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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