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.