Red Brook Tenkara launched their new rod, the RBT Ranger, a little bit under the radar on Kickstarter yesterday. For all of you who like to seek out small backcountry blue lines on maps and enjoy a shorter length fixed-line rod for all of the tight spaces that come along with them, this 8 foot model may be right for you.

Since Bill Holleran at Red Brook Tenkara has been generous with article contributions to Tenkara Angler over the years, I reached out to him directly to learn a little bit more about what his intentions were when designing this rod:
“I wanted to have the best rod for chasing wild brookies and salters in New England. A rod that could cast in tight areas in the mountains and streams near Cape Cod. My customers have been asking for something smaller for a couple of seasons now. I believe it to be a light/medium flex, ideal for smaller fish. I went with 8 foot length because I didn’t like the way most smaller rods cast… The Ranger name connotes recon, hiking, exploring, etc… I’m also hoping it will pay homage to conservation officers.”
Bill Holleran, Red Brook Tenkara
The following product specifications are taken from the Kickstarter campaign page:
- Collapsed length: +/- 22”
- Extended length: 8’(240cm)
- Action: Medium
- Handle: grade A cork
- Weight: +/- 2 ounces
At the moment, the early bird price sits at $110 for the rod alone, with rod packages also available for slightly more. It appears once the Kickstarter hits the fundraising goal of $1,000 and the rod goes into production, its regular price will be around $130.
For more information on Red Brook Tenkara, or perhaps to review their current in-stock product assortment, check out their website HERE.
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