I recently purchased the 2023 version of Shimano’s entry level tenkara rod, the Shimano Tenpyo Tenkara 36. I’ve always liked Shimano rods, even though they have a different flex action than I generally prefer. Shimano’s designs, materials, features and oversight by Dr. Hisao Ishigaki have always impressed me. Even though they are made in China, Shimano tenkara rods are top of the line premium rods.
Shimano states, “Casting is the most important technique in tenkara. Among the many types of fishing, tenkara requires a particularly large number of casts. The first thing to do is to cast the fly accurately. This is the first step for beginners, but some anglers seem to have a hard time finding the release point of the fly.” “The previous model had a 7:3 rod tone (flex action), in the vein of Keiho Tenkara, but while the tip of the rod allows for precise casting, the narrow release point makes it difficult to control for those who are not familiar with it. The new Tenpyo Tenkara has a 6:4 parabolic tone. The relaxed bending tone (flex action) has a wide release point, making it easy for anyone to cast flies. In addition, the body-tuned rod makes it easy to keep a light line on track, which has the advantage of allowing anglers to comfortably handle straight and level lines that have become mainstream in recent years.”
テンカラの愉しさを存分に味わえる１本です。 (This is a rod that allows anglers to fully enjoy the pleasure of tenkara fishing.)
Description
The Shimano 36 has an overall coloration of dark maroon, which appears black under regular household lights. The blank has a glossy finish. The fit and finish are excellent. The rod designation is sparse, with only the name of the rod in kanji, and Shimano’s logo. Unlike most Japanese tenkara rods, the Tenpyo 36 comes in a handsome Cordura covered rod tube. The tube is lined and doesn’t require a rod sleeve or sock to protect the rod.
The handle is similar to other newer generation Shimano tenkara rods, being a composite of EVA foam and cork. It is beautifully done. The handle has a classic hyotan gourd or double hump shape. The diameter of the handle waist is narrow at around 2 cm (0.75 in.), which is narrower than most rod handles. Despite this, the handle is both functional and comfortable.
The tip plug is a fairly standard style with a fluted rubber insert post. It fits tightly into the rod’s handle section. After its initial removal, I found it to be too tight for my liking, so I trimmed the rubber slightly. I find this is common with the other Shimano rods I own. The butt cap is plastic and is knurled to aid its removal. There is a small decompression hole, but it is plugged with a little bit of cork. As to why, I’m not sure.
The lilian is dark brown and is attached directly to the tip section (T1) via a perfectly executed glue joint. No micro-swivel here (yay)! The T1 section can be removed through the T2 section, allowing the rod to be completely disassembled for cleaning and drying. The T1 sections is hollow, rather than solid as in most tenkara rods. This is common with Shimano rods and gives them a stiffer tip for casting accuracy and more positive hook sets.
Measurements
| Characteristic | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Sections | 9 |
| Nested (w/ tip plug) | 51 cm / 20 inches |
| Fully Extended | 363 cm / 11 feet, 10.9 inches |
| Grip Length | 28 cm / 11 inches |
| Weight (w/o tip plug) | 67.5 g / 2.4 ounces |
| CCS | 16 pennies |
| RFI | 4.4 / 5:5 Moderate, Mid-flex |
Performance
The Shimano Tenpyo Tenkara 36 has a pleasing, relaxed casting stroke, but it is not so relaxed as to feel whippy. With its mid-flex bend profile, the Tenpyo 36 provides a good comprise between finesse and power profiles. When I first cast it, I was taken aback. I find most newer Shimano rod designs (34-38 ZL, BG Tenkara 48 NV and Pack Tenkara) to have a “wobble” in the mid sections when I first start to cast them. This isn’t anything wrong with the rods, rather, it’s that I’m more used to casting upper mid or tip flex rods with solid flexible T1 sections. Since Shimano rods have hollow T1 sections they cast and feel a little different at first. It usually takes me a few minutes to adjust my casting stroke to Shimano rods. But not so with the Tenpyo 36. I didn’t feel any mid-rod wobble, and my casts right from the start were fly first presentations. I was impressed.
The Tenpyo 36 has an excellent feel in hand. It’s lightweight and perfectly balanced. Although it’s recommended that beginners use a slightly heavier line with this rod (#3.5), I used a #2.5 fluorocarbon level line and it handled it really well. The handle was comfortable and easy to grip, and even though it’s thinner in diameter than I prefer, I didn’t have any cramping of my palm.
Here’s brief video of me using the rod to catch small trout with a #18 BWO emerger soft hackle:
Conclusion
I really like this rod. Shimano tenkara rods are high quality and robust in design, and the 2023 version of the Tenpyo Tenkara 36 is no exception. It’s lightweight, has excellent balance, has a smooth responsive action and is reasonably compact when nested. I like the handle shape and design, as well as the rod’s overall aesthetics. Whether you are a beginner or experienced tenkara angler, the 2023 Tenpyo Tenkara 36 makes the perfect tool for traditional Japanese tenkara fishing. For me, this rod is a keeper!
Disclaimer: My opinion regarding this rod is just that, my opinion. Your opinion may differ. Also, your rod may not have the same length, issues, or functionality as my rod. There are variations between rods, even in the same production run. No description can fully tell you how a rod feels or fishes. For this, you must personally hold, cast, and fish the rod then make up your own mind. I purchased the Tenpyo Tenkara 36 at retail price. I have no formal affiliation with Shimano Tenkara.
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Interesting RFI… not a ton on the market in that 4.5 area. Might have to check this one out, thanks!
Thanks for summary Tom. How long is the grip on the Shimano?
Never mind, found it in the table!
I just brought home one of these from Japan yesterday, but the 33 version. Sort of by accident — I had wanted to buy the Keiho NR 36, but all I saw was a 33, so I picked it up. The Keiho and Tenpyo look very similar. Your review and video have at least given me some idea of what I have. The manual says “Shimano Keiryu Rod” on the front in English, but it seems to be a generic manual for telescoping rods of various types. I don’t know if they consider this a Keiryu rod, or if they just use the same manual for all of them. I mostly nymph with beaded flies on the lighter end of the scale, using thin mono for a leader. I use a euro-nymphing rod/reel setup, but grab my T-USA Sato in situations where the former is too cumbersome (like travel to Japan). We’ll have to see whether the Tenpyo works for me. Good to know about the foam-handle fish-smell absorption. I’ll be keeping that in mind. Thank you!