The Chum Chug: What a 12lb -15lb Fish Feels Like on the Suimenka Tenkara Rod.

Initially thought this was a rainbow because it was a hard hit but ended up being a hungery or pissed off chum salmon with a lot of gumption. It was like pulling a compact car out of a lake. Notice how the rod is in full flex and I am using the butt to maintain constant and even pressure. The battle is actually very short. The fish is brought all the way in and would have been netted if videos weren't being taken. At the last moment the tippet gave and the bead rocketed into my knuckle- more painful than losing the fish by far. Certainly loads (and that's literal) of fun. We were using 10lb leader. This is also why constant pressure is important- big sudden runs or pops will more likely break the leader whereas even steady pressure, it's much less likely to give.

[@RETCAP10]

It speaks volumes that you also brought a western fly rod/reel. Some situations help us enjoy our passion with different tools. Thank you for not being a “It’s all Tenkara or nothing” fisher.

[@ZenTenkara]

Hey Mitch thanks for watching. I am passionate about tenkara and always pushing the boundaries....and surprising myself at jow effective it is and how strong our rods are...BUT, I love my rod and reel set up and enjoy casting it. Will never give it up and completely understand that there are times and situations when a reel is beneficial and preferred. And besides...Zen is about the most untraditional tenkara company there is...since 2012 we've been pissing tenkara purists off. Bottom line, we design rod we have fun fishing with....and we have fun fishing.

[@RETCAP10]

@@ZenTenkara I get it. There are times when I need to double haul, though more often in the tight mountain streams near me, there isn’t room to back-cast. Also, nymphing has taken on a new dimension since using a Tenkara rod.

[@ZenTenkara]

@@RETCAP10 completely agree. It's wonderful to have options and be fluid in both methods of fly fishing.

[@alexstaneski6644]

SHEESH the bend in that rod was absolutely incredible. Amazing what these rods can do in the right hands! So cool!!

[@ZenTenkara]

Thanks Alex - it's very cool to watch and to be there on one end of the rod. It's kinda impossible not to smile.

[@kenmerkelbach8671]

More fight than a Channel Cat or Carp on the Kyojin!

[@ZenTenkara]

Chums and carp kinda behave similarly. This guy was a real lunker though.