Overview

Sagi means heron in Japanese, and Zen Tenkara built the Sagi as a long, lean 13'6" tenkara rod for bigger bodies of water. It has a 7:3 flex, weighs 3.5 oz without the cap, and is made, in Zen's words, from the highest IM carbon fiber.

Zen rates it close to a regular 7 wt fly rod. Besides tenkara lines, Zen says the Sagi can cast regular PVC fly lines as long as 40' in 3 wt to 7 wt, plus leader, and has the range to go from delicate dry flies for 12" brook trout to big streamers for large brown trout, bonefish and Alaskan char. It comes with a spare tip, a rod sock and a carbon fiber travel tube.

Zen Tenkara Sagi Specs

Line and Tippet

Zen pairs the Sagi best with its Fusion Tenkara Line in LIGHT or Mid-Weight, in 15', 20' or 25', and says the rod casts everything from ultra-light tenkara lines to regular PVC fly lines up to 40' in 3 to 7 wt, plus leader. Use tippet up to 3X; Zen allows 2X for very experienced anglers.

Who the Sagi Is For

The Sagi is for tenkara anglers on larger rivers and lakes, and on trips after bigger fish, who want a long, light rod at a single length. Compared with the Zen Tenkara Taka, a 13'/15' zoom rated at 7 to 8 wt and 4.5 oz, the Sagi is lighter and fixed at one length. Compared with the 12' Zen Tenkara Zako, it adds 18" of reach and a stiffer 7:3 flex. The Zen Tenkara Suimenka trades length for two tips and four lengths, and the Zen Tenkara Grab-n-Go Zako Starter Kit and the Tenkara USA Rhodo are better fits for small streams and first-time tenkara anglers.

Zen Tenkara Sagi FAQ

What line should I use on the Sagi?

Zen recommends its Fusion Tenkara Line in LIGHT or Mid-Weight. It also casts tenkara lines and PVC fly lines up to 40' in 3 to 7 wt with a leader.

What tippet size?

Up to 3X, or 2X for very experienced anglers, as Zen recommends.

What is included?

The rod, a spare tip, a rod sock and a carbon fiber travel tube.

Can I make the action faster?

Yes. Zen's Performance Tip, sold separately, fits the Sagi and quickens its action.

What is the warranty?

Zen Tenkara covers its rods with what it calls its No Hassles warranty. Every section of a Zen rod can be replaced, and Zen sells replacement sections so a break is fixed by swapping out the broken piece. See Zen Tenkara's warranty policy for the current terms.