Overview

The Zen Tenkara Grab-n-Go is a complete tenkara starter kit built around the Zen Zako rod. Tenkara is the Japanese style of fly fishing with a long telescoping rod and a line tied straight to the rod tip, with no reel, and this kit comes pre-packaged and ready to fish: Zen says you can open the package and be fishing in about 15 seconds.

The Zako is Zen's all-purpose 12' rod with a 6:4 flex and a FRAE rating of 5 wt, and Zen pitches it at beginners and highly skilled anglers alike. Add a spool of 6X to 4X tippet and a pair of scissor forceps, as Zen suggests, and you are set for the season. It also makes an easy gift.

What Is in the Box

• Zen Zako tenkara rod (12', 6:4 flex)
• EVA foam spool line holder, preloaded with an 11' Hi-Vis furled and tapered Uni Thread tenkara line
• 1 dozen Sakasa Kebari tenkara flies
• Reusable plastic fly box
• Spare rod tip
• Rod sock
• Carbon fiber travel tube

Not included: tippet and forceps or nippers.

Zen Tenkara Grab-n-Go Kit Specs

Line and Tippet

The kit's 11' Hi-Vis furled and tapered line is a traditional tenkara line. Zen says its red-orange color is easy for you to see but hard for fish to see, and that it gives good feedback when casting so you feel the rod load and learn your timing, which makes it a good line for anglers new to tenkara. The Uni Thread absorbs some water, so it can be used for nymphing; keep it off the water when fishing dry flies. Tippet is not in the box: Zen suggests adding a spool of 6X to 4X, and for the Zako rod it recommends 7X to 4X, or 3X with experience.

Who the Grab-n-Go Is For

The Grab-n-Go is for anglers who want one box with a rod, line, flies and storage, whether that is a first tenkara setup or a gift. If you already have lines and flies, the Zen Tenkara Zako is the same rod on its own. For bigger water and bigger fish, look at the 13'6" Zen Tenkara Sagi or the 13'/15' Zen Tenkara Taka; for a two-tip nymph and dry fly rod, the Zen Tenkara Suimenka; and for very small, brushy streams, the shorter Tenkara USA Rhodo.

Zen Tenkara Grab-n-Go Kit FAQ

What comes in the Grab-n-Go kit?

A Zen Zako 12' tenkara rod, an EVA foam spool preloaded with an 11' Hi-Vis furled and tapered tenkara line, 1 dozen Sakasa Kebari flies, a reusable plastic fly box, a spare rod tip, a rod sock and a carbon fiber travel tube.

Is it ready to fish?

Yes. The line comes preloaded on the spool; add tippet and a fly and you can fish.

What else do I need?

Tippet and a cutting tool. Zen suggests a spool of 6X to 4X tippet and a pair of scissor forceps.

Can I make the rod faster?

Yes. Zen's Performance Tip, sold separately, fits the Zako and gives it a faster action.

What is the warranty?

Zen Tenkara covers its rods with what it calls its No Hassles warranty. Every section of a Zen rod can be replaced, and Zen sells replacement sections so a break is fixed by swapping out the broken piece. See Zen Tenkara's warranty policy for the current terms.