By Aaron Motley
Tenkara has been growing rapidly in the U.S. over the past 10 years, and translated to English, means “from the heavens.” Tenkara is a style of fixed-line fishing for small to medium streams, with a medium to high stream gradient.
What are the pros and cons for an angler? One pro is the simplicity of taking a fixed amount of line, adding monofilament or fluorocarbon tippet, and a fly. The rods also telescope in and out which means they require very little room to store. Some rods have multiple fixed lengths too, like the Rhodo and Sato from Tenkara USA. Anglers who may have decreased strength in their hands or arms may enjoy the benefits of a rod that weights only 3 or 4 ounces in total. For the beautiful, small, wild fish anglers seek, these rods make fighting that fish an absolute joy!
A Con for Tenkara are fishing this style on large rivers where the fish can run which, in turn, means you run too. Large fish are also problematic on Tenkara rods due to the fact that the graphite tapers finely at the end of the rod. Having a fixed amount of line also means that if you want to cast further, you have to move, not just pull out more line from your reel. With the longer rods, you will find trees and branches near the river can present the angler with unique situations when your fly gets stuck in them.
Another great joy the Tenkara style fishing brings is the ease of use by young anglers. My 5 year old nephew, and 8 year old daughter have caught many fish with this style of fishing. Tenkara can also be a gateway for your wife or husband to come to the river and fish, because it simplifies fly fishing. I know that a day with my family in the woods and streams makes us all feel better, and brings memories that will last a lifetime.
Come by Hunter Banks Fly Shop in Asheville, NC or Waynesville, NC, and chat with us to see if Tenkara may be the right option for you or your loved ones. The holidays are right around the corner and Tenkara rods will fit nicely into any stocking that has been hung by the chimney with great care!
Aaron, a graduate of Brevard College, is the day-to-day Operations Manager at the Waynesville location of Hunter Banks. His waterfowl hunting addiction supports his fly tying addiction. He has learned his fly-fishing craft from many mountain “fishy” people and pursues large trout, bass and musky on a daily basis. He teaches others to do the same. Get in touch with him through Hunter Banks.