Is This the Best Cheap Beginner Tenkara Rod? (Tenkara Fly Fishing)

In this video I fish the $99 Dragontail Shadowfire 365 tenkara rod. Is it any good? Also, I fish an incredible stream and catch a ton of fish. What a great day.
DATE FILMED: September 2020
LOCATION: Wyoming
GEAR USED
** SEE MORE INFO ABOUT MY FLIES AND GEAR HERE: tenkaraaddict....
** ROD: Dragontail Shadowfire 365
** LINES: 13-foot level line (#3.5) with a few feet of tippet
** FLY: Idaho killer kebari
** NET: Medium Measure Net with rubberized net
OTHER LINKS
** Instagram (@TenkaraAddict): / tenkaraaddict
** My main KZbin channel (SUVRVing): / suvrving
** My store: KamchatkaGear.com
#tenkara #fishing #flyfishing

[@foketesz]

Tenkara looks like a combination of the best aspects of fly fishing and free lining. Precise, simple, clean. I imagine one ends up being a better all around angler after incorporating this modality.

[@jameskeyser1363]

I like the way you carefully handle the fish and also that you do not name the streams so they do not get over run. Thanks!

[@stevenlord782]

That stream is to die for 😍

[@llewdis]

Just picked one of these up refurbished for my son. Thanks for the review!

[@reggiebald2830]

Sold! Nice stream, gorgeous surroundings, intriguing cave and good equipment! What more? Oh, 15 fish? Just about perfect. Thanks for the great time on the water!

[@carlanderson9873]

My first Tenkara rod was a Shadowfire 360, the older model. All in all, a super great rod. I did a little bit of everything with it, from true mountain stream tenkara, to throwing heavy nymphs in a tailwater, to fixed-line stillwater fishing for bass. it handled it all. Kind of a jack of all trades, master of none type of deal though. It never seemed to cast 3.5 level line super well, but it was good enough. It was also good enough to cast heavy beachhead nymphs with the Oudachi nymphing line, but could definitely be overwhelmed by the weight at time. Still, it got me into some great fish in some fun places. Only reason I'm still not using it is I accidentally stepped on it (I put it down to rush over to help my son land a fish, then turned around, stepping right on top of it!) breaking the bottom section and causing subsequent splintering of the carbon in multiple pieces.

[@jayprfishing3035]

Never used before, I got my shadow fire Sunday 22, 2020 and got a Peacock Bass then the following morning got a snook. I'm complete love with this type of fishing, easy-to-use , and easy to rig! I saw a lot of your videos to know how to use a tenkara rod. Thanks, greetings from Puerto Rico and merry Christmas!

[@jeremydrouin9975]

Great review and beautiful stream. I have the original Shadowfire, which was my first tenkara rod purchase back in 2014. It's been a workhorse rod, catching not only mountain stream trout but crappie, bass, bluegill, and catfish from warmwater lakes near my house. It's primarily a loaner rod now. I always recommend the Shadowfire whenever people about ask about an affordable beginner's rod.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Exactly. If/when you do decide to get a more expensive Japanese rod or something, a Dragontail rod is a good backup/loaner rod and one you won't hate to fish with if you need to. Thanks Jeremy.

[@jeremydrouin9975]

@@TenkaraAddict This past spring I fished the Shadowfire for a few days while waiting for a replacement tip for my Nirvana400. While targeting crappie near the bank, I ended up catching a personal best largemouth bass - a three pounder - on a fixed line rod. The Shadowfire isn't a big fish rod per se, but is very versatile - especially for anglers who fish cold water and warm water streams.

[@rayhoskins4478]

I bought the shadow fire as my first Tenkara rod because of this Video. Really like this Rod! This rod is easy to cast and I can get the fly where I want it to go. First time out with this rod caught a beautiful brown. I am so hooked on Tenkara fishing. Thanks for introducing me to Tenkara and the Dragontail rods!!! Can’t wait to get back out there.

[@angelokefalas3750]

Definitely the most Epic location I've seen you at. Great view, great fishing!

[@michaelsmith7193]

Your new rod review was excellent, and very helpful. And what a gorgeous locale for testing a new rod! Thank you for another great tenkara adventure!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yeah, this was an especially gorgeous little stream. I'll be back! Thanks for watching

[@pinhookfishingclub]

Thanks for the review! I want to try Tenkara fishing and I'm doing some research on it. I love fishing and post vids from time to time. Keep up the great vids!

[@TrailsNTrout]

Got the shadowfire 365 for my first Tenkara rod. Went out caught four trout, two smallmouth and six blue gill! Thanks for the recommendation

[@TenkaraAddict]

Great job!

[@thomassharp7711]

It looks very much like my Tenkara USA Iwana that I have been fishing for about 8 years. I have loved my Iwana, but the Shadowfire is about half the price. I will recommend this to others as a beginner rod. My next rod will be a Dagontail Mizuchi z3. These videos are really helpful for helping me select my next rod.

[@benreade4040]

Just found your videos recently and have to stay they are my new addiction. I'm still a beginner the videos are great to enjoy. Thanks

[@Chricke87]

I've been waiting for this one! So awesome to see the fishing part of the video, beautiful place and really nice catches! Do you happen to have any rods to recommend for someone who wants to start Tenkara fishing ;D

[@carterd0418]

I also would like to get into tenkara fly fishing but I want a cheap rod

[@JKonstanzer]

Great clip and I was lucky enough to receive my first Tenkara rod, Dragon you are using from my son for a birthday gift. I just need to find this stream, amazingly beautiful and great fishing too.

[@clydeshope6942]

Another awesome video well done some really nice fish

[@lucasjedwards]

Your videos have convinced me to take up Tenkara fishing and I just purchased this rod for my first one based on your recommendation. Thank you!

[@alineradventureswithsimons79]

That's my exact rod! Love it. Beautiful spot today Tristan! Nice big fish too.

[@bobdonaldson445]

Beautiful stream and location. Add trout and Tenkara and I’m jealous!!

[@ibdaffy]

What a great vid, heaven on earth! Thank you for sharing.

[@carlosandreblatt]

Beautiful scenic stream. About the rod, Tom Davis has it reviewed already and, if i recall it right, he liked it.

[@willikebari5478]

Hello Tristan, again a perfect video brought from you to us! Thank you for this! Also in Austria some Tenkara fisherman prefer the rods from Dragontail. Unfortunately, we also have to pay customs duties for it.🙁 Best wishes from Austria! Stay healthy!

[@kennethkleist6085]

Loved the cave. Perfect timing for me, I was just trying to figure out what rod to start with as I new to Tenkara. Debating whether to invest more into something like the Dragontail Mutant or Tenkara USA Sato versus starting with something like the shadow fire. Was thinking more of a slightly nicer rod, but now you have me thinking. Thanks!

[@TenkaraAddict]

People love their Tenkara USA rods and people love their Dragontail rods, so you'll be fine with whatever you end up with. I personally don't see the need to spend more money for a Tenkara USA rod. If you want to spend more money to get a nicer rod, get a Japanese rod instead of another American rod.

[@ernieflynn5124]

Hey Tristan thanks for taking me fishing with you on every video.

[@yakinupfish632]

Just got my Dragontail Mizuchi because of you. Can't wait to fish the Great Smoky Mountain National Park streams with it over labor day weekend! I'll post some video and let you know how it goes.

[@grahvis]

Beautiful fishing. I find other fish following a hooked fish is not unusual, I was once drawing a fish, caught on a dropper, over the rim of my net, when another fish took the point fly and pulled the first one back out.

[@jonclay1563]

My first (many years ago) and still mostly use the Dragontail Shadowfire 360. Still use it and it has worked great. Thanks for the review and excellent to catch 4 species.

[@andrewwayment4260]

I like the videos best where you fish those hard to reach places!

[@WayneTheSeine]

Nothing like a grand slam. Beautiful water.

[@northcountryfisher2121]

Great bit of fishing, you definitely have a new subscriber ... Cheers - Shaun

[@warptenblender]

wild water makes a good one

[@TenkaraAddict]

No they don't. That was my first tenkara rod. This rod is way better.

[@robertperman8967]

Beautiful area and fantastic pools!!

[@flyfishingwestvirginia]

Great video and thanks for the insight on a beginner rod.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks for watching, Shaun

[@elbertgarrett9909]

Great action with a sweet variety of species in a beautiful area makes for a perfect day!

[@ronaldhoppus9015]

What a cool episode this is! Thanks

[@ericharmon7163]

Freaking stunning spot. Looks like it was well worth the work.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yeah, it was an amazing creek to fish. Thanks Eric.

[@Hoggy1963]

SWEET, nice review.

[@ReuvenEtzion]

Just ordered. Cant wait! Thanks

[@John-ve3gg]

Thanks for another great video! Great review thank you!

[@Droptineful]

Once again, awesome video! 🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@lyndapayne1680]

Got that rod today for first foray into tenkara. Will see if I like tenkara better than regular fly fishing

[@seth1530]

I find it to just be a useful tool in addition to my fly rods. The tenkara rods bow case really easy and I use that to tackle smaller harder to fish streams that are overgrown.

[@martinklein3785]

Thanks for sharing, amazing and beautiful. However, I can imagine me getting in but never getting out … 😂.

[@roguemanoutdoors]

that is a stellar stream

[@luisalbertogomezruiz4058]

Una verdadera pasada de río....y unos peces agradecidos....

[@ERone43]

Thank you

[@sambonilla416]

It seems when I cast with my 12 foot rod. It doesn’t cast as far as I would’ve like. Is it because my fly might be too lite? Help please

[@tydonoler]

Amazing stream!

[@TenkaraAddict]

It really was!

[@mikecarnakis6243]

What it the streams name?

[@John-ve3gg]

Haahaa nice try lol!

[@samuraidoughjo]

Great video!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks!

[@ronmiller7248]

What's the Idaho killer kebari look like? Been looking but didn't find any details or pic?

[@danielbass2333]

Almost $300 here in australia

[@alexstaneski6644]

Hey Tristan - quick question for ya. Do you typically feel takes while fishing a kebari, or is it almost always a visual thing with your line? I've been trying to fish kebaris more this fall/winter and am unsure if I'm just failing to feel/see takes or if it's mostly due to lower fish activity or not casting to the right spots. Thanks!

[@TenkaraAddict]

I don’t know if I ever feel a take. It’s a visual thing. I concentrate on the end of the line (the spot where the tippet is tied to the line). If I see that do any kind of motion that I didn’t cause-a sudden stop, a change in direction, a tightening of the line, etc.-I set the hook. (Also, please don't ask the same question twice. I see all the comments and respond to them as I have time. I'll delete your other comment.)

[@TheBrushcutter]

@@TenkaraAddict on the subject of watching the line, I watched another of your videos where you fished a creek that had a concrete structure which had metal grates and such on it. When the first fish at that spot took the fly and we could easily see the line twitch, I instinctively jerked my tablet as though I could actually set the hook. Then laughed at myself for the rest of the video.🙄🤣🤣🤣 I have watched a lot of your videos and at first I was reminded of starting out fishing with a bamboo pole as a kid. Now, especially after this video, I'm seriously considering buying a shadow fire start up kit and giving Tenkara a try here in Louisiana. Love the content you put out! Thumbs up! Edit to say I just ordered 2 starter packs. One for myself and another for the best fishing partner ever; my wife.

[@guybaumgartner4244]

very good river tankiou vidéo

[@BrandonUrbaniak]

What would you consider to be a more premium rod? Maybe with more feel. Just learning all about this style fishing

[@brucemiesse2414]

Great video Tristan, really enjoy your channels! Will look into this rod! Have always wondered how you manage fishing licenses, as usually nonresident licences aren't cheap! Do you plan your trips to spend a few days in another state to take advantage of multiday licenses? Spend most times fishing Idaho? Was just curious. Keep up the good work!

[@TenkaraAddict]

I have annual licenses for Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana and buy day licenses for wherever else I go. As you said, they aren't cheap! But it's worth it for me.

[@dennischitwood4491]

Be sure to watch some of his earliest fishing videos.

[@TenkaraAddict]

I second this.

[@Jason-gk8jl]

What kind of camera set up are you using?

[@nakedlakedip57]

Hope heaven looks like this I’ll be happy

[@stevewalcott9546]

What a beautiful stream! And fish! Do you buy yearly fishing licenses in all of the states that you fish? Or do you plan ahead and buy daily licenses online?

[@TenkaraAddict]

I have yearly licenses for Idaho (where I live), Utah, Wyoming, and Montana.

[@awaken77]

is it capable of holding 16"-20" fish?

[@ericcaruzzi8848]

Quelles différences ressentie par rapport à la Mizuchi ? What differences do you feel compared to the Mizuchi?

[@EndofTheline1984]

Killer video

[@TheKPDX]

Stuck between this & the Mizuchi. I've seen your YTs on both as well as most of your other rod videos. I'm just starting with a 10yo & plan to fish almost entirely in the Washington Cascades (maybe some Olympics & some OR Cascades or Coastal Range). Largely either fishing while offroading or while hiking. Would you recommend the Dragontail 365 or the Mizuchi zx340? The latter seems like it might be a better choice for me for trailside streams given its versatile lengths. Will I find the Dragon tail too long for such streams? Thanks & keep up the great vids!

[@TenkaraAddict]

It's hard to answer this question without knowing the size of streams you'll be fishing. A 365-cm rod would be too long for me as an only rod. I'd recommend looking at my videos to find streams that look like the ones you'll be fishing, and then whichever size rod I'm fishing with there most often, that's what you should get.

[@TheKPDX]

@@TenkaraAddict Thanks again for taking the time. I think you largely addressed elsewhere for me. It's tough as the PNW Cascades, particularly the West/Wet side have a very different character than most of what I see people doing. I'll probably go ahead & start with the Mizuchi.

[@rongiesecke5168]

Do you discuss your rigging?? Do you used beaded flies, or allow the current to bury a lighter fly?

[@TenkaraAddict]

I list my setup in the video description. I do not use weighted flies except in the middle of winter.

[@rongiesecke5168]

@@TenkaraAddict I apologize that I didn’t catch that… Thank you

[@Lakhshamana]

Whoa, that is a lot of logs in the beginning

[@TenkaraAddict]

Indeed! Thanks for watching

[@druface12345]

I don’t tie flies, are there any commercially made Tenkara flies that you recommend.

[@Mr13194]

How long is that line on your rod???

[@TenkaraAddict]

That info is in the video description

[@fishinwithjames]

Nice vid! What editing software do you use?

[@TenkaraAddict]

Thanks! Adobe Premiere Pro

[@gabriele.thompson3566]

Is this the SUVRVing guy?

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yes

[@danieljenkins2468]

What flies are you using? Nymphs? Terestrials or dries fished wet maybe? or what. Got my curiosity up!!

[@TenkaraAddict]

Wet flies

[@danieljenkins2468]

@@TenkaraAddict I've used California Mosquito dry flies fished wet in the Sierra Nevada on backpacking trips for many years, and you can't go wrong if there was any kind of a hatch on. I've used a traditional fly rod, but your Tenkara set up seems to work out well, and has caught my attention. I still backpack and fish for trout for dinner in camp, from time to time. Looks like the Tenkara would be a good tool to get the job done, and would be fun to try out. Thanks for the informative and enjoyable videos.......

[@druface12345]

I live in Utah, where was this? That looks like a awesome place just to visit.

[@mikel917]

Check out his hiking channel SUV RVing. I've seen that video I just can't remember the place. I'll try to get back to you when I find it.

[@jfishboy2955]

What I want to know is how do you cast so far with no reel. If the rod is 12 foot that means the line is maybe 20 feet? So that's the max distance of the cast's but it doesnt look like that in the video. Am I missing something?

[@nunliski]

Yes: wide angle lenses.

[@geoffreymilke5176]

I've watched quite a few of your videos and I still don't know how a Tenkara rod works. Do you have a video that explains it? Also, I've never seen you snag the line and break it. I'm always snagging and my tippett gets shorter and shorter. Does that happen with Tenkara?

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yep, I get the fly stuck occasionally. I'm not sure what you mean by not knowing how a tenkara rod works. What is unclear?

[@davidkaye6057]

A tenkara rod is the most simplest but challenging way to fish. Think of it like old times with a stick or bamboo and line tied to the end. These days there are new technological advances that give us such great rods, lines and flies.

[@geoffreymilke5176]

@@TenkaraAddict when I wrote that I hadn't seen the way it's set up. Since then I have Cant wait until summer to try it on the CDA river Thanks

[@sandrodcm]

Stupendo

[@andreiiancu5144]

Is there a difference between the fly fishing leader and the tenkara leader?

[@TenkaraAddict]

There is no leader in tenkara, just a length of tippet

[@andreiiancu5144]

@@TenkaraAddict ok, but I've seen some people talking about furled leaders and tampered leaders, which sound to me similar to those used in fly fishing. Thanks for the answer!

[@codiefrazier8337]

I have this rod!!! Thats what i run!

[@livinglike_lisa7954]

This is the rod I have.

[@douglasbrown5123]

What net are you using and rod?

[@TenkaraAddict]

Check the video description. That info is always there 👍

[@MagnoliaLoft]

What’s the best sub $100 rod

[@TenkaraAddict]

At $99, it's this one

[@MagnoliaLoft]

@@TenkaraAddict haha iight you pass the vibe check imma order one next week

[@TheHuntingSpot]

Isn't this actually in Utah?

[@TenkaraAddict]

No

[@TheHuntingSpot]

@@TenkaraAddict gotcha. There is a river/stream coming out of a cave on your drive to hoop Lake in Utah near Wyoming. That's a good River you should check it out sometime. It's good specifically below the lake there... you'll catch a surprise species :-)

[@goldcountryruss7035]

60+ Years ago long cane poles were still common. Lots of big & small fish fed generations of people especially in the south. Where's your bobber & worm?

[@TenkaraAddict]

This is a form of fly fishing. No bobber or worm.

[@nfinnigan]

£252 UK pounds, don't think many beginners will be getting this rod.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Order from Dragontail. It's under $100

[@kriscoty1]

Show how to set up in the beginning. Show the pole off. Instead of your fishing which we see every video. I am new. Have seen this pole today and look for beginning video here is one, but no t much demo of pole. Bye.

[@troyandskyelar9588]

There are other videos on setting up Tenkara rods.

[@agustintorres8866]

First.

[@TenkaraAddict]

🥇

[@winnie2498]

Hey friend This is Winnie. Would you like to make a review video of BougeRV Camping Cooler? l have emailed u the details. Please feel free to contact me.

[@jacobvillavicencio9272]

$100? Seriously? Looks like an $8-$15 rod