Which Tenkara Line to Choose

The first tenkara line was made from twisted horsehair. Most are now made from nylon monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line. The two main types are tapered lines and level lines. In the US, most tapered lines are really just long furled leaders. Most level lines in both the US and Japan are fluorocarbon.

Chris, many thanks. By the way, I tried out my new tenkara rod with your Hi-Vis line last weekend on a small stream nearby. I found that all the advice you give on your website is absolutely spot on. With western style fly casting I have nothing but problems and seem never to be able to "mend" my way out of drag, which must be obvious to the fish. With the tenkara style and your fabulous Hi-Vis line all that was in the water was the 6X tippett. After a catch-less first season of fishing last year, on my first outing with my tenkara gear and your line I caught a 9 inch brownie in a fast moving riffle - and I am hooked. You have a customer for life!
Paul G, Maryland

If there is one area of tenkara fishing where I get away from the simplicity, it is with the lines. You can certainly choose one line, either tapered or level, and do all your fishing with it. I like to fine-tune things a bit and prefer to use different lines with different rods. Initially, I also matched lines to the flies I was using, but I've gotten away from fishing bushy flies or heavily weighted flies, and now mostly fish a Sakasa Kebari or Killer Bug. I do match the line to how much of a breeze there is, though. On a still day I'll use the lightest line possible.

As with everything else in life, the choice of which tenkara line to use is a compromise. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. I believe that anglers in Japan pretty much choose to fish tapered or level lines, and don't switch back and forth. Here in the US, tenkara anglers do not always follow Japanese tenkara tradition.

To me, the greatest single advantage of tenkara over Western fly fishing is the improved presentation. The long rod and relatively short line allow you to keep most of your line off the water and fish a tighter line. To do this effectively, though, you need to fish a very light line.

In general, I would recommend fishing the lightest line you can get away with. To some extent, how light line you can fish will depend on your rod, the flies you are fishing, and whether there is any breeze. I would also recommend fishing a very visible line, as I am convinced that that the better you see your line, the better you'll see the strikes.

If you want to embrace the simplicity of tenkara, this section should help you pick which line to use. If you want to fine-tune things to match your lines to your rods, flies and weather, this section should help you pick which line to use when.

TenkaraBum Lines

Click the links to find out more information about tapered lines or level lines, whether to buy fluorocarbon line by the spool or by the line, and the importance of hi-vis fluorocarbon. I've also included a page on horsehair line. Despite all the latest, greatest, hi-vis high tech lines, I really enjoy fishing with a horsehair line. It just seems to have the right density and stiffness to cast very nicely. If you would like to make your own horsehair line, I now offer a horsehair line kit that includes premium quality horsehair and detailed step-by-step instructions.

To overcome the only real weakness to horsehair line (it's relatively weak) I developed an artificial horsehair line that used modern materials and ancient methods to approach the beautiful casting feel of a horsehair line with the strength of a modern line. Sadly, I have run out of the line used to make it, and cannot get more. I have been working for some time on an alternative, but I'll need just a little more stream time before releasing it.

To blend the best attributes of both tapered and level lines, I also make hi-vis hand tied lines, which cast like a dream and turn over beautifully. They are made in three weights to best match your rod, your fly and the breeze conditions, and all three are now tapered down to 3x (all hi-vis fluoro) for delicate presentation. (And they are nice enough to make me seriously rethink whether horsehair is still my favorite!) When people ask me for a line recommendation, I usually suggest the level lines, because each line comes with enough material to cut into several lines of different lengths - but I must say I do like fishing with the hand tied lines.

And don't forget the "tenkara tippet" which you obviously need between your tenkara line and tenkara fly. Choice of brand is up to you (I carry Maxima and Varivas) but you should be sure to use a light tippet (max 5x or 4 lb) to protect the rod.

If you have any comments or suggestions, or would like to get more information about my hand tied lines, please go to the contact us page.

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