Is it hard to learn with a Tenkara Fishing Rod?
Tenkara
is so intuitive for most anglers that all you'll need is a rod, some
line, and some flies to get started. In minutes, most anglers
have the basic casting motion and are ready to get their lines wet.
Even kids pick up how to catch fish on a Tenkara rod very quickly.
The casting motion is very slow and gentle. Bringing the fish in is
as simple as raising the rod up and back. All you really have
to do is cast the fly to spot you believe the fish are hiding. When
you feel a strike, give the rod a solid tug to set the hook and bring
the fish in.
Where would a Tenkara Fishing Rod work well?
Tenkara
Fishing
is taking off all over the US. Tenkara originated in Japan and
has been refined for hundreds of years. Though similar to other
styles of fixed length line fishing, Tenkara is unique in the quality
of the rod design and materials used. The rods are extremely
sensitive and responsive to not only the users touch but also the
delicate touch of the mountain fish. A fast flowing steam is a
perfect match for Tenkara Fishing.
With the length and sensitivity of the long flexible Tenkara Fishing rod you are able to place the fly delicately and precisely on the water.
With the length and sensitivity of the long flexible Tenkara Fishing rod you are able to place the fly delicately and precisely on the water.
But could I use a Tenkara Fishing rod other places?
Of
course, Tenkara can be a very effective method for fishing on small lakes,
ponds, and large rivers. Really any place that there is water and
fish. Most people using Tenkara fishing rods only use up to 20 feet
of total line. Add that to the length of the rod and you have about
30 feet of range. That means that in some places wading, using a
float tube, or a boat may be the most effective way to reach the best
spots to fish.
I have read that Tenkara is only for small fish, is that true?
We see lots of pictures online of smaller 6-8" trout when folks talk about Tenkara. However fighting a larger fish is not only possible but will never be more fun than on a Tenkara-Fishing Rod. Fighting a larger fish takes time, patience and calm so that not only is the delicate tippet protected but also the fish is not harmed by over stressing it with a drawn out fight. Often times fighting these larger fish is faster and easier than on a traditional fly rod.
Who can use a Tenkara Fishing Rod?
Everyone
can use a Tenkara Fishing Rod. Tenkara fishing is very easy to learn.
Tenkara fishing equipment is so compact it is easy to take anywhere.
From weight conscious backpackers to motorcycle campers to young
children that want to learn about fly fishing, there is no one who
can't use a Tenkara fishing rod. Put a Tenkara rod in the hands
of someone who has never fished before and they will likely have
their first fish in minutes.
But isn't Tenkara kind of like cane pole fishing? or Dapping?
Yes
there are similarities
between all of these styles of fixed length line fishing. Unlike
dapping or using cane poles, a Tenkara fishing pole uses the
most modern designs and materials available to give the rod the
absolute maximum in control and sensitivity. This control lets you
cast the line and fly accurately while still being able to control
the action and motion of the fly in the water. The high-grade carbon
fiber of the rod is extremely sensitive. When you do get a strike
from a fish, the sensitivity of your Tenkara fishing rod sends every
motion, every leap, every bit of action from the fish down the rod
for you to really get to feel the fish on the line like never before.
Tenkara shares many similarities with historic fly fishing from Europe and similar styles of fishing to Tenkara have been found all over the world in many cultures.
Tenkara shares many similarities with historic fly fishing from Europe and similar styles of fishing to Tenkara have been found all over the world in many cultures.
Illustrations of traditional European fly fishermen.
|
|
What to do if you line gets snagged.
Snags
happen. Most streams are lined with brush and trees. If you
should snag your line or fly fist, DO NOT jerk hard on the rod to try
and free the line. Forceful pulling could damage your rod. If a
few gentle tugs won't free the line, try and reach the fly and
untangle the snag by hand so that you’re set to go back to fishing.
If you can’t reach the snag, you may have to break off the fly and
tippet that is tangled. You should be using tippet that is not
stronger than 4 pound test (5X or less: 5X, 6X and 7X being the most
common choices.) To start, collapse the pole as much as
possible to protect the rod as you free the snag. Once you can
reach the line, grasp it in one hand with the rod in the other and
pull on the line. The tippet should break or become dislodged.
Tie on a new tippet and fly and watch those back casts.
But what if I can't reach the line even collapsing the rod?
If
you can't reach the line with your hands to free the snagged fly then
try to pull the rod and line straight back. Do not bend the rod to
free the line. It is more likely to damage the rod than move the rock
or tree. Pulling straight back away from the snag with the line and
rod in line is the safest. Again, this should break the fly at the
tippet line. Re-rig your line with fresh tippet, a fly, and
you’re back in business.
What do the 6:4, 7:3 and 8:2 numbers mean?
The 6:4, 7:3 and 8:2 numbers relate to the action or amount of flex in the rod. A 6:4 rod has more flexible sections than a 7:3 rod does. The more flexible rods could also be described as slower rods, or softer rods. The more flexible the rod the more you feel of the fish when they are hooked to your fly. Tenkara-Fishing rods are so sensitive and flexible you will be able to feel the flex of the rod as you cast, and be able to tell the difference in the weights of the flies you use.
Ready to learn more?
There are some great books available to go further into the history, technique and style of Tenkara Fishing than the scope of our site. Checkout Tenkara - Radically Simple, Ultalight Fly Fishing available in our accessories section in a limited number of signed copies. And the newest book on Tenkara in English, Tenkara Fly Fishing: Insights & Strategies available on Amazon both in paperback and for Kindle.
|
Why yes that is a Tenkara-Fishing.com rod on the cover.
|
How do you process payments?
We
use PayPal to process payments but you don't need a PayPal account to
place an order with us. We accept all major credit and debit cards,
which are securely and instantly processed through the PayPal cart
system. When items are added to your cart, PayPal will open a new
window with those selected items and give you the option of using
your PayPal account or direct you to a secure check-out window so
that you can enter your shipping and payment information. We are
located in Idaho and as such, Idaho customers will pay state sales
tax. Payment will show to be made to Arrowhead Equipment and
will appear on your credit card or bank statement as ARROWHEADEQ.
What are the shipping charges for orders?
Shipping charges are based on the order total. We offer Priority mail
shipping for all US orders and Priority International Postal for Overseas orders.
For orders costing from - to The shipping total will be
USA Canada International
$1.00 - $20.00 $7.75 12.75 15.75
$20.01 - $40.00 $10.75 15.75 20.75
$40.01 - $200.00 $15.75 * Most Orders 30.75 30.75
$200.01 - & up $20.75 30.75 30.75
For orders costing from - to The shipping total will be
USA Canada International
$1.00 - $20.00 $7.75 12.75 15.75
$20.01 - $40.00 $10.75 15.75 20.75
$40.01 - $200.00 $15.75 * Most Orders 30.75 30.75
$200.01 - & up $20.75 30.75 30.75
