Anybody have/use the Clarkii Rod?

I have one (called a Yagi), bought from Titanium Goat before the split. Haven't used it too much, but I'd say it fishes like other Tenkara rods. I'm not a big fan of Tenkara, but that may be because I haven't really mastered the casting technique with its rods. I plan to practice some more next summer, so check backpackgeartest.org for an owner review then.

Jason,

I'm using two Yagi (the name it was sold under at TI Goat) with adapters for my Gossamer Gear LT4 trekking poles. I also have a Hane and carried all three rods on the JMT last summer. That way my two daughters could also fish. All three of us where fine with either rod. The Hane is stiffer and has a longer handle – the Yagi (Clarkii) is slightly longer and reaches farther. The grips of the GG LT4 work actually very well. My daughters (9 & 13) had no problems at all and caught plenty of trout with the Yagi (Clarkii).

Best Regards,

Manfred

sweet. I was wondering if you could post some pix or the attachment system? ive searched for both clarkii and yani and can't find anything of how they actually work/attach.. thanks guys

J

bump

I finally got a moment to take the tenkara rod out and trekking poles out to make photos. The photos should clearly show how the Yagi connects directly with the TI Goat handle and how the adapter (a piece of carbon with a slit) bridges the difference in diameter between the Yagi and the LT 4.

Manfred

Thanks so much Manfred, I get it now. Very nice design. I am definitely considering this for the upcoming season.

Bump? There's not a lot out there in terms of pics or reports. Anyone have an opinion as to where a "real" tenkara setup is better than multi purposing my trekking poles? If not, I suppose this is the better option. Thanks in advance.

Brian,

I used again two Clarkii this summer on the JMT with my 9 & 10 year old daughters
I also brought a Hane, so that all three of us could fish at the same time. All three rods performed great.

This month I also hiked the complete Sierra High Route and took the Clarkii and the Hane along. My hiking partner Andrew who didn’t do any fishing before this, has also GG LT 4 trekking poles and loved to “borrow” the Clarkii. He now ordered his own.

Manfred

hey i remember this thread. I actually never got a Clarkii but instead stripped down an old telescoping fly rod i found at my grandpa's cabin. I just had to trim the butt end down just a few inches to make it fit in my Black Diamond flick-loc poles. It comes to exactly 10' and weighs 2oz and $0! Its a little heavy with the BD trekking pole as the handle but works fine. I've never tried a regular tenkara rod so i can't compare.

Manfred, what was your go-to fly(s) on the JMT/SHR?

Jason,

The trout along in the High Sierra were relatively easy to catch. Since I carried three Tenkara's (two for my daughters and one for myself) I had always three lines with a fly tied ready to go. One was bead-head which was most successful during the day when the trout were not rising but could be caught between rocks in the creeks. The other two were dry flies (mosquito, elk hair caddis). With these three flies we were always able to catch our dinner.

Manfred

Can you please provide some more detail on fishing you've done? I plan on getting a rod but trying to decide between cast/reel and tenkara. Mostly to use in streams and lakes around PCT in california.

Yuri,

I'm not sure which additional details you are requesting. I provided already all information – like which rod and which flies. My clear preference for the streams in the Sierra is Tenkara. For my purpose.of providing dinner the weight to success rate is outstanding. In the past I carried a way heavier spin casting combo. It allowed me to catch way more fish – especially in lakes – but I don't need more fish than I eat for dinner, so the additional weight was not needed.

Manfred

Well, i was wondering if you felt limited by Tenkara on larger lakes where fish may have been out int he deeper water or if it was a problem to cast it in the treess/bushes. I'm sure tenkara is lighter, but is it more versatile and convenient?

I'm sure I would be fine with either one, but don't want to make once choice only to change my mind after the first trip.

Yuri,

You'll cover much more water and catch many more fish with a spinning rig, which allows easy casting with no back cast, very important in many mountain lakes that have heavy trees right to the water line. Spin gigs also are usually sub-surface, where there are more fish.

Fly fisherman among us – surely including myself – enjoy the art of casting, drag-free drifts, and the thrill of seeing a fish gobble a dry (floating) fly. I think fly fishing is more fun, but I acknowledge that it's not the best method for catching fish. Your own preference will turn on why you are fishing.

Richard

Holy Chit Manfred, that rod is looooong!