{"id":782,"date":"2026-05-15T17:03:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T17:03:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tenkara.ca\/soutiller-2\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T23:33:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T23:33:24","slug":"gear-up","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tenkara.ca\/en\/gear-up\/","title":{"rendered":"Gear up"},"content":{"rendered":"

PILIER III · \u5099\u3048\u308b · SONAERU<\/p>

Gear up.<\/h1>

One rod, one line, one kebari. But which ones? Understand actions and lengths, the rod selector, the line calculator and the kebari codex.<\/p><\/div>

ANATOMY · \u8abf\u5b50 · CHOSHI<\/p>

Understand your rod's action.<\/h2>

Action describes where the rod bends under load. Written as a ratio (8:2, 7:3, 6:4, 5:5), it determines feel, accuracy and presentation. Classic tenkara favours the 6:4<\/strong> — the perfect balance between sensitivity and control.<\/p>

8:2<\/text> <\/g> 7:3<\/text> <\/g> 6:4<\/text> RECOMMENDED<\/text> <\/g> 5:5<\/text> <\/g> <\/svg> <\/div>
8:2<\/span> Very soft (full flex)<\/span> <\/div>

Bends over 80% of its length. Very soft feel, ideal for small streams and small fish. Delicate casts but limited in wind. Natural sasoi animation.<\/p>

Use:<\/strong> Narrow streams, native brook trout<\/div> <\/div>
7:3<\/span> Medium-fast action<\/span> <\/div>

Bends in the top 30%. A common compromise on Daiwa and entry Nissin rods. Good versatility for beginners who want a bit of power.<\/p>

Use:<\/strong> Versatile, light wind, medium trout<\/div> <\/div>
6:4<\/span> Medium action (balance)<\/span> RECOMMENDED<\/span> <\/div>

Bends in the top 40%. The classic choice of traditional Japanese tenkara.<\/strong> Perfect balance between sensitivity (sasoi) and power (fighting). Recommended for 90% of situations.<\/p>

Use:<\/strong> ALL-ROUND — default choice<\/div> <\/div>
5:5<\/span> Slow action (full flex)<\/span> <\/div>

Bends uniformly along its full length. Very Japanese, very purist. Excellent protection for fine tippets (6X, 7X). Spectacular fights. Wind can be a problem.<\/p>

Use:<\/strong> Experienced angler, light kebari, calm water<\/div> <\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div>

LENGTHS · \u9577\u3055 · NAGASA<\/p>

Four categories, four uses.<\/h2>

Tenkara comes in four length ranges. Each has its terrain, its fish, its motion. To start out, the 3.6m<\/strong> is the universal buy.<\/p>

<\/div>
3.0 m<\/div>
Compact<\/div>

For tight streams, cedar swamps, alders. One-hand overhead casts under low branches. Sacrifices reach but gains manoeuvrability.<\/p>

Brook trout, forest streams<\/div><\/article>
<\/div>
3.3 m<\/div>
Short<\/div>

Compact and versatile. A good first buy if your rivers are small to medium. Excellent for hilly, forested regions.<\/p>

Trout, small to medium rivers<\/div><\/article>
<\/div>
3.6 m<\/div>
Standard · Recommended<\/div>

The classic tenkara length. Balanced reach\/manoeuvrability. The universal buy<\/strong> for 80% of situations. Available in every action.<\/p>

All-round, default choice<\/div><\/article>
<\/div>
4.0 m<\/div>
Long<\/div>

To open up wider. Large rivers, big brook trout, wide sections. More reach, more fatigue.<\/p>

Wide rivers, big trout<\/div><\/article>
<\/div>
4.5 m<\/div>
Very long<\/div>

Spey-tenkara. Big pools, very wide sections. Requires experience. The choice of specialised senseis.<\/p>

Big pools, wide sections<\/div><\/article><\/div><\/div>

SELECTOR · \u7aff\u9078\u3073 · SAOERABI<\/p>

Personalised rod selector.<\/h2>

Answer the questions to get a recommendation from 20+ rods, with direct purchase links to the brands.<\/p>

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1. Your level<\/div>\n
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