Overview

Suimenka means under the water, and the Zen Tenkara Suimenka is two zoom tenkara rods in one. It comes with two tips: the thicker, stiffer Nymphing Tip sets the rod at 9' or 11', and the lighter, more delicate Dry Fly Tip sets it at 10' or 12'. Change the tip and you change both the action and the lengths.

The rod has a 6:4, medium-fast flex. The Nymphing Tip stiffens and quickens the action and the Dry Fly Tip softens and slows it, and Zen rates the Suimenka close to a regular 6 wt fly rod. It weighs 3.5 oz without the cap, collapses to 26 3/8" with the cap, and comes with a rod sock and a carbon fiber travel tube.

Zen Tenkara Suimenka Specs

Line and Tippet

Zen says the Suimenka pairs beautifully with its Fusion Line in LIGHT and Mid-Weight, and also lists it with its heavier Fusion BIG line. Use up to 12 lb test. In his review for TenkaraTalk, Jason Klass found the Suimenka stiffer than typical tenkara rods and noted it takes a line with more mass to load than a typical tenkara rod, so it suits heavier lines over very light level lines.

Who the Suimenka Is For

The Suimenka is for anglers who switch between nymphing and dry flies and want one rod that does both, with four lengths to choose from. Zen's Performance Tip, sold separately, fits it too and gives an action in between the two included tips. For a single all-round 12' rod, see the Zen Tenkara Zako or the Zen Tenkara Grab-n-Go Zako Starter Kit. For more reach and bigger fish, the 13'6" Zen Tenkara Sagi and the 13'/15' Zen Tenkara Taka step up in length and power. For tight, brushy streams, the Tenkara USA Rhodo is shorter and lighter.

Zen Tenkara Suimenka FAQ

Which tip should I use?

The Nymphing Tip for nymphs and heavier rigs, at 9' or 11'. The Dry Fly Tip for a softer, more delicate action with dry flies, at 10' or 12'.

What line should I use?

Zen's Fusion Line in LIGHT or Mid-Weight, or its heavier Fusion BIG line.

Does it work with the Performance Tip?

Yes. On the Suimenka, Zen's Performance Tip gives a third action, in between the Nymphing Tip and the Dry Fly Tip.

What is included?

The rod with both the Nymphing Tip and the Dry Fly Tip, a rod sock and a carbon fiber travel tube.

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.