For someone who just wants to toss a line in the water and catch some fish, the complexity and expense of fly fishing can be intimidating. Tenkara gives people this opportunity. Going to a river, lake, or stream and catching fish is possible with a rod, a line, and a fly. Our love for Tenkara was sparked by this. Lacking a starting point? Let's get started with the ultimate Tenkara Fishing guide that we have put together.
The only equipment needed for Tenkara fishing is a rod, line, and fly. Each of these fly rods is generally adaptable, allowing it to be utilized for a wide range of scenarios and target fish. Your favorite type of fishing may determine which Tenkara pole is perfect for you. Although it is typically done in mountain streams, this kind of fishing is also used in other bodies of water. To keep things simple, we just refer to the majority of fixed line fly fishing techniques as Tenkara rather than trying to distinguish between what is proper Tenkara and what isn't. Our Tenkara rods are perfect for catching fish, so whatever you choose, we hope you have fun! So, which rod is right for you?
How to Choose a Tenkara Fishing Rod?
Chart created by Tenkara USA
Step 1: Rod Length
When selecting the ideal rod, the first thing you should consider is what length is best for the bulk of the fly fishing you intend to accomplish. In general, we always advise using the longest Tenkara rod you can manage. One of the main advantages of Tenkara fishing is that it gives you greater reach, aids in keeping more lines off the water, and increases fly control. Tenkara rods typically measure 12 feet (360 cm) in length. A shorter Tenkara rod, such as one in the 11- to 330-inch range, might allow you to cast and move around more readily if you live close to fairly tiny streams with low, overhanging trees.
Step 2: Type of Water
In either case, consider the waters you'll fish the most when choosing your Tenkara fly fishing pole. Additionally, keep in mind that a longer rod will be more versatile because it will let you cast farther in wider stretches of a stream while also allowing you to "fish shorter" by keeping the rod above the handle and perhaps even collapsing one segment. In tiny streams, a long rod and a short flat line make an excellent combo.
Step 3: Fish Size
Tenkara rods range in size from 8 inches to 18 inches (20 cm to 45 cm), which is the range for typical trout and other smaller fish. Fish bigger than 20+ inches (50 cm+) can be handled by all Tenkara rods. Therefore, the size of the fish you're after should not significantly affect the rod you choose if it falls within those ranges: Any rod will function properly. It is challenging to choose the "wrong" Tenkara rod because it is such a flexible tool, and we promise you will like your decision regardless.
Our Staff Picks for Tenkara Rods:
Maxway Tenkara Starter Series 12ft: Shop Here
This 12-foot rod can cross everything from large streams to smaller ones. While you can use it to catch larger trout, it can also pick up fairly faint strikes from smaller fish. If Tenkara fishing is your thing, you'll probably wind up with a few different poles, alternating between streams of various sizes.
Angler Dream MaxCatch Tenkara Rod 12ft: Shop Here
The rod may be exceptionally light while still being powerful enough to fight even with larger fish like some respectable lake trout thanks to high-grade IM8+10 carbon fiber material! It's enjoyable to catch small wild trout and achievable to do so with larger fish. For casting, both level lines and tapered lines can be used. Simply move the rod back and forth to send the line ahead and cast your fly to where the fish are for a really smooth cast. When battling a fish, the rod will flex deeply to transfer the pressure to your hand's palm via the entire rod.
Tenkara Telescoping Rod with Foam Grip 9ft: Shop Here
This rod may be the only one you ever need until you develop a passion for them. When casting in confined spaces, we have choked up the rod, used the "bow and arrow" throw to get the fly under cover of bushes, and in open spaces, we have cast a 15' line with 5' of tippet to get the fly into pocket water (my son's rod is 8.5'). This rod has good line management and turns the fly over well. This 2.7M rod will do the trick if you're seeking a short one that's also reasonably priced.
Tenkara Rod with “Ready to Fish” Kit 11ft 7in: Shop Here
This premium "ready to fish" combo comes with the Carbon Tenkara Rod with Premium Cork Handle for style and durability as part of the ready-to-fish kit. Powerflex Tapered Knotless leader line is also included, which is made for excellent abrasion resistance as well as knot and tensile strength. Even the pickiest trout will be drawn in by the best "hand-tied" colorful Tenkara Flies and six feet of virtually undetectable nylon tippet line for Dry Fly attachment!
In Conclusion
Anyone looking for a simple and enjoyable method of fly fishing should consider Tenkara. Kids and beginners may fish more easily with Tenkara since it can keep everyone having fun. For seasoned fly fishermen, it may be a fresh challenge. One advantage of Tenkara fishing is that you can set it quickly, jump in the water, and start reeling in fish while your friends are still putting on their running lines and reels. We simply want you to enjoy yourself while fishing, catch some fish, and make some memorable experiences in nature. Longer rods make it possible to deliver flies effectively to fish holding in seams across from currents that may otherwise drag a line that lands on them. However, it goes without saying that your surroundings may restrict the size of the rod you may comfortably utilize.