April 1, 2022

Favorites

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.



(Updated: November 23, 2023)

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. 





5 comments:

  1. Привет, Том. Насколько долгий перерыв будет? Всегда жду от тебя новых фильмов и публикаций. Перерыв не связан со здоровьем?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Здравствуйте Сергей. Продолжительность перерыва пока не определена. Тем не менее, я планирую добавлять новый контент и видео в будущем. Нет, этот перерыв не связан со здоровьем. Всего наилучшего, Том

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  2. Interesting that you added the Shimano Pack Tenkara after re-reading your old review of it. I saw the little update at the base, and am curious for more info. Does it fit some niche that you had unfilled? Have you just grown to like the softer, full flex rods more in general?

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    Replies
    1. It's a little of both reasons. Nothing major, I've just come to appreciate it over time.

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  3. http://tetontenkara.blogspot.com/

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