ptflashback wrote:Ladies and gentlemen, I was wondering if there are any Tenkara users out there. If so, I was wondering if any would be willing to share experiences / general opinions of the rods. I'm seriously considering one, but I want to get the "Paul Harvey" before I take the leap.
One of my specific concerns has to do with the lines. At first glance, the Tenkara lines appear to be just furled leader set ups. I must confess, though, that the details and descriptions of the line are confusing to me.
Anyone fish Tenkara Czech nymph style? Just wondering. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
CPT S
Thanks Curtis and Darrin, I'm glad to read you had a good time on you're first outing.
CPT S,
I've had nothing but a great time fishing my tenkara rods. I have 3 different rods and without getting into the names and all I have an 11, 12 and 13 foot rod. All with different "tapers" to use a western rod term. Depending on the stream, I'll choose a rod to fish. The 11 footer for a brushy stream and the 13 for a more wide open water. Today a caught 1 and hooked 3 fish tubing a local lake. So it can be used in any situation.
I did have some trouble casting on one of the local creeks in my area due to some very brushy sections along the creek. I did manage a couple of fish which was about the same number of fish by buddies caught, so even though I was at a disadvantage using a long rod, I did do well when I was able to get a cast off. If you have conflicting currents on a larger stream and you'd have to mend line with a western rod the long tenkara rod helps a great deal keeping line off the water which allows for a drag free drift. It's really remarkable what can be done with a tenkara rod on a small to medium size creek or stream. You'd have to try it or see one used to really get an idea for what I mean.
The line terminology is a bit confusing when it comes to the level lines. I assume you were browsing the TenkaraUSA website. A level line is just a straight 12 (3.5) or 17 (4.5) pound line. The (numbers) are the Japanese way of designating line size. I find it confusing too so you're not alone.
You can't go wrong.
Tenkara's guarantee:
Unconditional returns for 60 days on rods, lines and flies - plus, keep the flies! If you ordered at least one rod, and set of flies, but decide to return the rod, you may keep up to two sets of flies as a gift ($15 value). Just our way of saying thanks for giving tenkara a try.
Hope this answers some of your questions. If you have any more just ask and Daniel on the TenkaraUSA.com website is very helpful. He just fished some waters in Montana and had a good time from what he posted on the Tenkara site. Give it a try. I think you'll like them.