Tenkara Tanuki Pocket Ninja
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) …
And it comes with all the usual accoutrements like a stretchy rod sock and plastic 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 …
But, the unique handle also offers you the ability to hold it at the bottom if you prefer a more robust grip …
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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…
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.