Can you use regular flies with tenkara?

They are fished wet, but their hackles are not swept forward or swept back. Also, just to be clear – you don’t have to use “tenkara flies” with a tenkara rod. You can use the flies you’ve used successfully for years.

Are tenkara rods worth it?

Even dry flies can be comfortably cast at distances approaching thirty-five feet. All of it can be done with either a fly rod or a Tenkara rod. To me, the extra length of a Tenkara rod is the only significant advantage for fishing a tightline method, and it’s not worth the trade off.

What flies to use with tenkara?

Tenkara flies are just like flies used for any style of fly fishing, but there are a few that trace their roots back to the traditional Japanese style of Tenkara fishing (Kebari flies). Simple soft-hackle wet flies, small streamers, and popular dry flies are all effective flies for use with Tenkara fishing.

Is tenkara good for beginners?

It’s Perfect For Beginners Not only is it cheaper than kitting yourself out with traditional fly gear, but it also has a smaller learning curve. We all know that mastering your cast is no mean feat. But when you’re fishing tenkara-style, you can get the hang of it and catch fish right from day one.

Is tenkara a fly fishing?

A rare but simple type of fly fishing born in Japan, tenkara is primarily used to fish for trout and other fish in the freshwater mountain streams. Tenkara fly fishing in Japanese means “fishing from heaven” or “fishing from the skies.”

Do tenkara flies float or sink?

While there are many different types of tenkara flies, there are three styles that are the most popular and the most iconic of tenkara fishing. One is a dry fly (a fly that floats) one is a wet fly (a fly that sinks) and one is all purpose (a fly that can either sink or float depending on how you fish it.

Is tenkara easier than fly fishing?

It’s true that many beginners find tenkara to be easier at first. With fewer moving parts to worry about, once you’ve got the casting motion down, you’re well on your way. Learning about false casts, stripping, and other techniques you can use with western fly gear can look intimidating.

Are tenkara flies different than regular flies?

These flies are basically the same as a sakasa kebari, only with the hackle facing back rather than forward. Many western anglers fish these in a swing or Reisenring Lift to imitate emerging pupae during caddis hatches but they work equally as well as general attractors.

Is Tenkara fishing easy?

While tenkara is considered a simpler way to fly fish, what to wear when fly fishing is still critically important. Without the right clothing and equipment, your fly fishing trip could become bogged down by discomfort in poor weather.

Are streamer flies wet or dry?

Wet flies sit under the water. They can be emergers, nymphs, streamers and imitate hatching flies or other types of larger bait. Dry flies sit on top of the water.

How old is tenkara?

Tenkara history can be traced back more than 400 years, when Japanese anglers caught cherry trout with unsplit bamboo rods tipped with horsehair lines tied to simple fly patterns.

What is the best rod length for tenkara?

Many tenkara rod manufacturers suggest starting out with a rod that is 12′-13′ long for the beginner as well as the experienced angler. The reasoning behind is that this length range gives the angler the opportunity to get a maximum reach for most situations while also allowing for limited space situations.

Is tenkara a fad?

Tenkara has been called a fad, and was initially dismissed by the industry. But, it’s probably not an exaggeration to say that tenkara has since created a small revolution in the fly-fishing industry.

What’s a tenkara rod?

Tenkara rod: A very long and flexible rod (usually telescopic) is used in tenkara fishing. The rods normally range from 3.3 to 4.5 metres (11 to 15 ft) long. 3.6 m (12 ft) is common. These rods were originally made of bamboo, but are nowadays made with carbon fibre and/or fibre glass. They also have a handle similar to fly-fishing rods that can be made of wood (the more prized rods) or cork.