8 Best Tenkara Rods
Carla Arbuckle
Tenkara is a Japanese traditional method of fishing. Unlike conventional fishing, it only involves a rod, a line, and flies. This simple and delicate method can only be performed if you have the best tenkara rod that suits your skills.
Without a reel, it is all up to you and your rod to get that great catch. That being said, you should only use a rod with the quality you are looking for when tenkara fishing.
With these rods, you will surely end up using this method of fishing more often. You might even convince a pal or a family member to try out tenkara. Check these out now!
8 Best Tenkara Rods
1. Wild Water Fly Fishing
2. Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod
3. AnglerDream 12/13FT Tenkara Rod Kit
4. Tenkara Iwana
5. DRAGONtail Hellbender Zoom Big Fish Tenkara Fly Fishing Rod
6. DRAGONtail Tenkara Talon 330 Backpacking Tenkara Rod & Case
7. ANGLER DREAM AnglerDream Tenkara Fly Rod
8. Aventik Z Tenkara Rods Pro
Wild Water Fly Fishing
This Wild Water Fly Fishing rod is made with a machined aluminum reel seat with double lock rings. It features a stainless steel stripper guides attached with silicon carbide rings. Stainless single foot guides and a tip top complete this rod. The sections measure 28” long and weigh 4.4 ounces. The reel is made of die-cast aluminum and has an adjustable disc drag. A preinstalled floating fly line comes with it. The retrieve can be easily changed from right to left and vice versa. The product also comes with a fly box than is waterproof that can hold up to 372 flies. All these are enclosed in a rod case that is made of a hard tube that has a reel pouch for extra protection.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Portable
- Comes with a hard case
- Easy to replace parts
- Comes with a reel
Cons
- The screws on the reel seat would need maintenance eventually.
Our Take
This package is a great deal as a beginner setup. For one, it does not cost as much as other fly fishing rods. It is understandable why people would doubt cheap costing rods. They usually cannot perform the job well. However, this setup is different. It is a medium action rod that delivers the job well. It holds up for a reasonable amount of time. Shall the tip ever get broken, one can ask for a replacement for only $13. That is such a steal! The reel has two screws that put it in place on the reel seat, but it could get loose over time. A little superglue would entirely solve this problem. The reel on this rod is very smooth as well. It is easy to learn which is ideal for beginners. The whole package is very portable and easy to bring everywhere. Its case is a hard tube that prevents any dents on the equipment. Overall, this setup does pretty well for its price.
Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod
This Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod comes in variations that can be used for slow action, medium action, and fast action fishes. The rod is made of graphite for durability, accuracy, and quality performance. It has a machined aluminum reel seat attached by double lock rings to assure sturdiness. The stripping guide inserts made with ceramic, and guides made of chrome account for its smooth gliding fly lines. This rod assures precise fly placement and instant pulling power. The cork handle makes casting more accurate while avoiding fatigue. It is easily durable because it can be disassembled into four pieces. This product can be used both by beginners and professionals.
Pros
- Travel-ready
- High quality
- Durable
- Case is slick and thin
Cons
- Does not come with a reel
Our Take
This is a great rod! It is travel-friendly and inexpensive. The product arrived well packaged and completely functional. Although the company assures replacement if by any chance, you will receive one that has factory defects. It has a pretty stiff spine that can cast very well. The handle is comfortable to grip because it does not slip. This is best for fly anglers who are always on the go. With its size and travel-ready case, it is easy to store at the back of your car. It surely fits in tight places, unlike other packages in the market that offer portable rods in bulky cases. However, this package does not come with a reel. It is best to pair it up with high-quality reels that are also lightweight to maximize its capabilities and features. The reel seat is well built, and it can handle any good quality reel. The screws are snugly and perfectly positioned to assure sturdiness and durability. Overall, this rod performs at par with rods that cost $30 more. I would highly recommend this. When paired with a perfect reel, this combo will enhance your experience!
AnglerDream 12/13FT Tenkara Rod Kit
This Tenkara Fly Rod by AnglerDream is a telescopic rod made with carbon fiber. A Tenkara rod is a traditional Japanese method of fly fishing that requires no reel. With only a rod, a line, and a fly, one can be able to take home a catch using your skills. This rod is undoubtedly lightweight yet durable enough to fight off big fishes. It features nine segments with 7:3 action, which means 70% of the sections in the bottom are stiff, and the top 30% are made to be flexible. This assures a more precise and powerful casting. When collapsed, it measures 21.6 inches only. This kit includes a line, flies, and other fishing accessories.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Good quality
Cons
- The case is a thin squared shape bag, which is not the most ideal case for backpackers.
Our Take
Tenkara rods are basically a backpacking version of a fishing system. This is a great rod for beginners who are interested in learning the tenkara method. However, it can also be used by fly anglers who have been in the sport for long because it offers good performance even more if you have developed the skill. The rod is affordable for a tenkara rod and it lives up to the principle of simplicity which the tenkara method upholds. It has a really good backbone. The stiffness is on point without compromising flexibility. The part of the kit that can be improved is the flies. To optimize the full tenkara experience, it would be ideal to replace them with better quality ones. The kit has several freebies that other kits do not have. Its case is also compartmentalized well, which assures everything fits snugly in their own compartments. The only downside is its case could be a bit big for backpacking. Overall, this rod is very easy to set up and will set your foot in the tenkara world of fishing. For its price, it gives you a great deal of experiencing the tenkara method.
Tenkara Iwana
This Iwana rod by Tenkara USA is built for those who are seeking delicate casting for smaller fishing streams. It is ultra-lightweight and offers precise medium-action performance. This rod has a glossy carbon finish that matches the character of its users. Underneath the gloss, you can see the high-quality carbon fiber material that complements the nice finish. Its progressive taper and tip action assure strength without compromised flexibility. All of these amazing features are housed in a rod case that comes with the purchase. Tenkara is a lifestyle, and this product offers a lifetime warranty for natural breakage for you to always live the tenkara life.
Pros
- Premium quality
- Best performance
- Compact
- Lifetime warranty
- Portable
Cons
- Expensive
Our Take
This rod is built for those who consider tenkara as part of their life. This rod offers premium quality that justifies the price it has. It for sure costs $50 more than most rods in the market, but this one is designed to last you a lifetime. It is very delicate and casts accurately every single time. Everything is enclosed in a compact case that upholds a minimalist style of fishing. This rod is everything Tenkara USA promised. Although it is hypersensitive to catch small fishes, big fishes are not crossed out in the equation. When paired to the Tenkara USA tapered braided Japanese fly lines, this rod will never disappoint you. It can also withstand big fishes that are sure to fight back. Once you get the line, tippets, and fly aligned, you will be hooked in using this rod forever. It is an excellent investment in the sport that has shaped your life. You will certainly understand why it is not as cheap as the other ones out there. This setup is not merely a piece of equipment, it is a partner in the fishing arena.
DRAGONtail Hellbender Zoom Big Fish Tenkara Fly Fishing Rod
The Hellbender tankara rod is ideal for streams with decent sizes of bass, fat rainbows, trouts, and the like. It is composed of the highest grade IM 12 carbon graphite that results to a durable yet lightweight product in 7:3 action. The entire package contains everything you need to carry out fly fishing successfully. It has three soft hackle tenkara flies, a Moonlit line that is American made, a tippet, an EVA foam line holder, a rod sock, and a storage tube for protection. You can set up the equipment in less than three minutes. It has no reel, so rigging up happens quickly, and then you can immediately hit the water. The telescopic rod collapses and results in only 24” for safekeeping and transportation. It is ideal for backpackers and adventurous people.
Pros
- Comes with a protective compact case
- Comes in a ready to use set
- Stiff yet flexible
- Inexpensive
Cons
- The case should be made a little bigger for ease when storing
Our Take
This tenkara rod offers the tenkara experience to people who cannot afford high-end rods. It is high quality and comes in a complete set. Other products in this price would leave out all the accessories you can find in this setup. It is an easy to use rod, making it recommendable even to beginners. From the setting up part to the actual fishing, even first-timers can deliver. The 7:3 action also allows extra flexibility in longer lengths while taking on larger fishes. It is a great rod from appearance to performance. The finishing makes it look very professional and impressive. It also comes in a compact case and a rod sock. If there is anything that can be improved in this package, it is either to make the sock slightly thinner or the case slightly bigger. This is to assure effortless storing process. What it has now is already great, with the rod being fully secure inside two different kinds of protective layers. Overall, this rod is a good deal for its price point. It is relatively inexpensive and would perform really well.
DRAGONtail Tenkara Talon 330 Backpacking Tenkara Rod & Case
This tenkara rod offers a 6:4 soft action, which is softer than most rods in the market. The rod is made of high-quality carbon fiber construction to assure durability while maintaining lightweight properties. It delivers an upragded casting feel and a better bending curve because of its deeper flex profile. This performs really well with level lines. Its grip is designed to be ergonomic, featuring an 11-inch handle that reduces hand fatigue and allows more casting control. Its matte black finish eliminates reflection from the brightness of the sun, which prevents alerting fishes of someone’s presence. On top of that, it features a really classy look for the rod. This 10.6 ft rod collapses to only 17” which makes it very ideal for backpackers and light travelers.
Pros
- Cheap
- Compact
- Easy to carry around
- Packs small
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy winds
Our Take
This rod is pretty solid, which is really impressive for its price. It is well made and effortless to pack. This is highly ideal for backpackers because it is ultra-lightweight and takes up such a small place. The case it comes with is almost just the same length as the rod itself. It is just slightly longer than a foot but extends to 10.6 ft. That is pretty impressive. The rod gives a good backbone, but since it is skinny, it could not be very easy to cast in heavy winds. This setup is best for lakes and streams. It can still do the job in larger bodies of water, but it cannot have the reach of the bigger fishes. I was first apprehensive about the foam handle because most tenkara rods offer cork handles, but I did not have any problem with it. Its material dries quickly. The whole deal is very appealing to those who want to try out tenkara. It offers affordability, portability, and durability for below $100! This would be a great gift because its performance will not put you to shame despite its affordable price.
ANGLER DREAM AnglerDream Tenkara Fly Rod
This Tenkara Fly Rod by AnglerDream is a telescopic rod made with carbon fiber. This rod is undoubtedly lightweight yet durable enough to fight off big fishes. It features nine segments with 7:3 action, which means 70% of the sections in the bottom are stiff, and the top 30% are made to be flexible. This assures a more precise and powerful casting. When collapsed, it measures 21.6 inches only. The rod comes in a storage cube that is definitely easy to carry. This works best when paired with a high-quality line that can withstand the size of the catch you plan on taking home.
Pros
- Good for beginners
- Portable
- Versatile
Cons
- Does not come with a kit
Our Take
This rod well constructed for its price point. It performs exactly as what was promised. If you plan on purchasing the rod alone that does not come with a kit, make sure that you find a line that will suit the performance you want to deliver. Finding a line for this one is not a hard task, as it is versatile. This rod is great for beginners since it is pretty easy to use. The sections telescope effortlessly and collapse easily. It truly lives up to the principle of the tenkara method, which is simplicity. Casting with this rod is easy because it is stiff and flexible in the right places. The bottom part provides enough backbone, while the top part offers flexibility. This allows the angler to have more accurate casts. Bringing this rod around is convenient because it is very portable when it is collapsed. The only downside with choosing a rod without a kit is the fact that you have to store your other necessities in different places. They might be misplaced along the way. As long as you are responsible with your belongings, you will not have a problem with this purchase. In fact, you will love it. It is worth a try.
Aventik Z Tenkara Rods Pro
This tenkara rod measures only 14.8” when collapsed for storage and transportation. It is ideal for backpackers who do not like to carry bulky fishing equipment around. It is available in two different sizes. The 9” model is ideal for creeks and small streams, and the 12” model is built for bigger sized streams and rivers. It comes with a carbon rod tube for protection, velvet rod cloth, and extra sections T1 + T2. One does not miss out on lightweight feels, durability, and excellent performance with this rod despite its affordable price. It is made for long-term use. That is why it is covered by a 25-year warranty service.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Compact
- Portable
- Collapses exceptionally smaller
Cons
- Does not come with a complete kit
Our Take
This product is very satisfying because it is half the price of other rods that offer the same quality. This one is highly recommendable for curious anglers who want to try out tenkara. You can get the hang of it in five minutes! The rod is lightweight and easy to use. It offers a versatile 6:4 light action, which makes it sensitive enough to feel the presence of small fishes. You will also not have a hard time to set it up because everything comes in a compact setup because of its simplicity. Although its collapsed measurement us only 14”, its fully extended setup is long enough to deliver a decent cast. However, you will have to buy other components separately. Fishing lines that match this rod is effortless to find in the market. With a few clicks on your phone, you will be able to order one as easy as you have ordered this rod. The case it comes with is slim and sturdy, which is ideal for people who always like to use backpacks when traveling around.
