Further proof that tenkara is steadily growing, a new online retailer is about to enter the market. Tenkara Rod Co. has just launched a Kickstarter project to get their new line of tenkara rods off the ground. And based on their backing so far, it looks promising.
Tenkara Rod Co. will initially offer two 12 ft. rods–the “stiffer” Teton and the “softer” Sawtooth. Both rods weigh in at 3.4 ounces. Check out the video below for more info:
These guys seem very down to Earth and to really “get” tenkara. While I haven’t actually field tested their rods, they appear to be of good quality with good research, high quality components, an a very nice looking rod tube.
As an incentive, the company is offering a complete package including a rod, line, and line spool for just $120 to backers of the project. This would be a great deal for anyone looking to get into tenkara or looking for a good gift for the fly angler that has everything.
To help fund this project and get in on a good deal (I’m assuming prices will go up once they’re officially launched), visit the Tenkara Rod Co. Kickstarter page. Also, you might want to check out their Facebook page to keep up on developments.
The fact that Tenkara Rod Co. is using crowdfunding to launch their business tells me that they’re hip, innovative, and social media savvy enough to succeed in a crowded niche market and I’m excited to see what they come out with. This is definitely a company to keep an eye on.
Jason, thank you for continually updating your readers on everything that is new to Tenkara. Really appreciate it!
Thanks Chris. I know I’ve been a little quiet lately but that’s the result of dealing with some behind-the-scene changes I hope you never notice as a user of this site. My goal is to make the transition to the new site seamless. I’ll get back to regular posting soon. It’s a lot of work, but a labor of love. It’s nice to be appreciated once in a while. 🙂
Jason,
Your website has invaluable information for us “newbie” Tenkara anglers. I’m still “weaning” myself away from traditional fly fishing which has always been too technical and confusing for me. I love the simplicity of Tenkara, and I just need to have more confidence in this method. Your website is making this happen. Keep up the great work, and thank you!
Timing is EVERYTHING, darn it! I was in Boise last week visiting family. Fishing was great; catching was poor on the Owyhee and also Middle Fork of Snake. Tenkared two days and had 1 day free.
Had I known of this company, I would have dropped by. 🙁
I did visit two local outdoors shops in Boise. Neither one had any Tenkara.
BTW I learned that Boise’s name comes from the early French trappers that noted that the river there was heavily wooded — boise’ (pronounced bwazay) in French.
Bill
Nice looking rods. The proof will be in the fishing. I’ve been burned by the Fountainhead rods. Their warranty will be important to their success. It’s hard to beat the no-hassle TenkaraUSA warranty.
Tenkara Ambassador,
Curious about your experience with Fountainhead. Was it something relayed to quality? The warranty?
Hi Jason,
Like the post. Looks like these guys have there act together. Any chance you’ll be up here in Estes Park between now and Sept 21st?
Would still like to get together, before we head back to our winter HQ in Utah.
Regards,
Bob T.
Hi Bob, I would love to get together. It might be tight. I’ve got two out-of-town trips for work and my parents visiting between now and then but I’ll see what I can do. If you can suggest some dates, that might help. Are you staying in Estes Park the whole time or will you be making it down towards Denver at all? If we can’t go fishing, maybe we can at least hook up for a coffee or a beer or something.
To Bill Miller, I lived in Boise for over 25 years. Idaho Anglers on Vista Ave. is a certified Tenkara USA dealer for the last 2 years, did you miss them ?
Wondering about the problem with fountainhead rods someone mentioned. My dad loves his. And they were really good about helping him get a replacment when he broke it.
Jason, I tried the Fountainhead Caddis 360. The Lillian detached within hours of using the rod for the first time, losing the fish, line, tippet, and fly. Fountainhead replaced the rod, and the tip broke on the first outing. That has not happened after many, many hours of using my Iwana. Read the full report on my blog.
Jason,
This is a great project and I’m very glad you’re discussing it here. I read this article a couple of weeks ago (Google search) after I saw this project on Kickstarter. I decided to back it and am anxiously awaiting my rod as I hope many of your other reads have. However, I’m now looking for the other equipment to begin my Tenkara adventure. Any advice on where to shop for lines and flies?
Thanks!
Hi Matt, there are tons of places:
https://www.tenkaratalk.com/tenkara-links/
The two biggies are Tenkara Bum and Tenkara USA.
Links! The place I didn’t think to look. So obvious. Thank you!