Yeah zip ties eventually break. I usually keep a visual check on its condition and change it out if there are cracks. Other methods of attaching that I’ve tried limit mobility or add slack. I’ll stick with the zip ties. I’ve never lost a staff. Even if I did, they’re less than 20 bucks each.

Re the zip tie connection, after nearly 2 years mine split while on the water. When I reached for the staff and it wasn’t at my side, I looked around and saw the pole lodged underwater in a sweeper downstream from me, so I was able to salvage it. Quite lucky. Consider using a double zip tie or a light wire (screw-type) key ring for the additional security.

A simple zip tie is what I use.

Great video. I got all the components. But I’m trying to figure out how to attach the folded staff to the wading belt so I have easy access like in video. I’ve tried various velcro ideas with little success. Any suggestions.

I didn’t scroll far enough down on the Gear Keeper webpage. Also, Orvis sells a net retractor that is the Gear Keeper with the Orvis label on it. Says Hammer Industries on the back. Verified this with a guy at Gear Keeper. So, I got that and picked up some inexpensive trekking poles that seem to be as good as the ones I bought my wife a few years ago that cost way more. I rigged it up and it works beautifully. Weather has cleared in Western New York, after days of rain and raging rivers, and I’ll have it with me when I’m chasing Steelhead in the morning.
Thanks.

Thanks. Yeah, I put this in the show notes: I mistakenly said POUNDS when I meant to say OUNCES. Sorry for the cunfusion. The Gear Keeper website does list the ounce rating for retraction.

Cheers.
Dom

Yeah, but that’s a terrible trade off. Tenkara is too much of a handicap.

https://troutbitten.com/2018/05/30/the-trouble-with-tenkara-and-why-you-dont-need-it-2/

Also, why does everyone act like not needing a line hand is a Tenkara thing? You can put the same or similar leader on a fly rod and then have some self discipline to just use a fixed line approach.

Right on.