This Is the Best Super-Cheap ($60!) Tenkara Rod I've Tried (Tenkara Fly Fishing)

[@TenkaraAddict]

Here's the Amazon link for the rod. Act fast because you guys tend to snap up these cheap (but good) rods pretty quick! amzn.to/3BR8H5N (Links to the rod on Walmart, AliExpress, and more are also in the video description. Be sure you double-check the stats of the rod you're getting. There are several variants of this rod, and I can only vouch for the one I used here-9 ft, 10 sections, 6:4.)

[@noyopacific]

Four hours after this video became public these rods are gone! Maybe I should become a Patron so I might get notified before these videos become public? Good video Tristan!

[@TenkaraAddict]

@@noyopacific I don't have a Patreon, so that would be difficult lol.

[@BenKickert]

The Walmart Link still has the 12' rod in stock

[@Brisco_County_Jr]

@@TenkaraAddict Loving the videos. Taking up fly fishing this year and happened upon your channel. This has me intrigued. Looks like these are long gone. Next size up is 10'8" 9 sec. Definitely want to try this out.

[@jonpaul748]

I pulled the trigger on this, but can't find any info on shortest fishable length.

[@gregorygaunt9353]

I bought this rod and used it for the first time a couple days ago. It didn't go well. The very large 20"+ trout snapped it as I was about to land it. I have it on video. I switch to a fly rod and netted several without a loss.

[@davemontgomery2543]

As one of the folks who recommended this rod to Tristan, I can wholeheartedly concur with his recommendation. I bought one quite a while ago and have fished with it all year, mine is the 9' brown one with a EVA handle. I bought it as a cheap 9' to try out and essentially fell in love with it. I've caught TONS of fish with it, in lots of tight places. I've caught browns up to 16" and one cut-bow at 17", which this rod handled with ease. It casts great, is super compact, and is a joy to fish with. When I saw (many months ago), that this was getting harder to actually buy, I actually bought two more.....one that stays in my hiking pack so that I always have a rod with me even when I wasn't planning on fishing, and the other as a someday-backup for if&when my original eventually breaks or something happens to it. Also, one day (after I decided that I love having a 9' rod around) I figured I should still buy a "real" 9' higher quality rod. So, I bought a Tanuki Pocket Ninja. Yes, I actually now use it the majority of the time and it is "better", but honestly the Aventik is REALLY close, and a heck of a lot less expensive (I mean jeez, you can even buy it at Walmart!!!). If you can find one of these in stock, get it. WELL worth it in my streams.

[@MoeBergOSS]

Thanks for the info and insight

[@509bunnyhaven]

Also have the 9' version that I keep in rotation and have fallen back in love with it after using an 11'-12' tenkara rod in the same streams. I had to wrap my handle with work handle bar wraps for it to fit my XXL hands but it was well worth it. Last. Thing to note, the company is really great to deal with on returns or warranty issues, broke the tip, contacted them about buying a handful of tips so I can keep it in rotation for the next couple years and they sent me an entirely new rod with case and didn't charge me a cent. I have two now and my son uses the 2nd one when we go camping. Great rod, great price, great company!

[@canyonsal]

Thank you Tristen for your channel and for introducing me to Tenkara fishing. I bought this rod (my first) and have fished several places in the eastern Sierra this year with surprising success. When I ran across your channel I instantly realized I found an angler who loves lively, small water as much as I do. And thanks to you I now have an effective way to fish these magic places. Traditional fly fishing has always intimidated me. Tenkara is the perfect match.

[@ihikefar]

I picked up the green version of this rod for $43 on Amazon. Same specs. Yeah the white one looks like a PVC pipe. I’d get laughed off the creek casting that thing.

[@scottgordon954]

After watching some of your videos I decided I needed to try Tenkara fishing this year. Didn't want just cheap junk and not get a real honest opinion, but also didn't want to drop a lot of cash on something I might not like doing. So... after watching this video, I ordered one (except in green because I agree the white looks cheap.) Came in today and can't wait to get out and try it out. Thank you for an honest review and giving us noobs a decent, yet cost-effect option to break into Tenkara.

[@BenKickert]

I like your style when it comes to justifying rod purchases. I am going to have to give it a shot. "If this comment gets 2 likes, I will buy more fishing gear." Come on folks... give me a reason to expand my arsenal!

[@BenKickert]

Thanks everyone! I have a Dragontail Mizuchi in route as we speak!

[@hlam9452]

I got this rod in brown to try out Tenkara. Pretty happy with it. Been out twice and landed a 6" brookie. Came with braided line but put on a 10' 15 to 8lb mono line. Seemed to work with 3ft of 4x. Nice to keep in the backpack!

[@vahikertrash543]

Just ordered this rod in brown thanks to this video. My favorite rod which is nothing special is 9' for tight streams here in VA. I'd been looking at the Tiny Ten and similar but don't like the idea of always using the bow and arrow cast. We will see how it works out. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. The weight is pretty attractive as well.

[@Afro408]

Great catch on that rod! 👍👏 at 05:23 I was also looking at the amazing grain in that big flat rock at top left. 😁

[@bbtb785]

I suggest Gamma Grip (tennis/pickleball) to build up the grip - works great!

[@MrDalebenberger]

That looks like a great entry level rod for someone like me. I’ve got many fly and bait rods, but all the tiny creeks I normally avoid, this type of fishing would be perfect for.

[@alineradventureswithsimons79]

I had it in my cart but lost it when I was adding some other items. I was too slow in setting that hook.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Hahahaa! Spoken like a True Angler! Hahahaa! Thanks for the belly laugh!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Sorry to hear that!

[@skeating2818]

I have the same rod. It is a good compact rod with nice action. Great that it comes with extra tip.

[@tylerclause2772]

I had never heard of tenkara fishing until I came across your videos. Awesome content 👏.. Can't wait to see more

[@eugenewalk4601]

Been using that for a couple of years nice little rod. They also send an extra tip section to!

[@joebalvin4462]

I have two of the 9 footers and love them! Mine came with extra tip section as well. I have the brown and camouflage versions!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Nice! Yes, I believe mine also came with an extra tip section. Nice little rod.

[@Bobman4671]

You should still get the 12’. It’s a real dream to cast with though I’ve only cast more budget rods. The brown rod has a 1950’s feel that is awesome.

[@daleclark6990]

I’m very interested in trying Tankara fishing and would like to see a full view of you catching and releasing fish,ie your stance, how you use the net and release the fish. Your truly a remarkable fisherman. Thanks, I found your fishing videos from watching your SUV RVing videos. Love them. I live in northern Utah and have lived in Idaho.

[@robertkemp622]

Finally. A rod you recommend that I can resist buying! It would have to be extraordinary to excel over my Nissin Pocket Mini V3 300 6:4, though the mini doesn't really seem as flexible as a true 6:4. Dr. Tom lists the mini's larger brother (360 cm) as a 17-penny rod and I think the 300 is also at least that flexible. I suppose one gets to the point that one finally has more rods than one can fish comfortably (or less time to fish them all easily). And I remember that in your July 27, 2019 equipment review you had had only 3 rods. Back then, you had recently sold your Wild Waters 12 footer (which I still have and, by the way, took to Iceland to fish for arctic char). I continue awaiting the FoxFIRE zx280 rod from the Kickstarter campaign, due sometime in December. That will be my final tenkara rod. It will be the first rod I use in spring 2022 in the mountains of western Maine.

[@andrewbacon3583]

I have the Nissin Mini 270 and it's my favorite rod I own.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yeah, I have a couple dozen rods at this point. Definitely more than I can fish regularly!

[@BenKickert]

@@TenkaraAddict What is your default rod at this point?

[@christopping5876]

Hi, have you tested the longer version of this rod yet?

[@noryaa4194]

Have yu tried using those tenkara rods for largemouth bass I caught some good ones using 20lb mono using an 8' bamboo rod with whole large earthworms (entire worm on the hook) on heavy wire bronze 5/0 J-hook. One split shot right above the hook.

[@sam-ww1wk]

Fyi, neoprene has to fit tight to work. If not the cold water gets in and all the neoprene does at that point is hold the cold. I've never had luck with off brand neoprene for this reason.

[@markhumphrey8894]

Bought one . 9ft. Walmart. Eva handle. Can't wait to use on brown trout in Oswego,ny

[@John-ve3gg]

Great video looks like great little stream and some awesome fish. I like the rod..I don't have never tried tenkara but this looks like a great little rod to start with. I put it on my wish list! Thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@RickMidds]

Excellent Tenkara video as usual Tristan. I love how you mark the point in the water right before the fish bites. By the way I just picked up the white one on eBay for $55. There are 10 left as of 5 min. ago. They also have brown & camouflage. As cheap as the white looks it makes sense to me that it would be less obvious for fish to be spooked by the rod because it blends in with the sky above.

[@kryan318]

bought the camo one on ebay. never arrived. was shipped/ moved back and forth never left china. 2 months later still no rod and no refund from them. claim with paypal pending

[@RickMidds]

@@kryan318 That’s the exact same thing that happened to me! I placed my order on Nov. 7th using PayPal. I put in a claim directly w/eBay on Jan. 3rd and was refunded a few days later. The sellers name is: “riverrunsfishing” unfortunately I cannot leave a unsatisfactory rating for him on eBay to warn others as too much time must have passed to allow me to post feedback on the purchase.

[@patrickstjean7646]

Not only does that white color make the rod look like a cheap piece of pvc pipe, but you have to assume it spooks fish too. That bright white reflecting sunlight as it whips around must make quite a flash sometimes

[@peters7025]

Aventik seem to make pretty decent gear. I have a couple of fly lines that were cheap but perform really well and I've heard good reports of some of their fly rods. That stream has a really good average size of fish for such a small one. Wish it was near me!

[@jimsmith9867]

Well your over 800 likes. Can't wait to to see the review of the bigger rod.

[@burtmurry1690]

Looking to try tenkara out here in Washington St. This looks perfect.

[@michaelsmith7193]

Thank you for this review - looks like a worthwhile little rod for smaller waters. Yes, looking forward to a review on the 12’ Rod. Interesting stream, by the way, but that pipeline? Seemed a bit jarring at first. But the creek held plenty of fish!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Lol yep, I certainly would prefer that the pipe not be there. Still a good stream!

[@lucasjedwards]

I just bought the rod for only $45 on Amazon through your affiliate link! They're offering a 25% off coupon with it right now! Thanks!

[@Bookgirl1974]

You must have got the last one! 😀 They're sold out now.

[@lucasjedwards]

@@Bookgirl1974, it said that there were 9 available when I bought it. I looked like 10 minutes later and it was down to 5 so they were going fast!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Awesome! I think you'll like it 👍

[@dolbydarma]

Sold out.

[@covetthecamper2289]

Looks a lot like the slightly shorter Tenkara Rod Co. White Cloud. (Which I don’t love) I just purchased the DragonTail Mizuchi a couple of weeks ago after watching some of your videos. I really like that rod. A much better feel. Happy fishing.

[@RyanGr33n]

I agree about white fishing rods… BUT, this may have just been added to my Christmas list! 😄

[@TenkaraAddict]

For $60, I'll overlook an ugly color scheme 😁

[@rustydespain]

Paint with can of spray paint any color you desire!

[@thecumbriaflyfisher7704]

Looks a great rod for an introduction to Tenkara. Not available any more unfortunately Loved the film and the location.

[@billvenne1198]

As always another great video!

[@iflanzy]

Right before you mentioned the color of the rod, I was thinking to myself "If you say this rod is good, then maybe the only bad thing is it's white. White just screams cheap to me." And then you basically said that exact thing.

[@TenkaraAddict]

It comes in brown and I think a camo version, too. Even those don't look great, but I think they're probably better than the white.

[@grahvis]

Nice stream, lovely fish.

[@aquanoun]

Thanks for the suggestion, Tristan. How would you compare to the Tiny Ten 2 and which do you prefer?

[@TenkaraAddict]

Never fished the Tiny Ten 2, so I can't compare. Sorry!

[@carlperry5932]

How do you land a big fish , without giving line when they run?

[@garrettvelkjar3136]

You can use the leverage to ‘turn’ the fish when they run, and you may have to physically move your feet as well.

[@DeeMoback]

Yup.....I got 4 of them.....good little rod

[@Ericidryfly]

Just ordered the Brown one from Walmart. Will be perfect for my Sierra backpacking trips.

[@TenkaraAddict]

It'll be a great little backpacking rod. Thanks for watching, Eric.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Every time I come across a pipeline along side a stream it's lead to a fish hatchery. N. Ga anyways. But currently near Puhrump NV. Come down through Colorado Utah/Idaho corner. Really decent review Tristan! And the stream!! I may have to backtrack.... Hey! Maybe do some reviews with cold weather fishing clothing. Like gloves, boots and waders.

[@TenkaraAddict]

There is no hatchery in this area, but I'm not entirely sure what the pipe was for. Possibly as a water supply line for the town below at some point.

[@bradrtorgersen_videos]

I really, really need to explore northern Utah's "small water" more. I hardly ever do. Love seeing this many fish produced by that modest of a creek.

[@FlyfishermanMike]

Most canyons have a little creek full of fish!

[@williamconway5660]

Thanks , put it on my Xmas wish list!

[@stevewalcott9546]

Great video as always!

[@MrBillyReubin]

Thanks for all the great content!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks for watching!

[@Jim19826301]

They changed the color to brown now! I'm gonna get one of the 9ft!

[@yoghik]

Hi Tristan, thanks for sharing. Have you had any chance to use the 12ft version?

[@TERRYBIGGENDEN]

Great fish there! :-)

[@donsmith8827]

I appreciate the videos, Tristan. Because of you I am going to try tenkara this year, and I bought two of these Aventik rods. I'm excited to try these out. Also, I'm heading to Utah mid-March for a few day. Do you have any recommendations of where to try tenkara while in Utah? Bringing my daughter as she's also interested in learning tenkara!

[@carlosandreblatt]

A friend of mine has the 12ft one and he likes it better than other chinese cheap me too tenkara type rods he owns

[@TenkaraAddict]

Glad to hear that he likes it! Thanks Carlos.

[@donaldkato650]

Which did you prefer, this one (Aventik Tenkara rod 9’ IM12 Nano 10 sec 6:4, white) or the Tenkara Zeno 9’, 10 sec, WY Series (yellow) that you fished in another video?

[@michaelshuman3319]

Those were some nice big fish . I'm always amazed how these fish can survive in those tiny streams ! That rod looks like a nice one . Just checked and all sold out 😪 Great vlog

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks Michael!

[@punchmeibleed1331]

Love your videos your so chill thanks for all the interesting content. Whats the biggest you have landed on a tenkara rod?

[@TenkaraAddict]

A couple of 18-inchers

[@TheDude1776]

This rod is still out of stock unfortunately. Between the Aventik 10' rod and the 10'8 Aventik rod, would you have a recommendation? Both 6:4 action and 10 sections.

[@sebastianseguel5330]

Guuuuauuu amazing fishing!!! Genius !!! Y love your videos from argentina !

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks Sebastian!

[@rockmunkey1981]

I have only dabbled in a little fishing over the years. For fishing for wild brown trout would the white colour make it more visible to trout vs a black coloured rod? Seen a good deal on a mini tenkara rod on amazon

[@bbtb785]

Great video of a solid introductory rod. Note: currently unavailability on Amazon :(

[@zacharyporter1806]

should i buy a rod like this as a someone who has never tried this style of fly fishing your a rod like the sawtooth? im just looking for a light and playful rod for small creek fish i also want something reliable. if you have any pointers and what rod i should get that would be awesome thank you.

[@Catcher777]

Greetings. I want to buy my first tenkara. Please help me understand. What is the optimal weight for a 13 foot blank?

[@smorrow0816]

What kind of line are you putting on your rods?

[@ponycarguy]

Just got mine the other day! For $46 from aliexpress along with one of their pocket nano rods. They both are nice! Cool little rods! Great video!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Nice, congrats on the new toys!

[@anaechenique7513]

Hi are you in LCC or BCC ? Asking as I see the water pipe. Whereabouts are you thanks

[@herphermits]

I'm gonna get this rod... Will a 12lbs fluoro mono be good enough for this? 12lbs Sufix fluoro leader then tip it with a 6lbs fluoro end, is this a good combo?

[@ColmanNo3]

Hi Tristan, have you bought the 12ft Aventik IM12 and tested it so far? I’m curious for your review… greets from Belgium, Steven

[@TenkaraAddict]

I have fished with it. It's not very good. The short one is way better

[@matthewmcbride28]

Hi. I'm a total noob waiting on this to be delivered. Should I start with 5x tippet? Any advice much appreciated

[@Isheian]

See. I’m interested in a tenkara pole, but if most of what is caught isn’t legal to keep what’s the point? I know some people fish for the fun and do catch and release but I always intend to eat what I catch. I fish and hunt for food not just the fun of the process.

[@EvilBlonde1]

Tristan, when you fish the other States.. do you buy Non-Resident Fishing Licenses by the day , week or an Annual permit ? I haven't bought a license in decades but I do have a Utah Lifetime permit... looking at that Wyoming Slam and Idaho is not far away and I learned to fish on Idaho streams.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Depends on the state and how often I'll be there in a year. This year I have annual Idaho (where I'm a resident), Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada licenses and bought either single day licenses or 2/3-day license for the other states I fished.

[@robaldridge6505]

nice creek, great fish, good job Mr. Tenkara Whisperer... do you ever keep/eat any of your fish ??

[@TenkaraAddict]

Nope. I didn't grow up eating fish, so I never acquired a taste for it.

[@robaldridge6505]

@@TenkaraAddict Miss Cassie doesn't eat fish either ??

[@googledew]

Just curious, have you done the big brother rod yet?

[@Rekmeyata]

The problem with this rod is that a replacement piece is $40 PLUS shipping BOTH ways, that's as much as a new rod from them! Dragontail sells their replacement pieces for just $7 plus shipping, while the Dragontail does cost more, not only is it a better rod, but in the long run it would cost less with the cheaper replacement pieces.

[@HappyLummox]

Which nets are you using? Looks nice.

[@harbordetail6852]

Looking to get my first tenkara, normally fish small creeks for 6-8" max. Would this be a good one for little guys too or would you go lighter? Normally like to fish drop pools with rocks as everyone. Thanks open to advice from anyone!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yes, this would be a good rod for that 👍

[@XA1985]

Is the rod durable tho or it will break easy?

[@eduardohidalgo9802]

I’d like to use this at my nearest trout river. While there are many small trout, a large trout is not uncommon. How would something like this tenkara rod handle an 18+ in. fish?

[@TenkaraAddict]

I wouldn't fish with this rod if I were likely to catch 18 inch fish.

[@eduardohidalgo9802]

@@TenkaraAddict that’s fair enough, thank you for your response 👌🏽

[@robertwest7197]

Hi, would you recommend this as a first rod and will this rod last with proper care? I’m far from new to fly fishing but see some fun in trying some tenkara in my local streams. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[@ringerheringa3052]

Do you use barbless hooks? The fish seem to come (too ) easy.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yes

[@SkepticalRaptor]

I curious about something. Why aren’t these streams, creeks and rivers where you fish on your Adventure Know How website? I’d love to go to some of the places where you fished. Or are you keeping it all secret? If it’s on your website, can you point me to it? Thanks!

[@BenKickert]

Fishermen rarely disclose where they fish.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yeah, I don't disclose stream name or locations. In part it's because I'm selfish and want them all to myself with as few others as possible, but it's also because people would be less inclined to tell me about their good spots if they knew I'd share them with the world.

[@fishingthelist4017]

Every trout fishing group that I keep up with has a no stream name rule for small creeks that would not be able to handle too much pressure. Since I live in the South, that rule mainly applies to little blueline creeks that hold Brook Trout because of their restricted range.

[@kenneth4992]

Like number # 750. 10 to go for the 12 foot rod. LOL GOD Bless you and your families

[@viliussepstas4946]

Conversion from inch to centimeters is incorrect. 14.5 inches is around 35cm

[@daleclark6990]

Do you have an option on Tenkara vs regular fly fishing rods?

[@TenkaraAddict]

Nope. Never fished a regular fly rod.

[@predatorial2201]

What length tippet do you use for those very small streams?

[@TenkaraAddict]

To me, this isn't "very small." I use 3 ft on a stream like this. On a tiny stream, I'll use 1.5 feet.

[@janwestphal8047]

Ordered one after this review. Actually I had the little Maxcatch on my list but your video about it told me better not to... I love white rods! 😁 So 3.5 level line casts well with this one, right?

[@janwestphal8047]

I've fished this rod a lot the past weeks and literally fell in love with it, it's that great. I've caught many smallish fish but also pretty large ones, today I got a couple of 20" 6lbs carp! Not so easy but with a 6x tippet and some gentle moving the fish left and right it worked out nicely. A 18" brook trout also - no problem at all.

[@daphneheath5272]

Not available, dang it.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Sorry you missed it!

[@johnonthetrail]

Do you have a name or an Amazon link for that net? Thanks.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Medium Measure Net with the rubber netting

[@marksleeper9385]

nice vid

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks

[@FrankLadd]

Nice!

[@predatorial2201]

What flies for tenkara do you recommend for the cold months?

[@TenkaraAddict]

I use the same flies I use in the warmer months. If you fish bigger water, you'll probably want to fish weighted flies.

[@predatorial2201]

@@TenkaraAddict I fish beadheads like copperjohns in the winter. Probably because I come from a traditional fly fishing background. I'll try kebaris.

[@sean4236]

Have you ever tried to craft your own? Just a stick and some line. Lol

[@es0x]

If anyone tried to buy one and they were out of stock, I can get you an in-stock link for the 10 sec 9ft

[@daleclark6990]

Found that this rod is out of stock.

[@tozankyaku14]

Looks like a knock off of the pocket ninja… which makes sense with the price point.

[@TheDude1776]

Did you end up trying the 12' rod? you surpassed the 800 likes. 2,000 likes so far.

[@TenkaraAddict]

I have it but haven’t fished it yet because of winter

[@TheDude1776]

@@TenkaraAddict sweet. Can't wait to see it in action. I plan on grabbing this one for the creeks to get my feet wet (pun intended). I was thinking the 12 ft would be a good one for not just the larger creeks and rivers but even for some ponds and small lakes/reservoirs. I have found some promising creeks around SW ID where I am (right next to Lake Lowell) within a couple hours. I'm excited to get started. Figuring out how and where to find the streams and creeks is really the challenge. I mainly scan Google maps. The Payette river and Boise river a real close but are also very popular. I enjoy learning what I can with your excursions. It would be cool (if you haven't already) to see a video on how you got started fishing the creeks and a basic overview on how you located good creeks to fish in the early days.

[@davidaguiar1387]

@@TenkaraAddict Thanks for the follow up! I look forward to a review on the 12' ( or even the 10'8" and 11' with cork grips). These 9' rods are on sale on Amazon right now so I grabbed one. I have a "better" rod from Dragontail but can see the value in taking a $50 rod into the heavily wooded places that a rod is more likely to get damaged.

[@jeanfrancoisgirard6899]

Merci pour le partage et bonne santé à toi et à toute ta famille

[@TenkaraAddict]

Merci!

[@rustydespain]

Dude paint your rod any color you desire! Enjoy .. I like white..

[@sugriv3405]

😍😍😍

[@surfdetective]

Guess you’ll be buying the 12 ft

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yep!

[@mikestone9129]

As soon as you reviewed this rod it sold out.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yep. They only had about 10 in stock when the video went live.