As I stated last week, I really appreciate these videos thank you. If I had to pick only one rod that I currently own to fish it would be the Mizuchi. It is an extremely versatile rod. I recently purchased the Keiryu Rod Co. Inyo. Haven't fished it, only lawn cast. It feels like a winner for ESN and larger fish. I purchased the TAO Driftless this past Fall. I've fished my last few outings with it and like it a lot, from its simple looks to its extremely useful single zoom of nearly two feet, it's a nice for small streams that have tight and open sections. I like my 5:5 Quattro, however all the zooms are way over the top, for me it's a really nice 8.5' rod for tight streams.
Thanks Michael. Do you have the additional soft sections for the Mizuchi? Keiryu rod company sent me the ansel to test recently, but it won’t happen till spring. I did find the Inyo interesting when I read about it. I don’t have the drift less, but I do have the scout and UNC. Very fun, clean, and simple. I may never use the middle two lengths on the Quattro either. It would be even better as a single length 8.5’ rod IMO.
I don't have the soft sections, no plan to purchase them I like the Mizuchi just as it is. I agree the Quattro would be better if it were a single length 8.5' rod. The Inyo is an interesting rod, at 12.3' it has the same CCS and RFI rating as the Gamakatsu 4.0@@tenkaraonthetrail
The Dragontail Mizuchi is the rod I started with also and would recommend it as a first Tenkara rod. I feel it is one of the most versatile rods out there and if it should ever get damaged, spare parts are easy to get.
I have several Daiwa Sagiri rods that I love (3 sizes), including an extra new one still in the box. I also love the other Daiwa Tenkara rods I have. The ones made by Nissin are also really good.
Thanks for the breakdown of these rods and your videos have been very informative for me. I was introduced to Tenkara fishing this summer on a seven day backpacking trip in the Wind River Range in Wyoming last summer and had a blast catching some native trout along the way with a borrowed rod. i have since purchased a Beartooth rod from Tenkara Rod Company for similar trips in the future; TRC had a great deal on it over the holidays. I live in Washington State and have a strong desire now to seek the much bigger fish around here and that Dragon Tail HELLbender Rod keeps popping up as a big fish that I would love to get my hands on. We have family of three and i am looking to outfit us each at some point. My son was able to land his first fish with that borrowed rod and he displayed a genuine smile that we got a photo of, a somewhat rare feet at fifteen... That rod I borrowed was from Wild Water Fly Fishing and it was11' or 12' long.
@@tenkaraonthetrail I didn't find or catch any of those but we did catch some good sized Cutthroat up high and some Brookies in the lower lakes, For us it was mostly about getting well into the Bridger Wilderness area so we were moving a lot and traveling light. Because of the nature of Tenkara Rods and the minimal gear there was no reason not to bring one along and It did add nicely to the overall experience. I look forward to more of the same and exploring local as well, just to go fishing and hiking.
Absolutely, tenkara rod and backpacking go hand-in-hand for me. I’ve got rods stashed in my truck, camper, ATV, etc. I never know when I’ll have a fishing opportunity.
I use the Wasatch Darth Quattro (5:5 flex) or DT foxfire or my Tanuki golden trout (not available) for those situations..or for Japanese rods the Hakubai 240, kurenai HM30r
Anything with a little more backbone and length works well because of the extra weight of the floating line and indicator for me. I typically use the hellbender.
It's probably not a fair comparison, but how would you rate the Hellbender against something like one of the Gamakatsu Multiflex Suimu rods? I need something substantial for fishing weighted flies in fast water with trout and salmon up to 24", and occasional smallmouth. I was leaning toward the Gamakatsu 4.5, but the Hellbender's price and Dragontail's customer service is making the Gamakatsu less appealing.
That’s a tough one. The hellbender has a higher 32 penny rating than the 4.5 (23/27/28) but the Gamakatsu rods are more tip flex (not the 5.0). The Gamakatsu rods are premium rods for sure and a price to match. You do have a longer reach of course if that matters. I am hesitant to say which one would be more capable, but the Gamakatsu rods are rated for 2x and have premium materials. I think a 24” salmon would be a handful with either one, but doable. Not to muddy the water, but the bigger Wasatch Tenkara rods could handle them as well, but they are much heavier. Bottom line, the Gamakatsu rods are the highest quality materials, with a high price. The hellbender would get the job done in the right hands. You’re right, the price and customer service are the best. Why are you leaning towards the 4.5 over the 5.0?
