The Kowasa is still on my buy list. Thank you for the updates. Can’t wait for another trip report as you get more time with the Kowasa.
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Definitely wise words Peter.
I was reflecting with my wife on being paid to drive a Yugo when a Ferrari is a much better choice.
Any good angler can cut a piece of bamboo and make it work pretty well.
I’m not interested in most non-Japanese marketers rods. Rods by John and Paul excluded as they know and have similar demands as I do.
At a minimum, I want a rod designed by accomplished fly fishermen and lifelong Japanese tenkara fishers. I’m after their skills dna.
The little Japanese rods?
Yes.
Someone’s Kickstarter rod?
No.
Don’t like my opinion?
Cool, have your own, that’s what you are supposed to do.
I’m really enjoying NOT reading the outside of Japan marketing strategies.
I think that little Japanese rod would be the thing to have where it works.
Thats what they do best.
Don’t want to spend the money? Don’t. You probably don’t need to. You are a good angler, make a stick work, it’s your choice.
Marketing is like politics, I’ll just leave it like that.
I hope we get some words on that cool little Japanese rod.
Enjoying your view, I have similar wants in a rod.
Reading what you just wrote here is so much more informative than the bullshit “my rods are the best” marketing aimed at your money.
Thanks for taking a little time to write.
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Chris,
After you twisted my arm on this rod, (Anglo Kowasa), I just ordered one. I can’t wait to get it in the mail
and start fishing it. Do you remember how long it took to receive the rod after you orderd it?
Anyway, thanks for telling us about the rod. My wife says not to twist my arm anymore. I had to blame everything on you buddy. Sorry!!! 
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I think you’ll love it if you have some tiny little streams to play on. I can’t wait for it to get warm enough to go fish with it. I think I’m going to make a custom x-pac sleeve for it, I made a custom bag for it and rods of similar size to fit into. I paid for it on 10/23 and it shipped on 11/8. I think it took about a week in shipping, but can’t remember exactly. It did seem to take awhile with customs and all.
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Many thanks for the info Chris.
Guys,
Any more discussion on the Kowasa? How much backbone does it have if you should hook on a larger than expected trout . . . ? What would be the best way to bring in that unexpected larger trout? FredSG
Fred,
The Kowasa has enough backbone to bring in a 15-16" brown in moderately flowing water. Just don’t bend the rod too much when reaching for the line, as the rod is moderately inflexible in the lower sections (due to all the slip joints).
-Tom
Agree with Tom, it’s not for large trout, but definitely great on small streams. If you want a similar sized rod which is also a zoom and a pocket rod I’d go for the Tenryu TF32TA. It’s the same length on the shortest setting as the Kowasa, but can definitely handle larger fish. I’d probably go for that one over the Kowasa as an overall fantastic small stream to even medium stream rod.
Hi Chris,
I waffled back and forth between the Kowasa and Tenryu TF32TA. Looked at too many You Tube videos to convince me on one or the other as my only pocket rod. So later this month I should be receiving the Kowasa rod from Anglo & Company. A 3.5 level line seems to be the “best” line for it, and I’m assuming a # 6 tippet is the most logical tippet to use? Regarding the blue field cases from Chris Stewart which size would be the best fit for the Kowasa? Still wish there were more videos fishing the Kowasa . . . to show the rod’s bend once a fish is hooked. Also would like to see more Tenkara rods being fished BUT SHOWING what’s going on with the rod after hooking a fish - to better see the rod action in progress. FredSG
Hey Fred,
The Kowasa is a really nice rod, the craftsmanship of it is top notch. For line I use a level line that Erik Ostrander showed me that is more subtle than the typical orange Nissin level line. I picked it up on Amazon: Amazon.com : DAIWA TARFLON Tenkara level line P3.5 : Fishing Line : Sports & Outdoors
I like using it on small streams as I think it spooks fish less. Especially in slower water / pools. It’s visibly harder to see so I’ll hit it with some of the euro nymphing wax if I need to for an indicator.
I use #6 tippet. I’ve never hooked anything big on it, I think it would handle fine, but over 16” I’d be nervous.
-Chris
On your question about the blue rod tube, it fits great in the smallest one, I’ll attach an image. It does have some room on the length, maybe over an inch. So it will tend to flop up and down, but circumference wise it fits well, the handle goes in with room to spare.
Wow Chris,
I was just trying to figure out the best size for the Kowasa. Emailed Chris at Tenkarabum and he is out of stock for the tubes, but gave me a link to a Japanese web site (Tenkara-ya) where I could maybe find them. I was looking at the medium size, but you are suggesting the small size. Thanks. Fred
Fred,
Might be worth considering a clear mailing tube vs ordering from japan.
On amazon:
large clear plastic tubes with caps
This product is one of many that come up.
Hi Gressak,
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll have to check them out for sure. Appreciate your taking the time to respond. FredSG
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Hello,
For any of you who might be interested in the Nakazima “float tubes” that Tenkarabum used to sell, if you visit the Digitaka web site in Japan, they are currently available. Just do a search for ‘Nakazima Float Tubes’ and you will see the options available. FredSG
BTW something that might work well is a lightweight yet “shatter resistent” polycarbonate - LEXAN T12 48"L fluorescent lighting safety guard. They have an inside diameter slightly larger than the light tube itself; ~1.6 inches ID with an OD 1.645 inches to 1.71 inches. They can be found in ultra clear, frosted, or red (high vis) & green tint and may be available individually at less cost than a bulk purchase from local commercial lighting retailers. Cut one down and pair with some plastic end caps to make lightweight yet “highly impact resistant” travel tubes for multiple rods.
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