I just can't decide.

[Deleted]

My ebay stuff has sold and I'm all ready to order a shiny new tenkara rod.
Trouble is which one? I've been looking into this for a couple of months now and I've narrowed the choice down to either the 12' Iwana or the Amago.

I'm not really sure where I will fish though a couple of streams back where I used to live jump to mind, they vary from about 10 to 30 feet across. I am after a generalists rod as for the time being I can only afford one. Can't say much about the flies or techniques I will be using because I really don't have a lot of experience with fly fishing apart from a few trips to Rutland water which doesn't seem like the best place to try tenkara style fishing.

I know this subject comes up often but can anyone help? Has anyone used an Amago in the UK?

PS The spell checker does not have Tenkara in its dictionary!

[pedros]

Welcome HedgeChopper.

I can only vouch for the Iwana, however this is a great tool for UK streams. There is certainly enough backbone to handle Grayling up to a couple of pounds and enough 'softness' to set the hook with light lines on small fish.

The only other T I have handles is the Yamame which is a tad on the stiffer side for me.

You won't go far wrong with the Iwana, just decide on 11 or 12'. I suggest you base the length decision on the tree canopy covvering the areas you intend to fish

[Deleted]

Thanks for the welcome and the advice Pedros.

I think I probably will start with the Iwana it seems to be the 'standard issue' UK rod and if Simon can manage a 12lb salmon on one then it should cope with perch, chub and trout easily enough.

On another note does anyone have any experience ordering from Chris Stuart's site? I've been looking around for Hi-Viz fluorocarbon and he seems to be the only source.

Thanks again. I shall post a report as soon as I have had a chance to do a bit of T fishing.

[pedros]

Chris Stuart has a pretty good reputation amongst the Tenkara community so I would expect good service

[Deleted]

Thanks again Pedros. Are we the only people on the site?

I will give Chris a try, $3 seems very reasonable for international postage.

[Deleted]

Iwana 12ft has been ordered along with a line from Simon and another from Chris. A friend from Scotland got me to order him a rod too, so currently feeling very light in the wallet but very exited!

Got a trip planned to deliver his rod and have a few days on the Tweed and surrounding streams, will post a report when I get back.

Thanks again Pedros for your advice and to everyone for the information on this forum.

By the way Simon seems like a very decent guy, replied to my email query in less than an hour.

[pedros]

Simon was furling a line on Sunday morning, could be yours.

[singlespeedman]

hope you enjoy the rod. I am loving mine

[Deleted]

Hurrah rod and line arrived this morning and I only ordered them on Friday night!

Thanks to Simon for very prompt service, the line looks great. Tenkara USA's delivery is extremely quick. Had a look to check the couriers hadn't damaged the rod and I am stunned at how beautiful it is. Definately the 'prettiest' rod I own.

Even more exited now but stuck doing my masters projects for the next couple of weeks so no time to play .

Thanks again to everyone especially Pedros for helping another newbie pick a rod and Simon for working on Sunday morning, surely this is beyond the call of duty! Roll on April so I can try it out on the Tweed.

[Deleted]

Just realised I was being rude.

Hello singlespeedman. Thanks for the encouragement. Can't wait to try the stuff out!

[Simon]

Glad all the bits are now in place! Watch out there's a Hedgechopper coming to a water near you soon!! Looking forward to reading how you get on with the "T".

Simon. ;D