The DRAGONtail HELLBENDER tenkara rod racks up a big score!

[@rickhelmer9535]

Great outing, love the new scoreboard. Seems like you are enjoying the Hellbender.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Yes, I am pleasantly surprised with the dragontail rods. Just got the mutant as well, but haven’t fished it yet.

[@dkat1108]

@@tenkaraonthetrail Let us know when you do thanks!

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

I fished the mutant extensively the last couple outings. You’ll see some of that video footage very soon!

[@dkat1108]

@@tenkaraonthetrail Great thanks!

[@Namsu11]

Thank you for putting this video up. I'm considering getting the Hellbender for bigger rivers here in CO like the Arkansas and Colorado. Haven't made up my mind yet as there are now some other tenkara rods on the market that are for bigger fish and are a little longer than the Hellbender.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

I understand that…My other “Big fish” rods are all longer. For those rivers you mentioned, I would use a longer rod as well. For me, I would be quick to grab a Keiryu rod actually. They are two handed rods, but it’s more enjoyable than trying to muscle a 15-17’ Tenkara rod with one hand. My other (longer) Tenkara rods for bigger fish are the Daiwa LT H44, the Nissin Oni honryu 450, the Gamakatsu suimu Ex 4.5 and 5.0. Like I said though, I would probably use one of my 20-24’ Keiryu rods like a Tenkara rod on steroids. They are my first choice for big water and big fish.

[@Namsu11]

@@tenkaraonthetrail ok thanks for the suggestion on a Keiryu rod. Not super familiar with them, do you have any brand/model recommendations?...or I could go back and rewatch some of your videos because I'm pretty sure I saw you with the keiryu rods before, just thought they were "tenkara" rods with big handles!

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

I use them like a Tenkara rod most of the time, rather than actual Keiryu techniques (bait/weight and super thin line with line markers). All of my Keiryu rods I purchased from Tenkarabum, but I’m not sure if he has much in stock currently, but I would imagine he can order them. Most of mine are from Suntech (the sawanabori 53 and 72), the suntech Keiryu fmx stiff in the 62 length and the Fine power NP 66. I also have the kurenai Long in the 61 length (superb rod but has a long collapsed length). The Keiryu stiff is reasonably priced but will be very slightly heavier, the others cost more but are lighter. The kurenai long is rated for 4x, the others are 5x, but they’re all very capable at those long lengths. Nissin is also a great brand. Tenkara-ya could also order some and there is the Keiryu rod company, but I’ve never done business with them or fished their rods. From what I’ve seen on their site, they are a bit heavier than mine, but they are in the US and are cheaper and may be easier to get.

[@TismFishing]

Whitefish are really cool, glad you’re able to catch so many. It must mean that water is super healthy. Do you keep and eat them too, I heard they’re better than trout. Never seen one is person.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Yes, the whitefish need clean and cold water and are native here. Sometimes they are the only fish you can catch on winter days. They are good to eat, particularly smoked!

[@michaelcapurso]

I fished my Hellbender this weekend. I like it!

[@deakemarschall2992]

You sure did put the Hellbender to the test. I'd say it passed with flying colors.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Thanks Deake. I like the rod a lot. It’s quite capable.

[@ronaldwillis5333]

I Will build a lighter line and give it a try. Thanks for the feedback

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

It’s not a huge difference. I just like to use lighter lines when possible to improve reach and keeping it off the water.

[@ronaldwillis5333]

Why a 3.0 line and not the recommended 4.0 line? Dose it cast smaller flies better?

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

If I was using an unweighted fly I would probably go with a heavier line for casting but with a bead head it isn’t necessary to load the rod.

[@FilesByMA]

@@tenkaraonthetrail With an unweighted fly, would you consider a 3.5 level line sufficient for Hellbender or should I still go with the recommended 4.0 line? Just hoping to stick with one size for the sake of simplicity.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

You couldat use a 3.5, depending on your personal preference and casting style/form. I tend to lean toward lighter line just to improve reach and decrease line sag. But even that is dependent on the water you fish and if you need to maximize reach. With bigger water/fish where I’m using a rod like the hellbender, I’m frequently nymphing with a bead head for deeper water or faster current. I think either line would work.

[@RickMidds]

Do you happen to know the CCS and RFI for the Hellbender? I have checked Dragontail and Teton Tenkara and neither has that information.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

I know it’s 32 pennies…I’ll check the RFI.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

The hellbender has an RFI of 8.2 at the longer length. I can tell you it is well balanced and comfortable to cast. Doesn’t feel overly stiff at all. I think it’s a great rod. My only “issue” is that for some of my big fish water I like longer rods. If you get it, I would appreciate it if you use my affiliate link. dragontailtenkara.com/?ref=tenkaraonthetrail

[@RickMidds]

Thanks for your prompt reply. 👍 I am considering getting it for a trip to the Delaware River.

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

Good luck!

[@tenkaraonthetrail]

I found the RFI for the hellbender at the shorter length…8.6