Japanese rod maker river peak has announced the release of their newest model, the Mizunoma “Soft Bodied” tenkara rod.
From river peak
(DeepL translation with minor editing for grammar)
“Soft 5:5 flexible body blanks, which soften the movement of fish and allow anglers the freedom to maniupulate kebari and to interact with fish even with a light line. The rod’s softness makes it easy to lure fish naturally, and the fine level line allows for a delicate attack. When used in combination with the Trick Caster line, the maneuverability is even more pronounced. The ‘sense of unity’ from the hand down to the fly shows the system’s true potential in enticing fish.
Even in its longest model length of 3.8m, the swing weight is not felt, so there is no fatigue from fishing a longer rod. The grip, which fits comfortably in the hand, enhances maneuverability in currents and supports a targeted approach. And when the time comes to hook a fish, the Mizunoma’s “tenacity” comes into its own. Even in big fights with fish over a foot long, the rod will firmly handle the fish, giving you a sense of security.
The exterior of the Mizunoma has a unique metallic silver finish that makes the most of the carbon-black base color. It has an outstanding presence that looks great paired with mountain stream fish.”
Rod Specifications
| Model | Length | Weight | Sections | Closed | Diameter | Tip | Carbon | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 3.3m / 10’8″ | 63g | 7 | 60cm | 11.4mm | 0.65mm | 99% | 26,400 JPY |
| 38 | 3.8m / 12’4″ | 74g | 8 | 60cm | 13mm | 0.65mm | 99% | 28,600 JPY |
Ordering Info
Pre-orders of the river peak Mizunoma started on April 30th for the Japanese market with an estimated delivery of the rod scheduled for early June. No word on if or when this rod model will be released to the U.S. market. We’ve reached out to our friends at river peak to find out more information and we’ll update this article once more details are revealed.
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I want to thank you for your translation. The rod looks interesting. I am not sure how I feel about a 5:5 rod. Something in my mind feels the leverage on it is not going to feel right. That said I am always happy to hear about new rods from Japan. Looking forward to your personal review some day soon Tom.
Now about your translation. Mine was through Google and yours reads much better
GOOGLE Translate:
The bends invite, and the stickiness is caught. –
Flexible 5: 5It is a free-spirited ten-kara operation that creates a tone.
The blanks of the soft tone of the body that makes the whole body do not move the fish, making it possible to exchange with peace of mind even with fine harris.
The characteristic of this rod is that it is easy to induce a soft and natural induction, and the level line is also thin and delicate attack.
In addition, the combination with the Trick Caster stands out even more.
The “feeling of unity” from the hand to the hairbari shows its true nature in the fishing of invitations.
All the best
Dennis
Honestly I doubt it is actually 5:5 as they claim. Let’s compare with ASF 5:5 370 (http://www.u-nissin.co.jp/item/7434). Both are 99% carbon, both have 0.65mm tip. ASF base diameter is 11.5mm, and Misinoma is 13mm. ASF is 9 sections, and Misinoma is 8. Thicker base and less sections implies either sections are thicker and it is more stiff (unlikely, but possible); or joints are thicker (unlikely, bend curve would not be smooth – but looking at bend curve pictures they provide – possible) or sections are more conical (possible, but why?)… Anyway it should be faster than ASF 5:5 – bigger diameter pipe is stiffer all things equal.
I’m not sure how there handle shape would work. Invert cones – would it be sliding out of the hand? Or it is supposed to be choked on the top of the cone? They probably should explain better what are the benefits behind this shape.
Silver color looks good on there pictures. White line, silver blank – stylish. We should do beauty competition for tenkara rods. I have an idea – they should offer special cosmetics for the rods – who know may be I want to add pink accents to it today and blue tomorrow! 🙂