. If you would be willing to import, the 9' Soyokaze goes for $72 plus $13 shipping to the UK, comfortably under your BP100 limit. It would be a bit short for your more open waters but would be really very nice on the small overgrown streams as long as you do not wish to fish large tungsten beadhead nymphs. You would have to be able to think outside the box a bit though, because it doesn't have the word "tenkara" stencilled on the rod.

[Deleted]

I have researched my options within my criteria and made a decision. That decision was to order an ESO Tenkara 12' 6:4 from Esoteric Tackle.

This rod came in under my budget of £100 at £81.70 including postage and from what I've discussed here and elsewhere should meet my needs in terms of the waters I fish.

I've read some horrible stories about importing from the US, Japan and eslewhere which is what put me off that idea although I did read somewhere that Tenkara USA rods are dispatched from within the UK now. I'd also rather support a UK based company to be honest.

I think the rest of what I need to get started I can probably DIY but I guess we'll see. Lines can be furled and flies are already tied and although the Tenkara accessories are very nice looking I do have many useful items already.

As a complete Tenkara novice and avid blogger I plan to do some articles and videos about my early beginnings in Tenkara which should hopefully be enjoyable to do and view.

I'd like to thank everyone who has answered my questions and helped me make my decision, you have made me feel very welcome.

I'd also like to thank Custheyder who put up with my cheeky PM's ;-)

Anyway, I now await delivery of my new rod and I guess I'd better get prepared for when the river drops :-)

Cheers!


Hands up if you think I've made a good choice ?.

[custheyder]

Lots of people "had a waggle" at the BFFI on Saturday and I had excellent comments from everyone that handled the rod. In my book there is no such thing as a silly question. Cheeky pm's, not at all. I'm just trying to get my head back above water again and catch up with orders.

Many thanks for your support and the support of the forum. In return I made some great contacts at the BFFI and will be doing my best to support local manufacturers where I can.

Very much looking forward to your reports and experience with the rod.

[leckie]

thetroutfly,

Glad you got yourself a T rod and I put my hands up.... I think the rod will suit the waters you fish perfectly.... if I see another angler on the Water of Leith fishing Tenkara...then there's a good chance it'll be you ;D

tight lines

Alex

[paul1966]

Yes you've made the correct decision we need a UK based Tenkara company. The USA aren't getting any more of my money although Tenkara USA do give good service. I'd just rather support our own economy. I'm waiting out for the 14ft rod from Cust.

[custheyder]

The 14ft was seen at the BFFI and a couple even had a cast in the wind and the rain. Not really a fair test as the wind did all the work, but it did cast one of Simon's furle's with good turnover. Now was that the rod or the furl? Testing will sort it out.

[Deleted]

Are you teasing me Cust?

Regards Stevie

[paul1966]

I thought I'd add this pic under this thread on rod research. I found these hook keepers on the net. I thought two of these whipped to the blank would make good line holders. This is the sort of thing I had in mind when talking about fixed line holders.

I've ordered 6 to see how they work, I'll report back.