Wondering what the rest of you feel about is your preferred action on tenkara rods.

Even though we officially have just 3 for the Tenkara USA rods, I have added a few other options as I have heard these terms "soft" used where it is not quite 5:5 and not quite 6:4 so we have seen them called soft 6:4 for example.

I guess one could also say a firm 5:5

For me I am somewhere between a 6:4 and a 7:3 so consider myself a Soft 7:3. I just don't have the patience to wait on casting softer rods so my body and mind seem to use 6:4 or 7:3 more comfortably.

So, what is you choice?

You can choose just one option so select wisely.

tj

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Tenkara USA, Director of Customer Service

Tenkara Junkie - Tenkarajankī
Now sporting all of the Tenkara USA Rods!

Well, having only ever cast two tekara rods, and only owning and fishing with my 11' Iwana, I'll go with 6:4.

The other rod I cast was an Ayu that Daniel brought with him to Fresno when he gave a presentation to the Fresno Fly Fishers for Conservation club. He took us down to the pond behind the club and let any interested give it a go. I had already ordered my rod at that point and was seriously jonesing for a chance to fish it. I know someone that was, and may still be interested in selling a Yamame which I am considering buying. We'll see. For now I like my 6:4.

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2012 Days Fishing - 18/366
Iwana : Series I : 11 ft ◊ Iwana : Series II : 12 ft

I voted "soft 6:4" but also like 5:5 (the poll would only let me pick one option). I'm pretty much a convert to softer rods now. Stiffer rods don't cast the tenkara casting stroke as well in my opinion and you have to "work" more to get them to load.

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My blog: Tenkara Talk
Tenkara USA Rods: Amago, Ayu, Ayu Series II, Ebisu, Ito, Iwana 11', Iwana 12', Yamame
Other Tenkara USA Gear: Tamo, Strap Pack, 3.5 & 4.5 Level Line, 10.5 ft. & 13 ft. Traditional Line, Line Spools

I am very new to tenkara, but I do like the softer action of my Ito. I have had to really work at letting the rod work for me and not force the cast. When I do I really like how it feels and the casts it makes.

I am torn on what to vote for. I have a Ayu, 11' & 12' Iwana, Amago, and a Yamame. They all kinda have different roles. As far as general use rod, the 12' Iwana gets the nod. A rod for fishing Godzilla kebari, the Yamame gets the vote. Several weeks ago I had an outing using my Ayu and my son and I had a blast using it. I am looking forward to fishing it some more. I enjoyed it so much that I am thinking a Ebisu might just be coming my way.

Dale

Looks like the soft action is the preferred rod type. I like the 6:4 actions myself.

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Rick

テンカラ。小さなストリームのシンプルさ。
My Tenkara Rods:
13' Ayu, 12' Yamame, 11' with a conversion handle, and an Ito.

My Wife's Tenkara Rods:
12' Ebisu and 13.5' Amago, 12' Iwana with a conversion handle, and an Ito.

I tend to like a 6:4 action also, because I like to have some backbone down in the butt of my rod for reserve power. That being said, I think the 5:5 Ayu is a sweet rod, light and balanced. On the other hand, for my casting the Ito feels a little tip-heavy. (Probably its handle needs to be heavier, as discussed in other threads.) Again, all this is IMHO with no disrespect to others who feel differently.

-Jack