In Japan, the weather is getting warmer and the insects are starting to fly, marking the start of the best tenkara season! Last week, we guided clients from Idaho, and successfully caught cherry salmon and char. They had extensive tenkara experience in the United States, so we challenged ourselves to explore not only the main rivers but also the headwaters, traversing mountains and valleys to catch wild char.
In Japan, tenkara fishing is said to have originated with professional fishermen, known as “Shoku-Ryoshi,” who practiced it as a means of livelihood, supplying their catches to inns and restaurants. This type of overnight tour allows you to fully enjoy these cultural aspects. Furthermore, those who experience it will surely develop a greater appreciation for nature. In short, this will contribute to the long-term preservation of tenkara, which is our greatest wish.
By the way, this customer was an acquaintance of Matt Sment. He said he knew Michael Agneta and Jonathan Antunez as well, even though he’d never met them in person. The world of tenkara is small, isn’t it? But it’s great to see our circle of friends growing like this!
Note: Our friends at Nikko Tenkara (Hiroyuki Ishii & Takashi Sakauchi) have offered to send us brief updates on their fishing and guiding season in Japan. If you are visiting Japan and have interest in their tenkara guide services, visit their website at nikko-tenkara.com. Tell them Tenkara Angler sent you!
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