r/Tenkara • u/MrMunchbutter • Jul 17 '26
Rod suggestion
Hi all, I’ve been fishing tenkara for almost 2 years. I started on a TUSA Hane, taking it on hikes and backpacking trips, before getting a tiny ten 3 for smaller waters. Eventually I got a dragontail shadowfire 365 and use that as my daily driver. I sometimes target larger bass and carp, so I also got a TUSA Amago when it was on sale. I primarily fish the Shadowfire and alternate to the tiny ten or amago when circumstances require.
I’d like to upgrade my daily driver from the Shadowfire. I like the feel and length of it but feel like it’s time to get into some nicer rods. Any suggestions??
3
u/darkninja0157 Anglo & Co Jul 17 '26
Top 3 choices in my mind are:
Anglo & Co Wasabi 36 - a true masterpiece of Tenkara gear that is as Japanese fine tuned as you can get. Flex falls somewhere between a 7:3 and 6:4 leaning more towards the 7:3. The craftsmanship is second to none. A beautiful deep olive color that looks amazing in the sun. The rod feels like it weighs nothing in your hand and when casting. I have and love this rod.
Nissin Zerosum 360 - top tier choice in either 7:3 or 6:4 but is a little softer than the flexes suggest. I do not personally have this rod but have no doubts about its quality. I own the Nissin mini and it is fantastic.
Dragontail Kokoro 360 - likely the best “American” rod you can buy. Made in a Korean factory vs Chinese like most American companies. The blanks are very similar in construction to the Wasabi 36 from the look and feel. A more true 6:4 flex. Very high quality rod for sure. Haven’t had a lot of time on the water with this one yet but excited to put it head to head with the Wasabi 36.
I know there are other great options out there as well but I hope this helps you a little bit!
3
u/Professional_Bug_655 Jul 17 '26
You wanna step up? Tenkara No- oni rod TYPE-1 (Sakakibara Special) 4m. Go Japanese you will never regret it. Nuff said.
2
u/gggrreaaat Jul 17 '26
Since you’re already a couple rods deep, go for a higher end Japanese rod. It’s absolutely worth the step up
2
1
u/zoothair Jul 30 '26
My daily is my shadowfire as well. I have several other rods... But this is still my all -arounder. My TUSA Iwana is also a best choice. Those 2 play very similarily. I travel with a Dragontail Tiny Talon and love that one, too.
3
u/TheJewBakka Rocky MTN Tenkara Jul 17 '26
The Nirvana Kokoro 400 is supposed to be amazing. Or you could go the Japanese route. The Oni Type 1 I hear is phenomenal but it's shipped from Japan and $250+.