Tenkara Rods Buying Guide

Want to enjoy fishing without the burden of carrying heavy and bulky fishing gear? Indulge in Tenkara fishing to enjoy the activity and relax.

While packing for your trip, all you need is to invest in suitable Tenkara rods. The rods are light in weight and quite portable. They are durable and allows you to cast your line smoothly.

While selecting the rod, you have to deem certain elements. You have to look into length, weight, line choice, and other additional features. Searching for information on all these factors can become a tiresome task.

You have to search tons of pages and may not end with the correct ones. On the contrary, a well-detailed buying guide contains all the details under a single roof. It allows you to access all the facts in a jiffy so that you can funnel down the best product without any unnecessary hassle.

But before diving into this guide, you must have a clear picture of the product in your mind. So, let us start with a quick introduction and then begin our hunt.

What are Tenkara rods, and why should you buy them?

Are you interested in sitting for long hours patiently but come right into action once you see the water move or feel a tug? Well, if you are into fishing, then you will get what we are talking about.

Fishing requires a lot of patience, baits, and, most importantly, a strong fishing rod. Let's give you an insight into the world of fishing rods.

Tenkara rods are one of the most renowned fishing rods popular because of their simplicity and elegance. You can enjoy the sport without any additional gear or even having to pull more. You can easily set it to fly, and you can enjoy fishing in solace. The portability and other elements make it more desirable than any other fishing rods.

Well, there are many elements and factors that you need to consider before you decide on the ideal Tenkara rods for yourself. Do not worry, as our buying guide will help you in choosing the perfect fishing rod for you so that you can enjoy it to its fullest.

How is it different from Traditional Fly rods?

The rods have different features that make them stand out from any standard fly rods. Let's take a look at the difference they make from the traditional fly rods.

1. They are free of any kind of reels that is a part of any standard fishing rod. You are solely reliant on the rod if you are using the Tenkara fishing rod. Always make sure that your
   1. Tenkara rod has hit the perfect balance, which will be in between strength and delicacy. It will help provide more flexibility and precision so that you can have the strength to cast out the fish from the water.

2. The Tenkara rods are telescopic and also collapses down into small and compact size. Unlike traditional fishing rods, Tenkara rods do not break into sections. So if you are planning to carry the Tenkara rods with you to hiking, bike fishing, camping, or any remote area, you can do it without any problem.

3. The Tenkara rod models do not have any kind of line guides on them. The rod comes with a flexible fiber called 'Lillian' present at the very end of the fishing rod. This fiber will produce more action on your rod, and this is where you will tie the knot or girth, which entirely depends on the type of line you are using.

Things to deem about while selecting appropriate Tenkara rods

Now we will discuss the most vital part for purchasing your ideal Tenkara rods for fishing- the features and elements that you cannot overlook while you decide on buying your fishing rods. Let's give you an insight into the world of Tenkara rods.

Length

The rods are long in comparison to any standard fishing rods. You will find the length of the Tenkara fishing rods to be 10-15ft. The advantage of the length is that you can easily aim for the luring spot with fishes in the water.

The sensitiveness and the effectiveness of the Tenkara rods also increase because of the length. You can detect any strike effectively and easily too.

On the other hand, if you prefer accurate and on spot casting, you might tend to look for a shorter one. The short models are highly strong and durable, too, in nature.

Weight

Most of the Tenkara rods are lightweight in nature. No one wants to buy a bulky rod, as it will make it difficult for you to carry it around. Before deciding on your fishing rod, do not buy the rod straightaway just by reading the labeled weight. That is a red flag, as you might not feel comfortable afterward. Rather, feel the weight in your hand and then purchase it.

Line Choice

There are two types of line choice and weight for Tenkara rods. Let's have a look at them:

1. Tapered, furled line

The tapered line is used near the fly. The casts done by you will be delicate, and the technique is more subtle than any other. It is one of the most common types of line choice you will find on your Tenkara rods.

This line is fixed to the Lillian fiber using the girth hitch.

2. Level line

This specific line is actually consistent from its length to diameter even. This line is primarily used during windy weather, even though it does not have more advantages like the tapered one.

You can easily attach this line to Lillian by using a simple knot of the loop.

The Tenkara rods are even measured according to their weights. The casting is harder with delicate action, and also the line is light in weight when the number is lower. Novices should always start with a number of 4 or 5, and the professionals can easily pull off a number of 1.5 and 2.

Flex Profile or Action

The most challenging part of understanding the Tenkara rods is the flex profile. They come in ratios of 8:2, 6:4, and 5:5. If you are a western angler, the simplest way to understand this is by grasping the fact that these ratios are the action provided by the Tenkara rods you are looking for. The first number of the ratio determines its action. If the number is large, then the action will be faster. The rod will act slower if the ratio is conversely close to each other.

The numbers together suggest that a particular point on the rod where the power will be demonstrated on the blank. In simple terms, it is the point where you will realize how much force you have to put so that you can bend your blank that too, beyond that plaint section.

1. 5:5 or the 'UL' is the Ultra Light Tenkara rods that feel highly delicate when you cast with it because of its high flexibility. If you are into casting smaller fish, then these Tenkara rods are perfect as you can easily cast up to the fish's 1kg weight. However, you may face some challenges if you try to cast larger fish using this rod.

2. 6:4 or 'L' stands for the Light Tenkara rods. These rods are highly exact and accurate while casting, and you can easily cast up fishes that weigh around 2kgs.

3. 7:3 or 'ML' stands for Medium-light Tenkara rods. These rods are very powerful and also very precise when you are casting fishes up to 3kgs.

4. 8:2 or 'M' is the Medium Tenkara rods that are the best when it comes to action. These rods are highly powerful and are very tough to use. They are very fast when it comes to action and can easily cast fishes that can weigh around 4kgs of weight.

Handles

Handles are a vital part when you are looking for any Tenkara rods. They are usually designed with EVA foam and also cork of premium quality. However, some of the rods also use the wooden structure as it is a traditional method, and they still keep it that way. It is slightly unusual when it comes to modern rods.

1. Cork

If you are looking for something that is aesthetic and also gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling, then a cork handle is for you.

2. EVA foam

The EVA foam came into production when there was a shortage in the use of corks for the Tenkara rods. However, both cork and foam do not differ much when it comes to quality.

3. Wood

To increase the sensitivity and still give the Tenkara rods a traditional look, designers use cypress and cedar trees wood. The connection between an angler and the rod is substantial when it comes to using this rod. However, you might get tired of your hands may wear out if you use it for long.

Material

While customary Tenkara fishing rods are designed for bamboo, which is plentiful in Japan's forested areas, present-day makers have adopted an alternate strategy. The present Tenkara bars are made of cutting-edge materials, for example, graphite and carbon fiber.

It permits brands to control the measure of flex and unbending nature accurately; they need their bars to have so that you, as a client, can profit by the most extensive decision conceivable.

Further control is accomplished by making various lengths of the bar with multiple durability degrees, so you can likewise choose the correct mix for the occupation you should be finished.

Compact and Lightweight

As Tenkara poles are adaptive, the entire thing implodes down to around 15" altogether – ideal for flying in your knapsack whenever you set out. You will not lose any vital space or need to abandon any basics, and you'll cherish how lightweight the Tenkara rigging is, as well. A normal bar weighs around 3oz, and it has no reel or different supplies to burden you, either!

You can likewise save money on space by leaving out your waders and swimming boots behind, as well. At the point when you're fishing in more modest streams with a more extended pole, you can fish without much of a stretch from shore.

It's likewise conceivable to bounce from rocks and stones so you can get to those spots that are more diligently to reach. You can have an epic day fishing without getting wet or being overloaded by massive waders – something that most explorers will be satisfied to hear!

Quick Setup

To set up your idol Tenkara bar, you do not have to worry as it is fast and essential; you can do it in a moment or two. You should remove the end plug, append the Lillian line to the level line, and ultimately broaden your bar. It's as direct as that! Tie on with a fly, and you're all set.

You can also make your pole prepared with both line and fly connected before going out, or simply you can set the rod up when you happen upon an ideal profound pool loaded up with trout. In under a moment, you'll be projecting out.

This speedy, easy arrangement is another explanation that Tenkara fishing rods are an extraordinary decision for hikers. You can unexpectedly stop and even fish on the off chance if you come across any promising area. There's no compelling reason to design everything out ahead of time, as you won't waste time tinkering with your rigging.

Price

You can quickly discover Tenkara casting poles and even complete sets at sensible costs. It is extraordinary in case you're uncertain about whether you'll appreciate the fishing in Tenkara-style, or in case you're working with any strict financial plan.

However, there are plenty of brands that can help you choose and also right for your budget.

Accessories

The Tenkara rods and certain other accessories are required for going fishing with the Tenkara fishing rods. Let's tell you about all of the accessories that will make your fishing a fantastic experience.

1. Spare sections

Motsugo, Wakata, Kasuga, and Yokoshima, are the top sections for spare used when there is damage or any replacement. Others are Unagi and Hamachi.

2. Rod Case

A significant idea for the Tenkara pole case is by keeping your bar perfect, composed and secured, forestall scratching, making your outing sheltered, and more lovely. The case that is made of Carbon Graphite Fiber; is solid, reduced, and strong.

For simple access, the case has the plug on the top and the bar and screw cap on the base. You can easily store your Tenkara bar without eliminating the line, scarf, and fly, however leaving the line associated with the pole.

3. Running line

Fly lines made for Tenkara poles have been created to project in ideal offset with Tenkara bars - that have force and accuracy - yet make exceptionally sensitive introductions and function admirably with each pole.

The upsides of Tenkara lines are mostly about being flexible for limited drag and memory; as they stretch to secure your bar and scarf and don't assimilate water for quill-like landing.

4. Tippet

The tippet material framework has a non-intelligent completion that makes it almost undetectable under generally light and any water conditions. Clear is a decent decision for all circumstances, for example, surface steelhead and saltwater pads fishing. It highlights numerous focal points in this particular class, with high solidarity to breadth proportion, low curl memory, excellent bunch quality, and dependability.

How to land a fish using Tenkara rods?

Well, now that you know how to look for the ideal Tenkara rods, let's help you with how to land a fish using the particular Tenkara rod. Here are some tips which you can follow:

Start by tying a 2-ounce sinker on the stopping point. Since this is simply practiced, don't waste time with snares or lure or any sort of bait.

1. Reel your rod along that part of the line route, leaving around 2-3 feet of line that too from the pole's finish.
2. Hold the pole with two hands, with the right hand marginally over the reel and the left hand close to the bar's lower part.

3. Always hold the line that too against the pole with your forefinger on the right.

4. Flip the bail over utilizing your left hand and afterward snatch the bar once more. The correct forefinger should hang tight set up, so it doesn't fall off the reel.

5. Near the edge of the water, always stand sideways by bringing forward your left foot close to the water.

6. Try holding up the rod in a vertical position.

7. Always swing the sinker up and make sure it is away from the water, and dip the rod in the water.

8. As you are swinging your sinker, try turning your body to the right.

9. You can turn your body back once the line and sinker swing close to each other.

10. Try pushing the water with your right hand and keep pulling using your left hand.

11. When the rod moves forward towards the water, loosen your index finger and release it.

12. Keep your rod pointed to that same direction to which the sinker will fly.

13. Once the sinker touches the water, you can reel the bail back in.

How to clean a Tenkara rod?

Well, hello there! We are glad that you are here till the end, which also tells us how passionate you are about fishing. Since we have covered everything related to Tenkara rods, now we also want you to read this bonus point, and that is how you can take care of your Tenkara rod.

1. Always use a landing net when you are landing a fish with Tenkara rods. In case it is a big catch, avoid raising your rod much higher.
2. Be gentle with the telescopic part of the Tenkara rods. Do not haste in closing or opening it as it may damage the rod.
3. Always use the more massive line when you are using a graphite rod for fishing.
4. When you are trying to get your rod out of a car, be careful since most people break it at this very moment. You have to take more precautions if it is a graphite rod.
5. Do not use the rod in extreme temperatures.
6. When in thunder or rain, or near any electrical pole, keep your rod away since it can have electrical tendencies.
7. Clean the rod with a cloth to avoid jamming, and also give it a gentle rinse in freshwater right after you use it for fishing in saltwater.
8. Keep the rod ventilated by wiping off the moisture.
9. Make sure that your rod is clear of any dirt, moisture before you store it.
10. Avoid organic substances like gasoline, brush, dope, or toothpaste to clean your rod.
11. Pinning or hanging your rod in the wardrobe is one of the best ways to store your rod,

We are glad that you made it till here and grateful that you read the guide patiently. Now that you can speak the fishes' language, we are sure that you will get your big catch!

FAQs

1. I want to have a perfect grip on the rod. Which handle should I opt for to ensure this?

There are several materials available for handles, but wood provides the finest grip. You can make a firm grip on your rod and can reel in tons of fish. However, be careful. The handle can take its toll on the hand. So, take proper care of the handle to maintain a long life.

2. Are the rods easy to carry?

Yes, these telescopic rods are easily detachable. You can carry them even in your backpack. The rods are light in weight and do not add too much pressure on your shoulders. So, if you are looking to enjoy the fishing activity, you should indulge in tenkara fishing and select the best rod.

3. How can I select the best weight for the rod?

All the variants are light in weight. Even some of the rods weigh less than the scale weights. So, when you are going to make a purchase, select the one that feels appropriate in your hands. It is the best way to pin down the perfect model.

Final Verdict

Are you an addict to Tenkara fishing? Then you have to purchase the perfect rod for your trip.

We have corner-stoned all the vital pointers that will aid you in your scrutinizing process. Go through the details and purchase an elite rod for your expedition.