The line up
In the tenkara world, tweaks and innovation have been the rule rather than the exception. Rod design, materials and lengths have evolved repeatedly since I started many years ago. While I have an array of Tenkara rods, I’m reticent to buy a new one unless something really grabs my attention and is distinctively different from what I already have in the rod rack. DRAGONtail’s FoxFIRE Fiberglass-Hybrid rod is an example.
Over the years, I’ve found that using different lines is the best way to adapt to a particular fishing situation. If you are new to tenkara, the line is a key component in the setup. Like other forms of fly-fishing, the line both loads the rod and delivers the fly but is not stored on a reel. It is a fixed length attached to the rod tip.
When I started with tenkara, line choices were limited. You had a choice of furled lines or level lines. Today, there are a variety of line options, readily available and have their proponents.
LEVEL LINES
Level lines are a single diameter of line. Materials are usually nylon, monofilament or fluorocarbon. Level line users pick a diameter to suit the fishing they are doing and the fly they are casting. Benefits include economy, the ability to adjust length easily and delicate presentations. A key component in selecting level lines is visibility. Clear lines are hard to see and regular level line users opt for bright, florescent colors like orange, pink or green.
Because fluorocarbon is dense, it has some key advantages. Fishing with denser level lines also allows you to use a lighter, thinner line, which contributes to a key tenkara advantage; the ability to keep line off the water.
In my case, level lines are reserved for situations where I’m making delicate presentations to rising fish in slow-moving water, especially if they are being picky. I’ll also use them when I’m fishing just nymphs. The downside for me is how it feels when I cast it; it doesn’t “feel” right to me. A subjective measurement for sure.
FURLED LINES
Often furled lines are the first line new tenkara users try. Furled lines are multiple strands of material that taper from thick to thin. They are like furled leaders used in other forms of fly-fishing but are usually longer. 11 feet to 13 feet are common and longer lengths are available. Most are made with Kevlar to reduce the “stretchiness” that comes from nylon or monofilament. Many people, myself included, like the “feel” of a furled line when casting. This often helps people make the transition from a fly-rod and reel to tenkara.
Customization is quite common in the furled line arena. Do it yourself furling jigs and videos are available for those who want a try building a line and personalize their rig. Kevin Kelleher’s book, Tenkara, Radically Simple, Ultralight Fly Fishing, has a chapter about making your own lines.
My favorite furled line purveyor is the aforementioned DRAGONtail. They have a wide selection of lengths and designs. They’ve got a terrific guide to help you choose which line(s) work for your fishing situation. I’m also a big fan of their line holders.
FLOATING FLY LINES
Using very light floating lines has become more popular as tenkara anglers push the innovation envelope. The lines are the same as floating fly lines currently on the market just cut down to suit the tenkara style of fly-fishing. They are usually level lines in a small diameter. Common sizes range from 0.022 inches to 0.027 inches in diameter of running line. Rio’s Euro Nymph Shorty is a good option if you don’t want to buy a long running line. I recently came across an intriguing article by Tom Davis about a tapered line, the Fujino Tenkara Japanese Standard Tapered Line. I’m happy with Rio’s Euro Shorty but I may give these a try.
The most common reason for using floating fly lines has been “castability.” Much like the tapered furled lines, fly rod and reel anglers picking up a tenkara rod find the feel of casting a floating line similar to what they are used to, helping make the transition to tenkara easier.
My hybrid tenkara style reflects my dry fly fishing experience and blends methods. I like to “anchor” a bit of my floating line to the water to keep the fly in the feeding lane. And, when I’m making longer casts, I can float more of my line without the risk of sinking my fly. Longer rods, stiffer actions and bigger flies have been some of the other reasons cited for using these types of line.
The range of line options and the ability to rig a rod easily with different lines is just another advantage of tenkara. A couple of different lines in your kit weigh little and give you flexibility to meet changing fishing situations.
Author’s note: A version of this article first appeared in Hatch Magazine. It has been updated.
Postscript music clip
Fans of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin will be transported to the Captain’s cabin. I was listening to Boccherini as I finalized this article and decided to toss it in for fun.