I have read many blogs, articles, and forums debating different lines used by tenkara anglers. Each type seems to have benefits and limitations, just like anything else in life that requires a decision. The available lines that I have seen include: level line, furled, hand-tied tapered, titanium, and horse hair. The only line I have experience with is fluorocarbon level line, so I obviously cannot weight-in on anything other than that. So the question still remains...what is the best line?
I rather enjoy using my level line, but would not be opposed to trying others. Level line is simple and works. Isn't that what tenkara is about? That's a whole other topic entirely, so we won't go there! Here are my thoughts on the other types:
Furled, Tapered Line
Many people consider this more "traditional" for tenkara. From my studies, I've gathered that this line is very supple, has excellent presentation, and also loads the rod well. The best part is that it does not have memory like level lines. No need to stretch the line every time you take it off the line holder. Simply remove and cast! The main issue is that it coils up into a giant cluster when you are forced to break your line off of a snag. The reason is that a lot of lines are made from monofilament which stretches. However, Tenkara USA developed their new line that is made from Spectra (which I believe is Kevlar of sorts). Spectra resists stretch much better than monofilament and does not tangle when you break off. Seems as though they have fixed the issue! My question now is, has anyone tried to make their own lines from Kevlar or the like? If so, please comment! I a DIYer and would love to experiment!
To see a YouTube video Jason Klass made on the subject. Click here
Titanium Line
The thought of a very thin titanium wire whipping through the air makes me nervous. Jason Klass from Tenkara Talk recently posted about this kind of line. It has a delicate presentation, is very strong (obviously), and cuts through wind like a hot knife trough butter! Fantastic, right? But there are also issues. Being so thin, it is extremely hard to see and there is no way of making it hi-vis unless you add another section of line to the end of it. There is also a chance of cutting yourself...yikes! I doubt it is common, though.
Hand Tapered
I have some experience making my own tapered leaders for western fly fishing. It is rather easy and much cheaper than buying tapered leaders at the fly shops. Sure there are more knots in the line (duh) , but that has never changed my success in casting, nor in catching fish. I have never been able to find information on this type of line, though I haven't searched very hard. Is this the same process as the leaders I've made, but on a larger scale?
Horse Hair Line
I actually know very little about this except it is the true "traditional" tenkara line. It seems a little too delicate for me and time consuming to construct, but I've never fished it before. Maybe it's amazing! Who knows?
Furled, Tapered Line
Many people consider this more "traditional" for tenkara. From my studies, I've gathered that this line is very supple, has excellent presentation, and also loads the rod well. The best part is that it does not have memory like level lines. No need to stretch the line every time you take it off the line holder. Simply remove and cast! The main issue is that it coils up into a giant cluster when you are forced to break your line off of a snag. The reason is that a lot of lines are made from monofilament which stretches. However, Tenkara USA developed their new line that is made from Spectra (which I believe is Kevlar of sorts). Spectra resists stretch much better than monofilament and does not tangle when you break off. Seems as though they have fixed the issue! My question now is, has anyone tried to make their own lines from Kevlar or the like? If so, please comment! I a DIYer and would love to experiment!
To see a YouTube video Jason Klass made on the subject. Click here
Titanium Line
The thought of a very thin titanium wire whipping through the air makes me nervous. Jason Klass from Tenkara Talk recently posted about this kind of line. It has a delicate presentation, is very strong (obviously), and cuts through wind like a hot knife trough butter! Fantastic, right? But there are also issues. Being so thin, it is extremely hard to see and there is no way of making it hi-vis unless you add another section of line to the end of it. There is also a chance of cutting yourself...yikes! I doubt it is common, though.
Hand Tapered
I have some experience making my own tapered leaders for western fly fishing. It is rather easy and much cheaper than buying tapered leaders at the fly shops. Sure there are more knots in the line (duh) , but that has never changed my success in casting, nor in catching fish. I have never been able to find information on this type of line, though I haven't searched very hard. Is this the same process as the leaders I've made, but on a larger scale?
Horse Hair Line
I actually know very little about this except it is the true "traditional" tenkara line. It seems a little too delicate for me and time consuming to construct, but I've never fished it before. Maybe it's amazing! Who knows?
This is the level line that I use. I got it from Tenkara Bum and really like it. Hi-vis and not on the expensive side! I have also heard great things about Tenkara USA's level line that comes in different colors even!