Sunday, August 17, 2014

I'm Trying Tenkara

I hit the beach today in hopes of drum, spanish mackerel, bluefish or something with fins. All I got was a sunburn and sand everywhere.
It wasn't a total loss. The day was beautiful and the kids had fun playing in the surf.

I've been kind of a lurker when it comes to Tenkara. I read articles here and there and watch videos from time to time but to tell you the truth I had a hard time buying in on it. The technique to me looked like a fancy way to cane pole fish. The rods aren't what I'd call cheap either. It seems hard to find one under $100. As I've researched more about Tenkara I started to understand and agree with the techniques. There are some advantages. With a long rod you can extend over currents and make casts easier than you can with a western style fly rod. Why don't you just get a really long western style fly rod you say? I could do that but Tenkara has another advantage there. Tenkara rods telescope allowing you to extend and retract the rod depending on the situation. That's something you just can't do with a traditional fly rod. Sierra Trading Post recently had a deal on Wetfly's Back Country Tenkara Package. You get the rod, case, line, leader even a box of flies for under $120. I couldn't find many reviews on this package but I decided to pull the trigger and try it out. I think Tenkara can be a great thing to use with the kids. The rod takes out the confusing and sometimes very frustrating line control issues beginners fight with when learning fly fishing. With Tenkara they can focus on just casting. I'll definitely post reviews of the rod and how it performs later this year. 

10 comments:

  1. I've had a Tenkara rod for a couple years now. I like it on small streams, but also take along my regular fly rod. It's hard to fish when you're a half mile from your vehicle and you break the tip off. I've broken both the tip on the Tenkara and my regular rod, so it was nice to have a backup. You'll also find places where the regular rod works better (at least I do) and the Tenkara rod fits nicely in your back pocket. Good luck and welcome aboard the Tenkara train.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mark, I know Tenkara will not be a method I will use 100% of the time. I'm mainly going to try it on trout streams I fish. I think for some of the small ones it will be ideal.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am similarly skeptical about Tenkara, not that I find it good or bad, I just cannot seem to find the need given my current rod selection.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kristen, I don't think there is a specific need for Tenkara. There are situations that are idea but I feel a traditional rod is fine or a better fit 99% of the time.

      Delete
  4. Kevin
    I 'm starting my Grandson out using the scale down Tenkara, which is the B & M Little Jewel 10 ft. fishing pole priced at 13.00. After he adjusts to the Little Jewel, then I might consider getting him the Tenkara by then they might be even cheaper, we are talking at least 5 years from now. I am anxious to hear a report from you as to the Tenkara's performance. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Bill. I'm eager to hear about your experiences with your grandson.

      Delete
  5. There are great entry level rods out there under $100. Badger Tenkara and DragonTail both offer excellent introductory level gear. Enjoy your Tenkara journey!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm a hardcore rod and reel guy, but I gave it a try a couple of summers ago. It took me awhile to get the technique down, but I can certainly see some advantages to Tenkara on small water. I just have too much invested in (many) rods and reels to get too excited but I say give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I use tenkara kebari flies on my regular fly rod for bluegill.
    I shouldn't, I know, but it's my little rebellion.

    ReplyDelete