Tenkara. Ever heard of it? The Japanese style of fly fishing has been taking the angling world by storm the past couple years. If you’re unfamiliar with Tenkara, it’s essentially a simplified version of fly fishing without a reel.
How do you fish with no reel? Well, remember when folks used to fish with a string tied to a stick? Though Tenkara’s minimalism harkens back to those classic childhood setups, today’s Tenkara rods are a tad more durable, incredibly portable and way more fun.
The agile Japanese style shines in mountain streams that require precise fly presentation, but Tenkara rods are not to be pigeonholed. They also perform well on alpine lakes, rivers and beaver ponds. They’re ideal for beginners (based on the simple style and quick learning curve) and backpackers (due to the portable size and light weight).
Whatever your reason for trying out Tenkara, you won’t go wrong with one of these three rods from Tenkara USA and Tenkara Rod Co.
Tenkara Rod Co Teton: An Affordable Favorite
Tenkara Rod Co TetonStarting at: $123.84
Billed as an all-around rod capable of handling streams and rivers of all calibers, Active Junky testers rapidly fell in love with the 6:4 action of this 12-foot rod. Both novice anglers and more experienced fishermen couldn’t help but admire the collapsibility of this rod (to 20 inches), the comfort of the cork handle and the overall maneuverability. After a bit of practice, testers were consistently hitting the center of a rising fish’s concentric ripples like bullseyes in a beaver pond, yanking out brookies one after the other. From medium-sized rivers to technical streams and high-country lakes, the Teton was a crowd favorite. And though testers did have some troubles with the rod durability (the tip snapped—a rarity, according to a brand representative), the customer service at TRC is nothing short of excellent and they quickly sent out a replacement, no questions asked. Part of the beauty of the Tenkara Rod Co. design is that you can get a replacement section without having to replace the entire rod.
Best For: Beginners, intermediates and backpackers
Tenkara USA Sato: Versatility at its most Elegant
Tenkara USA Sato RodStarting at: $246.05
The Sato’s Japanese-inspired styling may catch your eye, but the triple-zoom tech is what will hook your heart and snag you a fish. Essentially, the Sato is three rods in one: simply unlock the rod and choose between a 10’8”, a 11’10”, and a 12’9”. Three of the most common lengths for Tenkara rods, this adaptability makes a huge difference when exploring new streams or even familiar zones with diverse fishing/topography. Tight in the trees? Drop down to the 10’8”. Need a few extra feet to get a solid drift? Go with the 12’9”. Active Junky prefers the Sato when traveling for this very reason, especially after fishing in Chile’s Lake District and all over the Rockies. A premium, sturdy build encouraged confident wading in fast-moving rapids and the overall versatility of the rod makes it a great choice for those unsure of what to expect when Tenkara fishing.
Best For: Beginners, travelers, anyone who wants a one-rod quiver
Tenkara USA Ito: Long yet Agile
Tenkara USA Ito RodStarting at: $225.60
When fully extended, the Ito reaches a whopping 14’7”. Don’t be intimidated, however: it’s surprisingly nimble for this length and can still be fished at 13ft as well. This is Tenkara USA’s longest rod, and the offering that’s most at home fishing bigger pools, wider streams and fast-moving rivers. If you’re used to the reach of fishing with, say, a classic 9-foot 5-weight, the Ito’s casting range will leave you impressed at what a reel-free rod can actually accomplish. Active Junky testers noted that, while long, the Ito’s lightweight responsiveness supported precisely targeted fly delivery. From ponds to pools, open streams to roiling rivers, the Ito is a serious weapon in the hands of intermediate to advanced anglers.
Best For: Proficient Tenkara anglers; bigger streams and rivers, faster water
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