The One Bug Challenge – Part II

Embracing a One-Fly Approach in Tenkara Fishing
Article by Jerry Reitz

As the fall season unfolds, I would like to provide an update on my “one-fly” initiative. For those who may not have read the first part of this journey, I committed to hand-tying my version of Mr. Yuzo Sebata‘s sakasa kebari and utilizing only this single pattern for the first half of the fishing season. After tying several dozen of these flies and observing their exceptional performance on the water, I decided to extend this approach for the entire season, regardless of the stream or trout species I was targeting. To my delight, I continued to experience success with this straightforward hand-tied sakasa kebari fly.

This endeavor has introduced a refreshing perspective to my tenkara fishing experience, significantly enhancing my enjoyment compared to previous years.

Here are several reasons why this method has proven effective:

By focusing on a single fly pattern, I have been able to dedicate more time to fishing and understanding the streams, rather than stressing over matching the hatch, size, and color, or deciding between dry and wet flies. This approach has made my tenkara experience considerably more enjoyable and has reduced the amount of gear I need to carry. Ultimately, this simplicity has led to a far more gratifying fishing experience.

I have exclusively paired this sakasa kebari (size 8) with my Tanuki Barebones Nymphing Pro 380 rod, utilizing a 12-foot, 3.5 level line with a 3-foot tippet, which has proven to be highly effective. This season has been characterized by a new approach to the “one fly, one line, and one rod.” This allowed me to relax and focus on reading the water and refining my casting and presentation skills, rather than constantly changing flies and second-guessing my choices.

This adventure has undoubtedly transformed my approach to tenkara fishing, and I foresee this method continuing to shape my experiences moving forward.

Wishing everyone tight lines this fall! Enjoy your time on the water—it’s truly a privilege.

---

Jerry Reitz, a native of Pennsylvania, developed a deep-rooted love for the outdoors at a young age. Growing up in the Nittany Valley, he spent his days exploring the limestone small mountain streams and honing his angling skills. In recent years, Jerry’s passion for fishing took an exciting turn when he discovered tenkara.

Do you have a story to tell? A photo to share? A fly recipe that’s too good to keep secret? If you would like to contribute content to Tenkara Angler, click HERE for more details.

Tanuki has kindly provided a coupon code for all Tenkara Angler readers!
Save 5% off your purchase at their website using code TENKARAANGLER

When you buy something using the retail links within our articles or Gear Shop, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Tenkara Angler does not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.