Honryu tenkara; Totally new to the West & perfect for UK

[Paul G]

This is one that both helps break down some of the key skills for all tenkara - as well as challenging the statement that "our UK rivers are not like Japanese mountain streams and the Japanese techniques are not relevant over here".

On top of the devastatingly effective Japanese kebari and keiryu tenkara skill-set that works so well on UK rivers; this Honryu toolbox will open up a massive amount of potential water on big rivers like the Welsh Wye (main stem), Eden, etc. etc. etc.

Hope you enjoy and we are pleased to clarify any points (as it gets quite complex, even in the basic description):

www.discovertenkara.co.uk/honryu-and-keiryu-tenkara-new-conceptual-categories-outside-japan/

[daves]

Very interesting.

[dbl]

This may not be the right thread for this post, but it does tie in. I bought several books from Coch-y-bonddu books at Christmas, including the English translation of Jean-Paul Pequenot's French Fishing Flies. In a short chapter called Mouchettes of the Ain, he describes the method traditionally used by the local fishermen (almost certainly fishing for the pot if not for sale).

The source lived in Lyon, so I assume he was describing the methods used on the lower Ain, which flows into the Rhone a few miles above that city. Much like the Welsh Dee, the river is famous for its trout and grayling. (As one centre was Pont-de-l'Ain, I think the main fly fishing area was/is some 20km above the confluence).

The method the grayling fishermen practised used very long two-handed rods of about 19 foot in length. They attached braided horse-hair lines to the tip, sometimes later adding a short shock leader of elastic copied from the pole fishing coarse anglers, and finishing with a fine horsehair cast of some 6 to 10 (!) small flies(about size 10-14). These were usually fished semi-wet down and across. The eyeless flies, forged from fine sewing needles, were made of silk, with a wire rib and a few turns of short soft hackle at the head. A cast of a single horsehair completed the fly. Apparently, they can still be bought locally, though now tied to a nylon cast! The casting style was famous for its grace, being described as "large and majestic".

An example of convergent evolution?

[springerman]

Fascinating stuff Paul, & I thought Tenkara was simple. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.  Like you say opening up a gift and this is only the start of that journey.  Wonderful.