The Iwana is our classic all-around tenkara rod and at a great value. The progressive taper, ultra-light weight, and tip action provides for great battles, even with smaller fish. Quality and strength are by no means compromised, and landing large fish is not unheard of. The original choice of many early tenkara adopters outside of Japan, the Iwana is still a great choice to help you fall in love with tenkara.
It packs to a small compact size of 20 1/2 inches, which makes it easy to fit in a day pack
These rods have a beautiful "glossy carbon" finish, where you can see the high-quality carbon fiber material through a nice glossy finish. Made in China with Japanese materials.
People searching for Sawtooth, Shadowfire and other 12ft tenkara rods usually buy this tenkara rod for our superb customer support, Lifetime Guarantee and renowned quality.
Comparable to Sawtooth rod 1% of the sale value of this item will be donated to conservation efforts.
Specs
Extended length: 12ft (360cm)
Closed Length: 20.5 inches (52cm) including 1/2" cap
Segments: 9
Handle length: 11 inches (23cm)
Weight: 2.7oz (76.5grams)
Finish: Gloss Carbon w/Brown Bands
Adjustable: No
Best Use:
- Budget Friendly
- Trout 20" Or Less
- Most Fish Species
- All Water
Supporting our Planet
Tenkara USA® is the only Japanese fly fishing rod company committed to donating at least 1% of its sales to organizations that care for fish habitat. For every tenkara rod sold by Tenkara USA®, an average of $14 goes toward benefiting trout habitat.
The IWANA™ has a history like no other—it's the rod that helped propel the spread of tenkara outside of Japan. At 12' and just 2.7 ounces, it offers all-around performance in a proven package.
Perfect to pack
The IWANA™ easily collapses down to 20.5", simple to stash away in a daypack
All-around action
The rod's 12' extended length makes it a great choice for nearly any body of water you encounter.
Inspired by our roots
The IWANA™borrows its name from the Japanese word for the whitespotted char, widely fished in Hokkaido.
High-performance carbon fiber
The IWANA™ sports a gloss finish over the exposed carbon fiber body that gives the rod it's impressive strength for it's lightweight build.
One of our first designs, the IWANA™ has served as many anglers first introduction to tenkara over the last 15 years, and remains one of the first rods we reach for when seeking the simplicity of an all-around rod.
“Iwana is light, balanced rod and finish of the rod is very nice. I have been fishing with the Iwana rod for a few years now and have caught several large trout and rainbow trout. The biggest rainbow salmon was from Slovenia last year, length 62cm, very strong fish but Iwana handle it very well.”
James Kaneski
“The Iwana seems like a great value and a manageable size for someone new to Tenkara. Great for small and medium fish but surely can handle larger fish as well.”
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Larger size fish (16-20" / 40-50cm), Trout
I like using my tenkara rod in:Mountain streams, Larger streams or rivers
Complete Set: IWANA™ Rod + Kit
C
Carol Hall (Arvada, US)
I like using my tenkara rod in:Very small streams, Mountain streams, Larger streams or rivers, Stillwater, Backpacking and remote waters
Haven’t used it yet. Love it and can’t wait to use it. Thank you for it.
K
Kristopher Reed (Boise, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Trout
I like using my tenkara rod in:Backpacking and remote waters
Mountain lakes and streams
So great and fun! Easy way to stay fed in the backcountry.
A
A.L.
Works well. Great product
R
Randy Stone (Manchester, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm)
I like using my tenkara rod in:Very small streams
IWANA™ 12ft (360cm)
5 stars: 143 (91%)
4 stars: 14 (9%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
K
Katsunari Kozaki (The Bronx, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Trout
I like using my tenkara rod in:Mountain streams, Backpacking and remote waters
Creeks and streams
Perfect for a beginner like me. As a newbie in this game, I didn’t know where can I catch trout. I have tried from small creek to decent wide mountain stream. The versatility of this rod allows me to try on various situations. Plus sensitivity of the rod is beyond my expectations, yet has a strength to fight good size trout in fast current.
J
John Hargrove (Eugene, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Larger size fish (16-20" / 40-50cm), Trout
I like using my tenkara rod in:Mountain streams, Larger streams or rivers
Complete Set: IWANA™ Rod + Kit
C
Carol Hall (Arvada, US)
I like using my tenkara rod in:Very small streams, Mountain streams, Larger streams or rivers, Stillwater, Backpacking and remote waters
Haven’t used it yet. Love it and can’t wait to use it. Thank you for it.
K
Kristopher Reed (Boise, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Trout
I like using my tenkara rod in:Backpacking and remote waters
Mountain lakes and streams
So great and fun! Easy way to stay fed in the backcountry.
A
A.L.
Works well. Great product
R
Randy Stone (Manchester, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm)
I like using my tenkara rod in:Very small streams
IWANA™ 12ft (360cm)
D
Daniel Malanowicz (Buffalo, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Trout
I like using my tenkara rod in:Very small streams, Larger streams or rivers, Stillwater
Fresh water streams and rivers
Great pole, incredible carbon fiber strength and fits easily, comfortably, and lightly in my packout.
M
Manny D (Charlotte, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Trout
I like using my tenkara rod in:Mountain streams, Larger streams or rivers, Backpacking and remote waters
Mountain streams
Had this rod for a couple years. Travel so much i didn’t touch it last year. Finally had the chance to fish it. This is my 3rd tenkara rod. I must say that the length is slightly large for the small mountain streams but on something a bit wider it’s amazing. Sensitive and handled a 12” brown with ease. Highly recommend.
J
Jake Boswell (Kansas City, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Trout
I like using my tenkara rod in:Very small streams, Stillwater
Small creeks, ponds, and lakes
The Iwana is a really great Tenkara rod, butter smooth casting, and super fun to catch fish on. While it isn't the smallest to pack up, it really feels manageable to day pack with or even backpack with. Super solid rod for the money!
J
John Tobin (Denver, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Trout
I like using my tenkara rod in:Mountain streams
Colorado streams
F
Forrest Spence (Rexford, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Larger size fish (16-20" / 40-50cm)
Rivers, creeks and lakes
g
gordon krensle (Coos Bay, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm)
I like using my tenkara rod in:Very small streams, Stillwater
Tree covered ponds
Last segment difficult to collapse. Can forsee the need to order a spare for just in case. Otherwise the rods spot on and we'll balanced
T
Taige
Very good build
C
Chad (Denver, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm)
I like using my tenkara rod in:Mountain streams
Mountain streams
Great quality and superior customer service!
B
Bob Long (Ann Arbor, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Larger size fish (16-20" / 40-50cm), Very Large fish (>20" / 50cm), Other species
I like using my tenkara rod in:Larger streams or rivers
Freshwater rivers in Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio.
I have three Satokis, and two Iwanas. I fish for (mainly) Smallmouth bass, but also Largemouth, White bass, Rock bass, Freshwater Drum, Walleye, Panfish, small Carp in those waters. I use both flies, live bait and jig and plastic lures with my Tenkara USA rods. They handle everything superbly. I’m wading and accept that my main limit is distance casting. I’ve gotten some larger fish - to 8 pounds - with these rods. They can handle the BIZ well beyond the common idea of Tenkara rods as Blue Line equipment. Superb all around.
J
Jordan
Seems great, very well made, sturdy with tight tolerances. The only thing is the squeaky threads on the case could use some more fit and finish.
S
Shane Clarke (Denver, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Other species
I like using my tenkara rod in:Stillwater, Backpacking and remote waters
I love the old style simplicity.
I.
Have only caught small fish up to about 10 inches so far, but I'm excited about this rod.Absolutely love it!!
T
Timothy Holper (Waconia, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm)
I like using my tenkara rod in:Very small streams, Larger streams or rivers
Smaller rivers and streams
Very easy to learn to fish with
D
Dennis Galyardt (Denver, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Trout, Other species
I like using my tenkara rod in:Mountain streams, Stillwater
Colorado in the Front Range streams for trout and local ponds for bluegill, crappie and bass.
The Iwana is light in the hand, but has plenty of power to cast forty feet to reach across many of the streams I fish. In warm water lakes it can certainly handle the panfish and bass up to 16”
Z
Zachary Holper (Lake City, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm)
I like using my tenkara rod in:Very small streams
IWANA™ 12ft (360cm)
O
Owen Sanders (Las Vegas, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm)
I like using my tenkara rod in:Backpacking and remote waters
Back country waters.
Great setup! Backpacked in to a few alpine lakes the weekend I got the rod. Was able to catch fish within 10 minutes! The rod and accessories are light and great for backpacking. I thought the length would be an issue however it was easy to manage around trees and shrubs.
R
Robert Kozdemba (Austin, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Trout, Other species
I like using my tenkara rod in:Larger streams or rivers, Stillwater
ponds, creeks and rivers where I can see trout and bass.
The build quality of the IWANA seems really good and it casts well. My only disappointment is that the rod plug can not be stored in the handle like some of the other models.
G
Gennaro Abbatiello (Lucerne, CH)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Trout
I like using my tenkara rod in:Very small streams, Mountain streams, Larger streams or rivers
Med. rivers and mountain rivers
Fly fisher from long time now an happy Tenkara fisher
J
Jim Brockert (Muscatine, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Trout, Other species
I like using my tenkara rod in:Very small streams, Stillwater, Backpacking and remote waters
This is my first Tenkara rod. I am looking forward to my first fishing experience with it soon
J
John Yost (Denver, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm)
I like using my tenkara rod in:Mountain streams
Medium sized to large rivers and streams. Not in areas with tight foliage.
I use it almost exclusively for French nymphing.
D
David Weiss (Mountain Home, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Trout, Other species
I like using my tenkara rod in:Larger streams or rivers
Rivers and creeks in the Ozarks
Last weekend while fishing the Norfork river my worst fears were realized when I hooked a large brown trout in fast water with my Iwana rod. I soon realized that my fears were unfounded. The rod performed beautifully and the fish was landed. I have complete confidence in this rod.
J
Justin Bennett (Black Mountain, US)
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm)
I like using my tenkara rod in:Mountain streams
North Carolina
Incredible rod! Love using in the small streams of Western North Carolina!
Since 2009
The first company to introduce tenkara outside of Japan.
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Your Tenkara USA rod has a lifetime warranty.
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Supporting our Planet
We donate 1% of our revenues to environmental organizations.
