Glenn River Fly Co. LTD

Glenn River Fly Co. LTD

Tenkara rod review- TFO “Cutthroat” 8’6″

Jun 15, 2021 | Product Review

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!

Recent Posts

The Power of Blue

The short story: Several years ago I bumped into Ed Engle at the fly show in Chicago.  Ed was conducting a fly-tying session, tying small flies of course.    I showed Ed several flies that I tie and fish as I am also very fond of small flies.  One of the particular...

Favorite Fly-Tying Hooks

We tie quite a few flies each year at Glenn River Fly Co Ltd and we always get asked - "what hook is that?"   The answer almost always varies. Why? We believe the hook is perhaps the most important component of the fly pattern.  The size, shape, style, wire,...

Nelson’s Spring Creek Ranch

If you are anything like me, you are fascinated with the beauty and challenges spring creeks offer. Having fished quite a few, both inside and outside the country, I had never visited Nelson's Spring Creek Ranch in Paradise Valley, Montana....until recently that is!...

Dubbing Loops

If you tie flies long enough, you are bound to run into situations that call for "dubbing loops".   They are actually not that complicated- but we sure do hear from individuals who have some struggles.  This brief post covers some of the basics and also provides a...

Wildwood Anglers- 1-year Anniversary Celebration

If you live in Northwest Ohio and you have an interest in the outdoors, you were treated to a unique store opening- one year ago this weekend.  Brad Dunkle opened Wildwood Anglers in downtown Sylvania, Ohio, as a specialty outdoor adventure shop. Over the past...

“Sunny” fly-fishing at Sunnybrook Trout Club

If you live in Northwest Ohio and you have an interest in fly-fishing cold water species, such as Trout and Steelhead-  many would tell you to head to Michigan. While I agree that is very sound advice, I would also say they forgot to mention that Ohio has a number of...

Archives