So much of tenkara fishing overlaps with conventional fly fishing. But despite the commonalities, there are a few differences. One of these differences is the use of the term “level line”. When fly anglers hear this term they generally think of the running line section of their fly line, or the back half of their fly line which is level, meaning without any taper.
Regular fly lines are available with different tapers. Tapers define how a fly line’s weight is distributed along the length of the line which affects accuracy, fly presentation and how far and how easily the line can be cast. There are three main types of fly line tapers: Weight Forward (the most common), Double Tapers, and Shooting Heads. Each of these tapers offer something different.
- Weight Forward Lines (WF) have extra weight in the front section, usually the first 30-40 feet. This extra weight helps the angler cast further and “punch” through wind.
- Double Taper Lines (DT) have identical tapers on both ends with a thin middle section. These offer more delicate presentations and easy roll casting.
- Shooting Tapers Lines (ST) have shorter (20ft-30ft) heavier front sections than Weight Forward lines and are designed for maximum distance casting.
Level Lines (L) on the other hand have the same diameter throughout the entire length of the fly line making them more difficult to cast and less commonly used in fly fishing. When you mention “level line” to many fly fishers, they think of the running or back portion of their fly line. Here’s where there’s a difference in terminology between tenkara fishing and fly fishing – tenkara level line is nothing like fly fishing level line. In fact, it’s not even made from the same material.
In tenkara fishing, Tenkara Level Line (TLL) refers to fluorocarbon. Tenkara Level Line is simply spooled and colored fluorocarbon, usually pink, red or orange for improved visibility and is offered in different sizes.
However, unlike in conventional fly fishing where fluorocarbon is rated by breaking strength (5x, 4x, 3x, etc.), Tenkara Level Line is rated by diameter. The smaller the number, the smaller the diameter. So, a #1 TLL is smaller/thinner, than a #3 TLL. If your brain is going where I think it’s going, then yes, a smaller/thinner Tenkara Level Line will undoubtably be less strong and accommodate less weight than a thicker Tenkara Level Line that has a bigger diameter. So, while the TLL Rating System references line diameter, it obviously correlates to break strength and test, just indirectly. In fact, many argue that the diameter rating system is more accurate. Let’s not go there today.
While there is no official standardization of the rating system, there is a general consensus. This scale was developed by Tenkara Bum a number of years back and remains relevant today:
TLL DIAMETER
#1.5 .205mm or .008inch
#2.0 .235mm or .009inch
#3.0 .285mm or .011inch
#4.0 .330mm or .013inch
#5.0 .370mm or .0146inch
For line diameters that fall in between these described ranges, a .5 is added to the line size making it a #2.5, #3.5, etc.
Do these line sizes match up with the fly-fishing test/poundage system? In general, yes. But brands don’t typically list leader or tippet material diameters on their packaging. Instead, the fly-fishing industry’s standard is to list test strength or breakage limits. To create a direct comparison a little homework and research would be necessary.
Why do we need to know line diameter anyway? Well as referenced above, diameter does ultimately correlate to break strength. It also directly impacts line weight. And just like in conventional fly fishing, certain rods load and cast better with different weight lines resulting in an easier or more difficult casting experience for the angler.
Keep in mind, all Tenkara Level Line, regardless of its number/diameter, is much finer and thinner than regular fly lines and Tenkara Furled Lines. Thus, TLLs will always require more finesse to cast than other heavier lines, even in very short lengths. Tenkara Level Lines are almost weightless, even the thickest #5 TLL have almost no mass. Because of this, a faster, shorter stroke is required to load most tenkara rods. Also keep in mind that fluorocarbon sinks. All TLLs, if laid on the surface of the water, will sink too.
These lines are best suited for short, tight setups where the angler can keep all the line off the surface of the water and aim for a fly-only presentation. This is where Tenkara Level Line usage excels – dry fly or kebari fishing. You just can’t beat TLL for pristine, floating-on-air, presentations and fly manipulations. These ultralight lines are fluorocarbon so still have density, but their ultra-thin diameters keep them delicate and dainty.
The next time you want some crazy dry fly action on your tenkara rod, try tying on a length of Tenkara Level Line. Keep it short, tight and off the water. Add a few taps on your rod handle with your index finger and see if you don’t drive the fish crazy. You’re almost guaranteed to land fish and a fantastic day on the water.