Choosing a DRAGONtail Tenkara Rod!

[@TetonTenkara]

Well summarized, Kris. The technology that went into making the Kaida didn't exist when the Mizuchi was designed. I'd love to see a version of the Mizuchi that incorporates the glass technology that the Kaida has, particularly at the Mizuchi's shorter length. We'll see if that happens.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks Tom. That would be great! Nice hearing from you.

[@sicknander4610]

Thank you for your service Sir from one vet to another! Your videos are what got me started on Tenkara fishing, love the content you put out and I can’t wait for future videos! 👍🏻

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thank you too!

[@CplMAC1144]

I know this is a year old, but thank you for your service. I was an STS on the Pasadena back in the 90s. Glad to see another submariner!

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks, you too!

[@billk8579]

Great video. First of all thanks for your service on our Navy. Air Force here and love all branches. Just discovered your channel and subscribed. New to Tenkara and received a Dragontail Mizuchi for Christmas. Impressed with the quality of the rod and Dragontail service. Anxious to try it.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks Bill! Enjoy the Mizuchi.

[@georgespence590]

One vet to another , thank you for your service 🇺🇸 My first Tenkara rod was the Mizuchi due to watching Tom Davis who was an influence to me getting into Tenkara fishing. I own 3 Dragontail rods and the price was a factor in the purchases due to income.I’ve been Tenkara fishing for only two years and I’m addicted to it ( only way I fly fish) I also own aTB 36 Traveler which I also enjoy using , don’t need another rod but I’ve been kicking around on getting the Dragontail Shadowfire due to the $65 sale going on until the end of the month.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks George…which branch for you? I’m anxious to fish the shadow fire….hard to beat that price and value.

[@georgespence590]

@@tenkaraonthetrail Army , 1968/1970

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Awesome! I sent you an email….

[@david-marynoll5699]

My 2 cents. :) I've used two of Brent's rods, the Hellbender and Foxfire. I used the Hellbender on the Dreamstream while fishing with Paul Vertrees after I shattered my 395 Honryu and it handled rainbows and browns well over 20" with no trouble at all. I will eventually buy one even though I'm not enamored with zoom rods. I bought the Foxfire when it came out, used it once, and while it casts very nicely I didn't really like it. Too noodly. My grandaughter has since claimed it. One thing I will say, that as far as customer service and speed of delivery, Brent is at the top of the list along with Chris Stewart. And no, I didn't realize you were a retired squid. 🙂

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks Dave. I agree with your thoughts on the Hellbender. I never use it at the shorter length. I have a video next week with the foxfire. The longer length is a bit whippy, but it’s growing on me.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

And yes, I’m a bubblehead…maybe the radiation explains some things…😳

[@deakemarschall2992]

Great overview of the Dragontail rods. I started with a Mizuchi then added a Mutant andjust picked up a Hellbender. As my skill level improves I may move up to a Japanese rod someday, but right now I'm having a blast with my Dragontail rods. Nice hats too.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thank you. Although I have many JDM rods, my dragontail rods probably get used even more.

[@RETCAP10]

Well done, Kris. I also purchased the Mizuchi after binging Tom’s videos. My read is that it is a bit stiff for my casting stroke. Only other DT rod is the Foxfire, based on the novelty of a glass rod. It’s fine for the Brookies I pursue, though would feel under-gunned on the moderate-sized Browns.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

I agree Mitch. I bought the foxfire for the same reason and have enjoyed it. The mutant is my favorite because of the softer action, but I use the hellbender a lot due to fish/water size. I do like the mizuchi for bead heads on smaller water with the potential for decent fish.

[@RETCAP10]

@@tenkaraonthetrail The size of fish we’ve seen you catch far exceed anything I’m bound to find. Most of my Brookies would be considered as ‘bait’ to many anglers.

[@rickhelmer9535]

Happy belated veterans day, and thank you for your service sir. I only have one season of tenkara/keiryu fishing (addicted) behind me now, but so far I love the dragontail rods I've tried. The Hellbender and Nirvana 400 are awesome for bigger lines/flies and I've caught some pretty big fish on both. The mizuchi and mutant are a blast for the smaller stuff and are great for bluegill fishing also. Glad to see you review some rods more geared/priced for beginners like me. Thanks.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks Rick!

[@michaelcapurso]

Well done thank you! I've shied away from JDM rods, concerned with future availability of spare sections. I have a few of the Dragontail rods, one of which is the Nirvana 370z, nice casting, looking, and very capable of managing larger trout. Also have Tanuki's and a Wasatch, which I like a lot.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thank you Michael. I have a handful of Tanuki rods as well (very nice) and just bought 4 Wasatch rods….I know, I have issues😂 I’ll be doing an in depth JDM vs “American” rods comparison soon.

[@mikecarnakis6243]

Nice video...thx to you and Tristan, I own the same 6 Dragontail rods as you. I hand the shadow fire 365 for like a year, and brought the rest in the last 2 months binging on your's and Tristan's videos. Brent is great too!! Excellent customer service! Please feel free to share with him.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks Mike! I agree…it’s been great dealing with Brent.

[@mikecarnakis6243]

@@tenkaraonthetrail ps....thx for the veterans day wishes, I'm a former Marine.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

🇺🇸

[@richardpolidore1702]

I got the Mutant rod. I haven't tried it with the PCV floating line on.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Neither have I. I use it with light lines since I prefer stiffer rods for the heavier PVC lines…I’m sure it’s manageable though.

[@markfischer1012]

Thank you for your service, Sir.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thank you.

[@pierrotgodot]

I have a Mutant, Mizuchi, and Shadowfire. Love the mutant and mizuchi, the Shadowfire is alright for what it is. I use it mostly for areas where I know there is a chance I hook something that might break one of the others. I'm planning on getting a nirvana 400 as soon as they are available in late summer. So far, early in my tenkara experience the brand has been amazing for me, I probably need to branch out and try something else at some point just to see though.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

I really like the mutant! Glad to hear you’re confident in the shadowfire. I thought it would be good for dirty jobs and to teach people with….plus I want experience with it before I can recommend it to someone. I know Tom has been impressed at that price point.

[@pierrotgodot]

@@tenkaraonthetrail I don't think I would recommend it to a friend. I would suggest they spend the extra money and get a Mizuchi, I think it's a whole lot easier to cast and at the beginning I feel like that's critical

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Interesting. I’m even more anxious to take it out and see for myself how.

[@tylerdurden5693]

Thank you for your service!

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks!

[@michaelbattin6717]

thank you I am new to this and almost Tentara USA "satoki" I m learning the language of fishing terms and you really helped out. I am looking at the Mutant. I am using for back packing trips to the Sierra's small lakes and streams

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks Michael. The mutant is one of my favorite DRAGONtail rods. It casts a level line wonderfully and is a joy to fish for small and medium sized fish.

[@awaken77]

im thinking about Shadowfire 365 as all-rounder for small and medium water and 12"-17" brown trout. Is it sufficient?

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Yes, the shadowfire is a great value and can handle that.

[@theclinger]

accidentally snapped the tip trying to untangle the line my first time out, shoulda untied the line first lol. Luckily replacements are cheap and quick to ship.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

It happens…Brent will hook you up.

[@gen2-x364]

Nice video. Been wanting to try out a Tenkara rod......they look like fun. New Sub here just ordered a rod.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks. What rod did you order?

[@herphermits]

I'm curious about that tenkara rod rack. Did you have them made or bought? If you bought them, may i ask where? Thank you.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

I made them. I outgrew those two smaller racks and made a giant one that holds almost 90 rods now.

[@herphermits]

@@tenkaraonthetrail Wow, that's nice. My tenkara rods collection is growing now too, but i store them mostly inside their tubes and just plop them all inside a plastic storage box. Anyway... since your the expert on jdm tenkaras, i believe your the best person to ask. I'll be travelling to SEAsia soon and will be passing by Osaka, Japan. What rod would you recommend for travel? Packable and light enough, but at the same time can handle large tropical fishes like the giant dorados, snakeheads, tarpons & ladyfish, peacock bass, and elephant fish?

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

You’re out of my league on that one with those fish. Sounds like something for a big carp or Keiryu rod or rodzilla, but those won’t be light and I don’t know if they can handle those fish

[@joshuarogers4428]

What rod would you recommend for starting a kid (4-6 years) on? I want to take my son and daughter fishing sometime and was thinking the foxfire because of the small size and the triple zoom ability. But hearing that it may be a bit more difficult to cast, i am wondering if there is a better option to get for them.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

That’s a good question. I’ve never used a rod that would be intended for kids directly, but I don’t think the Foxfire would be a bad choice. You don’t want something too heavy or too stiff. You might want to check river peak Tenkara…. They make the “pop star” rod for kids. TAO sells them. Here’s a link taotenkara.com/?ref=gy9olrVC

[@seanerichumphreys5253]

I’d love to see you acquire a Nirvana 400 and do what you you do with it. Make a video catching nicer fish.🇺🇸

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Good idea! I will do that with some affiliate $$ when they become available.

[@jaredmoss7403]

Awsome video

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks! That was before the Ragnarok or talon mini though.

[@dontdoxmebro1780]

Where did you get your rod racks?

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

I made then.

[@quetzalrc]

I have the Mutant, I'm not satisfied and try to resell it.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Oh? What don’t you like about it?

[@quetzalrc]

@@tenkaraonthetrail mainly casting and fish handling.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Well, you should be able to resell it since it’s so popular. What rods do you like?

[@michaelbattin6717]

Kris Thank you for your service. If you were new to Tenkara and were using for backpacking. Would you choose the Mutant or Kaida ? Also Dragontail ask if I want a 10' furled line vs levl line. I don't know pro/con. Should I purchase a starter kit or do you recommend buying separate

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

The Kaida is definitely more convenient being a short rod when collapsed. Unless you need the added length of the Mutant when you’re fishing, I would go with the Kaida and a level line. Some folks prefer the furled line and it can be easier to cast for beginners, but I prefer lighter level lines for my style of fishing.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

I should have mentioned, the furled lines are great for wind, but harder to hold off the water if you are trying to nymph or use dry flies. They are also easier to see since they are thicker. I also have a link to DRAGONtail in my video description if you would like to support my channel, I do get a small kickback for that and it doesn’t cost you any more. If you have a discount code that will still work as well with my link.