For many years now, I have been exploring competition-style nymphing, first with traditional European nymphing rods and then with tenkara rods. Also called Euro nymphing, tightline or contact nymphing, this style of fishing has gained momentum over the years to the point where some of the most successful trout anglers world-wide use European nymphing techniques to work all micro-environments of the stream and increase their catch rates.
Called “euro nymphing” in angling circles, the technique grew from the rules found in competition fly fishing. The rules state that an angler can’t attach anything to the leader to float or sink the fly; i.e., no split shot and no strike indicators. The top competitors knew that most fish spend a majority of their time feeding on small nymphs subsurface. They needed to find a way to nymph fish within the competition rules. (Nowles) Thus, European nymphing was born. In short, European nymphing is a fly fishing technique where an angler holds a sighter off the water to detect when a trout eats their weighted flies. (Nowles)
While traditional Euro nymphing rods and gear are fun to use, I want to share with you two tenkara rods that perform amazingly well for this style of fishing. And while not truly tenkara, Euro nymphing with a tenkara rod can be very effective and of course, fun!
I often use contact nymphing techniques during the winter when most of the trout I pursue are holding to the bottom of the water column. I also tend to target tailwaters, or tailrace rivers when using this technique, but Euro nymphing is effective in smaller streams and during the summer as well. On larger waters I prefer rods that have a long reach. A couple of my favorites are the Nissin Zerosum 400 7:3 and the Nissin Air Stage Fujiryu 410 6:4.
Uzaki-Nissin Co., Ltd. is a well known and highly respected Japanese rod manufacturer that has an excellent line of high performance tenkara rods. While many of their rods are designed for traditional Japanese-style tenkara techniques, some, including the Zerosum 400 7:3 and the Air Stage Fujiryu 410 6:4, excel at tightline nymphing. Let’s explore both of these rods.
Nissin Zerosum 400 7:3
The Zerosum line of tenkara rods is the flagship of Nissin Tenkara. Nissin states, “these premium Tenkara rods are designed for experienced anglers or passionate anglers who want to improve their skills. High module carbon fibers combined with advanced manufacturing technology make this series very light, balanced, and progressive, allowing smooth and precise casts. Plus, the longer version is ideal for fishing wide open waters and catching good-sized fish.” (Uzaki-Nissin Co., Ltd.)
The Zerosum 400 7:3 is well balanced for such a long rod. The handle is relatively short, but I haven’t found that to be an issue in my fishing. Nissin describes this rod’s action as “progressive fast flex”, but I’d say it’s moderately fast, upper mid-flex. I find that it handles thin fluorocarbon lines extremely well. Strike detection is excellent and hook sets are quick and sure. Because the rod is over 4 meters in length, it is a little tip heavy, but this is to be expected. Despite this, I don’t feel that it taxes my arm very much. Also, I feel the rod is more consistent with a 6:4 flex action than a true 7:3, but no matter how you categorize it, the 400 7:3 is a fantastic Euro nymphing rod.
| Characteristic | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Sections | 9 |
| Nested (w/ tip cap) | 57 cm (22.4 inches) |
| Extended | 408 cm (13 feet, 4.6 inches) |
| Handle Length | 23 cm (9 inches) |
| Weight (w/o tip cap) | 79.4 g (2.8 ounces) |
| CCS | 20 |
| RFI | 4.9 / Moderately fast, upper mid-flex |
| Rotational Moment | 6.9 |
| Tippet Rating* | (号) 1.2 (3.5X/6 lb.) |
For more on CCS, RFI and Rotational Moment, watch the Tenkara Angler YouTube video on the subject.
Nissin Air Stage Fujiryu 410 6:4
The Air Stage Fujiryu (ASF) 410 6:4 is my most recent contact nymphing rod purchase, and I have enjoyed it immensely. Regarding the 410 6:4, Nissin states that the rod has, “a traditional wooden grip and attractive Japanese colour finishings. This particular action 6:4 delivers more power than other standard “ mid-flex ” action rods. The Air Stage Fuji-Ryu series allows to cast any line ( TL and LL, including light furled horse fly lines ) with energy and perfect accuracy. Thanks to their action and structure, the Air Stage Fuji-Ryu rods allows prompt strikes, especially at great distances, and help landing fish quickly. A wide section features a strong backbone for catching and landing bigger fish.” (Uzaki-Nissin Co., Ltd.)
Despite being designed by tenkara master Hiromichi Fuji, it is a rod that is frequently overlooked. This is a shame, because if you’ve never fished one, you are missing out on something truly special.
Like the Zerosum 400 7:3, the ASF 410 6:4 is amazingly well balanced. It has a progressive fast action that allows any weight of line to be used with effectiveness. Despite this being a stout rod, it handles thin Euro nymphing line very well. Strike detection is outstanding; hook sets are lightning fast and decisive. Being a 4 meter plus rod, it too has some degree of tip heaviness, but like the Zerosum 400 7:3, it’s not enough to affect this 62 year old’s arm very much. No rotator cuff issues with this rod! The rod is fast and powerful, but has enough finesse to make you smile. The handle is short and made of cypress, but this shouldn’t dissuade you from checking out the rod. I love the handle; I wish more tenkara rods had this traditional style of handle.
| Characteristic | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Sections | 10 |
| Nested (w/ tip cap) | 52 cm (20.5 inches) |
| Extended | 413 cm (13 feet, 6.6 inches) |
| Handle Length | 18.3 cm (7.2 inches) |
| Weight (w/o tip cap) | 87 g (3.1 ounces) |
| CCS | 25 |
| RFI | 6 / Moderately fast, upper mid-flex |
| Rotational Moment | 7 |
| Tippet Rating* | (号) 1.2 (3.5X/6 lb.) |
Conclusion
Euro, or contact nymphing, is a highly effective way to catch trout all year round. Although not truly tenkara, tenkara rods can be used with great effectiveness when fishing this technique. Tenkara rods with fast, responsive actions provide wonderful tools for contact nymphing. In larger waters, both the Nissin Zerosum 400 7:3 and Nissin Air Stage Fujiryu 410 6:4 provide best-in-class reach, control, and power, and allow you to present weighted nymphs to feeding fish in a way not possible with traditional tightline nymphing gear. If this style of fishing appeals to you, I encourage you to check out both these rods to see if they are right for you! You can inquire about both rods at Tenkara-Ya.com.
Citations:
- Nowles, Morgan. European Nymphing: The Hot Fly Fishing Technique Explained. GearJunkie.com, 2019.
https://gearjunkie.com/outdoor/hunt-fish/euro-nymphing-explained - Uzaki-Nissin Co., Ltd. “Catalogue.” TENKARA FISHING CATALOGUE
http://www.u-nissin.co.jp/wp-content/themes/def/splitpdf/tenkara.pdf
This article originally appeared in the 2024 print issue of Tenkara Angler magazine.
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I’ve almost come to the conclusion that a fixed line rod is a better nymphing tool than a regular fly rod.
Almost.