When I first started researching tenkara, I was quite naïve and ignorant of the fishing “bros” and the stereotypes of the fishing and outdoors communities. As I have navigated the internet forums, blogs, social media, and in-person fly fishing trade shows across the country quite regularly for the past few years now, I have witnessed and been involved in more of the culture and it is not always the most inviting for women and people of color in general. In fact, when I started, I was intimidated and didn’t simply dive right in. I researched online, but that was about the extent of my true beginnings as a tenkara angler. The only place I felt like I fit in was behind a computer and it is then that I started my Instagram handle of “Lady Tenkara Bum”.
Martin Montejano and I met on Instagram as part of the Fixed Line Freaks group and became quick friends. Martin, also known as “SageHeartTenkara” on social media, has become someone I can bounce ideas off of and confide in about tenkara and life. We recently announced an endeavor called the Heritage Tenkara Project. Truly, it was Martin’s idea, but he is encouraging and noteworthy in my tenkara journey and I am looking forward to growing this project alongside him.
Out of all the different types of fishing communities, tenkara has the most approachable people to learn from. I have met several men who have taken me under their wing and just talk to me like a normal person and asked me questions regarding my tenkara practice and I cannot be more thankful to them for making me feel like an angler; a tenkara angler.
With the Heritage Tenkara Project, Martin and I plan to serve the tenkara community in this way. We are serving the community as a whole and devoting our time, energy, and passion to showcasing tenkara in the best light possible for everyone. Basically, in the way that I was made to feel. Tenkara is for everyone and so is the outdoors. I think I can say that without a doubt that Martin and I are easy to talk to and love to talk tenkara and can answer questions. Also, if there are questions we cannot answer, then we are not afraid to say so and we will be that resource to point you to the right person and the right direction.
A little collaboration of flies tied by Martin and I that was sold on my Etsy to support a local watershed in my area.
Right now, the Heritage Tenkara Project is an online resource for tenkara enthusiasts, beginners, seasoned veterans, and maybe just the tenkara-curious type. We plan to showcase people who are your typical angler or aren’t and have tenkara practices that are similar to ours or maybe not. These people will also have something to contribute to the more diverse part of the tenkara and fishing community. However, the online presence will not be the only resource that HTP will bring to the masses.
Martin and I are planning in-person, hands on tenkara and nature-inspired adventures to get a tenkara rod into the hands of people who might feel intimidated, don’t have the resources to tenkara rods, or have never even heard of tenkara. Currently (April), I am representing HTP & Tenkara Angler and presenting tenkara to a few group of women as part of the Erlebniswelt Fliegenfischen also known as “Experience the World of Fly Fishing” or EWF in Munich, Germany. This is my first time out of the United States and first time presenting at a fly fishing event.
It is funny to think that a year ago in April, I gave a few 20 minute presentations about fishing small streams and how I go about fishing tenkara on them in the Appalachian mountains to two small groups at the 2023 Great Smoky Mountain TenkaraCamp. I did another informal tenkara education session last June at the White Mountains Tenkara Campout in New Hampshire, but this international teaching event on tenkara was never on my radar. I guess I got lucky with a mentor that truly has taken me under his wing without me even asking. Yet again, another male representing tenkara that has truly encouraged and pushed me to show off my love and passion for the outdoors and tenkara.
Personally, I would not be where I am today in my tenkara journey without significant role models in the tenkara community and that is what Martin and I hope to be with the Heritage Tenkara Project.
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You go girl. 🙂
let’s go!!!
If I can help in any way just ask!
you have already been a HUGE help and cant wait to get out in Michigan with you again 😉
A sublime and exquisite calling for both yourself and for the Tenkara Community of Anglers. Your spirit has spoken to you and you seem to have chosen to bath in its light. We are blessed for it. Hear, hear, Tenkara Sister.
thank you, Bob!!! I hope you’re well and the tenkara community has been wonderful. let’s keep it up 😉
Great article Amanda. The Tenkara community is one of the most inclusive group of folks I’ve met, in any arena. The camaraderie is infectious.
Great Article Amanda! The Tenkara community is one of the most inclusive that I’ve been a part of in the outdoor space. I LOVE the Outdoors For All campaign as well. Please keep up the work that you’re doing!