When it comes to protecting your tenkara rod, you have a couple of options. These are a rod tube and a rod sock or sleeve. The rod sock or sleeve provides protection against scratches and scrapes, but it’s the rod tube that really protects the rod from damage. While many American domestic market tenkara rods come with an included rod tube, most Japanese rods don’t. This often leaves the tenkara angler looking for alternative rod tubes or cases to provide the desired protection.
There are many sources of good quality rod tubes available to the tenkara angler. Some are standard aluminum rod tubes, while others are custom artisan tubes. But over the years, when I’ve wanted a rod tube or case to store a Japanese rod in, I’ve turned to Mountain Cork, a rod case company from Riverton, UT.
Mountain Cork was founded in 1977 by selling dry fly dressing for fly fishermen. After the first couple of years, the company began to offer fishing rod cases and other fishing storage and protection products. Mountain Cork has been the leader in high-quality USA-made rod cases ever since. They make rod cases for many high-end fly fishing companies and their quality is second to none.
But what I like about Mountain Cork rod cases, is that I can get cases that fit my tenkara rods either from their Tenkara Rod Cases line, or I can order a custom length tube if needs be. All cases feature 600 denier weather-resistant outer material, 200 denier fully lined inner lining, a shoulder strap and handle. They are solidly built, as well as being nice looking.
The other thing I like about Mountain Cork is that the rod cases I usually order are not that expensive. Tenkara cases run about $25 USD. I like that they are fully lined and that they look “professional”.
So, if you are interested in getting a high quality, fully lined, zip closure rod tube to protect your tenkara rods, consider Mountain Cork. I’ve been very pleased with mine, and I bet you’ll be equally pleased with yours!
Do you have a story to tell? A photo to share? A fly recipe that’s too good to keep secret? If you would like to contribute content to Tenkara Angler, click HERE for more details.
When you buy something using the retail links within our articles or Gear Shop, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Tenkara Angler does not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.
I have always used fluorescent light tube guards. They are inexpensive and work well.
I was in the process of ordering a rod from Tenkara Bum and was going to need a case for it. I had done a google search for cases and came upon Mountain Cork. Then a couple of days later I saw this article by Tom. This past week I purchased a case. The company is local to me. I communicated with James who allowed me to pick it up to save on shipping. The quality of the case is great and James is great to work with. Highly recommend if you need a case.