After a couple years of researching Tenkara I believe I am ready to take the plunge and buy a rod. I had ordered Tenkara: Radically Simple, Ultralight Fly Fishing which should arrive sometime tomorrow and I get a bonus check next week which I plan to use to buy my first rod. I usually fish retention ponds for gills, crappie and bass. Most are usually smaller than 18" but I do know there are some pushing 22" in these. I also like to fish for white bass during there runs in the spring time. Most of the creeks I fish are small to medium size. From the reviews I have read on Tenkara Bum the Amago seems to be the rod I should get. If I should get this or a different rod to start please let me now. Thanks for the help and input.

Mike P.

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Mike P.

I think considering the fish that you are targeting, yes, the amago would be an excelent choice.

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RODS: Ito&
Iwana I/II 12ft & 9ft
Amago

scorpion1971, welcome to the forum. I think you'll continue to find some good info here. Lots of helping folks.

As for what rod to choose, I think your on the right track with the Amago or the Yamame. But I feel that aside from the gills and crappie I think your quarry will be pushing the upper limits of what can be taken with a tenkara rod. A 14 to 16 inch large mouth will be a hand full on most any tenkara rod and as for a 22" large mouth, you've got a better chance getting a photo of Sasquatch than landing a brute like that. But if your any thing like me your gonna try it any way . Make it happen captain and then post a photo here. Here's a little inspiration.

jd

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"The reverse side also has a reverse side"

Thanks for the help. One advantage I will be able to utilize is fishing from a kayak. It is not often I encounter the larger bass since I am usually using smaller panfish flies. About the only time I really encounter large bass is when I am using poppers or panfish size gurglers.

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Mike P.

Mike,
I have both rods the Yamame and the Amago and I fish from a Kayak. There is another TN boy here that also fishes warm water from a yak I hope Jeremy chimes in also he has caught a lot of fish with his Yamame from a yak. Either rod will be ok but I think in the long run you will be happier with the Yamame it has a faster action and a little more backbone which will help when you tie into a larger fish or want to cast a popper. I love smallies and that in why I bought the Yamame.

Have fun
Tom

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Wilderness Tarpon 120
and a Tenkara USA Amago
Good Combo!!!

Mike, I think the Amago is a very popular rod. I haven't used the Amago but really think you can't go wrong with any of the Tenkara USA rods. The Yamame and 11' Iwana are the only rods I've used. The Yamame from a Kayak is alot of fun. The 7:3 Yamame helps keep the fish from getting a run under cover after hook set, and casts heavier flys accurately. Tenkara rods used with a kayak help absorb energy from the larger fish. However the use of any of the Tenkara rods on larger fish requires a net at the ready. At the same time using the 11' Iwana is so nice to cast, so light, accurate and deceptively powerful. I would say two rods would be best for anyone starting out. My first was the Yamame, and I would have to say it is my favorite. But If I had the money to spend the Ayu would be my next rod. Since it's almost the opposite of the Yamame giving the best of both worlds kind of selection.



Larger fish the sizes you've mentioned can and have been caught and may be pushing the limits. But you never know what crazy things you'll catch swinging around a hook. I do know that it's alot of fun and easy on the old joints with Tenkara with or without a Kayak. There's nothing like taking a hike or kayaking with gear that takes up no space and is so light you can't even tell your carring it.



Tell us Mike which rod you end up with and what you think of it too. Maybe you can sway me with your next rod choice. Welcome Mike (scorpion1971) it's good place this forum with lots of info and good people too.

Thanks for the invite to the thread Tom enjoy my latest smallmouth catch.

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テンカラのイモリ
Tenkara Mushroom

Nice fish Jermey, What did it eat? Looking forward to fishing together as soon as it warms up a little.

Tom

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Wilderness Tarpon 120
and a Tenkara USA Amago
Good Combo!!!

A fly made from scraps. That spot is several miles up river very nice place to catch fish.



Many good places to fish here.

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テンカラのイモリ
Tenkara Mushroom

adventureR, that last fish pic looks like a largemouth instead of a smallie. Nice pics anyway. Thanks for sharing that.

The jaw doesn't extend past the eye. I guess it could be a spotted bass horn. It was a nice fish is all that matters. Made the Yamames line sing a beautiful song too.

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テンカラのイモリ
Tenkara Mushroom