I have been fly fishing since 1982. I have sort of fallen in love with some of the aspects of Tenkara. I have watched several videos and read several articles on the topic.

My question. Is anyone using a less cost brand than that of Tenkara USA? If so, would you please share the brand of your Tenkara rod, experience with and whether your expectations were met by purchasing a non - Tenkara USA product.

I'm not here to bash Tenkara USA, I'm simply thinking there are other brands, different lengths, and designs which I might be attracted to.

Jeff

I have the TFO 10'6" and love it! We got some furled line and man o man, it is nice!! I caught my PB on it a month ago...it was about 17" long....it jumped out of my hands before pics and measurements. Most beautiful trout ever....salmon colored.

I have used it for bream at first..testing it out. I started with the Floro lines, but didn't like the coil factor.

We got out line at Cutthroat Leaders.

I did try out the Tenkara USA that would extend to 2 lengths. It was nice too. That could come in handy. I first was introduced it at the Fly Fishing Texas event at Athens. After that little class, I knew I needed one.

I wanna use it for long poling crappie and bream around cypress trees.

I appreciate your comments BBT.

I have more research to do. I'm thinking of opting for a shorter model at this point. An 8 footer. I know most videos advocate making a 20', 12' and 8' foot line and most of those rods are in the 10' + range. My thought at the moment is that a shorter rod would require an alteration of the line lengths: like 16', 10', and 6'. Rough guesses at this point.

I expect primarily to use it for sunfish and the odd trip to smaller trout stream.

Again thank you and good luck on your upcoming Galveston trip!

My rod is 10"6". My leader line is 11'6" plus the leader on the end (2-3'). Total - 14' You want a few feet longer than the rod. Not too much though.

I have the Tenkara USA Rhodo and a TFO Soft Hackle in the 10' 6" version.
They have both proven to be excellent rods.

I have never thought about getting one, but after watching some videos on the net, I can see that it would be fun on some of the creeks I fish