Nissin Pro Spec 2-Way 7:3 rod -- review

I have been fishing small mountain streams lately, as it is their time of year. Recently I picked up a rod that fits these streams perfectly and makes them even funner to fish. The rod is the Nissin Pro Spec 2-Way 7:3 360 36-31 zoom rod.

The rod comes in the classic Japanese tenkara rod plastic carton, but that does not mean it is a toy or "non-serious" rod. Like all of the tenkara rods I have which are either Japanese made or Japanese labeled the quality is in the rod itself and not in the packaging. The rod comes with a rod sock.

The rod is outwardly similar to the Nissin ZeroSum 7:3 that I reviewed previously, but there are distinct differences. Comparing the two side by side you can tell that certain short cuts have been taken with the Pro Spec 2-Way; these are why it costs less.  The handle has the same pronounced gourd or hourglass shape. However, in the case of the Pro Spec 2-Way the handle is cleverly disguised foam. There is a thin cork veneer that makes the handle appear to be cork, but it is not (see the image below).  This foam base makes the Pro Spec 2-Way handle a little softer than the ZeroSum.  It will be interesting to see how its durability is over time.

The butt cap is similar in shape but since the Pro Spec 2-Way is a zoom rod there is the additional spike to hold the collapsed zoom segment. The color accents are blue, rather than red as with the ZeroSum. The finish is glossy black.

ZeroSum (left) and Pro Spec 2-Way (right) -- see the foam?

One thing that is different though is the tip cap. The ZeroSum as a fancy gold metal plug, but the Pro Spec has a rubber plug. At first it seem way too large, but if you screw it into the section it collapses and makes a tight fit. Still, I prefer using a Fuji KTC-12 with this rod.

The rod is 57.5 cm collapsed. Extended it can be fished either at 310 cm or 360 cm. It weighs 69.3 gm without the tip plug. The rod is advertised at 75 gm -- that once again goes to show that there can be great variance between what is advertised and what is actual: length, weight, action.

Casting the rod is great fun. The rod is so light and well balanced that it is effortless to cast. It feels a little stiffer in the 3.1 m configuration, but not by much. I like this rod in both it 3.1 and 3.6 m configurations. This is not like the Shimano 34-38 ZL; this rod feels pretty much the same both long and short. If you are looking for a soft 5:5 action rod for small streams, then this rod is not it. Go with it's 6:4 designated sibling and you'll be happier. My rod is categorized by Nissin as a 7:3, but in reality it is more like a softer 6:4. Keep this in mind when you pick it up. See the Rod Flex Index chart below to see where this rod fits when compared to other rods.

I have fished the rod numerous times now; small streams and larger mountain streams. It is pretty much perfect (for me at least) for trout 6-14 inches. I use a #3, 3.5 and 4 line, but I think the #3-3.5 work best. You can throw either unweighted or slightly weighted (small beadhead) flies and the rod won't gripe. The casting action is smooth and unencumbered. I don't detect even a slight tip overshoot or oscillation -- very nice! Personally, I fish the rod mostly in the 3.6 m configuration, but shorten it to 3.1 m when the situation necessitates.

A 7:3 rod? Really?? Looks more like a slow 6:4 to me.

Any concerns? Well, one. Shortly after receiving the rod I was fishing a tight stream and I happened to snag a nearby tree. I'm sure that never happens to any of you but it does to me pretty often. Anyway, I started to "work" the fly by repeatedly snapping the rod backwards away from the tree (using 5X tippet). I do this all the time and usually either the fly comes loose, the tippet breaks, or I eventually have to go extricate the fly manually. This time the 3rd section of the rod snapped near where it contacts section 4. I've never had that happen before, but I suppose I was asking for it. I don't think it was the rod's fault -- it was mine. Lesson learned: I received a replacement part (BTW, there is NO warranty with this rod) I now use 6X with this rod! I don't hold this adverse event against the rod. I think I've just been lucky up 'till now!


Conclusion: What a rod! I haven't been this excited about a lightweight, true tenkara rod in a while. Excellent balance and in-hand feel. I love the handle shape (I have XL size hands) and the fact that the handle is really foam (with a cork veneer) doesn't bother me at all. Playing mountain stream fish is great fun with this rod -- I wouldn't expect rod this to handle a 16+ inch trout in fast current very well however. If you have those in your favorite stream and you decide to use this rod, choose your tippet weight carefully. Anyway you look at it, this rod is a highly versitle tenkara rod designed for tenkara sized trout in tenkara sized streams.

Want one? Contact Chris at Tenkara Bum. I bet they'll go fast.

Here's a video of fishing with this rod:

Tenkara -- June 22, 2013

Tenkara in the mountains.

Here is a video from one of my latest tenkara trips. Again I present both 3rd Person View and Point of View. It was a beautiful evening. The cutthroats were cooperative!

Tenkara "Midi" line

I recently received and fished with the Fujino Tenkara Midi line from Tenkara Bum. This is a tapered nylon tenkara line which is very Hi-Vis. For the most part, I fish with level fluorocarbon lines, like a lot of you do. But because of its unique qualities, I wanted to try the Tenkara Midi.

I used the line one a small mountain stream protected by streamside trees and shrubs. I used a full-flex 360 cm rod , as the Midi, being a nylon line, is lighter than a standard fluorocarbon tenkara line. The day had full sun, but there was a breeze blowing. I used the trees to shield against too much air movement. Because the line is nylon, it requires a little longer and more deliberate stretch to remove the loops created by storage before fishing.

The first thing that you notice with this line is that it is really bright! Fluorocarbon formulations must be difficult to color since comparative nylon lines (Tenkara Midi, and Amnesia) are so much brighter. This brightness makes the line easy to see against most any background. In fact, the only time I had difficulty seeing the line was when it was directly back lit by bright sunlight reflecting off the water's surface -- but I find that situation to be the most difficult to see any line!

Casting the line is a little different than with a fluorocarbon line. Since the Midi weighs less (less dense) than fluorocarbon it seems to just float through the air and deliver the unweighted kebari with feather-like delicateness  It was, in fact, difficult to splash the fly down hard as is needed in certain fishing situations. This really is a feather-weight presentation line!  I didn't use the line with dry flies, but I bet it would be great for a delicate delivery.

The only downside I can see to using this line more often is that being so lightweight it is very much affected by the slightest air movement. I found that even a slight breeze would move my fly off target. This was a tad bit annoying, but it does't make me want to not use this line. I'll just have to be selective as to when I use it.

I'm glad I tried this line; it has its place among my specialty lines. I'll experiment with it more, especially when I need a very light , delicate presentation.

You can buy this line from Tenkara Bum.

Comrades in Tenkara

A few weeks ago, my family and I were in Salt Lake City to do a little shopping and eating. Early in the afternoon, when there was a respite, I asked if I could have a few minutes and head up one of the nearby canyons to check out the water. Both my wife and my youngest daughter rolled their eyes for they knew that I had ulterior motives.

We drove up a ways and stopped at a likely looking spot. I got out, donned my waders (which I just had happened to have hidden in the car) and rigged up the rod. That day the water was pretty high, run-off being in full swing. I fished for just a few minutes, then after nearly being swept downstream I jumped back in the car and drove further up the canyon. Cars were parked on the side of the road everywhere -- after all it was a beautiful day. I looked carefully but I didn't see anyone else fishing, so I assumed that all those people had to be hiking, picnicking, or something other than fishing.

The first place I tried. Fast water.

As we approached another good looking location I pulled off the road. There was one other car there.  I didn't see anyone of the water so I worked my way over the edge of the road and down into the willows that lined the stream.

As I forced through the willows I suddenly heard a voice -- someone had yelled. I looked up and there, about 25 feet in front of me -- was another angler releasing a fish. I'm a solitary fisher, I don't like to see anyone else on the water, so I started to turn to leave when I suddenly saw that this fellow had a tamo! I stopped dead in mid turn and watched him. He released the trout and then started casting. Yup, he had a tenkara rod!

At this point, fighting my isolationist self introverted urges I decided to call out to him and say hello; after all we were comrades in tenkara. I stepped forward out of the willows and called "hello". He looked up and returned my salutation then noticing my wading staff he motioned "wait just a minute". After a few more casts he came over and we introduced ourselves.

Jerry fishing, just before I called out.

He was Jerry from SLC. He has been fishing tenkara over this past year and per chance he had actually watched a few of my YouTube videos -- that's how he recognized my wading staff. We had a pleasant chat, shared tenkara anecdotes, compared equipment (I had a rod new to me that I was reviewing so I let him fish with it for a bit) and talked techniques. It was like we knew each other for years! I must admit it was pretty fun!!

A Utah brown

When we departed we exchanged emails and promised to fish with each other another time.  Well, it was just a few days ago that I received an email from him that he was going to be up in my part of Idaho for business and did I have time to go fishing. I emailed a "yes" and we made plans.

I met Jerry at a predetermined location and then drove him to one of my favorite little mountain streams.  We fished for a few hours, both catching rainbows and wild native cutthroats. He fished a section of the water while I went downstream and fished another. After a while we walked side by side up the stream, he fishing the right side and I fishing the left side of the water. It was fun. While wading and casting we talked, compared techniques, and helped each other when our flies got hooked in trees or on submerged logs.

Jerry fishing in Idaho

I had a previously arranged commitment that I needed to get back to so we couldn't go for more than 3 hours, but I thought the time we fished was great fun! I had somewhat the advantage since the water we fished was my home turf. Next time I'll have to go to Utah and fish with him on his home waters so I can be the one new to the water.

I fished the left side while Jerry worked the right side of the stream.

So here's to Jerry!  Thanks for a fun trip! Let's do it again sometime. I'm glad I ran into you on the water in Utah. If you were western fly fishing I would have slipped back unnoticed into the willows and moved upstream a ways. But tenkara changes that. When I see another tenkara fisher I now just have to say "hi".

BTW, Happy Father's Day to all of you male tenkara comrades out there.

Tenkara 6-10-2013: POV and 3rd Person Video

I worked my way up a local mountain stream yesterday day. The weather was beautiful. There was a bit of a wind that got in the way of casting, but that didn't spoil the water.

I fished using a #3 orange line, 12 feet, with a 1 foot green Amnesia sighter. This is becoming my standard line. I've tried a lot of lines over the last year, but this line seems about the easiest to make and mend. As far as the green Amnesia, my eyes see green much better than red.

I used only an Amano kebari with a peacock collar. Its a nice fly and has been producing well this year. I tie it on a variety of hooks; tailored to whether I want it lightweight or heavier. I use white sewing thread. The peacock is wrapped over a light application of Super Glue, to increase its durability.

I caught cutthroats (my favorite), browns, and one rainbow.

Once again, I used both POV and 3rd person video equipment. This shows different points of view of the stream, the area, the fishing and the fish. It takes a little more effort to do this, but it's sort of fun seeing the results.

Here is the video:

Tenkara Times NEXT 360 5:5 rod (2013 edition) -- review

Yesterday I went fishing a small mountain stream that has resident native Yellowstone cutthroat trout a plenty. There is nothing of great size in the stream, the largest I've caught in the past was 14 inches, but the stream is still fun none-the-less. I fished it with a rod sent to me by Oleg Stryapunin of Tenkara Times.

The rod was the Tenkara Times NEXT 360 5:5. Jason Klass reviewed a previous version and Christophe Laurent briefly reported regarding the current version. According the Oleg, the blank is the same between the two versions but two upgrades have been made to the 2013 version of the rod. The first is minor: the color accents on the blank have been toned down. They are not bright Komen pink anymore, rather they are a less obtrusive tone of purple -- sort of a Pantone 254 PC. The second is a major upgrade: a black EVA foam handle. I have owned a Shimano 34-38 ZL which has a similar style of handle and was very comfortable and, dare I say, chic! The handle of the NEXT 360 5:5 is similar in comfort and style.

The rod came in a paper covered package. Removing the paper finds the rod in a transparent polycarbonate tubular case along with a thick black stretch rod sock. The polycarbonate tubular case is not as sturdy as a fiberglass or metal tube, but is should protect the rod well. BTW, an aluminum rod case is offered as an option.

Collapsed, my rod is 57 cm in length. Extended it is 364.7 cm. Its weight without the tip plug is 70.2 g (advertised weight is 69 g).

The blank is a non-glare dark grey graphite matte which I appreciate. As previously mentioned, there are color accents on the distal ends of segments 2-8 (tip section being segment #1). Past versions of the NEXT 360 5:5 had bright fuchsia accents, but as mentioned above, that color has been toned down.

Matte finish

The handle is black EVA foam and has a subtle, but noticeable,  "gourd", "camel" or "hour-glass" shape to it. The distal 4.5 cm is high quality cork. Overall, this gives the rod a very modern and updated look. EVA foam handles are becoming more common on fly rods likely due to the difficulty obtaining high quality cork. The black winding check is tight to the handle. Personally, I like this handle. It is very comfortable and non-slip wet or dry. EVA foam is very robust and durable making it last a long time without the appearance of aging as with cork. The only downside to EVA foam that I have experienced is that it can have the tendency to retained fish smell, even after cleaning with water. Mild soap diluted in fresh water will help remove the smell, however.

The tip plug is wood with a rubber insert. The butt cap is black plastic; no drainage hole but a coin slot is provided.

Tip plug

Butt cap

The lilian is red and rather long, compared to other rods I have. It is attached to the graphite directly -- no micro-swivel. It comes with a simple overhand knot in the end, but as I don't use a girth hitch to attach my lines I don't use a lilian knot. Also, I prefer to remove all the segments of the rod after a days fishing so they can dry completely. This can only be done if the knot is undone. The end of the Lilian was a little frayed on my rod, but I corrected this with just a light touch of a flame.

 As far as flex action, the rod is advertised as a 5:5 or soft rod. As mentioned in previous posts, the whole 5:5, 6:4, 7:3 rating system for tenkara rods is very subjective and without standard from manufacturer to manufacturer. An attempt to have a simple, repeatable standard measurement for rod flex is provided with the Common Cents Scale (CCS). This, however, does not adjust for the length of the rod, but the Rod Flex Index (RFI) does. Using the RFI rods from different manufacturers may be compared and their flex categorized. The Tenkara Times NEXT 360 5:5 rod has a CCS of 14 penny; this gives is a RFI of 3.8. Therefore, it falls in the 5:5 range.

RFI comparison chart

Fishing the rod is a real pleasure. Personally, I like rods in the RFI range of 3.5-6.5 with a nod to those in the mid to upper end of this range (I do like a few not in this range though). The NEXT 360 fits solidly in the 5:5 range. Casting strokes are slow and controlled. Targeting is good. There may be a slight tendency for tip oscillation at the end of the casting stroke making the line jump just a little, but this can be over come with the right line weight and not forcing the casting stroke.  A #3 line fits it well; too heavy a line and it gripes just a little. Slower, smooth casting is in order with this rod.

It fights fish well. The largest I've caught with it so far is only 12 inches but it feels like it could handle larger in a fast current. The handle is comfortable. Tip heaviness is minimal, about what you'd expect for a 360 cm rod.

Conclusion: I like this rod. It appears to be well built; very good fit and finish. It's lightweight with good balance. The action is relaxed but not too relaxed -- smooth, slow casts are best; don't force the stroke or the tip rebounds. Unweighted flies are best as is a #3-#3.5 line -- #4 or higher make the rod gripe a smidge. I really like the handle. I see the EVA foam as a plus not as a problem. All in all, I'm betting that Tenkara Times will sell out this Y13 version as they have done with the past version of the NEXT 360 5:5. We'll see if I'm right.

Here is a video of me fishing with the rod. The video is interesting if for one reason: this is my first attempt at showing both POV and 3rd person views of fishing at the same time!

Furled Lines from Tenkara Times

I recently received four furled lines from Oleg at Tenkara Times. If you've followed my blog for a while you will know that I don't generally fish with a furled line; I prefer level lines. However, I really enjoyed these four lines from Tenkara Times.

These lines from Tenkara Times come in beautiful packaging. Each line has a Gyotaku print package -- brown trout, rainbow trout and grayling represented. These are really nicely done and look professional.

The four lines I have are: Nylon monofilament 13', Uni thread 13', Kevlar 13' and Spectra 13'.  All of these lines cast wonderfully but each has its own character. Its hard for me to describe the difference between lines, but each casts and fishes slightly differently. Personally, I don't really prefer one line over the other. That said, the time I do use a furled line is when I fish dry flies with a long tippet. For this I prefer a mono furled line due to its ability to float better than other materials. I often grease my furled lines but not always. The mono line, greased or not, seems to float much better than the others.

If you like fishing with furled tenkara lines, then consider the lines from Tenkara Times. I have used furled lines from many manufacturers and the Tenkara Times lines are right up there with the best of them.