The nice thing about being an early adopter of a newly introduced niche sport is that you get to observe its evolution—kind of like watching a child grow up and witnessing all of the “firsts”. You get to see the first smile, hear the first words, record the first time they walk on their own. Tenkara has been like that for me. Since it hit U.S. shores, I’ve been there to see all of tenkara’s “firsts”–successes, and stumbles. At times, I wasn’t sure tenkara would make it. But I suppose if you’re reading this today, it’s pretty evident that it has. The training wheels are off and tenkara has become a tour de force in the fly fishing community.
Then
In 2009, I discovered tenkara (like many have) via Daniel Galhardo from Tenkara USA. At first, it was a commercial endeavor. I had an e-commerce website dedicated to products that were related to combining ultra-light backpacking and fly-fishing. I was searching around the web for new products to carry and came across Daniels’ site. I called him and after a quick conversation, he agreed to send me a rod to test out. It was an early incarnation of the 12 ft. Iwana—still one of the most popular tenkara rods today. I actually still have it tucked away in my arsenal.
The first chance I had, I took it up to Rocky Mountain National Park on the Roaring River (one of my favorite places to fish). I caught a ridiculous number of Cutthroats—maybe 20 or 30. I didn’t count but I couldn’t believe how much easier it was to control the line and maintain a dead drift in the stream’s tight pocket water—no mending and zero line management. Cast, pick up, and cast again. Totally efficient and liberating. My fly was in the water more than in the air. It was not only perfect for that type of water, but was compact, ultralight, and perfect for backpacking. I was sold.
So like any gear addict, I rushed back from the river and immediately hit up Google to learn more about this method. But back then, a search for “tenkara” turned up about as much info as you’ll get from the president about Area 51. Other than the Tenkara USA site, there really wasn’t that much on the web (in English anyway).
Other than Daniel, I did manage to connect with a few other tenkara early adopters. We were a rag-tag bunch but religiously believed in the method. And we pushed the limits. We tried all kinds of DIY hacks—using kite string for line, floating running line for warmwater species, crazy ideas for line winders, etc. It went on and on. Tenkara was wide open for experimentation. It was like handing a bunch of avid amateur scientists a new chemical and saying, “go see what you can do with this”. Some ideas prevailed, and some failed, but in my mind, all of those early explorations not only contributed to the overall success of tenkara in the U.S., but were perhaps inevitable given the curious, creative, and sometimes cunning nature of those miscreants attracted to tenkara in the first place.
Many of us were deemed as fly fishing heretics and the method was frequently (sometimes vehemently) derided as nothing more than “cane-pole fishing” or pigeonholed as “dapping”. But those of us who “got it” were committed to promoting tenkara as not only a versatile, but a credible form of fly fishing even in the face of vicious criticism from the mainstream fly fishing community.
In those early days I remember the number one question was,“can you put a reel on a tenkara rod?”. To this day, I look back and still laugh at that question. It’s like asking if you can play golf with a hockey stick. You probably could, but why would you want to? You’d lose all the advantages that actual golf clubs were designed to afford you on the links. Why handicap a tenkara rod by stripping away its efficacy with a reel?
There was a time when I could count every single tenkara vendor in the U.S. on one hand. There were very few options and that made gear selection pretty straightforward (because you had no choice). I had also set up some Google alerts to notify me every time the word “tenkara” was mentioned on the Internet. There weren’t many, but I was omniprescient in the burgeoning tenkaraverse. And I felt a guilty pleasure in always having an answer and link to point to whenever a tenkara beginner had a question.
Now
Fast-forward to the present, and everything has changed. Six years later, there are dozens of tenkara gear vendors in the West. If I had to recite them off the top of my head, there’s a good chance I’d probably miss about 50% of them. Plus, there are countless cottage industry companies making everything from one-of-a-kind, ornate bamboo rod cases to hand-crafted, heirloom-quality wooden line spools—a big departure from the Spartan aluminum rod tubes and plastic line spools of the past. Today, tenkara anglers have all manner of choices from the bare-bones practical to the decadent. And everything in between.
At the time of writing this article, a Google search for “tenkara” turns up 460,000 results. I almost never hear anyone dismissing tenkara as “cane-pole fishing” or “dapping” anymore. And the question about adding a reel seems to have been quenched. More and more people are beyond that now and are keeping an open mind whenever the topic of tenkara comes up. Through social media, blogs, and print articles, tenkara has become more legitimized in the mainstream fly fishing community and (slowly) even skeptics have become converts.
Next
What’s next in the evolution of tenkara? This question plagues me. After that first epiphany on the Roaring River, I had no idea tenkara would take off as fast as it has. But that makes me very optimistic for the future. The first recorded accounts of fly fishing date back to about the 2nd century in Macedonia. No one really knows exactly when tenkara originated in Japan but some say it was 1,000 years ago or more. Tenkara was only introduced to the U.S. a few years ago, so it’s clear that it’s got some catching up to do here. But it seems to be making good time thanks to technology, the Internet, and the passion of its evangelists.
Sometimes, the best way to see what’s coming is to look back. Having some hindsight on the evolution of tenkara in the U.S. and the West in general, I have a few predictions …
- Tenkara will lose its label as a “Japanese” form of fly fishing the same way we no longer refer to fly fishing as “Macedonian”. More and more, people are expanding the definition to include gear and methods native to Japan such as tenkara, honryu, keiryu, etc. as “fixed-line fly fishing” rather than simply “tenkara”, but are cross breeding the techniques and gear. The lines are already blurred and I think there will be a convergence where those lines will eventually be erased and there will be some kind of consensus on a new umbrella term for all fixed-line fishing. What will that name be? I don’t know.
- The number of tenkara vendors will be whittled down. As I mentioned above, there’s been an explosion in the number of companies selling tenkara rods. The problem is many of these companies are just rebranding rods and other gear anyone can buy from manufacturers like Alibaba.com. They’re what’s referred to as “me too” rods and little thought was put into them other than making money. No design, no quality testing—just give me the rod you’re already mass-producing and let me slap my logo on it. I’ve already seen many such companies take a dive and think the trend will be that the demand for quality gear by discerning tenkara anglers will continue to weed them out until only the companies with the best gear, and best customer service persevere.
- Related to #2, the culling of copycats will lead to better-performing gear. The companies that survive and invest in actual R & D will give the consumer progressively better equipment. Gear designed by anglers is always better than gear whored out by a company solely driven by profit. The handful of companies I can think of today that are driven by passion will lead the design innovations of tomorrow: lighter rods, stealthier lines that still cast well in the wind, new fly designs, etc. While some innovations might seem like a departure from the “simple” philosophy of tenkara, I actually think it’s in keeping with it. Remember, the early commercial tenkara fishermen didn’t care about “simplicity”. Simplicity was something they were forced into only by a lack of resources. But given the chance, they probably would have adopted any edge they could get to increase productivity. For them, it was a livelihood. For us, it’s sport. But for both of us, we just want to catch more fish. So I don’t think taking advantage of any innovation we can as modern anglers betrays the original philosophy.
I know I’m speaking more in terms of generalities than specificities. But generalities are always safer when predicting the future (just read a few prophecies from Nostradamus and you’ll see why, LOL). But I’d bet a beer if any of the above don’t come true in the next few years. I could probably say a lot more on the history of tenkara in the U.S. but I’ll leave it be here in the interest of preventing boredom. That conversation will be reserved for the next victim in the passenger seat on the way to the next fishing trip.
It’s not often that one gets to actually participate in history rather than just observing it. So I hope I’ve played a small part in the dawn and spread of tenkara in the West with this blog. It’s been a great adventure so far and one that has altered my life in many ways beyond the stream banks. And I look forward to sharing whatever I can as long as I’m still able to cast a rod.
no boredom here jason – great article. i’ve been an advocate for 4+ years. i still get many questions and funny looks but there were a few turning points i point to for credibility – tu did an article in trout – orvis sells it – and it is easy to learn = here try it…
my phw disabled Vets frequently catch their first trout on a fly with “fixed-line-fishing”..
I agree with you on all accounts, Jason! I’ve witnessed the tenkara community in the US begin to mature and blossom. It’ll be very interesting to see where all of this goes!
As a relative newcomer to tenkara, I appreciate the articles and videos posted by you, Daniel, Tom Davis, and other early adopters in the tenkara community. The information provided has been extremely helpful in deciding what type of rod and line to purchase and in learning different techniques of fixed-line fishing. I too look forward to seeing new innovations and better products in the future, and am excited to be a part of the tenkara community (even as a Johnny-come-lately)
Keep up the good work, Jason!
Jeremy
Amen!
Excellent,
It is a wild, wild west Tenkara here in U.S.
i still get the “cane pole fishing,” “not for big fish” and “it has it’s place but is limited” comments. Too bad they are missing the most fun you can have fly fishing. Their loss!
Great read! This is definitively where things start to get interesting. Full speed ahead!
Great read, and great predictions!
Might I add a few of my own to your list?
#4 Innovation & Definition of Tenkara – The US will become a major “player” in defining Tenkara on an international level as well as experiencing growth at home. We have many companies and great minds working across the globe to take it to the next level. We also have many authors/bloggers and guides developing methods to analyze casting, improve skills, read the river, and communicate this to others around the world.
#5 Keiryu – The wider tenkara community will “discover” Keiryu fishing, and start to truly understand the difference between Tenkara and Keiryu rods and practices, possibly ushering in a new “era” of experimentation and discovery. (And hopefully new & exciting products!)
#6 Wet Wading – we will begin to “discover” wet wading gear as the Japanese have. More fishermen will begin transitioning away from waders, towards neoprene high-socks, spats/knee & shin gaiters, sawobori clothing & footwear, which more available than ever thanks to the same sites/internet possibilities you mention above. When you don’t need to wade deep, you don’t want to walk through the fish and scare the pools.
I think there’s a bright future for Tenkara. Thanks for being a constructive, contributing and helpful person to the rest of the community, who found your site and advice when not much else could be found either 😉
Agreed Jason, your comments reflect my own experience. I’m very pleased to be where I am right now with a first hand experience of how Tenkara has blossomed. Just finished my 3rd season and with 4 times the business of last season, it was challenging as well. One of the best things for me personally is my great customers and colleagues, all of whom have become my friends. World-wide! Things like this don’t happen in a vacuum. And let me add a personal thanks to you for all of your support. PS: Signs point to an early winter in WNY, wish you were here.
I brought my rod into work to show one of our respiratory therapists who I talked to about fishing one day. He couldn’t believe how light and flexible the rod was. He did call it “like a cane pole”, but not in a derogatory fashion, more of a nostalgic one. We agreed that we’d need to go out some time and share techniques. He is more of a spin cast/steelhead guy having fished mostly in Alaska where he lived before moving here to New Mexico. It was fun to watch his face as he twitched the 4m rod and the look in his eye. He took out his phone and recorded about 30 seconds of close up on the rod before getting the correct spelling of “tenkara”. I bet he “wades” onto this blog any day now, haha.
I believe it needs to be pointed out that Chris Stewart (aka TenkaraBum) has done more to make available quality Japanese made Tenkara, Seiryu and Keiryu rods than any other individual or company in this country, if not the world. Rods that will cast level and tapered traditional Tenkara lines very well, as well as rods that will cast floating fly line styles of T-lines, sink-like-a-rock and brave-any-wind Tungsten T-lines, on rods that will fish well for all the warm water species of fish, carp, and even steelhead, rods that are capable of plumbing the depths with heavily weighted nymphs and streamers, making the evolution of fixed line Tenkara fly fishing possible to meet the many and differing angling conditions to be found on the North American Continent and much of the rest of the world as well. Whether you do any of these kinds of angling or not, we all owe Chris a huge debt of gratitude for his many contributions to the sport of fixed line fly fishing.
Hey Karl, agree 100%. Chris’ contributions to tenkara go well beyond just gear.
just returned from a fun trip on the au sauble in mich. once again my tenkara rod out performed my flyrod with reel..i have been with tenkara for 3 years thanks to you and your website…thanks times 3..i still get a lot of folks who are perplexed by what I am doing but I agree with your thoughts that change is happening. I seen the change from compound bows to traditional bows..modern black powder rifles to traditional and now this for my love of flyfishing..only in America,gotta love it…..keep up the good work and I will do the best I can to promote tenkara in a positive way.
Earlier this year, I purchased my first Tenkara rod from a company that will not be named in this comment. I did a little (perhaps not enough) research on Tenkara, by reading articles from Daniel Galhardo, Chris Stewart, yourself, and so on; but, due to a limitation of funds, I ultimately opted for a cheaper “entry-level” rod from the aforementioned unnamed company, instead of acquiring a Japanese made rod or one from TenkaraUSA. After reading this article, I am shocked by point number 2 that you made. I feel as though I have been duped, thinking that perhaps the rod I ordered is one of the rebranded rods you speak of (it did not come with any paperwork – no care instructions – not even a packing slip from the company). Can you direct me to more resources regarding the issue of this practice? How do I know if the rod I have is merely a “me too” rod?
Hey K, sorry you had a bad initial experience. If you email me the price range you’re looking for, I’m sure I can point you in the right direction. There are lots of options out there today.
Another great read. I’m in my first year with Tenkara, mainly because I found a rod that was inspired by smallmouth. I’d imagine the growth will continue with designing fish specific rods. I now have 2 rods and expect a 3rd over the Winter. I have also developed a brand loyalty as the customer service is outstanding.
I count you as one of the influential people that helped to bring Tenkara into my life – and all the fun, fish and friendship that followed. And since then I’ve introduced tenkara and your site to Ben, Lance, Kelly, Trent, Jac, Shad, Mark, John…and those are just the ones that bought rods and fish them.
Thanks An, I really appreciate it!
The future? Well, here’s a look at how one company isn’t afraid to step outside the narrow definition of tenkara to create an innovative product:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1135127166/the-pocket-fly-fishing-rod-tenkara-rod-co
I don’t have any Tenkara Rod Company rods, but that may change in the near future if this ends up being substantially cheaper than the Nissin Pocket Mini. Especially note what they call the rod. They don’t call it the pocket tenkara rod. They call it the pocket fly fishing rod. Here’s your “purple cow!”
Great article Jason. It has been an amazing ride having jumped on board the tenkara train about the same time you did. The rag tag band of tenkara anglers that started here in Colorado are still a tight group of people and will continue to be that way. It is refreshing to see the predictions you speak of and to watch the industry continue to evolve in it’s own manner. Yes, some companies will blossom and some will fade into history. Those that do fade will still be a part of an amazing past and a wild future to come.
Companies will come and go. Ideas change and direction changes. Esoteric Tackle is still here and I’m adapting my rods and designs to the UK market using the feedback I get from the guys and gals out there on the water.
Sure, I have one small zoom rod for the tight waters. I have wader, knee and shin guards. Esoteric Tackle is one of the few selling titanium lines. We’ve a new rod being manufactured at the moment and I’ve ideas for more innovation.
This is a passion. It certainly doesn’t pay the bills!… yet.
I hope that people will do some research and buy from the companies that are the early adopters instead of the re-branded rods from people that have no interest in Tenkara other than the commercial.
Esoteric Tackle will remain small for the time being. Concentrating on providing the best we can on a limited budget. At some point we will have to do some marketing but until then we’ll remain Esoteric, which means, knowledge known only to a few.
A great article and perhaps I’ll pop a couple of the latest zoom rods in the post when they are released so you can see how far we’ve come from the first rod you reviewed.
Jason, you’ve been unusually quiet lately. I hope you and your family are doing well, and you’re just more occupied with the day job or with a child now old enough and mobile enough to need chasing after.
Anyway, one of the new “Next”, is the recent introduction of the Suntech Suikie Tenkarabum 36 rod. The first tenakra rod that is the collaboration between a skillful American tenkara angler, Chris Stewart, and an established small Japanese rod company. Suntech Rods.
Of course Nissin earlier this year was the first to introduce a Japanese made tenkara rod specifically designed for the American Tenkara market. Being a cooperative effort between Nissin and Tenkara no Oni.
But. The Suntech Tenkarabum 36 is the first tenkara rod from an established Japanese rod company designed with input from an American tenkara angler. This rod came about the other way round, the first Japanese made tenkara rod made with input from an American tenkara angler vs input from a Japanese tenakra master.
I expect the two rods to be much different because Oni and Chris have different ideas about tenkara fishing. Oni perhaps more known for skill at casting long light lines. Chris perhaps more known for preferring short light lines.
Daniel of course was the first American to introduce Tenkara to the USA, but he did not choose the route of working with an established Japanese rod manufacturer. Maybe they weren’t interested in 2009. Or maybe he didn’t try.
Additionally the TUSA Sato and Rhodo rods from what I have read have gained some fans in Japan, as well as here in the USA.
I guess that is one of the big next movements in 2015, more influence of the American tenkara anglers preferences on tenkara rod design from established Japanese manufacturers. It seems the growth in the American tenkara market is being more noticed by the established Japanese rod manufacturers, and they are now more receptive to demands of this market than they were when Daniel started TUSA.
Hi David, you are right on all points here. Life has kept me away from the blog for a while, but that is about to change. I’m about to resume posting soon.
As for the Tenkara Bum 36 rod, I already have one in hand and have done some initial test casting with it. Again, you’re right, it’s a different rod than the Oni. I’ve only done some tests in the back yard so far but plan to fish it this weekend before I give it my review. But I can tell you I like the action.
You make a really interesting point about American anglers influencing the Japanese market–that’s something I hadn’t really considered until Chris’s influence seemed to have done so. I think that is definitely something we will see more and more of as tenkara becomes more global and less “Japanese”.
good article