Western vs. Tenkara: Presentation Efficiency
For those of you who own the Tenkara USA Ito (or any tenkara zoom rod for that matter) here’s an interesting trick that can come in handy if you’re fishing longer lines.
Many of you probably read Daniel Galhardo’s recent article on fishing long lines for tenkara. One thing you have to keep in mind when fishing this way is that since the line is significantly longer than the rod, you have to “hand line” the fish in (as opposed to fishing a shorter line where you can usually just tilt the rod back enough to bring the fish to your net or hand). This can be a somewhat tricky so here’s a tip to make it a little easier.
Watch the video above. At 00:24 and 01:17 notice how right after the angler hooks the fish, he extends his zoom rod to its full length. By increasing the length of the rod, he decreases the amount of line that he will have to pull in to land the fish. It might not seem like a significant length but when you’re hand lining a fish in, every second counts so even a foot or two can make a difference. And if you think about it, it’s actually doubling the amount of line that has to be pulled in. The rod is longer, giving you that much more length to pull back behind you in addition to taking up the slack line. So, using the Ito as an example, the difference between the two modes is 19″. If you double that, you’re eliminating 38″ of line that has to be pulled in. That’s over a yard!
Anyway, I thought it was a neat trick that all of you Ito owners out there might like to try. Especially if you’re using long line tenkara techniques.
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As long as there are no overhead branches, I would have the Ito fully extended to begin with. Longer rod = more line off the water.
Jason, I have been extending the ITO to land all fish back when I was still catching fish (not in the Winter!) and it works very well also for a “regular” length of line but sure shines for long line tenkara. I picked this neat trick up from Erik Ostrander of Tenkara Guides when he was visiting us back in June (that was the day you “lost” your Ti Net).
nice little trick. If i ever get an ito i will be sure to use the trick.
Not me. I much prefer the action of the Ito in its “13′” mode in terms of casting. The action is sweet. I only extend it when I absolutely have to and then return it to its 13′ length when I don’t.
Will remember this. Thanks for the tip!
Ditto on preferring the 13′ mode. I could cast all day in 13 mode, like the rod is barely there. tj
Jason,
Off topic but…. any idea what waders he is wearing?
It looks like they have integral knee pads.
And they are very trim.
??
Hi Greg,
Nope, sorry I don’t know.
Even more off-topic, cool song. Anyone know who it is?
Morgan,
If you download the app “Soundhound” you can let your phone listen to any song and it will tell you who it is. It also works with humming a song.