I’m always interested in unique tenkara line designs and materials. Recently, a new line from Zen Fly Fishing Gear caught my attention. At first, it didn’t look like anything special. It was labelled “level line” on their site so I assumed it was just another orange fluorocarbon level line. But after Karin Miller from the company explained it to me, I realized these were anything but your typical “level lines”. Here you can both the twisted and level parts of the line, plus the loop for a girth hitch connection to the rod …
It may be called a “level line”, but I think a more appropriate name would be a “hybrid line”. Let me explain. The line is 16 ft. long. The first 9 feet are made using 2 strands of #3 fluorocarbon twisted together while the last 7 feet are a single strand of #4 level fluorocarbon. Because the first 9 feet are thicker than the last 7, that’s essentially a taper (maybe in the loosest sense of the word) and that’s why I wouldn’t refer to it as a “level line” and think “hybrid” is more accurate.
The twisted section adds just enough mass to the butt of the line to give it great turnover without adding so much weight that it sags like a thicker, furled tapered line. It still sags a little. Just not as much as most furled lines. The line is very easy to cast and really does feel like a hybrid–it transfers energy like a furled line, but finishes out the delivery with the delicacy of a level line. And I imagine you could experiment with adding sections of smaller diameter line too if you needed increased delicacy.
Aside from being a pleasure to cast, this line also has some side benefits. One is that unlike furled lines, the level section at the end allows you to adjust the length. Simply clip some of it off to make it shorter or add more to make it longer.
Another perk has to do with connection. I’ve always loved the girth hitch connection commonly found on furled lines to connect my line to the rod and the loop on this line allows you to do that. But I also love the stopper knot method used to connect the tippet to a level line. And since the business end is in fact a level line, you can use that connection. I’m not a big fan of the loop-to-loop connections on furled lines, but if you like them, you could also tie a loop in the end of this line. The point here is that now you’re not forced to use one connection or the other. With this line, it’s your choice.
My only nitpick is with the loop used to connect to the rod. It’s made of a very soft, loosely woven material (maybe cotton?) that makes it a little unwieldy. I talked to Karin about it and suggested they use a different material. They’re currently looking into it. The good news is that it’s connected to the line with another loop, so you could easily cut off the original loop and replace it with Dacron or the material of your choice.
Overall, I think this is a very creative and versatile design. It kind of takes the best qualities of furled and level lines and mashes them together. I think there will be tenkara anglers out there who love certain qualities of furled lines (but not others) and love certain qualities of level lines (but not others) and might find this to be the best of both worlds.
For more information and pricing, visit the Zen Fly Fishing Gear store.
“Twisted not furled”? Isn’t it the same? BTW this line looks pretty cool. I’ve made some similar lines for my own use (i.e.) same design but different length.
Hi JD,
I think of furling as more of a “weave” whereas in this line, it’s just 2 strands twisted around each other.
Nice line, but why not use a furled leader 10-12 feet long and then attach a long pc of flouro?
25 bucks seems pretty expensive.
Hi Mike, you could but it would be a different animal. As you know, most furled lines are tapered with a thicker butt section but the butt section of this line is level. So they would cast differently. Not better or worse. Just differently. I haven’t tried adding a section of level fluorocarbon to a furled line, but now that you mention it, I think I will and see what happens. Thanks for bringing it up! The ideas never stop!
The fly fishing guru at our local Bass Pro Shop told me about this new thing called “Tenkara” fishing. Hence I am here. I don’t want to make any of you cringe but my question is can I use the 13ft telescoping panfish rod I bought at Wal-Mart as a Tenkara rod? And what easily obtainable line could I rig it with? I have a fly rod, leaders,assortment of flies, ect. already. Would the dacron backing line used on one of my reels work as a line for this? Do I really need a “lilian” line tied to the metal loop on this rod I have? I’d like to give this a homeboy shot. I hope to hear from someone. Thanks.
I meant to add that I would be doing small resovoir, pond and river fishing. I use a kayak. How long should the entire rig be from line to fly? Line, leader and tippet used? As you can see I don’t have a clue. All the vids I’ve watched seem to assume I already know what’s up with the basic system. I am a fisherman but I’ve not tried this. I’m intrigued by the simplicity and spontaneity it allows. I almost bought the Pokeel (sp) Pocket Fisherman years ago.
Hey Colin,
You could use a telescopic panfish rod–you could also use a tree branch but neither will cast well. Panfish rods aren’t designed to cast a tenkara line. They’re designed to sling bait and sinkers. Tenkara rods are designed to cast light lines and flies so I would recommend getting a real tenkara rod unless you want to be really frustrated on the water. For the line, if you’re fishing stillwaters from a kayak, you’ll probably want the longest rod and line possible to extend your reach. So maybe something like a 20′ #3 or #4 level fluorocarbon line and a 3-4 ft. 5X tippet would do the trick. Feel free to send me an email through the contact form on this site and I can give you my phone number if you need any other advice.