I’m looking at picking up a new rod. I’d initially thought about a kurenai 30 because I like to microfish as well, but I figure I can micro with a longer rod as well. Is the kurenai worth the extra money? I know the kurenai has a huge following and the x 35 is relatively new to the scene. How does the 35 feel with smaller fish?
I’ve not fished enough rods to have a preference on tip/full flex. They are both longer than I’m used to collapsed, the kurenai is lighter but either will feel like a feather I am sure.
Most of my fishing is warm water, what trout fishing I do, most being stockers, exception being an annual trip or 2 to mountains and small wild trout.
I appreciate any feedback, advice and experiences!
I’ve never fished with a kurenai, so cannot speak to that (though contemplated getting one prior to my X35). I can say that the X35 is tons of fun. I’ve caught everything from 3-4 inch brook trout and 4 inch sunfish to a 14 inch Brown and they were all lots of fun.
I previously had a Tanuki 275 that I had intended for those size fish, but didn’t care for the feel (or length). The X35 is sensitive enough for the small ones and hefty enough if something bigger comes your way. Personally, I like it and it was in my top 2 most used rods last year (granted, I’ve now reduced my collection to 5 rods). Just my two cents worth.
I’ve never messed with a Kurenai, but from what I gather it’s unbelievably light (I’ve had comparable Nissin Air Stages) and sensitive. However, it’s more of a tip flex rod. This will work great for micros. You can go after micros with a rod of these lengths, but in my experience it’s easier to sight-fish for micros (not usually scared like bigger fish) from close range, with a shorter rod (under 3m).
If you are going specifically for micros, get something like a Air Stage 190, Kiyotaki 180, or maybe the new Shimotsuke Gen 240.
I recently sold my Seiryu-X 35, still have my 45. They are amazing rods, and very versatile too, I just don’t care for 35/36 length for how and where I fish these days.
Thanks Chris, I was hoping you would weigh in. I usually use my rhodo at its shortest for micros and it works pretty good. I really want to try the kurenai 30, but it would really be a niche rod, whereas the 33 or x35 would be a bit more multipurpose. Ultimately I plan to pick up an x45 or similar as well. I really like the price of the X rods, and the few reviews I’ve seen, have all been good
As noted in my thread that I have a kurenai 30, but have only fished it a couple times.
I would not sell the rod, but I am not sure if I would recommend that particular config either…until I figure the rod out a bit. I may need a season or two to do that.
Unlike any other rod I have purchased, this rod requires some dialing in. As I noted the casting is perfect, the challenge is the strike detection. I feel the tip might be too soft for my fishing style where I rely both on feel and sight. I do not regret my purchase. It is a rod that requires a little more work to figure out. It probably will make me a better angler.
The lightness in hand of the kurenai is just crazy. It make my tenkarabum 36 feel like a telephone pole.
I know nothing of the X35.
In terms of rod length, I would choose based on length you are most comfortable and the canopy you intend to fish this rod…over the size of fish. Rod length and size of fish do not have to correlate. I chose the 30 for the canopy I intended on fishing. I am sure the 33 and even 39 probably have similiar attributes. Read the customer column on the kurenai page at tenkarabum. Lots of positive reviews and interesting data.
There has been a lot of hype about ultra light lines. I am not a skilled caster but was easily able to cast a 2.5 Level line and would bet I could probably cast a 2 Level Line without a problem. Small light flies match up nicely. Beadheads, bigger, or weighed flies do not cast very well at all…they overload the rod.
I see my kurenai 30 to shine in shallow water presentations. Like brooks 3-12" deep.
You talk about using your Kurenai for small brook trout. Those seem like a perfect quarry for using dry flies, which would also eliminate your strike detection concerns.
True.
Thing is… most of the patterns I fish are wet. Kebari and nymphs.
I do throw drys and skate kebari, but I have not built much of a vocab on topwater presentation. It is something I want to work on.
Reflecting on my experience with the rod, the couple times I was out, I did have some memory coils in my
level line that was also robbing me of feedback. It could have just been a couple of bad days to teach
the old dog new tricks.
Thankfully, I am stubborn and will stick with the rod until I figure out what it can do for me. It will be fun.