Thought that lightweight backpacking and fishing along the way weren’t compatible? Think again.

Tenkara was born and still lives in the mountains of Japan. Although likely dating back further, the earliest recorded mention of the Tenkara fishing style dates back to 1878, when British diplomat Ernest Mason Satow referenced it in his work. At that time, Tenkara was a tool used by commercial fishermen out of necessity and simplicity.

Rods were constructed from bamboo, lines were handmade, and flies were tied with various materials available at home using a bent sewing needle. Fishermen used only a single fly pattern as they believed presentation was the key to catching fish, and switching flies was considered a waste of invaluable time.

Modern Tenkara in the USA

Modern Tenkara was introduced to the western world by Tenkara USA founder Daniel Galhardo in 2009. Tenkara rods sold today are telescoping graphite rods that weigh only a few ounces and vary generally from 11’ to 15’ in length. For reference, a 12’ rod will pack down to just over 20” long and weigh under 3oz. Each rod is designed to be light and flexible, and because Tenkara is a fixed line method of fishing there is no reel. The line is attached to a braid on the end of the rod called a lillian.

Tenkara Lines

There are two types of Tenkara lines that are most often used: Level and Furled line. Level line is a fluorocarbon line that has the same diameter from end to end, hence the name level line. The level line is measured using a Japanese rating system: #2 being thinner and #5 being thicker. A #3.5 (which translates to an approximate 14lb. test) would be an extremely good overall line. The level line is beneficial because it can be cut to any length, it is easy to cast in the wind, and is less expensive than furled line. Additionally, one can easily carry multiple length level lines for versatility. To ensure having the appropriate length for any circumstance, one could pack a line that is half the rod length, another that is the full rod length, and a third line that is 1 1/2 times the rod length and be prepared for any scenario presented.

Furled lines are handmade and woven or twisted together using various materials. The line has a taper like traditional fly line. Benefits of the furled line are that they are extremely easy to cast and the lines are highly durable; so durable that it is not uncommon to get several years use out of the same furled line. As to determining whether to pack level or furled lines, it is best to try each and decide which line better suits your style.

Tenkara Flies

In regards to Tenkara flies, many choose a Tenkara fly style that is called a Sakasa Kebari. Sakasa Kebari is a reversed hackle fly. When pulsing the fly in the water, the hackle opens and closes creating a lively motion. Sakasa Kebari style flies can be fished on the surface or sub-surface, adding to the versatility and simplicity of Tenkara. The most well known Kebari fly is the Ishigaki Kebari, which is tied with nothing more than black sewing thread, a hook, and solid brown hackle. Another favorite is the Amano Kebari, which is a white silk body, hook, and a brown and tan hackle. Both flies can be fished successfully anywhere in the water column, however they are most effective sub-surface where the fly can be pulsated and given life. Tenkara fishing does not limit users to Sakasa Kebari style flies. In fact, Tenkara can be used with any fly or even dry dropper rigs. Any fly that the fisher has confidence in and enjoy using will do, as the presentation is what triggers the fish to strike, not necessarily the fly itself.

Tenkara Rods

Tenkara rods are extremely easy to cast as the rod acts as an extension of the arm. A backcast should stop at the 12 o’clock position, and the forward cast should stop at the 2 o’clock position. The rod handle should be grasped with the pointer finger up instead of the thumb, like on a western fly rod. With practice, the rod becomes easy to manipulate into various casts. The line should be kept off the water as it is easier to detect strikes and present the fly without any dragging from the current.

Techniques with Tenkara

With Tenkara, it is best to break down the water into smaller areas. Attempting to fish with too lengthy of a line may cause problems in some waters. It is usually recommended to cast into the water at the closest section to the bank before stepping foot in the water. Once the closer options have been exercised, wade out and fish the areas a little further from shore. This technique ensures effective fishing at each section of the water. If the fly has been presented properly to entice a strike yet there are no takers in a particular section after some time, move on.

Rivers are long, and chances are there are fish that are actively feeding somewhere else. With one fly, fishers won’t spend time second guessing the gear in an area where the fish might not be feeding. Move on, explore new water and enjoy the natural surroundings until feeding fish are found.

Landing a fish is simple as well. If a fish has been hooked using a line the same length as the rod, the rod should be held behind the back and the fish will be within arms reach. If a line longer than the rod length was used, hand line the fish in by grabbing the line and gently pulling it in. If the fish attempts to run, release the line and try to pull the fish in again. To continue to pull the line with a running fish may result in a broken tippet, a lost fly, and a lost fish.

While Tenkara is fantastic for mountain streams and small rivers, it should be noted that Tenkara is not an ideal application for all forms of fishing, such as when fishing for large fish like steelhead or salmon, and for use in salt water areas. Of course, that being said, there are people that have caught steelhead, salmon, carp, muskie, and pike on a Tenkara rod.

Final Thoughts

Those with a minimalist mentality will certainly appreciate Tenkara for its simplicity and ease. The minimal gear takes up very little space, often weighing just one pound and sizing in at almost no larger than the size of a smartphone. Fishing packs can be attached with ease to any backpack, belt, or simply put in a shirt pocket. There is no assembling of rods and feeding line through guides upon arrival at the water. The line can be stored with a fly attached and a simple knot joins the line to the lillian. Extend the rod and cast. The simplicity of Tenkara makes it wonderful for kids or first timers to experience fly fishing. With minimal expense and only a couple of knots, it couldn’t be easier to get started.

Tenkara brings many fishers back to a time in life during childhood when fishing was simple: it was about having fun and enjoying nature, not worrying about what the fish are biting and the extensive gear needed to catch a fish. Tenkara is a style and a mindset that values enjoyment, technique and simplicity above anything else, and will make a better technical fisher out of all those who give it try.

For more on Tenkara, see Backpacking and Tenkara: Ultralight Fishing on the Trail and you can find a large selection of Tenkara related gear here at Amazon.com.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in Issue 9 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original article here for additional photos and content.