ESZ Rivermaster Z2 13' & 15' Tenkara rod review 

Much better balance than the Ito at the longest length and almost an ounce lighter. Also a bit stiffer at 20.5 so it’s not nearly as noodly IMO. I never warmed up to the ito and sold it. I know some folks like it (eg Jason), but it’s not for me.

Nice, you’re the first I’ve heard from that has fished the 12’ Z1. I go through some mental gymnastics when it comes to choosing rods for a trip😂. I consider the fish size, water size and casting room, and the techniques I will likely use (nymphing with heavy flies or unweighted kebari for instance). Sometimes it’s just as simple as the mood I’m in or if I’m testing a new rod. I enjoy them all for different reasons, but in the end it’s just fishing and being out there that makes it enjoyable. For something local I may bring 2 or 3 (I never bring just one). For some of my week long wilderness trips to new locations I have brought as many as 10, but usually something small for tiny streams, something big for lakes, and then a couple rods in between to cover typical situations. This year I’m going to go more with “rod families.” For instance I may bring just Oni rods for one trip, Tenbum rods for another, Fujiryu rods, dragontail, WTR, tenryu, Tanuki, etc.

Awesome, thanks so much for the response. I love the channel. I can't wait for fishing season to go back out. Everything is too frozen here in AK.@@tenkaraonthetrail

AK!? I’m jealous. Been there a few times and would love to go more now that I’m retired. Maybe I could put my Rodzilla to good use!

haha. yeah, I've been thinking about getting one of those for Silvers. I might have to this summer. I'm not convinced it can handle a king, but maybe I'll have to test it out.@@tenkaraonthetrail

Yeah, I was thinking more for silvers for sure, along with big rainbows! Ruben does make some bigger rods like the phoenix and open waters as well. Nothing here in MT to test those on unless I want some sturgeon or paddlefish😂 I loved grayling fishing up there too.

I haven’t fished the Z1. I know Jason Klass did a review on it last year and was very complimentary about it. www.tenkaratalk.com/2023/03/esz-rivermaster-z1-10-tenkara-rod/

I have the 10’ nano and the 10/12’ freestone (haven’t used yet since I received it very recently). I really like the feel and performance of his rods so far!

@@tenkaraonthetrail How did the Nano fish?

@@tenkaraonthetrail having decided to fully embrace tenkara this year…I am buying more and more rods…I think I am your heir apparent lol

It’s a slippery slope!😂

You have enough rods!