Tenkara rod review- TFO “Cutthroat” 8’6″
What is Tenkara fly-fishing anyway? Tenkara, which some say means (from heaven) or (from the skies) is a style of fishing, originated in Japan- and practiced for over 200 years. It was primarily used for mountain stream trout fishing. Tenkara style of fly-fishing migrated to the USA about 10 years ago and has gained in popularity. It also, many would argue, has progressed beyond its original roots. Original rods were made of bamboo and were much different than today’s modern rods. Rods today are often made of carbon and glass and are quite technical with “telescopic” features and a handle. While the rods have advanced in technology, what has remained pretty true to form, is the simplicity of the system. In Tenkara style fishing, only a rod, Tenkara line and fly are needed to go fishing!
Is it hard to learn and how do you do it? No, it is not hard to learn at all. Why? It is a very simple style of fishing. The “telescopic” Tenkara rod, which breaks down for easy travel is simply extended- locking into place. The Tenkara fly line (which is typically a furled MONO leader about the same size as the rod in length) is “cow hitched” to the end of the rod tip. (NOTE: Instructions are on the internet to best learn this step as Tenkara rod tips are sometimes very thin and you definitely don’t want to break the tip attaching the line.) The tippet and fly are attached the same way as traditional fly-fishing. So, as far as gear is concerned, it’s very simple. No fly reel or long fly line to manage. No worry about precise casting methods such as double hauls and shooting line. Just start fishing!
Can I fish my waters Tenkara style? I am a big believer in “using the right tool for the job”. If you have smaller mountain or spring creek trout waters or more manageable sized ponds and alpine lakes to fish- I would say Tenkara style fishing offers a simple approach that can be very fun. If your waters are larger in size and seemingly call for more traditional fly-fishing methods, then obviously a Tenkara approach may have limitations.
What is your favorite Tenkara rod? Tenkara rods and fishing has been in the USA for about ten years. Over those years, quite a few players have entered the market with rods and gear to outfit the fly fisher. I am sure most all of them are quite adequate. What we have found, from purchasing and fishing with a few different rods, is they are somewhat different. While the “general” theory behind Tenkara rods is still the concept of a longer, thinner, responsive rod to cast a fixed length line to a precise location- the weight of rods can vary and the action as well. The rod that I like best was designed by Craig Matthews (of Blue Ribbon Flies) and Yvon Chouinard (founder of outdoor company Patagonia). It is distributed through Temple Fork Outfitters called the SOFT HACKLE model and it is offered in 3 lengths- 8’6″…10’6″…and… 11’6″. The 8’6″ model is named the Cutthroat- and that is my favorite rod. It breaks down into a 20″ length, which is great for backpacking. It is long enough for many fishing situations- but it’s not too long for smaller mountain streams. I mention this, because personally, I think many rods on the market in the 11′ to 13′ range are too long and bulky for smaller mountain stream fishing. But, that’s my personal opinion. The Cutthroat model also features a simple line keeper system which lets you wind your line (and tippet) down for storage or for walking from pool to pool. I have owned this rod for a few years and have fished it in various situations. It has been to the Smoky Mountains to fish classic Brook trout streams, the U.K. to fish smaller spring creek waters for Grayling and Browns and most recently, I dragged it all over Yellowstone National Park- pulling it out of my backpack on many occasions to land Brookies and namesake, Cutthroats!
