Have you ever found a tenkara rod that has all the right properties except for that one thing you wanted to change? Maybe you wished the handle were longer. Or maybe you just want to get a blank and build your own rod from the ground up. Well, now you can order all the components you want to fully customize or build your own tenkara rod: http://tenkaracustoms.com/tenkara-kits.html
Interesting! Thanks for sharing this one!
I am impressed. I don’t know enough about rod building but this really looks like it would be a good place to start. Most interesting indeed.
Dennis, Me neither but it looks pretty simple. I’ve got a kit on the way and am thinking of making a video of me stumbling my way through assembling my first rod. We’ll see how it goes!
What exactly is the to do besides put on the handle and the check. I guess you could paint it, but that isn’t something most rod builders do, so you migh be in uncharted territory. Alternatively you could add wraps, but those would probably get messed up by opening and closing the rod over and over.
Thad,
Yes, put the handle on, the winding check, and the end cap. I think the main advantage here is that you can use whatever handle you want and even shape it yourself. This is the first of what I hope becomes a trend in the industry. Many fly rod manufacturers offer blanks. It’s about time Tenkara companies did as well.
cool – figured something like this would make it to market eventually. I miss rolling my own rods – this could be really fun.
It would be interesting if they offered an option to omit the cork. I’ve come to prefer corkless handles on Daiwa, etc., rods.
Jason, NOW IM IMPRESSED! Like WOWzers!!
Jason, I think enthusiasm for this trend will really have to depend on the quality of the rod. If they are just the generic 6:4 at 12 feet everyone sells as the cheapest model, you can already get it with whatever handle you want by finding a different dealer. If they are higher end rods, you might get some customization, but it won’t really be worth it if you look at the small variation most companies can support. I think any custom company will offer a handful of blanks just so you can put a custom handle on. You would be further ahead buying a bett rod from another company.
Not for me, I think. I have made all of my own western rods for years, but I doubt these blanks will be “Shimano” quality, if you know what I mean. So I’ll pass for now. It might be a fun venture for some however, just not me.
For those concerned about the blank–you’re right. This isn’t a Shimano quality blank. But to me, the news here is not about the blank. It’s about a precedent. This is the first company to offer tenkara rod blanks. People have be asking for it, and now it’s here. It’s just a step (in the right direction I think) and one that I hope manufacturers of low, mid, and high end blanks will follow. Everything doesn’t appeal to everyone. And, everything can’t happen at once. It has to evolve. This first step was necessary if we are to ever have a range of blanks to choose from and I applaud Tenkara Customs for being brave enough to take it. Many will probably be more than satisfied with the quality of these blanks. Others won’t. But the same is true of a $700 fly rod. I’m just excited that we’ve grown to a point where people are thinking of offering kits like this and can’t wait to put mine together.
Pretty cool. I’ve seen a few posts over the past few years requesting blanks, including my own requests. Someone was listening.
I’ve built many rods, including spinning, casting, boat, surf and fly rods and in 1,2,3,4,5, and 6 piece configurations. Now I’m looking forward to being able to build my first tenkara rod. The included components look nice. I agree with Thadd in that depending on the quality of the rod blank, this kit could be a good value or a bad disappointment. Also, I don’t like the outlined warranty for the kit. A meeger 30 days for the BYO kit? Weak! Most people probably won’t have it built and on the water in 30 days. And only 6 months for the CYO. Weak warrantys, not competitive enough. Thats the deal breaker for me. Not yet a home run, base hit, ground roll dub at best.
This is a diagram of what im talkin bout!
oooh yeah!
nice idea, I think it might be a winner – wonder if the components might fit other brands?
now where is the corkless handle, that’d be perfection.
Any idea if replacement tip sections, etc.. will be available. I love the idea but would hate to lack the ability to replace a tip or section if my bumbling ways break one!
The link now says “not found”? May be my server I’m not sure.
Hi everyone. Thank you for the interest in the site.
Yes, the individual replacement sections will be available. Cost will be $5 each + shipping. I have fished many of these blanks and have not had a breakage yet. I will work with you to make sure you are satisfied with the products on the site.
There have been a lot of requests to purchase the individual rod components separately. We will be making the individual components, including the blanks, available over the next week. Keep an eye on the site. I will post a comment when they are available.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions:
Contact e-mail:
info@tenkaracustoms.com
Our main site:
http://tenkaracustoms.com/
Our shopping cart site:
http://shop.tenkaracustoms.com/
I just got my kit in the mail! Looks great and comes with very detailed instructions. Can’t wait to put this thing together!
Hi guys, thank you for your orders over the past week.
A few updates:
The long sought-after ‘tenkara blank’ is now available for individual purchase. You also have the option to purchase the cork handle and hardware kit separately.
Items available at:
http://shop.tenkaracustoms.com/
Jason:
I have been thinking about building a tenkara rod for flyfishing out of my Kayak on rivers here in the Midwest. What do you think of using it for poppers as well as nymphs and spiders? (bluegill and bass) I like the telescoping idea of tenkara and simplicity. I can get within 15 to 20 feet of any target water with my Kayak. Would a tenkara rod handle a 4 lb smallmouth bass? Thanks.
Hi Tom,
Most tenkara rods would handle foam spiders no problem but for the poppers, are you talking about hard-bodied ones, deer hair, or foam? In terms of landing a 4 lb. bass, it shouldn’t be a problem: https://www.tenkaratalk.com/2012/05/warmwater-tenkara/
Jason, was wondering what you thought of the rod? did it fish well?
Hi Dan, honestly, I never found the time to actually put the thing together. But I know others have and have been happy with it. You could probably find more info on the forums or Facebook.