Tenkara

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All of my Tenkara posts are conveniently accessible with the link below:
So what is tenkara?

 The easiest way I can describe tenkara is that it is a form of fly fishing with a very long (typically telescoping) rod and no reel. It employs a (relatively) light line. The combination of the long rod and light line make it a very effective form of fishing, easily allowing for the often sought “drag free drift” as well as in-water fly manipulation.

A simple tenkara outfit. 
A telescoping tenkara rod, a small box of flies, a spool to hold your line when not in use,
and a small pack (optional) to hold it all.

In its purest form, tenkara fishing is portrayed as manipulating simple hackle flies (kebari) in cold, high gradient streams in pursuit of trout or char. This is because the technique was first developed by Japanese commercial fishermen in the mountain villages of Japan. Their materials to craft equipment were very basic, so they relied on advancing technique rather than developing gear as the key to catching fish.

While I do fish kebari for trout the majority of the time I use my tenkara gear, I’ve also had success fishing with dries, nymphs, and small streamers using a tenkara rod. There’s quite a bit of online debate whether or not if once you make that pivot if you’re still truly tenkara fishing.

Heck, I live in Florida now, and even use it in still, warm water ponds for bass and bluegill. I definitely recognize that is no longer “tenkara” as traditionally practiced in Japan at that point, but catching fish on the light tackle is still a heck of a lot of fun! And for those interested in semantics, an all-encompassing term to use instead of “tenkara” that involves any deviation in style is “fixed line fly fishing.”

Tenkara Brownie, caught with Sakura Kongo

Why do I enjoy tenkara? 

There’s something comforting in simple equipment – we’re just talking rod, line, and fly. Removing many of the hassles that come with gear variables, I’ve found it creates an on-water experience where I can really unwind, take in my surroundings, and simply immerse myself in fishing. Some people have found tenkara so enjoyable, they even go as far as to give up their reeled fly rods!

I’m not taking that leap.  My tenkara rod serves as a nice compliment to my “normal” 3-wt fly fishing outfit, and another great way to enjoy small stream fishing.

Chunky Valley Forge National Historical Park Wild Brown Trout
Nice tenkara brown trout caught with Tenkara USA Iwana Series 1
Valley Creek, Valley Forge (PA) National Park
As with most things, the best way to figure out if tenkara is meant for you is to actually give it a try yourself.  If you want to learn more about tenkara, I’ve written many posts on the subject (accessible HERE), as well as publish a semi-regular series called Tenkara Tuesday.

In addition, below you will find some really informative resources to help get you on your way:

Websites & Blogs:

Retailers:

If you have any questions about tenkara, I’d be happy to try and answer them.
Just use the comment form below.

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