>>1297175First of all, this
>>1297206Secondarily, things a tenkara rod can do that a cane pole can't:
Cast well
Withstand changes in humidity w/o warping
Protect a light line
Weigh less than 2 ounces ( that's 67 grams)
Collapse down to a short length for backpacking
Lugging a cane pole is a pain the ass, and to be long enough to be effective, they're HEAVY. Also, unless they're dirty expensive, they can't cast worth a shit. Not enough flex to cast just the weight of the line, which rules out the use of smaller baits/flies.
The light weight and ability to cast of the tenkara type poles make it not just feasible, but fun to use, actively, for hours at a time.
Casting ability and protecting a light tippet means you can make a precise, delicate presentation of a small fly, and have to ability to actually bring in the fish you catch.
So in essence, no fundamental difference, but for active fishing anywhere that's not next to your car, for anything more wary than a bluegill, there's a world of difference in performance.
>>1297206Nah, fixed line rods are prevalent in a bunch of spots in asia, the Japanese are just better at marketing, and they're the major manufacturer of carbon fiber in asia.
