Rigging a Tenkara rod - which line do I use?

In this video I discuss the Tenkara line that I use the majority of time.
Link to my previous on how I rig a tenkara rod (two fly rig):
• How I rig my tenkara rod
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[@RETCAP10]

After a few hours of watching videos by Tom and Tristan, I purchased my first (of probably too many) Tenkara rods. Level line has been my only type of line: started off with 3.5 Dragontail orange line, though have moved over to 3/3.5 green from Shimotsuke and Yamatoyo with a short section of Nissin #3 orange blood-knotted in for a sighter ~8-12” up from the tippet ring. In some of Tim’s later vlogs, he mentions tapering the line from 4 to 3.5 or 3.5 to 3. I will rig up a line and a back-up for my 360cm rod and test-drive it once the weather conditions factor the drive and hike to some preferred spots here in NOVA for some Brookies. Please keep making these videos, especially in the winter when most of us are stuck inside at the vise.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks Mitch..will do!

[@JS-ms5uv]

Tapered nylon lines from Fujino (Japanese) are what I’m using after trying most everything else. Usually orange, but for slow or very clear water, white (I can see it quite well, fish don’t against a bright sky). Line the length of the rod or a tiny bit less topped with 1 to 1 1/2 meter tippet. Casts great even with some wind, minimal sag. One line lasts a season (using a tippet ring). Pricey, but worth it. They’re made in lengths up to 10m, that tells you something about how they cast.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks JS. I have some of those as well.

[@quetzalrc]

Same for me, the Fujino soft tapered orange line.

[@notreelfishing]

I'm a big fan of using fly line backing usually 20# test as my mainline it's super cheap and can be treated easily or fished as is and it's a bit heavier than the flouro leaders but not as heavy as the furled leaders and not quite as stiff as the kevlar. Nice video btw and I noticed your channel is fairly new so welcome to KZbin always happy to see more tenkara or fixed line fishing in general anyways take it easy.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks! I’ve heard of some folks using backing, but haven’t tried it myself. I’m sure it would cast just fine, especially with the additional weight. Is it primarily a cost issue or do you see other benefits compared to level FC line? Do you have issues with it absorbing water? One last question, how are you connecting it to the Lilian?

[@notreelfishing]

@@tenkaraonthetrail I do a loop knot at both ends of the mainline that way I can retie a new tippet once my tippet gets worn or to short from losing flies to trees or snags or toothy fish and I use the loop at the top end to connect to the Lilian just like a furled leader and as far as water absorption it's not to much of a problem since I mostly fish subsurface but I have treated the line with floatant and it works really good but i normally don't take the time to do so and yeah I originally fished it because it's cheap one spool has lasted me two years and it's still in use. I use lvl line as well especially if it's super calm and I'm fishing dries which isn't very often but I do like lvl line for it's visibility but I do find the backing nice because it has no memory which is a bonus to me over the level line and I feel I can toss heavier flies with it over level line as well hope this all makes sense I do have a video on my channel on how I set up my rods but funnily enough I'm rigging it with lvl line but it's the exact same setup as the backing

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

@@notreelfishing thanks for the information!

[@rudychavira5558]

I'm probably like many, starting out with a shogun furled line still works good all around use paste on about 2 to 3 ft for drys works good, have alot to learn, but have no trouble with this, have level line and pvc light havent used yes

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

The furled lines cast well The level lines are much lighter and cause less line sag so it’s easier to keep off the water.

[@deakemarschall2992]

Looking forward to more tips and tricks as I need all the help I can get.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

More coming soon. Anything in particular you’re looking for?

[@deakemarschall2992]

@@tenkaraonthetrail As someone who has never done any type of fly fishing, I'm particularly interested in the basics; lines, knots, casting techniques, reading water, etc. I've been assembling my arsenal over the past month or so and Santa was also very good to me. so I've got the very basics. I'm sure my first time on the water will probably not be as enjoyable as I picture in my mind. But like anything new, investing the time to learn all the ins and outs usually is worth it. I'm just hoping I don't snap my rod or fall in the creek or drop my fly box. Your series has been very helpful. Thanks.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

@@deakemarschall2992 That’s fantastic! I plan on doing a video on “where to learn” things as well. For rod care and information, try Tenkarabum. Tenkara USA has some good basic information, but I don’t use the knots they describe. I use a simple slip knot for the lillian connection and then just clinch knots for the tippet ring and flies. For more detailed videos and explanations, Discover Tenkara is great. I would suggest using a single fly to get started rather than an additional dropper.

[@zzww9483]

Love your channel for all the great tips. I wonder what's the longest line length you have ever tried to cast? I am interested in using Tenkara backcountry alpine lakes. It would be great if you could share some videos on fishing in backcountry lakes.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

The longest line I’ve used is around 7m. I use a long nylon line for practicing and I also use a 7m floating line on alpine lakes. And yes….I will fish MANY alpine lakes in the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness starting in the spring! Take a look at my “new fly channel” video for more information.

[@terrygwilson9628]

Great video. Thanks. I am new to Tenkara, but a fly fisherman 40+years. Question: when 😅 dryfly fish, I want my line to float on top of the water. Can level line be fished this way? I am under the impression that level line sinks, only good for wet flys. Help me out with this, please. I 100% fish for bluegills and crappie on a wide river. Thank you Terry

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thank you! Level line is typically fluorocarbon and will sink slowly….nylon line is also an option but you may want to go full-on floating line (companies like dragontail sell floating Tenkara lines). I would also consider dry fly fishing while keeping the line off the water, which is what I do most of the time. Longer rods will help with that depending on the size of the water and casting room.

[@terrygwilson9628]

@@tenkaraonthetrail Thank you for the info on lines. I agree, floating level line is how I need to buy. For the little Tenkara casting I have practiced on water behind my house, keeping the line off the water is a good method. I agree with you. I am sure enjoying your videos. “I like the way you talk.” (I.e. Slingblade)

[@quetzalrc]

Best of the best is tapered horsehair line.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

It has stood the test of time, although I’ve never had the opportunity to try it.

[@Jim19826301]

opinion on using mason twine as the main line for tenkara?

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Never heard of it

[@kennethfriedl3428]

Is there a way to attach a furled line to your lilian without putting a stopper knot in it? I want to use a furled line on my new rod but I want to be able to completely disassemble it for thorough cleaning and maintenance as well.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

I’m assuming the furloughed line is prepared for a girth hitch. In that case I put the Lillian through the girth hitch twice and tighten the knot and it works fine for me without having to put a stop or not in the Lillian. Basically the same thing I do with a level line arbor knot

[@cotswolddroner7714]

I like your videos and they have helped me. That "cut to black" editing style after every sentence sort of wears me out, but otherwise great videos.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@RETCAP10]

After a few hours of watching videos by Tom and Tristan, I purchased my first (of probably too many) Tenkara rods. Level line has been my only type of line: started off with #3.5 Dragontail orange line, though have moved over to #3/3.5 green from Shimotsuke and Yamatoyo with a short section of Nissin #3 orange blood-knotted in for a sighter ~8-12” up from the tippet ring. In some of Tim’s later vlogs, he mentions tapering the line from #4 to #3.5 or #3.5 to #3. I will rig up a line and a back-up for my 360cm rod and test-drive it once the weather conditions factor the drive and hike to some preferred spots here in NOVA for some Brookies. Level line # for me is to match it to the personality of the rod. For a broad-brush: #3.5 for the standard 7:3 action; #3 for the standard 6:4. I’ve found that as I gain proficiency at casting the specific rod, I can move down in line number, and sometimes increase the line length. Please keep making these videos, especially in the winter when most of us are stuck inside at the vise.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks Mitch! I read about the tapered lines as well from Tom and Tenkarabum. I’m going to try some of those when I make long lines. I will continue to get out during the winter as often as I can. In fact I’m on my way to the river right now :-)