One of my “New Year’s Resolutions” for 2017 is to make this blog that accompanies Tenkara Angler a bit more lively. Make it a place to share some of the goings on that happen during the 3 months between issues, providing more value to our subscribers. Even though it’s not January yet, figure there’s no time like the present.
On that note, Dave Blackhurst (@tenkarautah) shared this interesting Tenkara USA Sato “hack” on Instagram yesterday, one I don’t think I’ve seen before. I asked him if I could share it here, and he graciously agreed.
“I fish the triple zoom Sato Rod from Tenkara USA – this is a great rod that can be fished at 10′, 11′ and 12′. This is great for almost all waters but for the really small creeks with lots of over hanging branches I use to carry a smaller rod. If you want to carry only one rod for all your waters try this tip.
Go to the hardware store and buy a 5/16 rubber o-ring for 59 cents and place it on the main segment when getting started. You can leave it there when not using it. Now if you want to fish the rod at 7′ or 8′, just insert the ring between those segments and the main segment like the pic above and it will create a pressure tension that will hold the rod in place. Now you’ll have a rod that can be fished at 5 different lengths. Super easy and quick to change out.
I only use this technique on very small water. I have had no casting problems with short level lines and the fish in those creeks won’t increase any breakage because they are usually small trout. If the river can handle a longer rod that is what you should use. Tenkara is much more effective when you can use the longest rod possible.”
Tenkara Angler Note: “Hacking” or using a rod in a way unintended by the manufacturer may void the warranty. While replacement parts for tenkara rods are generally inexpensive, please proceed at your own risk.