While it feels like we’ve been offered “Black Friday” deals since Halloween, this is traditionally the week where holiday shopping kicks into gear. As such, Tenkara Angler is happy to present its 2023 Holiday Gift Guide! We reached out to all of our favorite tenkara, fixed line, and outdoors brands looking for their top items and offers for this holiday season, each of which we’re listing below. So if you’re in the market for gifts, or are just looking to add another rod to your stocking, enjoy and happy holidays!
Don’t miss the highlighted deals and coupon codes for additional limited-time savings!
(Note: all discounts and coupon codes have been provided by the brands listed in this article. Tenkara Angler does not take responsibility for price discrepancies, expired coupons, or unavailable products.)
DRAGONtail Tenkara
Some may know him as “Patagonia Marc”, but we’re going to call Brent Auger “Santa”, as DRAGONtail Tenkara has brought us some great holiday deals!
Rod Savings! $40 OFF the Hydra tenkara rod: Good thru the end of the year or while current inventory lasts. This is an excellent zoom rod with 2 lengths that is a great gift rod for someone just getting into tenkara with some optional lengths in an all-purpose tenkara rod. Also, for all you small stream “glass geeks” don’t miss out on savings of $30 OFF the FoxFIRE fiberglass hybrid tenkara rod!
$30 OFF the NIRVANA V2 Rotary Fly Vise: Good thru the end of November. This is probably the best fly tying vise under $200 and now you can get it for a killer deal at $129.99 for a limited time and start tying your own flies with a great fly vise.
All Flies 10% OFF: Thru December 25th with coupon code – flies10off – this coupon code is exclusive to Tenkara Angler readers! DRAGONtail has the widest variety of tenkara flies available to choose from whether it is Sakasa or Futsu kebari or other flies that work great on tenkara rods.
Tenkara USA
Tenkara USA is once again hosting its annual #OptOutside sitewide sale from November 22nd (mid-morning) through December 1st. Take advantage of up to 30% off sitewide!
Tenkara USA Hane Rod: The compact Hane rod is perfect for backpacking, hiking, and any outdoor adventure. At 3.6oz and measuring just under 15in when collapsed, the Hane fits nicely inside any small bag, but extends to 10ft 10in (330cm) when in use. MSRP $160, Sale Price: $125 (valid 11/22 – 12/1)
Tenkara USA Satoki Rod: The Satoki is Tenkara USA’s latest rod innovation. This robust, triple zoom rod, weighing just 3.4oz, can be fished at 10’8”, 12’2”, and 13’7” (330cm – 415cm). Engineered for larger waters and bigger fish, the Satoki features a durable foam handle and an elegant woven graphite finish. MSRP: $230, Sale Price: $175 (valid 11/22 – 12/1)
Tenkara Starter Kit: On your way out the door, grab your tenkara rod and this kit bag, and you’re ready to go. Just add a tenkara rod, fishing license, and water! This starter kit comes in a custom mesh bag and contains all the essentials to start tenkara fishing: Nylon Tapered Line, the Keeper™, 3 flies, tippet, forceps, nippers, and an instructional booklet. MSRP: $50, Sale Price: $42 (valid 11/22 – 12/1)
Looking to learn more about tenkara? Buy Tenkara – The Book with a 50% off discount!
Zen Tenkara
Make your holidays “Zen”… Starting Nov 22nd through Dec 15th, just for Tenkara Angler readers. Use Coupon code TAholiday to get 25% OFF SITEWIDE from Zen Tenkara on all rods, lines, accessories, and flies (excludes gift certificates and lessons). Plus, FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING on orders of $200!
All-Purpose Tenkara Lines: These super supple, low memory, easy-to-cast, delicate lines come in 6 lengths ranging from a mere 7ft on up and out to 22ft long. The newest and improved version of the All-Purpose Tenkara Lines means they are even sleeker than before. They feature welded connection loops, an 8” hi-viz sighter section, a tippet ring as well as a leader/tippet loop option, a color-coded tag end, 18lb test strength and they FLOAT too!
Zen Tenkara Hooded Sweatshirt: The weather outside may not be frightful, but a soft and comfy Zen Sweatshirt is just so delightful! These hooded sweatshirts have a fleece inside, generous cinchable hood, kangaroo front pocket and a cool full color Zen Tenkara patch on the front left chest. They wash well, do not shrink and are available in 3 sizes: Medium, Large and X-Large.
Zen Sagi Tenkara Rod: Long, lean and oh so capable, the Sagi was one of the original “big fish” tenkara rods. At 13.5ft the Sagi tenkara rod is an elegant powerhouse. It casts everything from tenkara level line #3 to Zen Fusion Lines in either Light or Mid-Weight, meaning is it incredibly versatile. From small trout to small bonefish up to 3lbs, the Sagi is a great rod for those who fish in a variety of waters for a variety of species.
Tenkara Rod Co.
Tenkara Rod Co. is making it rain! Or should I say snow? From now through 11/29 they are featuring 20-40% off sitewide with their annual Black Friday Sale! Rods are around 25% off – including the popular Japanese-made Kita & Yari. If you use code tenkaraangler you can save even more by receiving an additional 15% off your entire order!!!
ESZ Tenkara Fly Fishing
ESZ is offering their customers not one, but two promos for the holiday season! First, introduce yourself to their products with 10% off on every purchase, while enjoying the gift of free shipping on orders over $100, spreading joy until the end of 2023.
And for Black Friday, receive 20% off selected items, including 3 of their best selling rods and lines. Plus, stack on top of the extra 10% off storewide for double the savings!
Red Brook Tenkara
Red Brook Tenkara is running a wicked pissa of a Black Friday sale from November 22nd – November 27th. Take 20% off all tenkara rods, starter kits, lines, flies, apparel, and accessories. Tenkara Angler readers can also save with Free Shipping using coupon code TA.
Not sure what to buy? Bill at Red Brook recommends the Ranger tenkara rod, the RBT Arrowhead snapback hat, and the RBT Elevated Fly Fishing graphic t-shirt as surefire winners!
Tenkara Path
Tenkara Path has assembled a Holiday Gift Pack, the perfect stocking stuffer for that tenkara angler in your life… (or wrap it up and put it in your stocking as a gift from your spouse they didn’t know they got you…just saying). This great combo gift pack includes an acacia magnetic line spool / fly keeper (wrapped in a traditional Japanese furoshiki cloth), a matching handle hook remover, a Tenkara Path furled line, and a 3 pack of Dennis’s personally tied, Matchstick kebari. A great gift set for just $45. PLUS… Free shipping in the USA! No special code needed. Order before December 8th to be sure to get it on time.
Riverworks Rod Co.
Lomino Madness! Rare savings from one of the most innovative rod shops around. Riverworks Rod Co. is offering two holiday specials that should really interest the serious fixed-line angler in your family! No coupons necessary.
Save $70 on the ZX4-PRO 395cm GEN 1.5 Tactical Nymphing Rod: Four long years of testing and development by Rob Worthing and Jeff Lomino brings you the finest Tactical Nymphing Rod on the market. The ZX4-PRO was specifically designed from step one to be a dedicated nymphing tool. The greatest attribute of the ZX4-PRO is to provide the user the ability to deliver small nymphing rigs on ultralight line setups.
Save $140 on the Steelheader: As the name implies, this rod is designed for steelheading with a fixed line rod. With tremendous lifting power and the ability to steer large fish in heavy current, the Steelheader is a rod that can go toe to toe with monsters. The Steelheader can do battle with any number of large fish – be it trophy trout, bass, carp, jungle monsters, or any other large predator in fresh or saltwater.
Tenkara Talk
Jason Klass from Tenkara Talk is offering a limited time savings off several of the unique items found in his Etsy shop. Save $15 when you spend $50 using the aforementioned link and the following coupon code: 15BUCKSOFF
Jason commissioned outdoor artist Ryan Keene to create three original watercolors of the most iconic sportfish in tenkara: the amago, iwana, and yamame. He then added kanji & katakana that were hand-written by a professional Japanese calligrapher. Each fish is accompanied by the corresponding English translation and Latin scientific classification. Showcasing their most vivid natural colors, “Trout & Char of Japan” products are truly unique and real pieces of art. A must have!
Tenkara Adventure Outfitters
Tenkara Adventure Outfitters is offering the best deals of the year on 3 of their most popular rods! While three are highlighted in this Gift Guide be sure to check out their entire offering of TAO-branded rods, as well as select River Peak rods. Use code TAHOLIDAY for additional savings of 20% any orders $101.00 and over until end of year, while supplies last!
The UNC has found itself on smallest blue line streams to the saltwater flats of South America. A light, compact and well balanced rod that fishes bigger then it is.
The Driftless is new this year and has already proven itself on many technical waters. Almost 2 feet of zoom from 8’6 to 10’4” with a very nice feel across its range.
The legendary Bad Axe is another dependable, versatile rod also with almost 2 feet of zoom.
Seiyu Gear
Seiyu Gear is having sale through the end of the year… Save $30 on the Seiyu Therapy 33 tenkara fly fishing rod (now $130), plus receive a handful of flies and a voucher for one year of Trout Unlimited membership! Sales support trauma therapy scholarships for first responders, military, front line healthcare workers, and veterans. Unfamiliar? Check out our articles on this unique rod and program.
Wasatch Tenkara Rods
Have you noticed how Ruben at Wasatch Tenkara Rods continually pushes past the boundaries of fixed line fishing? If you chase anything that swims, Wasatch has a rod for you. Even one that glows in the dark! (What’s up Rudolph!?!) Save an additional 10% off their website pricing using the code tenkaraangler10 .
Darth Quattro: The first quadruple-zoom tenkara rod in the world! A rod like this allows you to cast precisely how, when, and where you want. If you are just getting into to fishing the thin blue lines, or have been doing it for years! If you love blue lining, this rod is for you.
Siyco: The first full Glow-in-the-Dark tenkara rod on the market! This rod is a beast, and designed to be a multi-species slayer (like the T-Hunter or RodZilla), but a little different size and a lot cooler! If you love hunting and slaying big fish at night, then look no further!
Phoenix Rising: Use this 20 foot, 8:2 tenkara “spey” rod for big fish and big days of slaying giants. It has been used to catch everything from snook and Jacks in the salt to smallmouth bass in the rivers!
ZimmerBuilt
ZimmerBuilt will be having their annual Holiday sale starting the evening of November 22nd to November 27th. No discount codes will be needed, prices will be discounted on site. It doesn’t get better than handmade in the USA.
Tenkara Guide Sling – Save 20%: The original tenkara dedicated sling pack introduced by ZimmerBuilt more than 10 years ago is the perfect gift for any tenkara angler. The Guide Sling can carry up to 4 rods and has two generously sized pockets to store all your fishing gear for a day out on the water.
Strap Pack – Save 30%: Give the gift of fly storage this holiday season. The Strap Pack is the perfect gift for any angler that carries a fly box or two. Clip it to your pack or your pants or wear it around your neck, the Strap Pack is a lightweight durable solution for your fly box transporting needs.
Tenkara Rod Roll – Save 20%: If you or someone you know has a nice collection of tenkara rods then why not carry those rods in style? The ZimmerBuilt Tenkara Rod Roll can carry up to 8 rods and keeps them protected for both storage and travel.
Yonah Packs
Yonah Packs will be having a sitewide sale from November 24th to the 27th on their smartly designed tenkara packs. Use code BLKENDTROUT to save 15% off the entire store!
Tenkara Simple Pack: Small, simple and ultralight minimalist pack designed specifically for Tenkara anglers. Weighing at only 1.6oz or 2oz and made using dyneema or X-pac fabrics. The pack can be worn in 4 different ways: On the belt, around the neck, over the shoulder, or attached to a backpack shoulder strap.
Tenkara Fanny Pack: A minimalist tenkara fanny pack that can double as a sling pack and carry everything you need for short day trips. Also made using X-pac fabric.
Backcountry Pack: Designed for ultralight backpackers and thru hikers and coming in at less than 1 ounce, this pack will hold the bare minimum you need for a backcountry fishing trip to help keep your base weight down. This is the perfect “grab and go” pack after setting up camp.
Tenkara Angler
Don’t forget to snag some Tenkara Angler logo gear as well! The easiest place to find it is on Amazon (t-shirts), or even more on Spreadshirt (tees, hoodies, stickers and other miscellany). So if you’re interested in repping the Tenkara Angler brand or other tenkara-centric catch phrases, we’ve literally got you covered! Be sure to check out Anthony’s new Midwest Tenkara Fest “throwback” graphics… Tenkara ’till the cows come home!
Last, but not least…
Finally, (and unfortunately), not all of the brands that Tenkara Angler reached out to had time to reply by our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide submission deadline. However, we still encourage you to pay some of these favorites a visit, as you never know what sort of last minute deals or offers they may be running. We’ve listed some “everyday” coupons below too.
Discover Tenkara has kindly provided a coupon code for all Tenkara Angler readers!
Save 10% off your purchase at their website using code TA10
Backpacking Light has kindly provided a coupon code for all Tenkara Angler readers!
Save 10% off your purchase at their website using code TENKARAANGLER
Tanuki has kindly provided a coupon code for all Tenkara Angler readers!
Save 5% off your purchase at their website using code TENKARAANGLER
ikari has kindly provided a coupon code for all Tenkara Angler readers!
Save 10% off your purchase at their website using code TENKARAANGLER
Oh, and should you find a deal or two that we didn’t mention, please feel free to mention them in the comments section below!
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