I Bought the Cheapest Tenkara Line on AliExpress (Tenkara Fly Fishing)

[@linnaecarlson4546]

I love that you never curse when you loose a fish. So refreshing to hear good clean language. Thanks, I love your videos. I fly fish but i jI just started to learn Tenkara fishing and I've learned a lot from your adventures.

[@oldgold5848]

I use permanent markers to draw stripes on level line to act as an indicator. Lime green or fluo orange or pink alternated with black work well. Part of the difficulty you may be having here is the bottom of the stream has orangey colours in it.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Sounds like a good solution. Thanks oldgold!

[@damianfenlon3326]

I have a spool of this line and agree with what you say. It´s also the in-house rebranded line of at least one American tenkara company. The line is actually really good if you fish dry flies with a tenkara rod, particularly for spooky fish. In this instance you are watching your fly for takes, not your line, and the clarity is an advantage.

[@TenkaraAddict]

That makes sense. Thanks Damian!

[@richardsager1723]

🎉 Always the best, Tristan! Godspeed.…

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks Richard!

[@alpinebreed1774]

I would love to see starter tenkara builds even just in the computer finding the best value options and building out kits.

[@jonclay1563]

Lately I've gone to a fluorescent green level 3.0 line and a pair of yellow polarized sunglasses and been very happy with ability to see it. Great looking stream and looked like a lot of fun for you. Thanks for the video.

[@TenkaraAddict]

I've only briefly used green level lines, but I'd like to try them out some more in the future. Thanks Jon.

[@Brunnen_Gee]

That's the line I use, same weight and color (they also have pink!). I paid less than that for it on Amazon. I don't really have issues with visibility, but then again I'm used to fishing ultralight gear with 2lb mono as my main type of fishing. That stuff is much harder to see than this level line. Plus, the kind of fish I catch with tenkara, you feel them hit. We have no trout around here, I'm catching bass and sunfish. On top of all that, the water around here is heavily stained all year (I fish in chocolate milk), so this color stands out on it. I've recently picked up some cheap fly fishing float line (WF2F, weight forward) to play around with, and that stuff is _amazing_ for tenkara. I used it once and then made a whole bunch of lines with it to have on standby.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Nice! I've fished with floating fly line on a tenkara rod but still found that it felt "heavy" compared to level line.

[@skookumjack]

Thank you, Tristan, for making these videos. The locations are different and very interesting. Most of all, I want to thank you for adding those arrows! It's starting to train the eye to your strikes. Keep doing what you're doing! Cheers from the UK 🇬🇧

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks, I'm glad you like them!

[@RickMidds]

Thank you for this informative video and the positive impact you bring to the Tenkara fishing community. 🙂🙏

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks Rick!

[@caleshtcincredibles]

beautiful stream and very pretty fish

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks for watching!

[@ericintampa9352]

I'm drawn to shallow water fishing. thanks Tristan. I appreciate it.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Me too! Thanks Eric.

[@tenkaraintheiowadriftless]

Thanks Tristan. Lovely creek and great action! I appreciate your trying out the inexpensive level line even knowing all of the Monday morning quarterbacks would miss the point and pummel you with recommendations. 😂

[@TenkaraAddict]

Lol yep, that's part of the gig 😁

[@markb9347]

Spectacular stream. Great fishing. I think I need to give this a go. Thanks for sharing these!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks for watching!

[@leemowers9395]

Thanks Tristan for sharing, a great creek, an average cheap line. Are you getting your fly boxes refilled with this colder weather?

[@blackflycreations]

Another great video Tristan! Is the Zen Tenkara Suzume rod made in Japan? I couldnt find an accurate answer online. Anyways always enjoy both your channels & good to see you here in the mountains of Utah! Take care my friend! Steve ✌️

[@robertkemp622]

From a video back in August 2019 as you described the Suzume, among the mooing cows, and gave Tom Davis's comments about it, I decided that the lack of complete disassembly would prevent me from buying one, and I decided to seek an alternative. In the Teton Tenkara archive, I found the Rhodo review by Tom from December 10, 2013, and I decided that it would be my rod, just as you selected the Suzume based on Tom's recommendation. I have fished it a lot, and I like it, but the Rhodo has fallen by to be replaced by even slimmer and more flexible rods like the beautiful little rods from Tanuki and the sub-one ounce Nissin Air Stage Hakubai. But here in Maine I have a lot more brush and trees than you do out west, and I more often FEEL the fish than see it in our tannin-stained waters in the east. And frankly I don't run into many nine-inch brookies, either, so the whippiness of the rod isn't an issue. 270 cm and 320 cm are the upper rod limits for most of my fishing places. But you've heard me go on about this before. Beautiful creek and good video, as usual.

[@TenkaraAddict]

The Suzume feels light and snappy in a way the Rhodo doesn't for me. I still do like the Rhodo. The Tanuki Golden Trout is an awesome little rod, though.

[@kend1053]

I didn't realize it was you adding the arrows. I thought it was the fish showing you where to throw the fly. Well, that makes more sense😉

[@jayfishing8764]

Air nya jernih sekali bisa strike ikan

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yep, very clear water

[@robertperman8967]

Another nice stream👍👍👍👍

[@rayhoskins4478]

Great small creek fishing.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks Ray

[@FishingThemeMagazineCovers]

Tristan, I use this HI-VIS IL with my TENKARA, and works like a charm with Trout and Panfish sighting takes ZEBCO CRAPPIE FIGHTER HI-VIS ORANGE AND YELLOW, 4LB LINE, FOR CRAPPIE POLE REEL

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks, I'll look into it 👍

[@ianjones6910]

On my favorite stream in the Smokies, I notice that the trend is for the brook trout to get darker and more distinctly marked the further upstream I go. The NPS has done a number of stream restorations in GSMNP, removing rainbows and re-introducing brookies. At first, they took brook trout from several different streams to place in a restored stream; they discovered that the trout would only spawn with others from their "home" stream - the populations were that isolated from each other....so, now they capture brookies from one source stream to use in a restoration.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Huh, that's interesting! Almost like they're sub-subspecies on a micro scale. Thanks Ian.

[@georgepretnick4460]

Fantastic video.. The fishing was very good, but I thank you for explaining your line/tippet/knot indicator method. I'm a little vision challenged, so seeing 'takes' is difficult.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks for watching!

[@janwestphal8047]

There are many ways to enhance visibility: keiryu markers or indicators from the euro nymph people or of course the quality furled lines from Dragontail - you can't NOT see them. I switched to furled some time ago and never looked back.

[@TenkaraAddict]

I have a pretty strong dislike for furled line, but I'm glad you like it!

[@rockmunkey1981]

We have trouble getting tenkara line in the UK. I've been looking at this thinking maybe an indicator wax to help see the line better. Have you ever used a #2.5 level line?

[@PaleoDan33]

I recently found your channel and have been really enjoying your videos and the information you share. I just underwent a knee replacement so having all these new (to me) videos to watch is pretty great! My question for you is the following: I am on the east coast and found Tenkara about 2 years ago. I had previously fly fished with traditional fly rods but am really enjoying the simplicity and technique that goes into Tenkara. I do tie my own flies so that is also a great way to spend some time. I purchased a Tenkara Rod Co Beartooth rod and have been enjoying it. It extends to 10 ft and has a 6:4 action. I am looking for my next rod and want something longer - What would you next rod purchase be if you were in my place? Thanks again for all the great videos and sharing what you know.

[@PaleoDan33]

I just ordered the Nisshin Royal Stage Tenkara 400 (7:3) from Tenkara-ya and should get it in a couple weeks, can't wait to try it out.

[@carlosandreblatt]

I began using nylon lines (low memory flúor coated ones) just because they are cheap and readily available at any fishing store. Also in terms of visibility they have much more sólid and bright colors than the fluorocarbon ones.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks Carlos, I'll have to check those out 👍

[@michaelsmith7193]

I quite agree - line visibility is essential. Thanks for the review. Was so hoping to see more native cutthroat, however. And I sort of gathered you were, too. Is Utah expanding its efforts in native trout restoration?

[@TenkaraAddict]

They've done a pretty good job in the past several decades with bringing Bonneville cutthroat trout back from the brink of extinction and restoring them to their native range. They're in hundreds of streams now. Not sure what their current efforts are like.

[@hamishwilson7547]

Great video Tristram. Thanks. I am wondering on your thoughts on Beavers. Here in the UK they are being re-introduced but it is controversial. Do you feel they benefit trout habitat and the rivers generally? Thanks

[@TenkaraAddict]

Absolutely. I fish a lot of beaver ponds, and they're great places to fish because they're great trout habitat. I wouldn't want to fish ONLY beaver ponds (they're almost TOO easy to catch fish out of sometimes), but it's my understanding that they're good for the local ecosystem. I read an excellent book a few years back called Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. Talks extensively about how they're beneficial to the area.

[@kenjohnston2176]

Tristan, Hello from Ken in Australia here, thank you for another fantastic video, what an amazingly beautiful spot you fished today. Just a couple of questions, firstly are the Brooke trout you catch an invasive species? secondly are you able to shere where you get your wadders from please? Kind regards, Ken

[@dvdschaub]

Brook trout are native to the eastern United States, but were introduced into the west where they are now considered invasive species. Unfortunately, they out-compete native western species like cutthroat and bull trout.

[@TenkaraAddict]

They're not native to this area, but they were planted/stocked on purpose back in the day because it was thought they were better game fish. For waders, I use the Chota Tundra Hippies here.

[@peters7025]

I bought this exact same line. Premium tenkara lines have become difficult to source in the UK and are getting ridiculously expensive. Maxcatch products have generally been very good value but I have to agree with the poor visibility of this line. It also fades very quickly. Flurocarbon is very difficult to dye

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks for sharing, Peter

[@agilwolfess]

I like that line. Thanks for sharing. Used with a strike indicator should work? This line won't be visible to the fish which is good 🙂

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yep, that would work, but I'm not really interested in using strike indicators.

[@stephencarroll3377]

Another great video 👍 May have saved me some money..I'll stick to Dragontail Lines

[@TenkaraAddict]

I've found the Dragontail branded lines to also be semi-transparent. The Oni lines are much better (more solid color), IMO.

[@davidschroeder9650]

Try tying a small plastic bead at the end of the line for visibility

[@TenkaraAddict]

👍

[@grahvis]

I once had a 'stealth' flyline that was dark grey and very difficult to see compared to the green ones I usually used. I only actually used it once.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Huh, interesting. Gray would certainly be tricky to see!

[@stinkyfish6175]

Great videos, I've been watching your videos daily as I'm about to embark on tenkara fishing. I'm very confused about lines. I have a bass fishing background, so my understanding of lines, responses, and uses sort of contradict the way they are used in tenkara. So I'm hoping you can clear something up for me. I hear a lot of talk about fluorocarbon level line, and I realize that it probably is easier to cast because of the weight to diameter ratio. But I thought the object to tenkara was to keep the line out of the water, doesn't that same weight make it hard to keep from sinking? And am I to assume most of the tippets are mono? Can I use any old say, 4lb mono? Thanks again for the great videos, I really can't wait to start this style of fishing, we have a lot of nice rivers, streams, and brooks here in Maine that I want to get on.

[@TenkaraAddict]

I'm not entirely sure of what you're asking. Fluoro level line sinks slowly. But when you keep the line off the water, it doesn't matter how fast or slow it sinks. Level line is much nicer to cast, IMO, and that's why I fish with it. Tippets can be mono or fluoro. I use mono because it's cheaper and degrades faster in the environment than fluoro. I use 5x tippet, so I'm guessing 4 or 5 lb mono or similar could also be used as a tippet, if that's what you're asking, but I've never done it.

[@stinkyfish6175]

@Tenkara Addict Yeah, you answered my question just fine. The fluoro doesn't sink because you keep it off the water with the rod, I get it. Thank you.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Beautiful spot

[@TenkaraAddict]

It really was!

[@mvsc-k5e]

I have this line. I used a backing barrel sighter on the level line above the tippet knot (clipping off the tag ends). The resulting “dot” is very visible. Not sure if it spooks fish or not.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks Arthur 👍

[@FrankLadd]

Interesting. I just use a length of floating fly line.

[@timpus72]

Did you see the fins on that one? Almost looked like char

[@TheNeoMetric]

its not a rubber net but i am jealous of that net. i don't see it on Amazon

[@brian1204]

I wonder …. Have you ever thought about a rod holder on you belt, instead of laying the rod down on rocks, etc? Perhaps you’re not as clumsy as I, but I’d be afraid of stepping on it, etc!

[@kurtjohnson7465]

I got a rod holder for Christmas, can’t wait to use it. I’ve broken a rod before!,

[@TenkaraAddict]

Nope, I haven't. Maybe I'll get one to try out.

[@maknifeandrods7701]

Have you ever use real fly line to make fly line for Tankara.

[@TenkaraAddict]

I've used floating fly lines that some tenkara companies sell. I've never made my own.

[@Thorny-Fishin]

I am new to Tenkara. I always thought that the more transparent the line the better so your comments surprised me. How log of a leader do you use to not spook the fish with the colored line?

[@Esoxfan]

He said about 3 feet

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yes, I use 3 feet of tippet, as the other commenter said. If you're keeping your line off the water, it doesn't matter much how visible it is to fish, IMO.

[@bluejacket645]

Tristan, if you wanted to improve the visibility of the line you might want to try a colored wax (Skafers) the Euro guys use for their sighters, Just a small amount placed on the tippet-to-line junction would suffice as a nice, unobtrusive indicator. I can be easily removed with a small cloth or paper towel if desired. Great video by the way!

[@grahvis]

I got some of that stuff a while back, it looked good but due to a combination of age health and Covid restrictions, my fishing came to an abrupt end before I could try it.

[@bluejacket645]

@@grahvis Sorry to hear this. Maybe when you are feeling better you'll decide to go out and give it a try.

[@grahvis]

@@bluejacket645 . Thanks for the thought, unfortunately I am 80 now and just don't have the walking ability any more. Frustratingly I had bought a tenkara outfit and used it on the last but one day I fished, Though I've fished in every type of water, sea and fresh, the sort of fishing Tristan does is my favourite.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Interesting! Something to try out in the future. Thanks for watching.

[@scottbaker2495]

Do u carry bear spray on your adventures

[@jerrythomas7792]

Tristen says it depends on where he is fishing.

[@scottbaker2495]

@@jerrythomas7792 OK thanks just have never seen it on him. But I know he is in grizzly areas occasionally

[@davido3570]

Don’t use fluorocarbon for level line! It’s such an unnecessary evil, it’s half life is vastly longer than mono or even nylon. All the level line is for is to load the rod, and that can be had with other materials. I try to limit my usage of fluorocarbon because of this.

[@TenkaraAddict]

I haven't found other lines to cast as well as level lines 🤷‍♂

[@tor-arnemathiassen9278]

With better quality level line would a western style indicator be worth it?

[@brian1204]

Indicators are generally only for nymphing in larger/deeper rivers. It would likely just spook fish in this shallow water.

[@TenkaraAddict]

I don't really see a need for a strike indicator if I can see the line better.

[@MJGEGB]

Wish you'd made this video sooner. I don't even have to watch it to know your impressions will be bad. It's junk, ask me how I know lol.

[@TenkaraAddict]

I thought it fished fine, it's just hard to see

[@MJGEGB]

@@TenkaraAddict you've got more experience than I do. I picked it up to give level line a try and it might as well be clear the tint is so faint. So I picked up some dragon tail and on top of being much more visible it seems to cast better and have a different feel to it. It could all be in my head. I tossed some 20 lbs mono on a cheap 210 rod to play with my cats and it casts fine as well.

[@Garnetttt]

Fluorocarbon is not a solution to everything.. Leaves memory and is hard to cast.

[@TenkaraAddict]

I find it much easier to cast than other types of line. The memory isn't an issue if you take literally 20 seconds to stretch it out by hand before you fish with it.

[@wilbertolugo8700]

hey throw that line in the trash. yea do that tight lines always.

[@jaycegarner1289]

This video just shows the negative effect brook trout in the west are having on the native fish population.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yep, that's nothing new

[@logannewman4532]

I can see the line in most of your videos. Not this one.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yep, I thought that'd be the case. Thanks Logan!