Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit

by Bennett Colvin · Published November 20, 2016 , 8:12 pm · Updated September 8, 2019 , 9:26 am

It is time to Tenkara! Getting into Tenkara fishing has never been easier than with the Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit. Like many fly fishermen, I have been hesitant to get into the Tenkara craze. These hesitations were caused by never giving Tenkara fishing a chance. Over the past two months, I have taking the Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit with me on every fishing adventure and I can say for a fact that it will join me on the rest.

What is Tenkara fishing anyway?

Tenkara style fishing originated in Japan over 100 years ago. Consisting of only a rod, line and a fly, Tenkara’s minimalistic design was created to efficiently pursue mountain stream trout. Today, Tenkara has adapted to suit many different types of fishing from small streams, large rivers, and even lakes. Additionally, an angler can find a setup that can handle most any size of fish too.

What makes Tenkara different than fly fishing is that there is no reel on the rod. The line directly attaches to the tip of the rod. A braided furled line is knotted to the tip of the rod. From the furled line tippet can be added to a tippet ring. This is a much more simplistic approach to fishing than a traditional fly fishing.

Initial Thoughts on the Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit

The Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit has almost everything needed for Tenkara. All you need to find is the water. This kit comes with the mini 10.5 foot Tenkara Rod which amazingly collapses down to 9.5 inches. Also included with the rod is a rod sock and protective rod tube.

Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit Items

Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit Rod Size

Within the kit comes a furled leader which is the main line of the Tenkara set up. A furled leader is a braided monofilament line that allows the rod to load so it can be cast.

Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit Furled Line

A 30 yd spool 5X tippet (5 lb) is also included in the kit. The tippet attaches to the furled leader and to the fly. Three traditional Tenkara flies are also in the kit. The Tenkara flies are similar to standard flies for fly fishing except the hackle of fly is tied in reverse.

Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit Tenkara Flies

The entire kit can all fit into the Topo Design Waist Pack. The pack can either be used as a waist pack with the woven straps and buckle or simply as a carrying case.

Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit Carrying Case

Review of the Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit

Since coming over to the United States, Tenkara fishing has been looked at with a bit of confusion. However, the simplicity of the Tenkara rod has created some perks that a traditional angler does not get to experience. The past few months of fishing Tenkara has been an eye-opening experience for me.

The Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit is so small that it can be brought anywhere. When collapsed the Tenkara rod looks more like a cigar than a fishing rod. I carry this kit everywhere now. The Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit easily fits in a backpack pocket. Anytime that I am going on a hike it comes with. This means that I am fishing more and fishing many different places.

Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit on the Water Assembly

So Easy a Baby Could Do it!

Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit is so simple that anyone can get into fish. Fly fishing requires some practice to be proficient, but Tenkara is great for beginners as well as the seasoned fisherman. For someone that may get overwhelmed in fly fishing, Tenkara fishing is the perfect stepping stone. This is the perfect way to build confidence in the fishing world.

When a fish takes the fly, you feel it! There is no need for a strike indicator when nymph fishing with the Tenkara rod. Each bump, rock and take is easily felt. I wonder how many fish I miss and never feel on my traditional fly fishing set up?

Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit Rod Bend

Makes Even the Smallest Fish a Blast to Catch

Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit is designed for smaller water and smaller fish. A 15 inch trout makes for an epic battle on this 10.5 foot rod. With this rod, all sizes of fish are fun to catch and fish for. A 20 inch fish would probably require a bit of an upgrade to a larger Tenkara Rod like the Owyhee rod that is designed for bigger fish and bigger water.

Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit and Rainbow

A Couple Things to Consider with Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit

Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit Playing a Fish

The kit itself has everything to get out and fish. However, like any kit, a few upgrades might be desired. The three flies that are included in the Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kits are pretty general and more location-specific flies will likely be needed. I tend to fish highly pressured water here in Colorado, and these trout have seen just about every fly ever created. This means that a wide assortment of flies need to be carried in order to fool the fish.

Another consideration before going out the first time is to check out a couple of Youtube videos on Tenkara rod set up. I have been fly fishing for over 20 years and can set up just about any rod blindfolded until I met the Tenkara Rod. The way the ferruled leader attaches to the rod tip is unique and some direction is needed before heading out on the water. It would be great if Topo Designs had some directions included in this but a quick internet search has videos showing how to attach the ferruled leader.

Specs of the Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit taken from Tenkara Rod Co.

Kit Specs and Inclusions

MSRP $298
Hip Pack and Carrying Pack
Leader Wallet
Hand furled Tenkara line
Line clips for easy line storage
3 Tenkara flies
Rod tube and sock
5x tippet
LIFETIME WARRANTY

Rod Specs

MATERIALS: Carbon fiber rod, hand furled thread line.
FLEX: 6:4 moderate flex Tenkara rod.
WEIGHT LIMIT: 2 pound fish limit
WEIGHT: 1.9 Ounces
Extended length: 10.5 ft.
Collapsed length: 9.5 inches

Final Thoughts on the Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit

Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit Rod

I will not leave home without the Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit. The Topo Designs x Tenkara Rod co. Mini Kit makes fishing incredibly easy. With this kit, any hike can become a fishing trip since this set up is so compact. Tenkara is perfect for both the seasoned fly fisherman or a novice to fishing. It is time to Tenkara!