Has anyone had any success fishing for bass with Tenkara. Since I live in Florida I have fished for bluegills a few times and while fun I was wondering if anyone has ever had success with bass. The light tippets are my biggest worry. Down here in Florida it is common to hook into 4-5 pound bass on a regular basis. Sometimes structure can be an issue with light tippets. I have considered creating my own rod specifically for bass, but would prefer to purchase from Tenkara USA. Any ideas? What Tenkara USA rods would work best? What set up works best? Is this idea totally crazy?

I am a warm water guy I plan to fish small river smallmouth as soon as the rain slows down enough so that the water levels get low enough that I don't get washed away. Been tying some #6 Sakasa Kebari's using sparkle braid in red, chart, purple, and fl. yellow. I tied one today I call the Crawdad Kebari, can't wate to give them a try. Trout are ok but smallmouth are my thing. BUT a 17" fish is a good size fish in the small rivers I fish. Sure once in a while I hit a 20"er but not everyday. I think my Amago or my Yamame and 5x tippet will handle those fish for the most part. I will most likely have to be a better fishermen or break some off. BUT 5lb bass I'm not so sure. Wish I had your problem

Tom

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

I fish for bluegill and largemouth bass pretty regularly. I would recommend a 12' Yamame. That's what I prefer to use when fishing in the warm, shallow, weedy ponds here on Long Island. I hook into 16-20" bass frequently and it has enough backbone to deal with them. 4-5lb bass might be be a bit much but you'll never know till you try it. If you keep them clear of entanglements I think you might have a chance with those big guys.

I agree with Kuhlow. The Amago or Yaname are your best bets.

I spent a few years catching big Southern warm water species. A couple in Florida, and a couple in the Carolinas. While I'd be itching for a 15'+ rod, out of the TUSA lineup, I'd probably choose the Yaname for big bass.

Ultimately, though, you have to recognize that these rods have their limits. Limits in your gear aren't a bad thing. If you're willing to push it, you learn the limits of your skill. Then you get better, using skill to replace gear.

I used to fish for stripers, blues, and pickerel with 8lb test on a baitcaster. I lost enough. But the ones I did land I couldn't have landed without the ones I lost. And over the years, I started to loose a lot less often.

Can't say I'd take an offer to move from Utah back to Florida, but sure would be good to see what a TUSA rod could do down there.

Wabi Sabi,

Rob

_________________
Rob Worthing
rob@tenkaraguides.com

At the moment the Tenkara USA rods I have will probably not fit the purpose. I use my 11' Iwana and AYU for backpacking up in the mountains. I love them in the mountains. I guess for the meantime I will have to stick with Western tackle for big bass. Your responses make me think of the possibilities though. Hmm.

_________________
Brandon from Florida

Tenkara Rods:

Iwana 11'
Ayu

http://gettingmuired.blogspot.com/

I fish with the 13'6" Amago rod... The largest bass I was able to land was a 2 1/2 pound peacock bass. I regularly catch 1 - 2 pounders. I do fish from a boat, which is an advantage. Don't worry, if you get a 4 or 5 pounder on... the leader will break as advertised.
You never know what is going to hit your little fly or popping bug, but that's what makes it fun.

_________________
Why let the truth stand in the way of a good fish story.

Would love to see some photos of your bass Kebaris Tom!

_________________
Tenkara Redi

I have been meaning to get that done. I will try to have it by this weekend.

Tom

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

I'm already into the bass this year in Central VA. While I mostly dream about trout, the small lake near my house holds a very nice population of bass and mature (double my hand size) pan fish. I fish them with my Iwana and Amago both and my 11' Iwana does great if I keep them out of the brush. I've been having success with dry flies on the SMB's and they are a blast whilst putting a more than satisfying bend in the rod. My only advice is to not touch the leader or Tippett when bringing a big one in close - no barbs lets me shake them off quickly with some slack in the line once brought up close. Have fun!!

.



I use an Ebisu to fish the perimeter of several ponds and small lakes. The largemouth bass I encounter tend to be 6- to 12-inches long, which match the rod's 5:5 action nicely. The bluegills in these waters are thicker and even more robust fighters and often pose quite a challenge.

There is a creek near the house of my wife's parents, and there we hook up with a few smallmouth bass in the 8- to 12-inch range. These bend the rod like the pond bluegills and can be lost during a jump if you don't "become one" with the hooked fish.

That is my tenkara bass experience thus far . . .



.