Overview

The Zen Tenkara Zako is the rod Zen calls the work horse of its line-up: a 12' all-round tenkara rod with a 6:4, medium-fast flex. 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, so you spend more time fishing and less time setting up and breaking down.

Zen rates the Zako as roughly equal to a regular 5 wt fly rod and builds it for a broad range of water, from small brook trout to large brown trout. It collapses to 21" with the cap on, weighs 3 oz without the cap, and comes with a spare tip, a rod sock and a carbon fiber travel tube.

Zen Tenkara Zako Specs

Line and Tippet

Zen recommends tippet from 7X to 4X on the Zako, and 3X once you have some experience with the rod. For line, Zen lists the Zako among the rods its Fusion Tenkara Line in LIGHT and Mid-Weight pair best with; both come in 15', 20' and 25' lengths. Zen's own Grab-n-Go kit pairs this same rod with an 11' Hi-Vis furled and tapered tenkara line.

Who the Zako Is For

The Zako suits a first tenkara rod or an everyday rod for small to mid-size trout water. Zen says it will cover most scenarios and everyday fishing, even if you hook into something bigger than you were expecting. Zen also sells a Performance Tip separately that replaces the standard tip and gives the Zako a faster action.

If you want the Zako with a line, flies and a fly box ready to fish, the Zen Tenkara Grab-n-Go Zako Starter Kit is the same rod packaged as a kit. For more reach and bigger fish, step up to the 13'6" Zen Tenkara Sagi or the 13'/15' Zen Tenkara Taka. For one rod that switches between a nymphing and a dry fly action, see the Zen Tenkara Suimenka. For tight, overgrown streams, the 8'10" to 10'6" Tenkara USA Rhodo is shorter and lighter.

Zen Tenkara Zako FAQ

What line should I use on the Zako?

Zen pairs it best with its Fusion Tenkara Line in LIGHT or Mid-Weight. A traditional 11' Hi-Vis furled and tapered line is what Zen packs with the Zako in its Grab-n-Go kit.

What tippet size?

7X to 4X, and 3X once you have experience with the rod, as Zen recommends.

What is included?

The rod, a spare tip, a rod sock and a carbon fiber travel tube. Line, tippet and flies are sold separately.

Can I make the action faster?

Yes. Zen's Performance Tip, sold separately, swaps in for the standard tip and quickens the 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.