MFFC Members,
Tankara Rod Basic Info
Based upon some questions I received after my August presentation, I want to share additional information in response to those questions and concerns. Below is a guideline about Tankara Rod Basics, choosing and setting them up.
Choosing a Tankara Rod
Tenkara rods have ratings that ROUGHLY correspond to their action: ultralight, light, medium, medium heavy. They are NOT rated the same as western fly rods are rated but give a general idea of how much the rod bends, and where on the rod they bend.
These designations can apply regardless of the rod’s length – and can sometimes seem contradictory, e.g. how can a 7’6” rod and a 9’ rod both be called 4-weights. Of course, words on paper cannot adequately convey information as holding the rod in one’s hand.
Rod Sizing List
5:5 – Ultralight: very soft, bends at midsection – best for small panfish, 8 – 10” trout, 10” or under smallmouth. Often weight 2.5 ounces or less.
6:4 – Light to Medium-Light: Upper third bends – excellent all-around rod – best for larger panfish, 12 – 18” trout, smallmouth 11 – 16”.
7:3 – Medium-Light to Medium: Best all-around action. Bends at upper fourth. Best for trout to 22”, smallmouth to 18” Larger panfish. Light steelhead and small salmon.
8:2 – Medium to Medium-Heavy: only first two section bend. Best for larger fish, trout, bass, medium sized carp, steelhead, etc. Fairly stiff.
Once again, although it is normal to try to compare this info to what you know about your western fly rods, they really are not the same. This is for general reference only. A starting point. An 8’6” rod listed as a medium-action five weight, weighing 9-ounces is a fundamentally different rod than a 13’ Tenkara rod 6:4 medium rod, weighing 3.5 ounces. Ya’ gotta’ hold’em and fish’em.
Tankara Rod Action
Tankara Rod Basic Set Up
Line Basics For Tankara Rods
Tippet Basics for Tankara Rods
Tight lines! – Bob Long The Tankara Guy
