The Chum Chug: What a 12lb 15lb Fish Feels Like on the Suimenka Tenkara Rod

Initially thought this was a rainbow because it was a hard hit but ended up being a hungery or pissed off chum salmon with a lot of gumption. It was like pulling a compact car out of a lake. Notice how the rod is in full flex and I am using the butt to maintain constant and even pressure. The battle is actually very short. The fish is brought all the way in and would have been netted if videos weren t being taken. At the last moment the tippet gave and the bead rocketed into my knuckle more painful than losing the fish by far. Certainly loads (and that s literal) of fun. We were using 10lb leader. This is also why constant pressure is important big sudden runs or pops will more likely break the leader whereas even steady pressure, it s much less likely to give.