Tenkara is a centuries-old Japanese method of fly fishing that is gaining popularity in the west every day. A fixed line is attached to the tip of the long, flexible tenkara rod. A tippet and fly are attached to the other end of the line and voilá! You are tenkara fly fishing!
If you are new to fly fishing, tenkara is a less complicated, cheaper and easier way to learn. I used to employ tenkara as a “fall back” way of helping beginners get on fish when they were frustrated and struggling with the difficulty of mastering western-style fly casting. Now, I just skip the struggle and go straight to helping people catch fish and have fun on tenkara.
If you are a more experienced fly angler, you will quickly appreciate the incredible accuracy, drift management and presentation flexibility that tenkara provides. You will find yourself picking a stream apart with your newfound ability to effectively fish every pocket and seam and enjoy the advanced challenge of landing big fish without a reel to help you wear them down.
To find out more about the history, equipment or techniques of tenkara visit:
Tenkara has something to offer everyone. Come give it a try!
Unreel Fly Fishing 