Although not included in the rod/reel fly fishing tradition, tenkara has many techniques and skill sets that are very similar to traditional fly fishing. One of those skill sets is the ability to set the hook, fight the fish while being in control, and bring the fish quickly to net (or hand). And while many have opinions on what works best for their fish and streams, I have found experts from the competition fly fishing world to have many insights that can up your tenkara game and make you a more efficient angler.
One such competition angler is Devin Olsen of Tactical Fly Fisher. While this video is a few years old, it contains some sage advise for hooking, retaining and landing fish quickly and efficiently. I’ve recently been reviewing it in detail (which I do once a year or so) and I’d invite you to join me. Did you learn anything new? What part of “the fight” do you need more practice with? What’s your biggest weakness – is it the hooking, the fighting or the landing?
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I watched this video back when it first came out. I’ve followed Devin for many years now and his advice is very helpful and usually translates well from rod and reel to Tenkara.
Dang. What a nice explanation of how to land a fish. Thanks Tom.
Excellent, Tom, thanks for this. Watching it, I understand now why I lost some nice fish last year in Utah (after the Oni School), in those fast mountain waters I wasn’t used to, and what I could have done differently to keep the fish upstream of me.
[I’d also like to know where he’s fishing! (-; ]
Thanks for sharing – look forward to try it out next time I’m on a stream.