Fountainhead Stone Fly Tenkara Rods
Fountainhead Tenkara Stone Fly Series
I was recently able to test out the Stone Fly series of rods from Fountainhead and was actually surprised by the quality. By the price, you’d think that they are low end rods–and they are. But in this case, “low end” doesn’t mean “poor quality”. Here are some of my basic observations about this line of rods…
First, let’s get some specs out of the way. I tested all three models in the line. According to Fountainhead’s website, these are the specs for each model:
330 Fountainhead Tenkara Stone Fly Rod
8 segments
2.7 oz 5:5 action
Open length : 11′ (330 cm)
Closed Length: 20.5 “ (50 cm)
360 Fountainhead Tenkara Stone Fly Rod
9 segments
3.2 oz 6:4 action
Open length : 12′ (360 cm)
Closed Length: 20.5″ (50 cm)
390 Fountainhead Tenkara Stone Fly Rod
10 segments
3.8 oz 7:3 Action
Open length : 13′ (390 cm)
Closed Length: 20.5″ (50 cm)
Action
To my surprise, these rods actually cast very well. In general, they’re a little stiffer action than I prefer (especially the 7:3 390 model) but I have to say they cast a lot better than I thought. While the 330 is ranked as a 5:5, it felt closer to a 6:4 in my opinion (even though it clearly looks like a 5:5 on Fountainhead’s website). Since I’m used to fishing slower action rods, I did have to adjust my casting stroke a little to adapt to the rods’ actions. But anyone who likes faster actions would probably feel comfortable casting them right off the bat.
Hardware & Finishing Touches
These rods won’t win any beauty contests. They’re very spartan and that’s undoubtedly what helps keep the price down. If you’re looking for the sexy finishes and details of Tenkara USA rods, you won’t find them here. What you will find is a stripped down fishing tool that is more concerned about working than looking pretty. The finish is a matte black that won’t give off rod glare.
Fountainhead Stone Fly Tenkara Rod Matte Finish
The handle is a comfortable shape and seems like decent quality cork. After inspecting all three rods, I didn’t find a lot of filler. It’s a typical reversed half-wells style contour with a slight bulge at the bottom if you prefer to grip your rod there.
Fountainhead Stone Fly Handle
I was kind of shocked to see that the lilian is attached to the rod with a rotating metal swivel. This is a feature normally found only on premium tenkara rods. Some say this increases tip breakage while others say it improves casting and eliminates line twist. I don’t have enough experience to weigh in on this but thought it was worth mentioning. UPDATE: The models I tested were older and apparently the new models have the lilian attached directly to the rod without the pivot.
Pivoting Lilian Attachment
The end cap is metal (I hate plastic ones) and features a coin slot for easy tightening and loosening as well as a drain hole.
Metal End Cap with Coin Slot and Drain Hole
While the rods are pretty stripped down aesthetically, they managed to get a few nice touches in there. Here is a close up of the winding check with some red accent wraps.
Accent Wraps & Winding Check
Conclusion
While I still think Tenkara USA rods offer the best combination of quality and value, I can see a niche for these rods. Kids, people on a limited budget, or even an experienced tenkara angler who just wants and inexpensive backup or loaner rod would find the Fountainhead Stonefly series a good option.
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About Me
Jason Klass is a former fly fishing guide who now exclusively fishes Tenkara for trout in the streams and lakes of Colorado...Read More Tenkara Summit 2012
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Another niche is for people who want to try out tenkara with a minimal commitment. That is why I bought my Stone Fly 360. I am very pleased with it even though I now also own an Ayu and an Amago.
Good point Paul. While Tenkara USA rods are very inexpensive compared to western fly rods, the Fountainhead rods are an even cheaper gateway drug.
Well, speaking as a guy who caught a lot of fish with his $50 Scientific Anglers flyrod combo, I’m for it
. After my nephew sat on that I did upgrade as far as a Bass Pro combo.
When I pull the trigger on tenkara it will probably be for some low cost of entry gear list. I’m not sure why. I end up spending a lot on some sports ($3K mountain bike, or is that cheap these days?). I guess I like to start easy.
I have the 360 and it is very nice. It has a lot more backbone than the TUSA Iwana so i can bring in bass and larger trout on it. One thing though is that the one that I have does not have the pivoting lilian atachment. Was that on all the rods?
Loften, they changed the design. I guess I got older models.
Jason,
Do these rods have more brute strength than the TUSA rods?
What is the maximum recommended tippet?
I’m wondering specifically about tail water fishing and the ability to control bigger fish.
Hi Greg,
Not sure what the maximum recommended tippet size is. You’d probably want to ask the manufacturer. As far as brute strength, I think the Tenkara USA Yamame has much more power than these rods. While the Fountainhead rods are stiff, the Yamame is much more of a “big fish” rod and that’s what I’d recommend if you’re going after larger fish in tailwaters.
Been thinking about the 360 to build my Tenkara car kit around.
Good idea Tom!
Can I get A 390 rod from the uk?
I would like to get one but I don’t wan’t to pay the high tax rate from the US to Europe!
Regards.
A.
Alphonso, we (Tenkara USA) have a warehouse in the UK specifically for that reason. Any orders placed on our website are shipped from our warehouse there, shipping is only $14 and no taxes/customs charges.
I have both the 330 and 390. Nice rods that get the job done. I just wish they sold replacement tips instead of requesting you send the rod back for repairs…..not that I’ve broken one yet.
I’m interested, ive also approached the eastern band of cherokee indians about including this type of equiptment into their terms for fishing ebci controlled waters..
Hey Jason,
What would you say the Tradeoffs are between the Yamame and the 390? With the conversation we had last night would the 390 be a sufficient and less expensive alternative to the Yamame? Or would I be sacrificing too much with what I’m aiming for with saltwater tenkara?
Thanks,
Stephen Outten
Hi Stephen, well I don’t have the 390 here right now so I can’t really do a side by side comparison with the Yamame. Karel has the rod. Maybe he could do one?
Having fished the Yamame though, I would say it would definitely be a capable saltwater rod. I always purchase the highest gear I can for saltwater. I’m sure you get why.
very true on the gear quality issue. Yamame probably wins.