Overview

The Tenkara USA Rhodo is a triple-zoom tenkara rod for tight, overgrown streams. Tenkara is the Japanese style of fly fishing with a long telescoping rod and a line tied straight to the rod tip, with no reel. The Rhodo fishes at 8'10", 9'9" or 10'6", so you can keep it short under low branches and extend it when the stream opens up. Tenkara USA calls it the lightest feeling rod it makes, and the shortest and lightest in its lineup.

Tenkara USA designed it to answer which rod to get if you mostly fish very small streams, and it is a favorite on the tight, canopied streams of the Appalachians. At 2.1 oz it collapses to 21", has a 9" cork handle, and uses Tenkara USA's Keep your Plug system: the rod comes with two plugs, and while you fish, the top plug stores in the hole at the bottom of the rod so it does not get lost. The rod comes with a hard case and a rod sock.

Tenkara USA Rhodo Specs

Line and Tippet

Tenkara USA's rule of thumb is a main line roughly the length of the rod, plus 4' to 5' of tippet. It recommends its 11'6" tapered nylon line for rods under 13' on small and mid-size streams, and names #3.5 as its main level line weight for most conditions. For tippet it recommends 5X, or 4X if you are targeting larger fish, and nothing stronger than 4X so you can break off a snag without risking the rod.

Who the Rhodo Is For

The Rhodo is for anglers who mostly fish small, brushy streams for trout, and for backpackers who want a light, compact rod. Every Zen Tenkara rod we carry is longer. The 12' Zen Tenkara Zako and the Zen Tenkara Grab-n-Go Zako Starter Kit are all-round choices for more open trout water; the Zen Tenkara Suimenka switches between nymph and dry fly tips at 9' to 12'; and the 13'6" Zen Tenkara Sagi and 13'/15' Zen Tenkara Taka are built for big water and big fish.

Tenkara USA Rhodo FAQ

What line should I use on the Rhodo?

Start with a line about as long as the rod. Tenkara USA recommends its 11'6" tapered nylon line for rods under 13', or a #3.5 level line, with 4' to 5' of tippet.

What tippet size?

5X, or 4X for larger fish. Tenkara USA advises against anything stronger than 4X.

Which length should I fish?

Tenkara USA built the zoom so you can fish it short, at 8'10", when branches crowd you, and longer, up to 10'6", when the stream opens up, with 9'9" in between.

What is included?

The rod with two plugs, a hard rod case and a rod sock.

What is the warranty?

Tenkara USA states that its rods have a lifetime warranty. Under its Tenkara Care program it usually sends replacement parts, so you do not mail the rod back; shipping and handling apply.