TenkaraBum 33

by David Noll
(Lake City, Mn)

In early June I was looking for a slightly shorter rod and ordered the TB 33 from Chris. I have had it out over 20 days so far and really, really like it. It is both similar and dissimilar to the TB 36. It cast nymphs, dries and kebari all equally well. It is a slightly stiffer rod and seems to have better hook setting ability. I usually fish nymphs but have also spent a day casting kebari in the Black Hills and was impressed with the way it cast. I do know that it will handle an 18" brown in the Driftless area with no problem. And yesterday (for you micro guys)I found out that it does a real good job on itty bitties. I think I landed close to 20 browns under 5". I have used both 3.5 and 4.0 level line and it does a very nice job with both. Because of the length of the rod it is easy to keep both off the water. I usually use a line slightly longer than the rod + 3-4 feet of 5x tippet. I highly recommend the TenkaraBum 33.

“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.