Tenkara

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.

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.

Living in Florida now, I don’t get to the mountains as much as I’d like, so I’ll find myself using my tenkara rod 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.”

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” fly rod & reel outfits, and another great way to enjoy small stream fishing.

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 on a sister website called Tenkara Angler, where am the founder and Editor-in-Chief.

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

Websites & Blogs:

• Tenkara Angler
• Tenkara Talk
• Teton Tenkara
• Casting Around
• Tenkara-Fisher
• Tenkara Guides LLC
• Mostly Tenkara
• Trout & Seasons of the Mountain Village
• Discover Tenkara (UK)

Retailers:

• DRAGONtail Tenkara
• Tenkara USA
• Tenkara Rod Co.
• Tenkara Adventure Outfitters
• TenkaraBum
• Tenkara Tanuki
• Rocky MTN Tenkara
• Zen Tenkara
• “Tenkara” on ETSY
• Plat Co (Japan)
• Tenkara-Ya
• All Fishing Buy
• ZimmerBuilt (Bags)
• Vedavoo (Bags)

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

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