Tenkara Equipment
Tenkara Gear: The Tools of the Trade
The beauty of Tenkara lies in its simplicity. Unlike other forms of fly fishing that require a complex array of gear, Tenkara strips away the unnecessary, leaving you with only what you need to catch fish. This minimalist approach not only makes the sport incredibly accessible for beginners but also allows you to focus on the essential skills and the experience itself. This guide will walk you through the three key components of a Tenkara setup.
TENKARA EQUIPMENT
The Tenkara Rod
The Tenkara rod is the most important piece of equipment you will own. It is a long, flexible, and telescopic rod, designed to cast the line without the aid of a reel.
- Length: Tenkara rods are typically much longer than other fishing rods, ranging from 10 to 14 feet. This length is crucial because it allows you to reach a significant distance and keep your line off the water, reducing "drag" and creating a more natural presentation. A 12-foot rod is an excellent all-around choice for most mountain streams in Japan.
- Telescopic Design: Most Tenkara rods collapse down to a compact size, making them incredibly portable. They can easily fit into a backpack, making them perfect for hiking to remote streams.
- Action: The action of the rod refers to where it bends. Tenkara rods are much more flexible than a traditional fly rod, which helps them absorb the power of the fish without a reel. For beginners, a 5:5 or 6:4 action is ideal.
TENKARA EQUIPMENT
The Line
The Tenkara line is simple, lightweight, and is tied directly to the tip of your rod. With no reel, the line is a fixed length, meaning you are always in direct contact with your fly.
- Fixed Length: The line is typically the same length as your rod, or slightly longer. This length keeps your fly close to you, giving you precise control over your cast and drift.
- Types of Line:
- Level Line: A non-tapered, fluorocarbon line that is lightweight and highly visible. It is very sensitive and is a popular choice for beginners.
- Tapered Line: This is a furled line that is thicker at one end and tapers down to the other. It is easier to cast and works well for presenting flies on the surface of the water.
TENKARA EQUIPMENT
The Fly (Kebari)
In Tenkara, the fly (kebari) is not meant to be a perfect imitation of a specific insect. Instead, it is an "impressionistic" fly that can be fished in multiple ways to attract a fish. The focus is on the technique, not on having a box full of a thousand different flies.
- All-Purpose Design: Most Tenkara anglers use just one or two simple fly patterns for all of their fishing. This is a core philosophy of the sport.
- The Reverse Hackle: Many traditional kebari have a reverse-hackle design, where the feathers point toward the eye of the hook. This gives the fly a unique pulsating action in the water that entices a fish to strike.