What is Tenkara?
The sport of tenkara is generally accepted as a set of techniques and fixed line fly tackle used to target trout and char in high-gradient mountain streams. This is how tenkara is most commonly viewed in Japan, its birthplace.
As tenkara equipment, namely ultralight telescopic rods, have ventured West, traditional techniques have been adapted to best match the local fish species and the waters they call home. An example of such an adaptation is the substituion of a recognizable beadhead nymph instead of the more traditional Japanese wet fly (kebari). There is some debate by traditionalists if this is still technically “tenkara”, but at Tenkara Angler we try to recognize the differences while happily embracing the fixed line community as a whole, no matter how they choose to use their gear.
Tenkara is Misunderstood, Let’s Fix That
The Rule of 12’s
Rule of 12’s: Tenkara Rod, Line, & Fly
Tenkara Rods
I Want to Try Tenkara, What Rod Should I Buy?
WTF are CCS, RFI, & RM in Tenkara?
Short Tenkara Rods: A (Fairly) Comprehensive Guide
Big Fish Tenkara Rods: A (Fairly) Comprehensive Guide
Tenkara Flies (Kebari)
A Top to Bottom Tenkara Fly Box
Yoshikazu Fujioka’s Trout and Seasons of the Mountain Village
Tenkara Techniques
Tenkara Tactics: Line Tension, Tip Position, and Fly Control
Kebari Manipulation: Matching Nature
Video: Landing Big Fish on Tenkara with Rob Worthing
The Short Game: Tenkara in Small Waters
Fixed Line Fly Fishing
Adapting Tenkara for Smallmouth Bass