Company Profile
Tenkara Rod Co. was founded in 2013 by Drew Hollenback who was inspired to share the joy of tenkara fishing. Spawned from a Kickstarter campaign, their mission is to simplify fly fishing by making quality tenkara gear affordable and accessible to all anglers, while fostering a connection to nature and stewardship of wild trout waters.
Currently based out of Idaho, a hotspot for trout-rich rivers and alpine creeks, Tenkara Rod Co. blends Japanese minimalist tradition with the demands of Western regionality. Their products including rods, nets, flies, and accessories are designed by real anglers and tested in local waters, ensuring intuitive performance and portability wherever adventure leads.
Tenkara Rod Co. rods prioritize lightness and tactile sensitivity, yet still support the occasional larger fish for unexpected battles. Every rod includes a lifetime warranty for the original owner, emphasizing durability and support for anglers over the long haul.
Their catalog offers practical products like compact White Cloud rods suitable for tight streams, and the larger Rocky big fish rods capable of landing salmon and carp. They’ve even worked with a handful of Japanese rod makers such as Tenryu and river peak to develop and offer elevated rods for the U.S. market.
With employees who fish and live the lifestyle, the brand keeps gear simple, functional, and built to be used in real fishing scenarios. Tenkara Rod Co. stands as one of the more influential American tenkara companies and continues to deliver a wide array of product options while concentrating on having fun!
Popular Tenkara Rod Co. Rods
- The White Cloud (Small Rod – 8 ft / 245 cm)
Ultralight and collapsible, ideal for narrow headwater creeks; prized for its agility and feel in tight cover. - The Sierra (Medium Rod – 10.5 ft / 320 cm)
A soft-action rod tuned for precise presentations in small to mid-size streams; fun and exceptionally sensitive at just 2.8 oz. - The Sawtooth (Large Rod – 12 ft / 360 cm)
A go-to all-rounder with medium flex, reliable for both trout and most warmwater species. - The Rocky (Big Fish Rod – 12.5–14.5 ft)
Built for powerful fish and big water; fast-action and sturdy at 5 oz, the Rocky delivers endurance and length when it counts. - The Backpackr ( Pack Zoom Rod ~10’10” / 11’10” / 12’10”
A Kickstarter‑funded ultralight adjustable rod engineered for hikers: collapses to 13.5″, weighs only 2.8 oz, and arrives fully‑rigged with kit essentials
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