Fishing the Most Expensive Tenkara Rod (Tenkara Fly Fishing)

In this video I fish one of the most beloved and respected high-end Japanese tenkara rods out there-and I have an issue with it.
DATE FILMED: May 2022
LOCATION: Idaho
GEAR USED
** SEE MORE INFO ABOUT MY FLIES AND GEAR HERE: tenkaraaddict....
** ROD: Tenryu Furaibo TF39TA
** LINES: 13-foot level line (#3.5) with a few feet of tippet
** FLY: Size 12 Idaho Killer Kebari
** NET: Medium Measure Net with rubberized net bag
OTHER LINKS
** Instagram (@TenkaraAddict): / tenkaraaddict​​​​​​
** My main KZbin channel (SUVRVing): / suvrving​​​​​​
** My other store: KamchatkaGear.com​​​​​​
#tenkara​​​​​​ #fishing​​​​​​ #flyfishing

[@backcountrylifemagazine6912]

The “click” is from an ill fitting rod blank…at one, or more of the joints, or junctions. You’ll get the same thing with bad fly rod blank. With a fly rod you can sometimes get at least a temporary fix by applying some extra ferrule wax, and pushing a little harder on the joint when assembling…..sometimes nothing will work. Wax may help with a tenkara…if you can figure out how to get it inside the joint. Probably need to take all the sections out of the handle, wax the bottom 1” of each, then reassemble..

[@awaken77]

The "click" is slight imperfection in sections alignment. I have no such thing in Furaibo TF39 (non zoom). But I have it in Dragontail Hellbender. In my observation, it doesn't affect rod castability or ability to fight fish. I landed few good size rainbows in Hellbender , and the rod didn't collapse or break

[@tenkaraintheiowadriftless]

Thanks Tristan! Tenryu, Oni, Riverworks...seems like I'm seeing a lot more information online about rods built for the wealthy 1%. For my part, with $540 I can cover a lot of different needs with multiple, quality rods and be perfectly happy. If I owned a Ferrari or Aston Martin, my amazement and joy with the high performance would always be offset with the constant fear of getting a ding, scratch, dent, or rock chip and a bit of guilt over the frivolous expenditure. I suspect I'd feel the same with one of these high-end rods.

[@carlosandreblatt]

Same for me.

[@grahvis]

Ditto.

[@robaldridge6505]

I'll never know... I've spent less than that several times for a CAR... LOL I'd love to fish with a super nice custom rod once or twice just so I could see if they are really worth the hype.. but I'd go right back to my $20 Tenkara CLUB.. LOL

[@TenkaraAddict]

I think it's helpful to first look at super expensive rods more for what they do or what they offer and to temporarily set the price aside. This is a super compact rod that fishes at 3 very common and useful lengths. Some people will pay a lot simply for those qualities, because they're what they want or need. There's no other rod like this at any price point in terms of collapsed length and available fishing lengths. Now add in the fact that it's a Japanese rod and it (ostensibly) casts better than other rods, and I think it's easier to understand why people would buy it at the current price. I've never fished with a Riverworks rod, but apparently they're made specifically for nymphing and are excellent at that. If you set aside the price, surely you can see why someone who is laser focused on nymphing with a tenkara rod would be interested in a rod that is specifically designed for that style of fishing. It might also be helpful to think of these high-end, specialized rods more as an expensive truck, van, or tractor than an expensive "regular car" like a Ferrari. They're specialized tools that offer features that certain people might want but simply don't tempt other people because they don't value those features. A big truck is going to be less appealing to you if you live in Manhattan. A Ferrari will be less appealing to you if you live in a cabin in the mountains in Montana.

[@carybertoncini596]

@@TenkaraAddict good points. And, yeah - if this Tenryu triple zoom is pretty good at all 3 lengths, and it is obiviously very compact, it would definitely seem to fill multiple need niches and could easily be someone's only rod for many different kinds of water/conditions.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

I enjoy hearing of people's generosity! Great start for a very nice video! The clarity in audio was super. The sound of moving water... I'm hard on any rod. Heck, driving back to N Ga from AZ the cargo box blew open and I lost a fly and a Tenkara rod. Wading pants and one sock/boot . Wind out there..and just because map says stream, creek, lake or tank means there's water there...🙄. Any video I can turn off closed caption and hear (and see) the creek...good presentation!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks Michael, I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@Willburden]

I’ve been fishing my Furaibo for about a year, and there is a small click, that I’m also aware of in other zoom rods from other manufacturers. That said, the casting accuracy is unparalleled, from my experience with a number of rods. It’s a small issue for me. I’m thinking it might be part of the way the zoom rods work, with the rubber gaskets for the butt section. I use this rod regularly, at all lengths. I think the fiberglass component is a plus. Right now, I’m using it alongside my dragon tail FoxFire and the duo suits a wide range of smaller stream scenarios here in the Sierra, and the Furaibo can handle larger fish well. Whether it’s worth the investment is up to the individual, no?

[@bobbybuglione5797]

Would be pretty crazy if you had to sand the joints of such an expensive rod, but unfortunately, I think that sounds like it's the most likely culprit out of the suggestions you mentioned (unless you really didn't fully extend it but that seems kinda hard not to do). I'd grab a flashlight and give each section's joint a really close look for a clear coat drip or something like that. You said you didn't connect with it in general - was that just a reflection of the "ticking" issue or did you not care for the flex, handle, etc? I'm curious what rods you DO connect with. Out of all of the rods I've tried (much less than you haha), I connect most with the Daiwa Sagiri 39MC.

[@robertmajor4904]

What a great couple of hours fishing! The rod, very unfortunate to know there is a click/tick in any piece of equipment, it takes away from the experience. I compare expensive rods to expensive bicycle gear, and if bike gear ticks it drives me nuts. Hopefully you can resolve the issue and more fully enjoy the rod. Have you looked at the threads on the bottom cap, is it seated properly, when lose I’ve had it click on a rod.

[@hangwind]

It’s cool to see you work your way through all the rods. I used both Furaibo a couple of years ago and could not keep them, nice rods but not my thing. I’ve landed in the Suimu after so many years. Anyway, keep at it, hope you are still having fun.

[@gokofly]

Thanks for trying out all these rods… from cheapy’s to Ferraris… so the rest of us don’t have too😉 (Rivers and creeks) Season opens up today out here in WA, so I better get out there!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Washington is the only western state I haven't fished yet. That'll change this year, I hope! Happy fishing 🎣

[@surfindodo]

Whoa, $540. Too steep for me. LOVE my Dragontail Tenkara 3.6 m 6:4. It's not adjustable but does the trick. Also, Do you really leave your tag end on your fly's that long ?? I guess the fish don't care..

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yes I do. You're right, the fish don't care. Sorry it offends you lol

[@thorstenrusch8652]

Nice fis. havent heard about Tenkara yet. But i´ll keep an eye on it. Ty :)

[@TenkaraAddict]

Give it a shot! It's a fun way to fish.

[@Steelertubeyou]

First, I love your videos. Perhaps I've missed it, but you were going to do a video on the net you use and other such equipment. Can you tell me what brand of net that is? Thanks

[@awaken77]

the rod looks fantastic, i do love it. it's like a magic sword. I got non-zoom version and it's about $315

[@mikestirewalt5193]

Those first fish aren't fish. I'm sure glad you them go. Those are bait fish, but what do I know. I grew up in Alaska. Lake trout, rainbows, the rest. It was illegal to even fish for immature and undersized fish . . . or maybe it was just illegal to keep them. Do you use barbless hooks? I don't know much about fly fishing. In lakes and streams I used lures. When commercial fishing, I used drift nets and crab pots. TMI, I know. Great videos, especially your other channel.

[@michaelsmith7193]

I always appreciate the beauty of the settings where you fish, and the quality of their wild fisheries. But I think I must admit to ambivalence about “high end” rods. I’ve been a fly fisher for more than sixty years. I have learned (the expensive way) that price and performance do not always coincide. I migrated to tenkara out of, well, some disgust with the world of conventional fly fishing. That world and its dedicated publications became all about the “merch.” I wouldn’t doubt the rod you fished in this episode might be an absolute delight. But I must note in passing that one of my favorite tenkara rods was a “cheapy” from the big online outfit with “prime” delivery. It seemed to have disappeared from its offerings a couple years ago. But it is a dream to cast. So, too, I have an old fiberglass fly rod from half a century ago that outperforms any glass fly rod I’ve purchased in recent years. I apologize for the length of this comment … my sum up: I just hope tenkara in this country doesn’t become as “grand” as conventional fly fishing.

[@TenkaraAddict]

I own 40 or 50 tenkara rods at this point. I've fished everything from $3 "tenkara" rods from AliExpress to $500+ rods. In general, the more expensive rods are better. They're lighter and more sensitive. But there are definitely exceptions. Price definitely doesn't mean quality. Thanks Michael.

[@carybertoncini596]

@@TenkaraAddict I'm really looking forward to your Prox Glam review - I think that is a pretty decent little rod :)

[@tommyb7340]

Looks like a great place! Nice job!!

[@bigron8346]

I just bought an Orvis zoom and a Dragon tail. I am a fly fisher and i want to start using my Tenkara rods do you have any advice? Thanks and i love your channel.

[@kats1978]

Posting video every Saturday, try several kind of water, not afraid of try new location, method or/and tackle. You deserve to receive this expensive rod sir.

[@まさゆき-n4e]

風来坊を使用しているのを見つけて視聴させてもらいました。テンカラの基本動作が出来ているとこのロッドは武器になるので使い続けて欲しいですね。川での釣りはどこの国でも良いものですね。

[@inotleks]

Idaho Killer Kabari. I am in Idaho and have not seen this fly yet. Any idea where I can get one?

[@storm4306]

Do you create tenkara video while you travel with the suv's

[@7Thunders777]

Do You ever eat the fish that You catch ?

[@ericintampa9352]

these areas are stunning. thanks.

[@carlosandreblatt]

It's a fancy rod for sure but i don't believe it's worth the money. I mean, don't believe it fishes 2 or 3 times better than the average tenkara rod. Anyway, nice vid, thanks for sharing your impressions on that one.

[@TenkaraAddict]

In general, I've found that the more expensive rods fish better than cheaper rods. Not all the time, of course. But price and quality are always subjective. Does a $200 rod fish 2 times better than a $100 rod? No. But is it better? Yes. All depends on whether that difference is worth it to you.

[@richardingraham6353]

When I feel that in a rod , I turn the section to a different aliment and it often goes away .😁

[@nospoon4799]

Yes I was thinking this. It is to do with the rod having a "spine" woven into it.

[@loekeyz1349]

Hi what camera do you use? Thanks

[@lesalbjerg5648]

Actually The Tenryu Furaibo TF 39 Becchou is the most expensive. Only 4 were imported to the United States. It is made from Nishijin weaved graphite. I love my Tenryu rods. Enjoy your channel!

[@MS-ux6fp]

Maybe you are wrong....

[@joebalvin4462]

Tenkara is truly an art form! That includes the equipment, especially the rods and the flies! I love your reviews and how you fish many different locations! I've fished that same stream and you are correct! The trout in there average on the small side but are very feisty! As always, thank you for what you do!

[@TenkaraAddict]

It's a fun stream for numbers! Lots of little trout in there. And as you said, feisty! Thanks Joe.

[@danielcallaway5650]

I would like to see how it performs on at least a1 pound trout instead of minnows.

[@rodc4334]

Boy, a $495 rod and you need to play with it to maybe get the parts to fit? Maybe do some sanding? Sounds like a major fail. Would maybe make sense for a $49.50 Amazon "special".

[@kellywalker9268]

Was there anything about that rod that made the extra $350 over other 15' rods worth it?

[@caleshtcincredibles]

Nice rod , nice fish good river looks like fun !

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks for watching!

[@amatepyoutube6996]

great video ... video how the rod structure works..great fishing. I also catch on this model... she is comfortable and her throws are accurate. But the model is TF39 ...it is more sensitive to the bite of fish and the blow goes into the hand and there are a lot of impressions .

[@TenkaraAddict]

I'd like to fish the TF39 at some point. Thanks for watching.

[@carybertoncini596]

​@@TenkaraAddict I will say that at least in the video, you seemed to stick pretty much every bite :)

[@Rikmonchann]

you should if you can get your hands on it, review the supreme tenkara rod

[@namaste597]

What rod is this ?

[@grahvis]

I have had a couple of rods where a joint didn't fit perfectly and it would feel like a knock as it was cast. wouldn't expect on a high priced rod though.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yeah, it's weird. Need to play around with it more and see if I can pinpoint the issue.

[@tomdwyer8974]

How do you carry your net? Do you have a cord attached to your net, or do you have it it a holster?

[@TenkaraAddict]

tenkaraaddict.com/how-i-attach-my-landing-net-to-my-backpack-tenkara/

[@RickMidds]

It’s a shame that a rod that expensive requires any extra work on it. So far I haven’t had any problems with my Nissin and Suntech rods.

[@mantismamba]

Nice video. I’m going to try tenkara fishing with a real bamboo tree with a piece of line tied to it.

[@TrevorHigbee]

The Yukon!

[@axemen77]

big one is a brown trout 6:14 time stamp

[@es0x]

hey man, have you ever tried for a trout "grand slam" getting 5 species in a day? I've been trying to get all 7 in a day, been a hell of a challenge

[@lesalbjerg5648]

Mine is a smooth as butter. I'm sorry you are having an issue.

[@Seedy446]

Are felt-soled boots illegal there?

[@TenkaraAddict]

I don't know. They are in certain places that I fish, so I have no interest in them because I don't want to have to worry about where they are and are not legal.

[@Seedy446]

@@TenkaraAddict fair enough.

[@carybertoncini596]

So in a gross overgeneralization of your review experiences: cheap tenkara rods aren't automatically awful, and expensive tenkara rods aren't automatically amazing. Granted, that still leaves a lot of room for difference between "awful" and "amazing." But I think it is also somewhat encouraging for those looking for a good rod at a reasonable price, because your reviews seem to suggest that somewhat often, that is the case. I think you must be almost ready to publish a guide to rods :)

[@nathanleeper4519]

Nice

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks 👍

[@MECH-MASTER]

👍

[@rudychavira5558]

Simplicity just left the room 500.rod

[@danielcallaway5650]

For that amount of money you would think Quality Control would be much better.

[@brianmyers157]

A big river today

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yep, bigger than what I usually fish. It's harder to find little creeks I haven't fished in the spring.

[@bucklundie]

For $540 you shouldn’t have to take apart and sand the paint.

[@richardpolidore1702]

Fishing boots are suppose to work good in water.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Lol right??

[@sonnyblu6299]

Can you do a video just using a Bamboo Pole? Compare it to this... I'm not being sarcastic... (Maybe a little) ;-)

[@davidhall8874]

With that rod you are paying for the name as it costs that much to put all those letters on the rod!

[@chadbranning4509]

Im so interested in this. U are more then welcome to hit me up. I live on the Delaware river in northeast pa. So many adventures here

[@jamesgaul3544]

Why on earth would you need to sand such a high-end rod???

[@TenkaraAddict]

To fix the issue with it

[@jamesgaul3544]

@@TenkaraAddict I think you missed my point. A 500+ rod shouldn't have any issues!! PS. I really enjoy watching your videos... thanks.

[@royramdeen8864]

Its not smooth all the way through... maybe because is more than $540.. overpriced for what it is.

[@freedomdove]

Take-away lesson: This rod isn't worth the cost. Lol.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

People like the rod because it cost so much you subconciously think it is a great rod. I'll stick with my Tenkara rod. LOL