Company Profile
Tenkara Adventure Outfitters (TAO) was formed in 2019 when Tom Bayly acquired the former Badger Tenkara brand, originally founded in 2014 by Matt Sment and Mike Lutes. Bayly rebranded Badger’s established lineup under the Tenkara Adventure Outfitters name and continues to offer those beloved rods, refined and supported for a new generation of anglers.
TAO operates with a strong philosophy rooted in simplicity and essentialism: their motto, “use what you need and nothing more,” reflects a passion for adventure over gear accumulation. An early U.S. tenkara adopter, Tom Bayly, seeks to keep fixed-line fishing accessible and fun across diverse environments, from Driftless Area spring creeks to warm water rivers and ponds.
Though a small company, TAO is recognized for carrying both domestic legacy rods and acting as the exclusive North American distributor for Japan’s River Peak brand. This expanded catalog ensures that anglers of all styles and budgets can find gear, and they regularly promote the full Tenkara Adventure Outfitters line plus select River Peak & Nissin rods.
TAO supports anglers with approachable pricing (many rods under $150), responsive customer service, and a belief that less gear often leads to a greater connection with nature. TAO shines as a brand guided by adventure. With a portfolio spanning legacy U.S. rods and Japanese performance gear, they remain a trusted choice for anglers seeking minimalist gear and maximal experiences.
Popular Tenkara Adventure Outfitters Rods
- U.N.C. Rod (8′)
A lightweight compact rod with 6:4 flex and just over 2 oz weight—tailored for nimble stream fishing or minimalist travel. - Driftless Zoom Rod (8′ 6″ / 10′ 4″)
Developed and tested throughout Wisconsin’s Driftless region, this rod balances reach and sensitivity across tight and open waters. - Classic Rod (11′ 9″)
A user-favorite for all-around trout water, offering medium-flex performance with excellent casting control under stream canopy conditions. - Bad Axe Zoom Rod (9′ 10″ / 11′ 5″)
A mid-weight zoom rod featuring a 6:4 flex profile—ideal for anglers who want precision and versatility between pocket streams and broader bends. - Wisco 2 (13′4″)
TAO’s “big fish rod”, the 7:3 flex WISCO 2 has the power and flexibility to throw larger flies, on longer lines, to catch bigger fish.
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