It happened again—I was watching one of my favorite backpacking YouTube channels, and this episode featured the host trying tenkara for the first time. I was thrilled. The rod company rep walking him through the setup did a great job, and the host seemed genuinely impressed. It was a great opportunity for new people to discover tenkara.
And then, stupid me… I read the comments. I’ve been told repeatedly, “never read the comments” and this is for a good reason. It’s a breeding ground for knee-jerk reactions and half-baked opinions. And sure enough, the usual fallacies were there:
“That’s just cane pole fishing.”
(false equivalency fallacy) “-It really isn’t.”
“My grandad used to cut a branch and do the same thing.”
(more false equivalency fallacy) “-Really? Is he Japanese?”
“These rods are just cheap, made in China rods with a Japanese name and a high price tag slapped on them.”
(Strawman fallacy) -Hm? And how many rods again have you tested and what is your favorite? Also, did you know there are rods made in Korea and Yes, in Japan too?
One commenter insisted that “tenkara isn’t the origin of fixed-line fishing—Fixed line fishing has been done all over the world.” And sure, that’s technically true. But NOBODY in the video or the comments claimed otherwise. The host didn’t. The rep didn’t. But silly people on the internet can’t help from spewing their arrogance into conversation without context or curiosity.
Clearly, nuance is a rare commodity in the comment section.
Dealing with this kind of keyboard ignorance is exhausting. Maybe it bugs me more than it should. But I really care about this stuff. I’ve spent years reading, fishing, learning and sharing my love of tenkara with others. I have watched it grow and watched it evolve. Tenkara angling remains special to me.
Against my better judgment, I replied to a few comments. I tried to offer perspective without picking a fight. One conversation found some common ground, which was refreshing. But that’s rare, and frankly, comment-section debate is NOT something I want to turn into a hobby.
The whole experience got me thinking about how tenkara is presented, and how easily it gets misunderstood. We all can do better, I think. Which brings me to “RALF”…
Let’s Talk About “Just RALF”
“It’s Just a Rod, A Line, and a Fly.”
Catchy, sure, and early on, it helped define tenkara’s appeal. But now, “Just RALF” has become my shorthand for the term that oversimplifies something far more nuanced. In the mind of critics, it seems to imply the idea of tenkara being “less than” their choice of angling.
In truth, no one hikes into the backcountry with only those three things. Not if they want to stay safe, fish effectively, or enjoy the day. Let’s stop suggesting that is what we are doing. The slogan was catchy and looked good on a magazine ad. It was meant to contrast tenkara with gear-heavy western fly fishing. But in my mind, it has become cringeworthy as a half-truth. It becomes fodder to the hardliners who like to marginalize tenkara with criticism and ignorance. We can make things better by being more honest about tenkara.
So… for those you you who are new to tenkara, what do we bring?
(And If you are veteran of tenkara you can skip this section and scroll on down to the next section or read it and let me know if I forgot anything.)
Despite the slogan, most of us bring more than just a rod, line, and fly. Not because we want to carry more—but because we want to fish well and stay safe. Here’s what many tenkara anglers carry:
- A few lines of different lengths/types
- Line spools
- A small fly box
- Forceps, nippers, and basic tools
- A landing net
- Maybe a wading staff
- A pack with snacks, water, rain gear
- Depending on conditions, boots and waders
This isn’t about overpacking, it’s about being present and prepared. True simplicity isn’t about taking less; it’s about carrying only what matters.
It’s Simple… But Not Basic
- There’s subtlety and a unique experience to fishing this way.
- There’s skill, because this kind of fishing happens up close, every movement matters, and a careful approach is key. We must practice stealth.
- There’s history, deeply rooted in Japan’s culture and the traditions of commercial fishing. We appreciate this. Not everyone does.
- There’s innovation in the rods themselves, an evolution of design and materials, and there are some great rod companies out there hoping to win your trust in their products.
- This is where you mention that segments are replaceable by the reputable sellers.
- Don’t forget that tenkara has its own technique in how the fly is presented, how “no drag drifts” are a real thing, and how the rods are hyper flexible and help bring a fish in smoothly.
- There’s accessibility to places many western anglers would never think to fish.
- More casting and less line management.
So how can we represent tenkara better?
Instead of falling back on the shortcut of “Just RALF,” Let’s use some expert communication techniques to try painting a fuller picture. We should strive for meaningful conversations that don’t create adversity between other forms of angling.
You should place yourself as the one holding the knowledge but don’t lecture. We can use a little “communication Judo” here. Put the questions into the other person’s court for them to tell you what they think tenkara is. Let them know how accurate they are and then point out the correct information followed by corrections in their wrong understanding. It can flow like this.
“Tell me what you know about tenkara.”
With this question your goal is to find out what they already know. Right or wrong, this gives you the chance to assess their curiosity and gently correct any misconceptions. You may find out that they know only that it is simple or they may have a good idea of what it is about. By acknowledging what they know you are giving them credit for being knowledgeable. Then they will be more open to hearing and accepting what mistaken ideas or information they have.
Try instead…“Tenkara is simple, but it’s not basic.”
If someone asks about tenkara, don’t lead with RALF. Lead with curiosity.
Ask: “What do you know about tenkara?”
This opens space for real conversation. It helps you understand their assumptions and gives you room to share the truth.
Then say: “Tenkara is simple, but it’s not basic.”
Share your own tenkara story. Talk about the joy of drag-free drifts. The elegance of casting. The way the rod bends and responds during a fight. Mention how it gets you into places western fly-fishing gear struggles to go. And yes, let them hold the rod. Let them cast it. That’s where the magic begins.
Let them give it a wiggle.
Any good salesman will tell you that getting the product you are trying to sell into the customer’s hands is almost as good as a sale. They may have never fished with or even held a tenkara rod. This is a chance for you to let them feel the difference. If there is room, go ahead and teach them to cast. Show them your own accuracy first and maybe even offer a chance to do some real fishing with it. It is these firsthand experiences that make believers out of skeptics.
Be ready to answer additional questions
I always ask, “What else can I tell you about tenkara?” as opposed to “do you have any questions?” This invites them to think a little and absorb what you have told them. Perhaps they will feel a little wiser now?
Don’t be afraid if you get a question that you are not experienced enough to answer. Give your best guess but admit that you are still learning and that there always seems to be something new to learn.
Dealing with Critics
Eventually, you’ll run into critics. Maybe in person, but especially online.
Here’s how to respond:
- Don’t argue. You won’t change minds in a thread.
- Speak from experience. “Tenkara just works for me, especially in mountain streams.”
- Stay honest. Don’t oversell or defend. Just represent.
- Let others be loud. Your calm response will stand out to people quietly watching.
- Remember: Tenkara doesn’t need defending. It just needs honest voices.
So, About That Slogan…
I doubt this article will end the use of “Just RALF.” But maybe, with better conversations and more honest stories, we won’t need it anymore. Perhaps we can all shift the mantra to something else?
“Tenkara isn’t about what you leave behind—it’s about what you bring with intention.”
Please share your ideas in the comments. We can create a better unified voice for tenkara.
Get off the screens and I will see you on the stream friends.
Dennis Vander Houwen is an early adopter of tenkara, he lives and fishes all over Colorado. For more information on living simply or approaching a richer life with fewer things check out his blog, Tenkara Path, where you can also support his tenkara lifestyle by purchasing one of his amazing, handmade tenkara line spool, fly keepers. Learn more about Tenkara Lifestyles here.
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Dennis, great article. I go to two different TU Chapter’s meeting and while I do get teased about my cane pole I’ve never had anyone jump me over how I fish. I have though, had people blast me online. Quite a few guys, and gals, have asked to go along and see what tenkara is all about and usually they try it out for a bit. When they hook a fish I always tell them to look at the bend. They may not buy a rod, but that smile on their face says it all.
Tenkara; Simple to the eye – Complex in the hand.
Moving Tenkara away from the appearance of simplicity is necessary for its continued survival.
While the dead drift is useful in most fishing, its only the beginning of the seemingly endless nuance of presentation you can achieve with Tenkara. This is why Masters in Japan stick with the method as long as they do. Because there are many ways to entice fish to bite, and the satisfaction of being successful in this is its own reward.
I’m not sure why being thought of as simple is bad? Simple doesn’t mean not sophisticated. I’ve always thought the aversion to being compared to cane pole fishing was counterproductive and disingenuous. I’ve done plenty of cane pole fishing as well, and it’s a pretty sophisticated method when done properly. I started my daughter out with a cane pole; now she uses a tenkara rod or a spincaster depending on what we feel like that day. I’ve also found that the “my grandpa used to do the same thing” is a great opportunity for connection and further conversation. While they may not have been using the specific methods of tenkara, the core of it is the same. Once we make that emotional connection, that’s where you have an opportunity to change minds. All the facts and figures and proper framing won’t make a difference unless you can make an emotional connection.
I definitely agree with Dennis that we need to avoid the “shouting matches” so common in forum posts. And, know when to walk away. The latter can be hard. I’ve been banned from a couple of fly-fishing groups for daring to mention tenkara in anything other than a disparaging joke. That’s down to the folks leading the groups, and I’ve (mostly) learned that you’re not going to change any folks’ minds there.
It took me a while to get to this point, but nowadays when someone says “that’s a cane pole,” my response is “Yes, a very high-tech cane pole that enables some really cool techniques.”
Except for the part where it casts like a fly rod and not a bait rod. Just to be clear. 🙂
I don’t believe simple is bad. I think that some believe that if something is simple, they don’t need to learn anything about it. By oversimplifying and leaving out the nuance and advantages we do tenkara a disservice.
When I wrote this, it was not with the idea that I could change anyone’s mind necessarily, but I do think that it is time to make tenkara better understood for what it really offers. We have to build it’s benefits and educate on it otherwise the haters will be the ones continuing to bash it. Getting rid of RALF is really just the start of the process. Thanks for your comments
Dennis
Dennis I agree that the pitch that Tenkara is minimalistic or simple was, in the long run, an unfortunate identity to foster. It does somewhat play into the hands of detractors. But, it’s also somewhat true. Every Tenkara practitioner that I’ve ever seen online or met in real life, no matter how complex their approach to Tenkara, carries way less gear than the average Rod and Reel fly fisher person. I also agree that Tenkara just like Rod and Reel Fly fishing is almost infinitely complex if you wish to explore it to that depth. However, I’m not sure the detractors of Tenkara would be any less aggressive or demonstrative if our community had never used the RALF pitch to sell the Tenkara style of fly fishing. I think their strong feelings come from a more primal and deeper place than a reaction to a mere concept. Like most outwardly aggressive, loud and public attacks, I think it comes from a lack of understanding and the fear, frustration and lack of control that a lack of understanding brings out in humans. Which leads to an agreement with your idea of promoting the specific concepts, techniques and advantages of Tenkara. By doing that we’ll reach the percent of Rod and Reel Fly Fishers open to new ideas and change. But, we’ll never reach the percentage who cling to the familiar and known. Especially those whose identity is somewhat built around their Rod and Reel based skills and are too insecure to risk starting at the bottom of a new hierarchy.
Love the new mantra Dennis. Really well said. My Tenkara setup always changes depending on where I’m fishing and how much time I’ve got. This article is packed with great insights.
I’m guessing the video you mentioned at the beginning was the one I did with Dan Becker. That one’s sitting at over 300k views now, so I think it’s fair to say it captures the full range of reactions people have to Tenkara.
One thing that stands out from that video and the comments is how many people still don’t know what Tenkara is. And the other layer is that the first big wave of Tenkara in the US happened 15 years ago. A lot of people just weren’t around for it.
To me, there are two parts that need to happen for Tenkara to grow. First, people need to be introduced to it. That might be through a friend, a YouTube video, or something they see on social. Then comes the learning phase, when they dive into the how and why, read blog posts, watch tutorials, and start to understand the deeper side of it.
I agree that Tenkara is more than just Ralf. But I also think Ralf and simplicity are what drew a lot of us in. It’s a great intro. I don’t think we need to ditch that side of the story. As more people make content whether that’s videos, blogs, or posts, different angles will speak to different people.
Take cycling as an example. The hook might be as simple as riding around the block. But once you’re in, it can become all about gear optimization, performance metrics, strategy, training, drafting and bike fitting. It grows with you. Tenkara can be the same.
So yeah, long way of saying I love this conversation. Simplicity has a place, but isn’t the full picture of what Tenkara is. And I really hope more people discover Tenkara. In a world full of screens, getting outside and connecting with nature feels more valuable than ever.
HI DREW!
Yes. I didn’t want to mention the channel specifically.. But There it is for anyone here who does read the comments. I appreciate and agree with your point. My main idea is that RALF has become a tired and empty statement. Kind of like when any saying is used to much. It loses its value. I am happy that so many people did see the video and I agree that we have a new crop of fresh to tenkara or soon to learn about tenkara folks in the angling community. I want them to have an informed approach to tenkara. Some people hear “simple” and they think that they don’t need to learn anything about the techniques. Maybe we are all too used to “Plug and Play”? People will continue to use RALF, I just won’t be. For me the experience, technique and history are an important part of tenkara.
Keep up the great work you are doing spreading the love of tenkara and I am hopeful we will see Dan using the rod in a future video.
Best Wishes and Lots of Fishes,
Dennis
Thanks Dennis, I really appreciate your perspective here. You’re right, when any phrase gets repeated enough it can start to lose some of its punch. I think the challenge (and opportunity) for all of us is making sure people don’t stop at “simple.” Like you said, it’s not plug-and-play, there’s a rich history, culture, and set of techniques that make Tenkara worth diving into.
Something I’d also love to see is less negativity in the Tenkara world. If we want this to grow, we’ve got to embrace the whole of it. Tenkara in the U.S. is never going to look exactly like Tenkara in Japan. Japan is a narrow, mountainous island filled with small creeks and steep gradient. The U.S. has those too, but we also have ponds, high mountain lakes, big rivers, desert streams, canals beaches, overhang streams on the East Coast, you name it. Add in all the different species of fish and the diversity of anglers here, and it’s inevitable that Tenkara takes its own path.
Some people want to preserve Tenkara exactly as it is in Japan, and I respect that. But it just isn’t possible to limit it to that here. The best thing we can do is support the blogs, content creators, brands, forums, and communities that are all bringing new perspectives. For some, simplicity is the door in. For others, it’s ultralight backpacking, bikepacking, community, a connection to Japan, an excuse to get outside, a mental reprieve from the digital world, or even just teaching their kid to fish. The more stories and entry points there are, the more people will find what really clicks for them.
That’s how Tenkara grows, not by narrowing it down, but by opening it up. And that is anything but simple.
We tried adopting the word “elegant” to replace “simple”. Just like you might describe Einstein’s most famous equation as an elegant solution to a mathematical problem, tenkara might be described as an elegant solution to the problem of tricking fish.
Nice write up Dennis. Last weekend I volunteered with the Over Mountain chapter of TU. The get together was at a local state park with a very nice blueline creek next to the venue. The only rod that came out to be fished was a Tenkara USA Sato, and everyone who tried it out caught a fish.
I’ve see this same kind of ignorance is film photography, mountaineering, and paddling. Ignorance is one of the greatest impediments to happiness.
Steve