Tenkara USA
The full eight-rod Tenkara USA line: four zoom rods, four fixed-length, all fixed-line tenkara.
- Models
- 8
- Length
- 9.8'–14.6'
- Price
- $160–$260
- Type
- Pole
- Discipline
- Tenkara
Tenkara USA has no series structure: the whole catalog is eight named telescopic rods, so the brand doubles as the series. All are fixed-line tenkara rods fished without a reel, built from high-modulus graphite in 8 to 12 sections, and all carry a lifetime warranty.
Four are zoom rods. The Sato, the best seller, is a Triple Zoom that locks at 10'8", 11'10" or 12'9" and weighs 2.9 oz; the Satoki stretches the same layout to 13'7" with a 12 in foam handle and more backbone for fish over 17 in; the Rhodo is the small-stream version at 8'10", 9'9" or 10'6" and 2.1 oz; the Ito zooms between 13' and 14'7" and is the longest rod in the range at 4.1 oz. The catalog stores each at its longest setting.
Four are fixed-length. The Iwana 12' is the value all-rounder and the rod that carried tenkara outside Japan in 2009. The Hane 10'10" closes to 15 in on a thicker blank for travel and younger anglers. The Ukiyo 9'10" (2.0 oz, 14.5 in closed) and the Yama 11' (2.1 oz, 16 in closed) are the backpacking pair, both with the integral graphite swell grip in place of a cork or foam handle. The company's own advice is that any of the eight will handle trout of 8 to 18 in, and that the choice comes down to the water fished and the packed size wanted.
Deeper Dive
A closer look at notable models.
The lightest and most compact Tenkara USA rod, 9'10" at 2.0 oz and 14.5 in closed, with the first integral graphite swell grip; a small-stream backpacking rod.
Small-stream Triple Zoom rod fished at 8'10", 9'9" or 10'6" at 2.1 oz; short enough for brushy creeks at its lowest setting and the lightest-feeling rod Tenkara USA makes.
Compact 10'10" adventure rod that closes to 15 in across twelve sections, with a thicker blank for durability; an all-round choice for mountain trout, pond bass and younger anglers.
An 11 ft backpacking rod at 2.1 oz that packs to 16 in, with the integral graphite swell grip; more reach than the Ukiyo for open mountain streams and small rivers.
The 12 ft value all-rounder with a progressive taper and tip action, 2.7 oz and 20.5 in closed; the rod Tenkara USA suggests when budget decides between it and the Sato.
Triple Zoom all-rounder fished at 10'8", 11'10" or 12'9", 2.9 oz and 22.75 in closed; the rod Tenkara USA recommends when one tenkara rod has to cover everything.
The strongest and longest Triple Zoom rod in the range, fished at 10'8", 12'2" or 13'7" with a 12 in foam handle; built for fish over 17 in and open water at 3.4 oz.
Two-position zoom rod fished at 13' or 14'7", the longest in the range at 4.1 oz with a cork handle; the pick for wide streams, larger rivers and fish over 17 in.
Rods in this series
| Save | Model | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ukiyo 300 | 9'10" | Buy from Tenkara USA | |
| Rhodo 270/297/320 | 10'6"Z | Buy from Tenkara USA | |
| Hane 330 | 10'10" | Buy from Tenkara USA | |
| Yama 335 | 11' | Buy from Tenkara USA | |
| Iwana 360 | 12' | Buy from Tenkara USA | |
| Sato 330/360/390 | 12'9"Z | Buy from Tenkara USA | |
| Satoki 330/370/415 | 13'7"Z | Buy from Tenkara USA | |
| Ito 390/450 | 14'7"Z | Buy from Tenkara USA |
Z Zoom rod: fishes at two or more locked lengths. The length shown is the longest setting; the shorter settings are listed in the rod's notes.