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One of the questions people seem to struggle with most is which tenkara rod to choose. After all, there are a variety of different lengths and actions. And since (on paper at least) some of them seem very similar, making the decision can be even more confusing. I happen to own the entire Tenkara USA lineup (plus have tried some other brands) and can tell you that it’s amazing how different tenkara rods actually feel on the stream even though their specs would lead you to believe they’re almost identical. After a lot of experimentation, I can say that they’re definitely not. And not only that, but I’d like to share with you a catharsis I recently had that might make you rethink your philosophy on rod action.
When I first started tenkara, I preferred the stiffer rods. I suspect many others who come from a western fly fishing background do too since the action is closer to the fast-action conventional rods and wider casting stroke we’re familiar with. But after fishing tenkara over the last couple of years, my preference has changed. Before I explain why, let me first briefly explain tenkara rod action. If you’re already familiar with tenkara rod action ratings, feel free to skip to the next section.
Tenkara Rod Action 101
In western fly fishing, rod actions are typically described as “fast”, “medium”, or “slow”–or alternatively, “tip flex”, “mid flex”, and “full flex” (stiff to soft respectively). In tenkara, there is a similar system but it uses numbers instead of adjectives. The numbers tell you how close to the tip a rod flexes when loading on a one-to-ten scale. So, from stiffest to softest the range is: 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, and 5:5.
Graphic courtesy of Tenkara USA
One might think that a numerical rating system like this is more objective than using adjectives because it shows a more measurable ratio of how much of the rod flexes based on an index. And to some degree, I think that’s true. The tenkara system describes where the rod bends rather than how it feels which seems to be more quantifiable than the western rating. What some western anglers consider “fast”, others might consider “medium”. While I think the tenkara rating system probably is more accurate, the lines can still be blurred between (for example) a 5:5 and 6:4. Some tenkara rods have even been reclassified after production giving testament to the fact that since they’re made and used by humans, it’s probably impossible to take the subjectivity out of it completely. Nonetheless, I think the tenkara rating system is pretty good and the chart above should give you a good guideline of what the different numbers mean.
Soft vs. Stiff
As I said in the beginning of this post, when I started tenkara, I preferred stiffer actions, namely, the 6:4 action of the Tenkara USA Iwana. I even had a friend of mine who was visiting Japan pick up an insanely stiff Suzumi tenkara rod that I loved at first. But now, I hate it. I prefer the softer actions of rods like the Ayu and Ito. It took me a while, but I think I have finally figured out why. It has to do with my recent push to understand and practice traditional tenkara.
In western fly fishing, the casting stroke uses a very rigid motion. The idea is to move your arm more than your wrist and keep the tip of the rod in a straight plane, angling down to your target. And since you’re generally casting a longer, heavier line, it’s easier to load even a very fast action (stiff) rod. In short, you do more work than the rod does. But in traditional tenkara casting, it’s the opposite.
In tenkara, you let the rod work for you. Since the rods are very soft (compared to most western fly rods) they load very easily even with the much lighter tenkara lines. Only minimal movement is required and you use more wrist than arm. If you watch this video, you’ll see a good example of the typical tenkara cast where the arm is held closer to the body, only moved slightly, and the wrist is snapped more to propel the line forward rather than a broad movement of the arm.
I’ve found that when I fish a stiffer tenkara rod, I have to cast more like a western angler in order to load the rod. If I want to cast more like the tenkara masters suggest, then it’s much easier with the softer action rods. And this is the reason I’m now leaning toward the softer rods; however, there’s one caveat.
Remember what I said above about some rods looking similar in their specs but being different in the hand? It’s important to keep in mind that a 6:4 isn’t always a 6:4. For example, to me, the Ito feels softer than the Iwana. Both rods are rated as 6:4 but because of different lengths and tapers, they just feel different. There’s more to consider about how a rod actually casts than just the number rating and like any fly rod, you really need to test cast it to see if you like the action or not.
Wind
A common argument (which I now think is a myth) is that stiffer rods automatically cast better in the wind. While this might be true in western fly fishing, in tenkara, I think it depends more on the line used than the action of the rod. Traditional furled tenkara lines are tapered and transfer energy well but they’re also bulky and wind resistant. Fluorocarbon level lines are dense (given their diameter) and thin so they cut through the wind better. If you use a #4 or #5 level line, you should have no problem casting through the wind with even a slower 5:5 rod. You could use a stiffer rod, but then you’d have to resort to a more conventional, western casting stroke. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. It’s just a decision you have to make. I’ve used softer tenkara rods in windy conditions and they do work if you use the right line.
Landing Big Fish
Another argument people make for stiffer actions is the ability to land big fish. Like the wind argument, I also now consider this a myth and an import from western fly fishing. It’s true that if you have a stiffer rod, you can put more pressure on large fish and bring them to the net, boat, or hand faster. But that’s also assuming you have strong terminal tackle that can withstand the strain. In tenkara, you’re usually using a fairly light tippet so you probably want to have finesse rather than brute force on your side if you hook a big fish. Softer rods offer more tippet protection. So while it might seem counter intuitive, I’m suggesting it’s easier to land a big fish on a 5:5 than a 7:3 in some cases.
I’ve landed pretty large steelhead and salmon and on very light tippets using soft fiberglass rods conventional rods so it’s not a stretch to say that the softer action tenkara rods are also capable of landing large fish. If you Google it, you’ll see that plenty of people have been landing lunkers on 5:5 rods like the Ayu. Remember, tenkara is more about skill than gear. If you know what you’re doing, you can land a huge fish on a tenkara rod. And people are!
Making the choice
I’m not about to prescribe one action over another. All I’m doing is sharing my experience in the hope that it might be useful to you. Like I said, I have a lot of tenkara rods and like them for different reasons. Everyone needs to figure out which action is best for them. But I suggest that for all the reasons above, you give the softer action rods a try if you haven’t already. Please don’t dismiss certain tenkara rods based solely on their specs. Try casting one or fishing one. I think you’ll be surprised at their versatility and capabilities once you get used to them. And, (most importantly) you’ll find the action that’s right for you.
Jason, very comprehensive article. Thank you.
Interesting to read. Being relatively new to tenkara (and fly fishing in general) I find that I’m still favoring a stiffer rod action. As an example I much prefer casting the Amago over the Ito at this point. It will be interesting to see if my rod preference evolves with experience similar to to what you have found.
Thom, I would be interested to see that too. Please keep me posted so I know that I’m not crazy. 🙂
I think you will probably move into softer rods once you gain experience, or seek ways of loading up your stiffer tenkara rods to get the “feel”. I’ve experienced a similar catharsis as Jason and moved to softer rods that load down the rod length more.
The key to good casting is constant loading, along with slowing down. The softer rods are more suited to the style, especially for level lines.
best
craig
You are not crazy Jason. Since I am new to fishing in general, I decided to start with a 5:5. I love it. But thinking I should “advance” to a stiffer rod I bought both a 6:4 and a 7:3. They are OK; and in all honesty I haven’t put much time on them as winter has set in here in Ohio. So far I still prefer the 5:5. I was beginning to worry I wasn’t “maturing” into stiffer rods until this morning when I read the blog. Thank you for the incite! It is nice to know some of my self taught trial and error techniques are in fact acceptable. Isolated as I am in the Midwest with the occasional western trip, I’ve adopted the philosophy that the proof is in the pudding. I’m catching fish so I must be doing something right 🙂
Jason, I’m on a fairly similar corse as you on rod action. I find myself greatly preferring the slow smoth cast of a long soft rod. I have been fishing some softer 6:4 and 5:5 rods and find I greatly prefer the cast and the control over ones self that is needed to keep from over powering the rod. It’s very centering when you catch yourself casting poorly out of bad habits and then telling yourself to slow down, relax and let it flow more. Amazing what a change you can make in your whole day just by relaxing more and not trying to force it. For me any way just relaxing my casting can also relax me and let me enjoy the day on the water more.
Slow is smooth and smooth catches fish.
Cheers,
Paul
Count another one for 5:5, I like more how it casts with any line, most feel lighter and I also suscribe your appreciations about myths.
Quoting from your post: “It’s important to keep in mind that a 6:4 isn’t always a 6:4. For example, to me, the Ito feels softer than the Iwana.”
It’s also important to keep in mind that the 6:4, 5:5 etc action index is intended to measure WHERE the rod bends, not how STIFF the rod is. You could have a stiff full flex rod (5:5) or a soft tip flex rod (7:3).
Good point Chris! You would think that “where the rod bends” would naturally translate into how a rod feels (stiffer or softer) but this isn’t always the case. I was trying to point that out but you did a better job than I did!
Well now I’m even more confused. Before I thought about getting a Iwana, then reading your post about the amago I change to that one, then the yamame gets a lot of attention on tenkarausa.com and now this?! 🙂 So many options… dam my inability to make a decision…
So wich rod would be the best to start out with for backpacking and stream/lake fishing?
LOL, Christopher, they’re all good rods and all have their application. It really boils down to preference. If you’ve got the Amago and are happy with it, then you’ve probably already found your backpacking rod. The Amago is still my rod of choice for lake fishing. But I’d say (and I think many tenkara anglers would agree with me) that the Ayu is a good all around rod. The length and action are very versatile. As I pointed out in the article, I think people coming to tenkara with a background in fly fishing might initially prefer faster rods because that’s what they’re used to. But in my experience, it’s easier for a total beginner to start out with a softer action because they can actually feel the rod loading and unloading. That’s important when you’re learning to cast.
So I said to She Who Must Be Obeyed.. “Jason said I now need a 5:5 rod to match the 6:4 & the 7:3”, so expect a message from her.
Thanks for the updates, it helps clear the mystery!
Uh oh! I need to change my email address right away!
Seriously now, I for one appreciate the effort guys like you & Chris Stewart & others put into sharing your experiences & knowledge. I have not had the chance to have a good Tenkara fishing experience as yet, life sort of gets in the way. It will happen!
Jason, thanks for the insight never thought about changing to a heavier line in the wind when fishing my Ayu. Do you think furled lines work better in the wind?
Hi Tom,
The “high wind” furled lines from Tenkara USA cast well in the wind because they’re heavier. But I find most furled lines made of mono aren’t great. In high wind situations, it seems a heavier #4.5 or #5 line casts better.
So after reading all the above posts, what is the favorite for small streams with overhang? Any line preference? I have my favorite but would like to hear other opinions.
I do not have near the Tenkara experience that Jason and Chris have but I feel the line preference (level line or tapered line) of the angler is also a big factor in which action rating some people may prefer to use in their fishing. I also believe the choice of fly pattern to be fished (traditional wet Sakasa Kebari or dry western fly patterns, or lightly weighted nymphs, or indicators with split shot) can and probably will change action preferences for some to a considerable extent for many nontraditional Tenkara anglers. Personally, I feel Tenkara fly fishing should remain close to its traditional roots (single light weight fly patterns of either dry or wet types, with out any other added casting impediments added to out lines) but we all already know that is not going to happen here in the US of A.
As someone who went through an expensive process of getting a succession of ever lighter western fly rods because I mistakenly thought it was more sporting to use light weight equipment (first a 6, then a 5, 4, 3, 2 and finally a one weight fly rods, appropriate reels and lines) I found that I was making no progress at all in my small stream fly fishing because it still required 30 feet of line to load each and every one of those ever lighter line weight rods, and that was just too much line to have in the air or on the water at my small stream fly fishing distances to fish effectively.
I solved this problem by over lining the rod, which uses a much heavier line to load the rod much closer to the angler for more effective small stream fishing. This also slows the casting stroke down considerably, increases accuracy a lot because the rod does not need to be forced into making the cast, and makes casting much more pleasant and efficient at closer ranges, but does not carry the disadvantage found in Tenkara that you almost always want to hold as much of your line up off of the water as possible, which is not possible in western fly line fishing, especially with the shorter western fly rods often preferred for small stream fly fishing.
An easy to understand example of how this works is the fact that the first 30 feet of a 2 Wt. fly line weighs 80 grains. The first 30 feet of a 6 Wt. fly line weighs 160 grains, so 15 feet of a 6 Wt. line will weigh about the same as 30 feet of a 2 Wt. fly line, and actually it will weigh a bit less than that because of and depending on the length of the front taper of the line you are using.
Tenkara anglers wishing to experience a softening of the action of their rods that are faster than the 5:5 action type can do so by casting heavier Tenkara lines on their rods, just as I did with my western fly rods. Instead of casting a #3 line, try lines in the 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and or the #5.0 line weights on your rod or rods. Chris also offers different line weights in his Hi-Vis Tapered Tenkara lines to try. Once you get a feeling for what you and your rods like, it is pretty easy to predict what lines will work well for you, whether you are starting from a tapered line or a level line starting point.
As far as the catching big fish and rod action is concerned, tippet strength is more of a limiting factor than the rod’s action is. With the concession having to be made that softer actions will offer some what more tippet protection than stiffer rod actions will. But all Tenkara rods have relatively soft tips and upper sections used in their construction, so this is more a matter of degree than any big difference of kind.
Of course Jason and Chris may very well be correct that traditional minded Tenkara anglers will eventually come to prefer the softer 5:5 action rods to the stiffer ones. Coming to Tenkara from western fly fishing, I had hooking problems in the beginning with my 12 foot Iwana rod, which I now see as an adjustment process that all new Tenkara anglers have to go through. The Tenkara anglers who have never fished before just have no point of comparison with other tackle. For the people who are trying to make Tenkara something that it is not or are coming into the sport from western fly fishing, the 6:4, and 7:3 action rods will still have their place. Casting is a very subjective and individual activity. We are all different. What suits me may not suit you at all. Daniel offering different actions in Tenkara USA rods accommodates peoples different temperaments, reaction times, different casting style variations in technique and terminal tackle needs. And, in my view, that is just as things should be.
I’m with C. Stewart; a faster rod is not necessarily a stiffer one.
Faster rods give more accuracy, better hook sets and throw bigger flies.
To me what matters most than action is rod weight.
E heavy rod is a pain to cast all day, your arm and shoulder will feel it and you will hate it sooner or later no matter
if it is a 5:5 or a 8:2!