While there are a few companies out there that offer floating tenkara lines such as RIGS Adventure Company and Zen Outfitters, sometimes, you just have your favorite line that you wish would float. The Eclectic Angler (the same company that brought us 3D-printed line spools) recently released a product called Otter Butter, that can easily be applied to any furled tenkara line to make it a floating line.
The paste comes in a small tin which I imagine would last a very long time–maybe even a full season with heavy use.
To apply, you take the included chamois (which stows inside the tin), rub it in the paste, and then run along the line. The company recommends applying it at least 30 minutes before fishing and making sure you work it into the weave of the furl for the best floatation.
The floatant should last a full day’s worth of fishing and since it’s made of beeswax, doesn’t contain any chemicals that will damage a line (even a silk line). Anyone who likes to use traditional furled tenkara lines for dry fly or stillwater fishing, should give Otter Butter a try. It’s certainly a lot cheaper than buying more lines.
To learn more, visit The Eclectic Angler Otter Butter page.
I otter try some!
Great site! There are a few items there that I would like to purchase. I am interested in doing my own furled lines and they sell a kit for that.
Shawn, yes I’ve been a fan of his site for years. But it was all western stuff. I’m glad to see he’s coming out with some tenkara gear.
I picked up a few Cutthroat furled leaders today at the Pleasanton Fly Show (I recommend giving them a try) They had some of this new Otter Butter for sale to treat their furled leaders. They had a couple of other treatments but this one was highly recommended. The can is about 10 times the size of one of it’s competitors but only 2 bucks more in price. Nice! It must be catching on because I feel fortunate to have bought the very last can they had.
Thanks JD. Please let us know how you like it after you’ve tried it.