Tanuki Pocket Ninja 290
from February 2022–
Let me tell you about the Tanuki Pocket Ninja 290.
First of all, I traveled with it in my @zimmerbuilt sling pack on a road trip from Boston to Pennsylvania. Being under 13”, it easily fit and was not cumbersome.
Visually, the rod grip is so smooth yet grippy that it feels like it belongs in your hand. Not only is the rod aesthetically pleasing because of the transition from the handle to the moveable sections, but it is durable.
Walking through trees and brush with the rod, I often am holding my rod in my dominant hand and the line in my left to maintain the line and fly to not getting snagged on foliage. This allows me to also bend my rod when needed to navigate through the brush. I felt like when I was doing that that it was sturdy while being banged around on the branches.
From being easy on the eyes to durable, this rod is LIGHT. Although not the lightest rod I have, it is vying to become my workhorse rod since I enjoy being on the stream for hours and hours and enjoy a light, durable, and beautifully smooth rod to cast.
Speaking of casting, this rod felt great casting both furled and level line. Best of both worlds 😉 since I am a fan of furled, I enjoyed this aspect.
Although the length (9’6) was a bit long for consistently being able to get between and under those overhanging branches, winter and early spring are fine for this rod since foliage isnt hanging too much onto the PA streams yet.
Id like to thank Frank Burr, the Golden Trout Dude, for introducing me to this rod and spending so much time discussing tenkara with me. I look forward to fishing with you!
And, of course, Tanuki tenkara, for engineering this beautiful rod! Luong, you made me a tanuki fan for life 🤘🏼
I am not rod partial since I am so new to the world of tenkara and don’t only use certain rods because I WANT TO TRY THEM ALL 😉 …with that being said, these are my thoughts. If you made it this far in the post, I salute you!!! 😂
Also, check out my affiliates page for more about Luong Tam and Frank Burr. Don’t forget to use the code “LTB” at check out when buying from tenkaratanuki.com !
My Tenkara Journey 