impressed with my 12' Iwana in Slovenia

[snipeandyellow]

I'm just back from Slovenia where we fished the rivers Sava Bohinjska, Radovna, Poljanska Sora and Radescica with my 12' Iwana. Although by no means the only rod I used on this occasion, I think the most pleasurable must surely have been that rod. I used the rod mainly with tungsten hare's ear and pheasant tail patterns which were both most effective on small browns and grayling. I am surprised at how delicate the presentation can be. On one occasion I had a tussle with a rather strong barbel which came off abruptly, but I'm convinced with some care you can land one of these too. The only disadvantage vis a vis a long fly rod is that the rigidity of the latter can help in take detection when you can't see the fly. The tip of the tenkara is perhaps a bit too floppy by comparison. However you can fish all day with a light tenkara and catching a fish or two on the dry is an absolute delight also. Many thanks to the assistance this forum has provided so far.

[Simon]

Great report, what did the other anglers think and say when they saw the T. I fished a still water this past week in South Wales, chatting with the owner I introduced him to Tenkara and his eyes lit up. I left him with all the web links so that he could read up on the Style of fishing.

Simon

[paulto]

Well done snipeandyellow I am impressed you managed to hook a barbel as they are not easy to catch on the fly. Were you czech nymping with the Iwana?

[snipeandyellow]

yes, czech nymphing with a fluorescent orange bead head. My Dutch friends caught several on 12' 4 wt rods. They tell me they've caught many barbel in the other Slovenian rivers. Frankly they consider them a bit of a nuissance because the prolonged struggle prevents them from catching trout and grayling!