Shimano Honryu 44NP

by Jeff Roberts

I can sum up my review quickly. Amazing level line rod!! The Shimano Keiryu Tenkara 34-38ZL rod has always been a favorite rod of mine. When I first found the Shimano Honryu 44NP it looked like the bigger brother to the ZL and I knew I had to try it! It truly is a bigger brother to the ZL. Similar grip, smooth as butter cast, and same Ferrari like aesthetics, in a mainstream package.

In my endless pursuit of all things tenkara over the years I have found that I often prefer a softer rod. I love the way this rod feels while fishing. For true tenkara style rods I have owned or fished with, I have not found one finer. How much do I love this rod? I have two. Thanks again Chris!!!

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten” - Benjamin Franklin

"Be sure in casting, that your fly fall first into the water, for if the line fall first, it scares or frightens the fish..." -
Col. Robert Venables 1662

As age slows my pace, I will become more like the heron.

We've all had situations where seriously chewed up flies kept catching fish after fish after fish. It is no sin to tie flies that come off the vise looking seriously chewed up.

Seriously, all the hooks sold on TenkaraBum.com, whether packaged as loose hooks or incorporated into flies, are sharp - or as Daiichi says on their hook packages, Dangerously Sharp. Some have barbs, which make removal from skin, eyes or clothing difficult. Wear eye protection. Wear a broad-brimmed hat. If you fish with or around children, bend down all hook barbs and make sure the children wear eye protection and broad-brimmed hats. Be aware of your back cast so no one gets hooked.

Also, all the rods sold on TenkaraBum.com will conduct electricity. Do not, under any circumstances, fish during a thunder storm. Consider any fishing rod to be a lightning rod! Fishing rods can and do get hit by lightning!