Best_Tenkara_Rods

Having been introduced only recently in the Western world, tenkara fishing has rapidly become popular thanks to its elegance and simplicity. Using only a rod, a line and a fly brings you back to basics and lets you enjoy the sport without having to bother with an excessive amount of gear. The best tenkara rods stand out because of their portability, with the telescoping design that allows them to be easily carried and packed away, coupled with a very light weight.

Despite the simplicity of the sport, numerous options have become available on the market for the limited amount of gear that is needed. In this article, we will present you the best tenkara fishing rods that you can take with you on your excursions. These items combine durability, flexibility and compactness to become an extremely effective tool you will want to bring along more and more. Join us as we take a look at what might well become your new favourite fishing rod.

1

OUR TOP PICK

DRAGONtail Komodo

DRAGONtail Komodo


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Summary

Not only does the Dragontail Komodo tenkara fly fishing rod provide a high-quality tool to head out fishing, but you will also be able to choose how long you need it to be. The rod can be extended to reach 10.5 feet or 9 feet, while it collapses down to only 22 inches of length to make it nice and portable. Built with tough IM 10 graphite, the rod is surprisingly lightweight for its strength.

The Dragontail Komodo can also function as an excellent tenkara rod for beginners, given its two lengths. It can be purchased as part of a kit complete with three flies and an 11-foot line, as well as other very useful accessories such as a storage tube to protect it. The ease of use makes it great for people who are just getting into the sport, while more experienced users can enjoy its versatility.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Can be purchased with a kit perfect for beginners
  • Expandable to two different lengths
  • Lightweight
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Collapsed length: 22 1/4 inches
Extended length: 10.5 or 9 feet
Weight: 2.8 ounces
Material: IM 10 graphite
Action: 6:4

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

DRAGONtail Shadowfire

DRAGONtail Shadowfire


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Summary

The Dragontail Shadowfire 365 may well be one of the best tenkara rods on the market since it takes everything we liked about its little brother, the Komodo, and takes it one step further. Made of the same, tough, IM 10 graphite, the rod is made up of eight segments and stretches as far as 12 feet. This build gives it a lot of flexibility while maintaining good strength.

Collapsible down to 23.25 inches, the Dragontail Shadowfire 365 is the perfect tool for experienced fishermen. The rod feels nice and balanced in the hand, providing superb control of its extremities, and really shines when fighting small or medium-sized fish. The handle is comfortably shaped and the rod is sold with all the necessary complements to make your fishing trip complete.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Strong and durable yet very flexible
  • Very well balanced for good manoeuvrability
  • Can be purchased with all necessary accessories
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Collapsed length: 23.25 inches
Extended length: 12 feet
Weight: 2.9 ounces
Material: IM 10 graphite
Action: 6:4

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3

BEST VALUE

Wild Water

Wild Water


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Summary

For those wanting to get into tenkara fishing but are worried about the price, the Wild Water tenkara rod may be the best option. It combines excellent features such as IM 8 graphite build and light weight with an affordable price and comes sold in a very complete kit that can get you started right away. The handle is coated with nice and soft cork.

The starter kit includes a line nipper tool and all the instruments you need to attach the line to the rod as well as a collection of flies. Included is a carrying bag with velcro closure that protects the rod and makes it easy to transport. This, coupled with a very light weight and compact build, make the Wild Water model one of the best cheap tenkara rods you can find.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Strong and durable yet very flexible
  • Very well balanced for good manoeuvrability
  • Can be purchased with all necessary accessories
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Collapsed length: 20 1/2 inches
Extended length: 12 feet
Weight: 3.4 ounces
Material: IM 8 graphite
Action: 7:3

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4

DRAGONtail Hellbender Zoom

DRAGONtail Hellbender Zoom


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Summary

Most tenkara fly rods excel when it comes to hunting little to medium fish, but the Dragontail Hellbender Zoom packs enough punch to take on bigger preys. This thanks to an extra tough IM 12 carbon graphite build coupled with an adjustable length that lets you decide between 11.3 and 13 feet.

Weight is slightly more than other models given the extra toughness, but the rod is still easy to carry around in your backpack. The Dragontail Hellbender Zoom can be purchased as part of a kit with all the basic tools, including a carrying bag, so you can be out of the door as soon as you take it out of the box.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Stronger and tougher to catch bigger prey
  • Starter kit included
  • Adjustable to two different lengths
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Collapsed length: 24 inches
Extended length: 11.3 or 13 feet
Weight: 3.4 ounces
Material: IM 12 graphite
Action: 6:4

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5

Maxcatch

Maxcatch


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Summary

Versatility is the best word to describe the Maxcatch Tenkara fishing rod, given the different kinds of graphite that compose it and the various lengths it can be used at. The build is a mix of IM 8+10 graphite and the rod can be extended at three different zooms, 10'8", 11'10" and 12'9".

This allows you to cover the three most common lengths of tenkara rods and adjust the size depending on which fish you want to target, so it can also be used as a tenkara rod for nymphing. The handle is long and coated with cork for comfort and ease of use and included in the purchase you will find a rod tube and a sock.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Extremely versatile thanks to three available lengths
  • Graphite mix for extra durability
  • Affordably priced
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Collapsed length: 21.3 inches
Extended length: 10.8, 11.10 or 12.9 feet
Weight: 3.4 ounces
Material: IM 8+10 carbon graphite
Action: 7:3

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6

Aventik IM12 Nano

Aventik IM12 Nano


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Summary

The best tenkara fishing rods do not have to cost a fortune, and the proof is the Aventik IM12 Nano. Available in three different lengths, the rod lets you take on all size of river fish and in all water conditions. Built with sturdy IM12 Nano Carbon the rod is nice and flexible all the while maintaining toughness and strength.

The manufacturers feel so confident of the quality of this rod that a 25 year guarantee is included. The Aventik IM12 Nano features great sensitivity and manoeuvrability for an excellent price indeed, costing almost three times less than some other models on the market.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Very tough but still great to maneuvre
  • Very well contained price
  • 25 year guarantee
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Collapsed length: 18.4 inches
Extended length: 10.8, 11.10 or 12.9 feet
Weight: 2.4, 2.8 or 3.4 oz
Material: IM 12 carbon graphite
Action: 6:4

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7

AnglerDream

AnglerDream


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Summary

Compressing power into an almost pocketable package, the AnglerDream is a top rated tenkara fishing rod which lets you tackle fish as big as trouts. The slightly stiffer action, 7:3, allows for great strength and casting precision. Comfort is guaranteed thanks to 11.9 inch cork grip.

Usable both at 12 or 13 feet of length, the AnglerDream rod comes in a package which includes an excellent line and a wide array of flies. The whole setup is ready to go as soon as you take it out of the box. As in the best tenkara rods, lightweight and ease of use combine with versatility and power in the AnglerDream rod, making an excellent choice for pros and beginners alike.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Light weight but tough and sturdy
  • Usable at two different lengths
  • Comfortable cork grip
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Collapsed length: 21.6 inches
Extended length: 12 or 13 feet
Weight: 2.8 oz
Material: IM 8 carbon graphite/30T carbon fiber
Action: 7:3

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8

DRAGONtail Talon 330

DRAGONtail Talon 330


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Summary

An excellent performer with level lines thanks to its soft action, the Dragontail Talon tenkara rod features and extremely comfortable, 11-inch handle, which reduces hand fatigue. Not only that, but the handle is in a matte black color that keeps the sun from reflecting on it and potentially giving away your position to fish.

Made of high quality carbon fiber, the Dragontail Talon can resist flexes and pulls all the while maintaining superb flexibility. It is a favourite of backpackers thanks to its very small size, a mere 17 inches, when compressed down. Very lightweight and affordable, the Dragontail Talon is one of the best tenkara fishing rods for beginners or highly mobile fishermen.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Black matte handle so your position stays hidden
  • Very small when collapsed
  • Great option for kids or beginners
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Collapsed length: 17 inches
Extended length: 10.6 feet
Weight: 2.9 oz
Material: carbon fiber
Action: 6:4

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9

Iwana

Iwana


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Summary

In the case of the Iwana tenkara fishing rod, delicacy is the word best suited to describe it. A medium action rod, the Iwana features a progressive taper and is extremely lightweight, providing above average casting precisions. Users confirm that these qualities are worth the slightly higher entry price.

Despite its gentle profile, users have reported being able to also catch bigger fish with the Iwana rod, thanks to the tough and sturdy carbon fiber it is are made of. This rod is a true gem in which power and finesse go hand in hand, making it one of the best tenkara fishing rods on the market today.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Very delicate and flexible but still tough
  • Included rod case
  • Progressive taper and light weight
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Collapsed length: 20.5 inches
Extended length: 12 feet
Weight: 2.7 oz
Material: carbon fiber
Action: medium

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10

The Sierra Package

The Sierra Package


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Summary

Simple, light and fun to use, the Sierra Package tenkara fishing rod, from the brand Tenkara Rod Co., features a playful 5:5 action which makes it agile and active on the water. The shorter extended length, 10 feet, adds to the lightness and quickness, allowing you to swiftly maneuver between the rocks.

Subtle color makes it easier to hide from fish and users confirm the enjoyment that comes from using this rod. The Sierra Package comes with three included flies and a holder, so you're ready to go as soon as you receive it. Take it out to a local creek or stream that is not too deep, as you'll be sure to have an enjoyable day.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Small and nimble with soft action
  • Shorter extended length for extra agility
  • Flies included
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Collapsed length: 20 inches
Extended length: 10 feet
Weight: 2.9 oz
Material: carbon fiber
Action: 5:5

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How To Choose A Tenkara Rod – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_Tenkara_Rod

Material

While traditional tenkara rods are made of bamboo, which is abundant in the woods of Japan, modern manufacturers have taken a different approach. Today’s tenkara rods are made of high tech materials, such as graphite or carbon fiber. This allows brands to precisely control the amount of flex and rigidity they want their rods to have, so you, as a user, can benefit from the widest choice possible. Further control is achieved by making different lengths of the rod with different levels of toughness, so you can also select the right combination for the job you need to be done.

You might also like: Top Tuna Rods

Length

The length of the rod you select will depend on what kind of fish you are setting out to catch. In general, even if much depends on the action of the rod and the power you apply to it, a longer rod will be best for bigger fish. This is because it provides more load and leverage when compared to shorter rods. These, on the other hand, can be very useful if casting precision is of the utmost importance to you, or if you find yourself in a tight space, without much space to maneuver.

Handle

Tenkara rod handles are usually coated with some sort of foam or cork, to make them more comfortable to hold in the hand. The feel they give is something you should take the time to consider carefully when you receive your purchase and return it immediately if something feels wrong. Your hold will greatly influence the confidence of your casting and, therefore, your precision and percentage of success. Some handles also come coated in black to prevent any possibility of the sun reflecting on them and giving away your position.

Action

The action of a rod tells you how many segments are stiff and how many are flexible, out of the total number that makes up the rod. The more delicate the action, the harder it will be to cast precisely given the extra flexibility of the tip, but it will be easier to cast further away. For beginners, it is recommended to start with an action of 4 or 5 on the further end, to get the hang of it, while professionals can cast without problems even just with actions of 1 or 2. Be careful because not all brands use the same metrics and indications can vary between them.

FAQs

What_Does_Tenkara_Mean

Q: What Does Tenkara Mean?

A: 

The japanese word "Tenkara" literally translates to "fishing from the skies" or "fishing from heaven", and it gives a good idea of how the whole gesture might look like from a fish's perspective. The activity originated in the mountain streams of Japan as a simple but effective method of catching local fish. The word "tenkara" has a very narrow meaning and specifically indicates this type of sport.

Q: What Is Level Line Tenkara?

A: 

A level line is a specific type of fluorocarbon line that is used in tenkara fishing. It is better than a tapered line since it is denser, so when you are casting you can cast a lighter line. The higher density is also beneficial to fight wind resistance, since a level line can have a smaller diameter and therefore be less affected by sudden gusts.

Q: Is Tenkara A Fly Fishing?

A: 

Yes, tenkara fishing is the japanese equivalent of western fly fishing. The activity is thought to have originated at least 200 years ago but has only recently been popularized in the west. The technique and the gear used is significantly different from western fly fishing but the goal is the same.

Globo Surf Overview

With our tenkara rod reviews we have given you a complete overview of the best options on the market today. While the sport may be simple, it pays off to take some time and examine them because not all will give you the desired results or match your skill set. However, by following our tips, we are confident you’ll be able to head to the creek and get results in no time.

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