Hi-Vis FluorocarbonHi-vis fluorocarbon - really hi-vis, is something I've been looking for since I first discovered that fluorocarbon is better than mono for making level tenkara lines. Eureka, I have found it!
It doesn't. I had one of my best days ever - bringing 33 wild browns to hand, and missing at least that many. I think the reason for the good day was that it was so easy to see even subtle takes.
The key to fishing this line, or any tenkara line for that matter, is to keep the line off the water. I can't emphasize that enough. And it's not just about minimizing drag. If you are fishing wet flies or nymphs and your line is in the water, you will not be able to see the subtle takes. They are often so subtle that the amount of line movement they generate is truly unnoticeable if the line is in the water.
size 1.5 (diameter .205mm = .008"), size 2 (diameter .235mm = .009") size 3 (diameter .285mm = .011"), size 4 (diameter .330mm = .013") or size 5 (diameter .370mm = .0146"). Although you can cast line weights three through five with any of the rods, I do believe the softer rods will cast the size 3 line more easily than the stiffer rods. Conversely, they will feel a bit overburdened by the size 5 line. Size 1.5 and 2 lines are really for those obsessed with fishing the lightest possible lines. I would recommend them only with the softer rods and the 1.5 only on a dead calm day. (Realistically, I think the 1.5 is too light, but I do like the 2.) I would also recommend small, sparsely tied flies, like North Country wets or small nymphs. The stiffer rods will handle the size 5 line easily, but will require a very quick, very sharp casting stroke to cast the size 3 line. The size 4 line is the all-around line that will do well with any of the rods. From a fishing standpoint, I generally prefer the size 3, as its lighter weight makes it much easier to hold off the water's surface, and it is also quite sensitive to slight ticks or hesitations that can mean subtle strikes. You can still cast it in a slight breeze, which you couldn't do with the size 1.5 line, and might have trouble doing with the size 2. It is a very nice compromise between casting well and fishing well. The size 5 line is much easier to cast in a breeze and will be a better match for bulky, wind resistant flies, but you will not be able to keep it off the water's surface so drag will be a problem. The size 4 line is my most popular line - heavy enough to handle a bit of a breeze but not so heavy that it is hard to fish with, and a bit easier to see because of it's thicker diameter. As people get more experience and become more proficient casters, they do tend to move to a size 3 line, though.
I still recommend getting two line sizes for maximum flexibility. Sizes 3 and 4 are a good choice for the 5:5 and 6:4 rods, with sizes 4 and 5 a good choice for the 7:3 rods. I like the orange line much better than the older pink line, but some people really like the pink line. I still have some of the 10# pink line left, which is about a size 2.5. For a long time I sold the line in different lengths, based on whatever rod the buyer had. I have frequently been asked if I would sell it by the spool, though. Also, more than a few people have wondered whether to cut their line into three shorter lines (like I would do) or two longer lines (like Daniel would do).
In addition to a fixed, longer length, I've decided to package the line on the small tenkara line holder. It is much more useful than the temporary cardboard star I had been using. With the longer line and tenkara line holder, the price is a bit higher, but I think the value is much higher. Instructions for how to rig and attach the level line are now on my
level line
page.
TenkaraBum Hi-Vis Fluorescent Orange Fluorocarbon Line
This is my favorite level tenkara line. Easy to cast and extremely visible. Available in size 3 (lighter, better for delicate presentations and just a joy to cast with the 5:5 rods - though I'll use it with all the rods), size 4 (heavier, better in a breeze, easier to see in low light) and size 5, which I see as a specialty line for Backpacking Light Hane, or for fishing very wind resistant flies or in windy conditions. The size 5 line is not recommended for the Ayu, the 11' Iwana, Stone Fly 330 or Caddis Fly 330. It should work particularly well for the Hane, and for the Yamame, Amago and Stone Fly 390 when a heavier line is needed.Hi-Vis Orange Fluorocarbon Line, on Tenkara Line Holder - $24 Pink LineBefore I came across the Hi-Vis fluorescent orange line, I fished with a pink fluorocarbon line. The line is not at all the same as the washed out pink of the Daiwa tenkara line, but instead is a very bright, in your face, shocking pink. It is not as visible as the orange line in low light situations, but for daytime fishing in good light it is a very reasonable choice.One other thing it has going for it is that it is light weight. Lighter than the size 3 orange line. The line is not marked with the Japanese line sizes, but it has to be a size 2.5. It is about as light a line as most people would want to cast with one of the softer rods. It works nicely on the Ebisu and Ayu but is not recommended with the Yamame or Hane. Pink fluorocarbon, 20 yards, on line holder - $22 
jd_smith's Pink Line Rainbow
PaymentPayment is through Paypal but you don't need to have a Paypal account. You can use your credit card. PayPal payments will be made to chris at tenkarabum dot com. Credit card statements will read CM Stewart.ShippingDomestic shipping is $3. Most small items can be combined for a single $3 charge.International priority mail may arrive a little sooner (but still does not offer tracking) If you choose priority mail, click only once per order. If you have questions about these or other tenkara lines, please go to the contact us page. Return from Hi-Vis Fluorocarbon to Tenkara Line Return from Hi-Vis Fluorocarbon to TenkaraBum Home |
To satisfy both of those concerns, and also to streamline my production process a bit, I have decided to sell the line in one consistent length. The lines are now 20 yards, which will give you a lot more flexibility for cutting it to your own desired lengths, and will also give you enough line to rig the new Tenkara USA Ito.