The SAKURA ROD KONGOU Tenkara Rod 12 (3.6m) is a specialized tenkara rod designed for targeting small fish like tanago (bitterling), wakasagi (Japanese smelt), and carp in Japan. Here’s a breakdown of its features and suitability:
Key Features:
1. Length & Action
– 3.6 meters (12 ft) – A medium-length tenkara rod ideal for delicate presentations in small streams or ponds.
– Likely soft to medium action for precise control when fishing for tiny species.
2. Target Species
– Tanago (Japanese bitterling) – Very small fish (5–10 cm), requiring ultra-light rods.
– Wakasagi (Japanese smelt) – Small, silvery fish often caught in winter.
– Carp (small varieties) – Likely refers to funa (crucian carp) or juvenile carp, not large common carp.
3. Design & Sensitivity
– Made for ultra-light fishing with fine tippets (0.2–0.6).
– Soft tip to detect subtle bites from small fish.
– May have a collapsible design (typical of tenkara rods).
4. Brand & Origin
– SAKURA ROD is a Japanese brand specializing in tenkara and keiryu rods.
– “KONGOU” (金剛) suggests durability or a diamond-like strength (common in Japanese rod naming).
Best Use Cases:
✔ Small stream tenkara – Perfect for tiny fish in shallow water.
✔ Finesse fishing – Delicate presentations with light flies or bait.
✔ Winter wakasagi fishing – A popular ice-fishing target in Japan.
Limitations:
✖ Not for large fish – Too light for big carp or aggressive fish.
✖ Short casting range – Best for close-range, precise fishing.
Recommended Setup:
– Line: Level line (2.5–3.5m) or fluorocarbon tippet (0.2–0.6).
– Flies: Tiny kebari (Japanese wet flies), tanago hooks, or micro jigs for wakasagi.
Final Verdict:
This rod is specialized for small-species tenkara and excels in finesse fishing. If you’re targeting tiny fish in Japan, it’s a great choice, but not ideal for larger fish.
Would you like recommendations for similar rods or fishing techniques?