Monday, August 16, 2010

Cutting the gear down = Tenkara?


   If you follow the Fly Fishing online scene you no doubt have heard of TenkaraTenkara, is what I'd call the traditional Japanese style of fly fishing.  At the very least I can say it is a simpler form of fly fishing.  Remember simpler or simplistic in design is never a bad, Tenkara is a prime example.


   Tenkara -originating some 200 years ago in Japan- is a fishing style where a bamboo split rod with a furled line attached to the tip and a fly are gently presenting to fish.  It is a graceful utilitarian approach to fishing.  There is a connection here in Tenkara that removes extras and complications and takes the angler back in time to when fishing was less complicated. 

   The Tenkara rods of today just as in the past see lengths of over thirteen feet with line that can be equal or up to twice the rods length. However unlike traditional rods, today rods are telescoping and made with durable and precise materials like carbon fiber. TenkaraUSA is one such company providing new updated Tenkara rods here in the states.

   The rods themselves and the inherit style needed to cast have some limitations when compared to western style fishing. Such as the missing reel thus limited length of line.  This has lead to discussion of whether Tenkara is true fly fishing or a modified form of dapping.  It has been my stance for some time that Tenkara is indeed fly fishing and for just a couple reasons.  The first is that the rod tip is loaded up when casting, which second translates the loaded power onto a semi-weighted line (furled, or fly line) that can and does wrap and loop to delicately present a light fly to the water.  Dapping would simply be a gravity drop to the water or a whipping splash of a heavy bait. Do not take the simplicity as a weakness here.  There are inherit advantages to Tenkara over western fly fishing.

    To me personally the largest advantage of Tenkara over western fly fishing is drift control.  The increased length of the Tenkara rod means that a fly can be cast and the fisherman can elevate the rod such that only the fly and maybe some of the tippet ever touch the water.  This cuts down on drift something a western fly fisher must account for and correct (mend) when fishing a stream.  Understand here that I am not saying western fly rods cannot be fished in the same manor.  I'm making a point the increased length makes such drift-less methods easier.


There is another advantage to me that many others believe to be a disadvantage and that is Tenkara requires more stealth.  Sure on most days you'll be just fine with Tenkara, but if the trout get skittish and stop taking off the top it comes down to patience and consciousness in pursuit.  Of course having a lighter bag and gear to haul makes the staking easier!  Which brings up the last big revelation in Tenkara, trekking size.

  I'm sure most can see where I am going with this one and it really should be apparent from the second any fly fisherman sees their first Tenkara rod.  The telescoping feature makes trekking up stream much easier.  Especially if the stream is a little bit smaller and there is a bit more over growth.
Trekking up stream ussually meant holding your rod backwards on a tight stream to avoid getting the tip stuck in the trees. Now all one needs to do is pack down the rod, roll the line around your hand and make for new waters. Tenkara also seems to have an effect on the gear you need for a full day on the water.  In the United States for example we seem to be going through a more is better approach to fly fishing.  More expensive rods and reels more accessories to weigh us down which for me has the effect of simultaneously weighing down my person and adversely lightening my wallet.  Tenkara seems to be the antithesis to this current market structure.  The most expensive rod on TenkaraUSA runs around $170.00.  The rest of rod line being less expensive from that mark. That puts this full features and top quality rod squarely in the beginner price-point when compared to western outfits.  Which makes it easy to try.  At least easy enough to buy to keep packed up just in case and epic chance at fishing makes itself available.


  Tenkara for me is the product of most of my fishing wants.  A rod that can be packed up and stashed into my all-to-small Honda S2000 trunk.  Without its portable nature giving it a cheap feeling.  While at the same time providing what I believe to be a purer fishing experience. At the very least I think Tenkara is something that most should try before jumping to conclusions.

I am very interested to hear from all anglers (fly or not) about their thoughts on Tenkara.  Add a comment or email me!


Josh.

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