DIY Fly Desiccant
Right now, go to your gear closet, man cave, garage, armory, or wherever you keep your fishing gear. Grab your tenkara rod and shake it (vertically). Hear that rattle? It’s the collapsed segments of your rod slamming into the end cap. No, it isn’t broken. In fact, most tenkara rods do this–it’s just intrinsic in the design. While this rattling sound probably won’t damage your rod, it can certainly be annoying (especially on long hikes into your favorite fishing spots). Luckily, there’s a simple DIY solution you can do with materials you probably already have that will eliminate this.
Some rod manufacturers like Tenkara USA are starting to incorporate small dampeners in the end caps of their rods to cut down on this clamor. But if you’ve got an older rod from Tenkara USA or a rod from a different manufacturer that doesn’t have this feature, here’s how you can add your own. All you need is a pair of scissors and some craft foam. If you tie flies you probably already have some foam lying around. If not, you can get a sheet at your local craft store for a dollar or less. Here, I’m using a bright color so you’ll be able to see it better in step #3 but you can use any color you want.
Before we start, it’s important to note that there are two common types of end caps. Some, are hollow and some are solid. Determine which type of end cap you have first and then follow the appropriate set of steps below.
For Hollow End Caps
1. Take a piece of craft foam and lay it on a flat surface. Unscrew the end cap from your rod and push the threaded end into the foam to make an impression that will give you and idea of what size you need to cut.
2. Now, using scissors, cut out a circle of foam using the INNER ring (from the hollow part) the impression made as a guide. The goal is to make a circle slightly smaller than this ring that will fit snugly inside the end cap.
3. Finally, place the foam disc inside the end cap and push it into the bottom with your finger.
For Solid End Caps
1. Take a piece of craft foam and lay it on a flat surface. Unscrew the end cap from your rod and push the threaded end into the end cap to make an impression that will give you and idea of what size you need to cut.
2. Now, using scissors, cut out a circle of foam using the outer edge of the ring the impression made as a guide. The goal is to make a circle slightly smaller than this ring that will still fit inside the butt end of the rod.
3. Finally, place the foam disc on top of the end cap. If you want, you can glue it in place but it’s not necessary.
That’s it! Now replace the end cap, and give the rod a shake. Better, isn’t it? Now you can move from spot to spot like a stealthy tenkara ninja!
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Perfect example of simple and precise. Thanks for the post
Great idea!
thankyou Mr Klass!!! FINALLY, a simple way to shut that rod up on the way in/out.
I just did this exact modification last night! Great minds think alike ,or is it the 100th monkey phenomenon?
Let’s go with the great minds theory. 😉
Why is it that the guys that are crazy all about Tenkara have to have some kind of Japanese writing on their blogs, signatures and so on? Don’t get me wrong I love the sport but isn’t that just overdoing it a bit? By the way great idea I’ll be jumping on that wagon! The quite rod thing that is…
I added one 2mm craft foam discs at a time and now I’m finally done after the sixth one being glued on! No wonder it rattled like crazy, 12 mm of dead space is gone!
Oh, didn’t you know? This is all part of an elaborate scavenger hunt. Every time I post something in Japanese it’s actually a secret clue. Once you put all the clues together and translate them, they will lead you to a fabulous treasure. I guess if you don’t know Japanese you’re out of luck. Sorry.
Chris, nice! Just curious why you wanted to fill up all the slack. Was one disc not quiet enough? I didn’t even think of trying to fill up all the empty space to stop movement altogether. Way to take the idea and run with it!
Oh but I will i’m going to bring those clues to the hibachi tonight! Haha! Im not making any digs I was just asking..
That’s cheating!
No need to cut foam, etc. Back in 2010, an even easier solution was described.
Go to ACE Hardware and buy foam door stops. The kind used to dampen kitchen cabinets. Pre-cut perfect circles in a variety of diameters with a strong, water resistant adhesive backing.
If you’re lucky, your local ACE will carry the type that comes in a single sheet of various diameters for about $3.00. There is a diameter that will fit any TUSA rod on that sheet.
Nice Jason. I did that using a bit of inner tube to both of my Iwanas a couple of weeks ago. Worked a charm. Using fly foam makes sense to.
A single foam earplug took care of the problem for me. Really soft, takes up the space, and is already bright orange so it is easy to find if I drop it accidentally. Plus I have a spare…at least until I buy another rod! Thanks for the great site!
i found that the felt dots you use to keep furnature from scratching th floor works well…and it come with an adhesive backing.
I lined the cap of my 9’3″ Iwana handle with a disc of soft leather yesterday. Then I read this and thought “Why didn’t I think of fly tying foam?” Doh.
Simon, hey, leather works too!