These are my current favorites. Yes, I have other rods and products that I really like, but these are what I currently prefer above all others. Red lettering indicates a hyperlink.
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Rod Comparison/Characteristics References:
Rod Flex Index - I use this table to compare rods to each other, and to categorize rod flex action.
Rotational Moment - I use these data when the rod is ≈4 meters in length or longer.
Favorite Small Creek Tenkara Rods:
DRAGONtail Mizuchi - All around. Tight canopy. Larger fish. Power rod.
Nissin Air Stage Fuijryu 330 5:5 - Finesse fishing. Smaller fish.
Shimano Pack Tenkara 31-34 ZW - Pack rod.
Favorite 360 cm Tenkara Rods:
TenkaraBum 36 - All around. My go-to.
Anglo & Co. Wasabi 36 - Hand-crafted, very special rod.
Discover Tenkara Karasu 360 - Finesse rod. Traditional Japanese tenkara.
Nissin Air Stage Fuijryu 360 5:5 - Finesse fishing. Easy to pack.
Nissin Air Stage Fujiryu 360 6:4 - Larger fish. Easy to pack. Contact nymphing. Windy conditions. Faster currents.
Favorite 390-400 cm Tenkara Rods:
TenkaraBum 40 - All around. My go-to.
Tanuki XL-1 - Finesse fishing. Similar to the Oni Type-I, but I find I lose fewer fish than with the Oni T-1.
Nissin Zerosum Oni Honryu 395 - Finesse fishing. Unweighted kebari tenkara.
Oni Type-I - Finesse fishing. The best casting level-line tenkara rod I've ever used. Although it casts wonderfully, I find I lose more fish during the ensuing fight than with any of my other rods. It casts wonderfully, but it often frustrates me!
Tenkara Prim Professional 400 - My favorite rod for la pesca a mosca Valsesiana.
Favorite 450+ cm Tenkara Rod:
Gamakatsu MultiFlex Suimu EX 5.0 - Large fish. Large waters.
Favorite Contact (Euro) Nymphing Rods:
Nissin Air Stage Fujiryu 360 6:4 - Easy to pack. My favorite contact nymphing rod.
DRAGONtail Mizuchi - Excellent euro nymphing rod for smaller streams.
TenkaraBum Traveler 39 - Modest sized fish. Modest sized waters. Favorite travel rod.
Gamakatsu MultiFlex Suimu EX 4.0 and Suimu 4.5 - Large fish. Strong currents. Heavy flies.
Favorite Large Fish Tenkara Rods:
DRAGONtail Hellbender - Large fish. Strong currents.
Gamakatsu MultiFlex Suimu EX 4.0, 4.5, or 5.0 - Large fish, Strong currents. Rod length depends on river size.
Favorite Line:
Dual Color Level Line - I mostly use a #3 fluorocarbon level line, but will occasionally use a #3.5, or #3.5-#3.0 80:20 tapered level line, if windy.
Favorite Tippet:
TroutHunter Fluorocarbon 5.5X - used most of the time. I change to 4.5X when larger fish possible.
Favorite On-stream Line Management:
Snap-On Line Winders - Used a lot of the time. When they don't fit the rod, I use a spool.
Favorite knot for tippet to fly:
16-20 Pitzen Knot - I use now more than my old standby, the Clinch knot.
Wading Staff:
T-top Wading Staff - My most important fishing accessory. I can't fish without it.
Wading:
Simms Freestone Wading Boots - I've used these for years. Basic boot, but they work. Rubber sole with Alumibite Star Wading Cleats.
Simms Men's Guide Guard Wading Boot Socks - I prefer wet wading, when possible. These keep my feet warm enough.
Wader Gaiters - I use these to protect my knees and legs.
Lost Creek Men's Xti Wader Pants - When I do wear waders, I prefer these wader pants.
Chest Pack:
Zimmerbuilt Tenkara Strap Pack - It carries what I use.
Favorite Fish Release and Net:
Ketchum Release Tool - Used most of the time now. Doesn't fit large bead head nymphs without changing tool size, which can be a bit annoying.
Shimano Folding Damo Keiryu 25 net - when I use a net, which is not very often anymore, I usually use this one.
Favorite Flies and Kebari:
Flies and Kebari Collection, Volumes 1 & 2 - These are the flies and kebari that I use on most of my creeks and streams.
