I decided to experiment and try a small tenkara rod to train my youngest boy in the fine art of small stream fly fishing. Most companies don't make a shorter tenkara rod since that diminishes most of the good qualities of tenkara. However, I found a kids tenkara kit from tenkarabum (Chris). It is 8' long and very light. It folds up to about the size of a large pen.
We took it out today for the first time. I don't know if it was any better than the 6' 3 weights that I usually get my kids, but it certainly worked as well without having to worry about the free hand and line.
Watch the video and note how casually my youngest son holds the rod with one hand. ( He got more excited about the water skippers).[cool] He caught several....cuts that is, even though it was a rainy water soaked day.
Windriver
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Fun! He did a great job. That is going to be another happy boy in the fishing world.
Nice fish for that small of a Tenkara rod. It does seem to be easier for them to cast, but landing them with the long line is a problem if they can't back up far enough.
Good job, dad!
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Very cool Wind! Remind him, keep hands on the cork not the rod[
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That was a nice size trout!!!!
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yeah...a THREE yr old who's body is far from development and endurance needs to hold the rod only by the handle putting such pressure and stress on the wrists. the tot's two handed technique is a superior way to prevent wrist joint damage, not have arms tire quickly, and maintain control of a hooked honker, especially over a long fight. with his rod/handle technique, he played that fish like a pro! keep up the great work kid!..and make more thrilling memories with daddy!
-idahoflygod
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[quote whitefished]yeah...a THREE yr old who's body is far from development and endurance needs to hold the rod only by the handle putting such pressure and stress on the wrists. the tot's two handed technique is a superior way to prevent wrist joint damage, not have arms tire quickly, and maintain control of a hooked honker, especially over a long fight. with his rod/handle technique, he played that fish like a pro! keep up the great work kid!..and make more thrilling memories with daddy!
-idahoflygod[/quote]
And chance breaking the rod, but whatever god.
You are right
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far better to break a rod, than a wrist on a child! thats the priority, not the rod! lotsa my buddies use this two hand technique on a fish that tears a stream in half on a run. i do too, and have never seen a rod break, heard of one break, nor have i had one break in that area including 2 and 3 wt rods. and you are right. i am right, and you are not....
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Very cool catch.
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This post is taking a strange turn.[:/] I appreciate any and all input. This particular kid is wonderful, but doesn't listen to specific instruction very well yet. I was just happy to see him happy about his birthday present and fishing in general. A win/win for both of us.[
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Thanks Everyone
Windriver
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He and the rod both did great for first timers.
If you don't mind, what is the model of rod? I am still amazed at how well it did on that size fish. It looks like it might be a good candidate for some really brushy small streams. Also how long and what size line did you have on it? Thanks
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and there's the fly hanging there with the fishing taking off. Too much fun. Very nice.
Size of a pen? I need to check these things out a bit more.
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BTW tell him that was a great catch, and it doesn't matter if it got released a little sooner than he might have wanted.
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[quote cpierce] and it doesn't matter if it got released a little sooner than he might have wanted.[/quote] of course it doesn't matter. Heck, who wouldn't be impressed seeing that. I am equally impressed with the kids decked out ready to get wet. Hmmmm, must be careful they don't stretch out an elbow with that stretchy neoprene tho.
Always like your videos windriver, especially the ones with your kids. You embrace, to what many of us may see as a chore, loading up and gearing up an army and going out for adventure.
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I love your posts and videos . Keep up the good work .
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The rod is a Kiyotaki 24 it is 7'10", 8 sections, 15" long when collapsed. It weighs 1oz and is 97% carbon. You can find it on the tenkarabum.com website. The site might seem a little primitive compared to other tenkara dealers, but I can assure you that Chris has excellent customer service and knows his stuff.
I use a size 3 colored fluro level line for most applications. My son was using the size 4 level line that came with the rod kit. It is easier for a beginner to cast.
I think this would be an awesome rod for those really brushy creeks. (Don't tell my son I plan on borrowing his rod occasionally)[
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Windriver
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