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Tenkara Times WaterShed 300Z rod

September 18, 20165 CommentsTenkara RodsBy Jason Klass

Tenkara times 300Z

I come from a place where tight streams are the norm and fighting against riparian vegetation is just something you accept. But since I’ve moved to Colorado (15 years ago), that hasn’t really been a challenge for me. There are plenty of streams that offer you all the casting space in the world due to idyllic meadow streams, creeks that run through rock-eclosed granite valleys, etc.

Still, there are many of us who want to fish tenkara but need a rod that caters to small-stream fishing in tight quarters.

The Tenkara Times Watershed 300Z does that.

It’s a committed small-stream rod that has an absolutely delightful action. I have a hard time describing it, but it’s both delicate and powerful in the hand. You kind of just have to feel it for yourself.

The graphite used in this rod is obviously high quality and with the exception of the first few inches above the blank is matte–making it a little more stealthy by reducing rod glare.

The lilian and rod cap are pretty standard with a rubber cap and pink loop of Dacron (making it easier to find if you drop it) …

Tenkara Times Rod cap

And it comes with all the usual accoutrements like a stretchy rod sock and plastic tube …

Tenkara Times Rod tube

The handle is a different story. I’ve never seen one like this in a tenkara rod, but I think I get the point. The taper is sharp–meaning you can really only hold it in two positions. The one I favor is this one, close to the tip where I can put my index finger on the blank to detect strikes …Tenkara Times Grip

But, the unique handle also offers you the ability to hold it at the bottom if you prefer a more robust grip …

Tenkara 300 zoom rod

My one nitpick is that the butt cap is not knurled like most tenkara rods. It’s got a slot that you need a thin, flat something or other to tighten up. If you’re carrying a knife, coin, or happen to have not clipped your fingernails in a few years, you’re all set. But I otherwise, would prefer a knurled knob.

Tenkara but cap

Conclusion

I recommend this rod for small streams and smaller fish–but don’t be fooled. It can handle big fish too if you know how to play them. It’s a joy to cast and any tenkara angler’s reaction will be “WOW” once they get it in their hands.

Get more info here

tenkaratenkara rod reviewstenkara rods
About the author

Jason Klass

Jason is an avid fly angler and backpacker. As a former fly fishing guide originally from Western New York, he moved to Colorado and became an early adopter of tenkara which perfectly suited the small, high altitude streams and lakes there. He has not fished a Western-style fly rod for trout since.

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5 Comments
  1. September 18, 2016 at 7:26 pm
    Tom Davis

    For reference, this is the same rod as the Tenkara Times Watershed 330 2-way zoom. The rod has been rebranded. It’s a great little rod.

  2. September 18, 2016 at 9:51 pm
    Michael Agneta

    Nice write-up. Appreciate the observations and critique.
    Tenkara Times really makes fine rods – I always thought a different paint job and a US-centric rebranding could sell a ton of those rods in the States.
    Once in hand, I think any angler would find them a great value.

  3. September 18, 2016 at 10:02 pm
    Jason Klass

    I totally agree with you Mike. These are totally underlooked rods in the American market but certainly worth a try. Tenkara Times has consistently produced high-quality gear and for whatever reason, has kind of been ignored here. Not sure why, but they definitely deserve a place in our space. Anyone who has hot tried one of their rods is missing out.

  4. September 19, 2016 at 7:34 am
    Peter

    Putting a loop of cord on the rod cap is a perfect, simple idea.
    Being new to tenkara, I’ve read dozens of how-to articles over the past month, and most have mentioned how easy it is to lose the rod cap…

  5. October 25, 2016 at 11:33 pm
    David

    Where I live there are many small streams where a rod that length would be useful. But I prefer to fish larger rivers and don’t fish small brushy streams very often. I do have a Watershed 400 that I like a lot. If Oleg / Anthony aren’t selling a bunch of Watershed rods. Or other TT rods. Well, people are just missing out on fishing with very nice rods, and don’t know what they’re missing that’s available at a bargin price.

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About Me

Jason Klass is a former fly fishing guide & casting instructor based in Colorado. He was an early adopter of tenkara in the West and has been fishing the method for a variety of species since 2009. Read more >>

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