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Why is it that some people instantly embrace tenkara while others reject it outright? I have been wondering this for a long time now. I’ve read dozens of social media posts where people have written downright malicious comments about tenkara and tenkara anglers. The funny thing is, by their own admission, most of these people have never even touched a tenkara rod. Without any empirical evidence, how could someone so strongly denounce an entire genre of fly fishing? After reading a recent blog post, I think the answer finally came to me.
Ten•ka•ra•pho•bi•a (ten car a fo bee ah) noun, 1. A fear of fishing with reel-less fly rods, often based on a misconception that the amount of gear one fishes with is directly proportional to the number of fish one will catch. Even though John had never tried tenkara fishing, his tenkaraphobia lead him to publicly denounce it in several online fly fishing forums.
The article in question was entitled, “There’s no Excuse for Fishing without a Reel” and was posted on the Unaccomplished Angler blog. While I take the tone of the article to be somewhat tongue in cheek, the author writes something at the end that I think hits the nail on the head about why some people reject tenkara:
“And that is why I am not likely to take up the way of Tenkara anytime soon. If I were to be stripped of all but a rod and line (and my clothes–I’m not giving up those, either), there would be little to blame for my angling unaccomplishments other than lack of skill. With Tenkara, it’s just you and a rod and some line waging battle against the fish. I don’t like those kinds of odds.”
I think that the marketing of big fly fishing companies has done an extraordinary job of convincing people that they need more gear in order to catch more fish. If you believe that, then the prospect of fishing with less gear is indeed scary. But what is even scarier is what the article implies–that with less gear, you have to have more skill to catch fish. I suggest that people who reject tenkara without ever having tried it or made an attempt to understand it are self-conscious about their own skill level. They see being stripped of their gadgets and gear as something that might expose their true skill level–which, they fear might not be as good as they think it is. And with years of advertising telling them that the more gear they use, the better an angler they will be, who could blame them?
I believe that to be true for individuals. But there’s another side to tenkaraphobia that is spreading across the fly fishing industry. Fly shops and gear companies fear tenkara because they see it as a threat to their business. If someone comes along and starts telling people you don’t need to spend $1,000 on a rod and reel setup plus $500 in accessories to catch fish, that is scary. If I’m in the industry, why shouldn’t I fear something that makes my products irrelevant?
The great irony in all of this is that if I were a beginning fly fisher today, I’d be a hell of a lot more scared of learning to mend line, double haul, tie a nail knot, and shoot line that I would be of tenkara fishing where all of those skills are unnecessary. Tenkara lets you focus on the best part of fishing: fishing. And, without the long learning curve. Which is why I think beginners are more open to tenkara than seasoned anglers. They don’t have the preconceived notions or the years of marketing conditioning built up. They have beginner’s mind and just want to fish–not spend years learning to cast.
So, if tenkaraphobia is based on a lack of confidence in one’s own skill level, what does that say about those who do embrace tenkara? It would be easy to simply flip the definition around and say that it means tenkara anglers have more skill and aren’t afraid to rely on it (rather than gear). But I don’t think that’s quite it. I think it just means that tenkara anglers are more open to being honest with themselves about their true abilities and willingness to work on them.
Fly fishing in general is often seen as an “arrogant” sport. Having worked in the industry for several years, I can certainly see why that perception exists. But people in the tenkara community seem different. I think tenkara attracts a certain type of person. The tenkara anglers I’ve met are humble, curious, and aren’t afraid of challenging themselves.
I may not be the most skilled fly angler in the world, but I’m not afraid to admit it either. I know that this simple style of fly fishing will continue to challenge me and improve my skills. All of you who have taken up tenkara may not best the most skilled anglers either–but you are brave. You weren’t afraid to go against the norm, to challenge yourselves, and to rely on your own skills (whatever level they may be). I’d guess that the fact that you choose to fish tenkara probably says more about what kind of person you are than what kind of angler you are. And, from the people I’ve met so far, I have to say that that is the type of community I’m proud to be part of.
I think you make some great points Jason. It really comes down to how open people are to trying something that is out of the norm. Are they willing to try something that is not what everyone else is doing? Are thru willing to learn a different path? Maybe one that is not the more worn path.
I have had customers interested just because they can see it is not as “arrogant” of a style of fly fishing. And still others see that it is simply another style that they can learn from and be challenged by. Also being a cottage shop in the hammock cuminity we get to work with folks that are already committed to going down a different path to enjoy their time in the woods so we have found a more open acceptance of Tenkara there than even in my own talks with folks at my local fly shop……..”your one of them Tenkara guys?”…..
Thanks for the well thought out post. Lots to think about.
Paul
Hi Paul,
Funny how the cottage industry always seems to be the one driving innovation. I’ve noticed the same trend in the UL backpacking community. Anyway, I’m proud to be “one of them tenkara guys”.
I did a little spinning rod fishing when I was young but had fished very little for 20 years. I was looking for a relaxing hobby and fly fishing looked interesting to me but the cost and complexity of it prevented me from trying it. I stumbled across Tenkara USA. The simplicity of it sparked my interest immediately. Daniels video’s made is look so easy and relaxing. The cost for such a simple rod seemed a bit steep but I made the plunge and purchased an Amago rod. I had difficulty learning to cast it properly but I still enjoyed the experience very much. In spite of my very poor skills, I have caught more fish with the Amago rod than I had ever caught in my life. Bluegill, small mouth bass, large mouth bass. In a small creek nearby I even had fun catching green sunfish and large chub minnows. The size of the fish doesn’t matter the experience is just a lot of fun.
Now that it is cool and the fish are farther out and deeper I have gotten my spinning rod out again a few times. Every time I take it out I am disappointed with my success and grab the Amago again. I can’t cast nearly as far but I still get more hook-ups and catch a lot more fish with the Amago rod. I have purchased one of the Tenkarabum’s #4 hi-vize lines and find it much easier to cast with than the heavier line I started with.
I have tied a few crude flies and even catch fish with them. The whole Tenkara has proven to be a wonderful experience and a refreshing and relaxing hobby. I hove told others about it but the bass fishermen her in the Midwest think I am a bit eccentric, I haven’t gotten any of them to try it. The only person I have come across that really thought it was exciting was a 10 year old boy. He didn’t have an preconceived notions to dampen his enthusiasm.
Harold
Hi Harold,
That’s a great story about how you got into tenkara. I’m glad you appreciate it’s simplicity. I still love western fly fishing but I think if I were just starting out today, tenkara would be a much more accessible introduction. Glad you recognized the opportunity and it worked out for you.
I thought this was a great article. I have only been doin tenkara fr a couple weeks now and have enjoyed it a lot. I have caught lots of fish and just got back from some pond tenkara fishing and caught a bunch of 11″ crappie on my 6:4 rod andthey were a blast. I think tenkara rods allow you to feel the fish more and also the fly especially when using subsurface flies.
before i tried tenkara I had fly fished for over three years so I knew how to do it pretty well so didn’t get tosee how it would have been easie starting on tenkara, but I did get to see this past week. My grandfather came in town for thanksgiving and wanted to take mefishing when when we got tree I asked him if he wanted to fish with te tenkara rod. He said that he didnt think he would because he ha heard that fly fishing is really hard to learn but I made him try. With about a minute of explaning and showing him the basics I handed him the rod and on the third cast he was able to land a fish. I remember when I first started fly fishing I wasnt able to catch a fish for the first two or three outings but with tenkara my grandfather was able to catch a fish on his third cast. This shows that by removing a bunch of unnecessary gear it isn’t harder but in fact easier.
Loften, that sounds a lot like my wife’s first experience with tenkara. First time, she caught several fish with minimal instruction. I had tried to teach her western fly fishing previously and she got frustrated and gave up. Now, she actually asks to go tenkara fishing!
I am like Harold in that I am new to fly fishing and I’ve not fished for over 20 years. If you don’t call holding a pole behind a moving boat fishing then I’ve never really fished.
If I had to speed the money, time and frustration that it seems to take to get into “western” fly fishing I would have looked into a different way to spend what little free time I have.
The first day I used my ITO I caught over 12 fish. That was the best “fishing” day that I have had. I didn’t even know how to tie the fly on my tippet.
The people that I have talked to that are “western” fly fishers are very interested in what I am doing. They like the idea that there is something around that they might be able to use on mountain streams where their equipment won’t work well.
You will always find people that are negative about something new or that is different than what they think is the “right” way of doing things.
I know that at times I have been one of those people. I usually come around when I take the time to look at other peoples way of thinking.
All we can do is keep being positive about what we are dong and go out and enjoy the outdoors (and catch fish).
The reason I am working at this sport is to have just another excuse to get out doors and enjoy what we have around us.
Very good article Jason, after fly fishing for a few years before Tenkara came my way I sometimes catch myself trying to complicate Tenkara. I carry so little I guess I think I need something else in my bag. Thanks for reminding me why I went to Tenkara in the first place.
I initially came across Tenkara while searching for backpacking fishing gear. Then, I researched it, watched the videos, etc. for a few months. I got my TenkaraUSA Ito last month, and have had the chance to use it several times. Although I’ve only hooked a few trout, I love it. I can’t see myself going to a traditional western rig unless I find myself with extra money and time to learn a new casting technique.
Jason;
Thanks for your post, I was in my local western fly shop today picking up some fly tying supplies, when I overheard a guy asking the assistant what flashabou was for. I thought that was a fair question I found out that he only had it becuse when he had “started out” fly fishing last year the guys had loaded him up with not only a rod, reel and line but EVERYTHING else he might ever need including fly tying supplies. I hate to think how much that cost all at once.
I’m as much of a gear head as anyone else, fishing, archery, backpacking etc etc ….but there’s no point having it if you don’t know how to use it, and you might not ever need it.
Tenkara is teaching me to cut back and simplify somthing I love doing, being outdoors and catching fish, and as I do I find I am enjoying it more and more.
Thankyou Tenkara
Just getting back into fly fishing after a short hiatus. Tenkara sounds like a lot of fun. Not sure of why people feel so strongly against it. Haven’t tried it myself but really would like to try it. Just not sure where to start. Need to research the whole thing a little more before I make a purchase. Have started tying a few flies.
My initial reaction to Tenkara was “wow, this really makes sense”! I apply minimalism to a lot of what I do, from backpacking and paddling to hunting. Even to my desk at work. So, Tenkara fit right in and was an immediately natural thing for me to do. You’re absolutely correct about the nervousness of fly shop owners about Tenkara. I’ve experienced that firsthand locally. As long as they don’t go out of their way to badmouth Tenkara, I’m fine, because they are in business after all. It’s funny how you don’t hear anyone say that they swichted to Tenkara, didn’t like it, and returned to western fly fishing! 🙂
I’ve been flyfishing for about 16 years–at one time owing over 15 fly rods and numerous reels. Tarpon, Bonefish, Steelhead, to the world of the trout, etc. Always been into backpacking but a number of years ago got into UL–when I saw the info on the Tenkara–had to try it.
This last summer was spent in Idaho–Yes I had my Winstons and Sage’s,etc. but spent most of the time fishing with the Tenkara–especially loved it backpacking. It has its limits in my opinion–Not sure it would be advisable to use on the Owyhee for big browns–but for streams, rivers and mountain lakes — Tenkara is the perfect setup!! It is funny some of the looks you get but–I’m beyond caring what other people think!!
Keep up the interesting articles Jason!!
I feel somewhat underqualified to comment directly on your question, since I haven’t taken up the Tenkara challenge (my real challenge at the moment is actually getting to go fishing!)But as a flyfishing DIYer from way back and lover of Thoreau, its simplicity and focus is very attractive.
However, I wanted to share one observation. In the fly fishing community, there is a considerable amount of ego generally and a considerable amount of ego invested in the gear. Kudos are obtained from having the latest, greatest, more expensive, more exclusive rod/reel/line/waders/multipocketed vest/chest pak etc etc etc.
Tenkara threatens to strip away those props for the ego.
Although (Warning Will Robinson!) I can detect the insidious creep of the ego here too. (Just got to have one of them handcrafted Japanese bamboo rods. Hey, check out my tamo… or even, hey, I use less gear than you!).
I rather suspect that somewhere in the golden past, fly fishing was also as simple as Tenkara is now.
Good observations Losthackle. You’re definitely right about the bragging rights people seem to want with gear. Perhaps it’s more human nature or personality than the type of sport. It probably exists in every sport on some level.
Jason, I have to agree with your observations about the angst against Tenkara. As you and my fishing buddy Karel know I don’t catch a lot of fish (probably more trees than anything!) LOL But I do know that my technique has gotten better this summer and I am catching more fish consistently. Having been a spin fisherman growing up and yes I do still go out and throw a spoon frequently I love tenkara because it gets me out into the outdoors and away from the craziness of life. I have been a little nervous about getting deep into western fly fishing because I just don’t have the money and I know that I like to feel a fish on the end of my line. Thanks for your thoughts and keep up the good work.
Jason, I don’t think I can add anything else. Well written and thought out post. I have been fly fishing for maybe 14 years, and I loved to dunk worms in the water when I was a kid. Then in the Summer of 2010 I discovered Tenkara in an facebook ad. Yes, right. That was it, the simplicity got the better of me and I have more fun fishing than I ever had. Tenkara made me also finally explore the high country and get into trout I never thought I would catch, greenback cutthroat. And through Tenkara, I also made a bunch of new friends and fishing buddies such as you and Graham and then some.
My initial reaction- I saw an ad for TenkaraUSA in California Flyfisher on a Friday evening and didn’t think much of it. Sometime the following day it piqued my interest so I went T’USA’s webpage. Within a few minutes of reading and watching videos, I knew I was hooked. I ordered an Iwana 12 and after fishing it once knew that I was a Tenkara fisherman first and foremost. I admit that Tenkara is limited but what it is limited to (what it does well) is what makes me flyfish is the first place.