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Tenkara Tanuki Retractor

October 28, 20205 CommentsPacks, Organization & StorageBy Jason Klass

Tenkara Tanuki Retractor

Let’s face it, when it comes to fly fishing accessories, retractors (AKA “zingers”) aren’t the sexiest things. We tend to focus on rods, flies, lines, and other things that are more exciting. But when we get right down to it, we all rely on supplementary tools to help us with our streamcraft. And that so often comes down to the the use of a zinger. Zingers help us keep our line clippers, hemostats, nets, and other tools conveniently at reach and organized without fear of loss. They’re not accessories you might think about a lot while using them because they become second nature, but you’d miss if they went AWOL.

Tenkara Tanuki Zinger

Most zingers are boring, round things from the 80s. But Tenkara Tanuki is now offering a new style with a clip-on attachment that I think is a lot more fun while maintaining the practicality.

Imagine a miniature carabiner that doesn’t pierce the fabric of your pack and is really easy to attach. These zingers attach or detach in 2 seconds yet still have all the functionality of traditional zingers for a weight of just 0.53 oz. Most packs, shirts, and rain jackets today come with Daisy Chains or D-rings so there’s no need to keep torturing our fabrics (especially the waterproof ones). Clips are in and pins are out.

Tenkara Tanuki Retractor

Also, the clip attachment makes it easier to transplant your fly fishing tools to different packs or clothing depending on changing needs. In other words, it’s versatile.

Plus, they just look cool. I love the fun graphics! One side features the Tanuki logo and the other side has a sakasa kebari. If you’re on the water and another angler sees yours, it will be a conversation starter for sure. And who knows … it might even lead to a lifelong relationship!

Tenkara Tanuki Zinger

They cost about the same as most traditional zingers but are a little bigger. Still, I prefer the “cool” factor. My pack is light enough that I can afford a little extra bulk for some bling.

Check them out here.

fly fishing retractorrsfly fishing zingersretractors for tenkaratanuiki retractorstanuki retractortanuki zingertenkara zingers
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. October 29, 2020 at 6:37 am
    Dave R

    Jason, that’s a cool looking zinger. I like the fact that it clips instead of having a safety pin to attach it.

  2. October 29, 2020 at 11:40 am
    DAVID

    Never thought of sexy and zinger in the same sentence before. Just ordered some. Thanks Jason.

  3. October 29, 2020 at 8:26 pm
    Jason Klass

    DAVID, LOL. Well please let us know how you like them. They’re pretty cool. Just yesterday, I realized I could also use them on my belt loop for my keys. So they’re multi-use!

  4. December 5, 2020 at 3:24 pm
    Roger W

    After reading this article, I ordered a couple and very quickly received them.
    For anyone thinking of buying one of these the answer is a definite YES, they are awesome.
    Thank you Jason for the hot tip on these zingers!

  5. December 10, 2020 at 12:46 pm
    Jayms Ramirez

    Love Tanuki rods and gear!!!!!!

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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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