Better Presentation

[Deleted]

I've read and heard that tenkara offers better fly presentation over Western tackle, I've never been convinced by this claim. As someone who as yet hasn't committed to tenkara can anyone back up this claim with a convincing argument ?

[custheyder]

The best way is demonstration but I'll try in words. The line used is light, the tippet lighter still. Most of the line can be kept off the water so the fly is not effected by drag. Everyone who has tried Tenkara on their home waters has found they can fish in places where the complex currents made it impossible for them to place a fly previously. Everyone has reported they have been able to repeatedly cover fish that they would not of expected to. No one has ever said they can get better presentation with their western tackle after they have tried Tenkara.

The only rider I will add is that not everyone has fished the French nymph long leader system which I maintain is very similar to Tenkara but not quite as delicate and no where near as simple.

Will Tenkara be right for you? Couldn't say. Is it the best method for all fishing situations? Categorically NO. Is it a fun way to spend a day on a small river catching fish? Absolutely.

I dithered for over a year... should I, shouldn't I ... will the rod be too long for our water (7ft fly rod previously) ... now with a 12ft Tenkara rod. I can understand why it is hard to make a decision to take the plunge. I'm glad I did.

Cust.

[Deleted]

Czech nymphing also offers an easy way to present a fly in the manner described, of course weightless flies would pose a problem with both French and Czech nymphing whereas tenkara seems to offer the opportunity to present a single unweighted fly effectively.

How would a tenkara rod / line handle weighted flies i.e Czech nymph or diving shrimp ?

Would the rod tip be at risk if it was hit with a weighted fly ?

[Deleted]

This video from tenkara guides answers my heavy nymph question.

[custheyder]

Czech nymphing is a close range technique and not as versatile as tenkara or French nymph in m,y opinion. I have used beaded flies on my rod without any issue. Flies like this one.. Seagull.

All carbon fiber rods are at risk if struck by a weighted fly or bead, not just tenkara rods.

[Deleted]

tenkara isn't exactly long range now is it , Mm. what's a regular Czech setup ?....10' rod + 10' leader ?....what's tenkara ? a couple of extra feet in most cases. Of course all rod tips are at risk but I've whacked my 8' stream rod a ton of times with a heavy woolly bugger and it's still going strong...now that may say something about my casting I'm sure but I fish in some very tight places

[custheyder]

It is possible to cast a line more than twice the length of a tenkara rod and keep the vast majority off the water. With a 14 foot rod that's way more than most of our streams can handle.

[Deleted]

If I take up tenkara I'll be using it most on small Scottish burns that are only a couple of meters wide so distance won't be an issue.

I always love the way forum topics develop, interesting.

[custheyder]

Perfect width for presentation. With a 12ft rod you can stay far enough back not to spook the fish yet still deliver a fly to your target accurately. Some water i fish is even narrower than that. Colby River

Are you convinced of the presentation possibilities yet? lol

[Deleted]

The more I learn the more convinced I become but I'm always slow onto the latest things even if the latest thing has been around for a very long time.

[Deleted]

I think its about time to put your hand into your pocket & put theory into practice sir.

From your posts on this forum i can see your a knowledgable experienced angler & feel other forum members would find your input & opinion regarding fishing with a Tenkara rod, valuable & interesting.

Regards Stevie.

[Deleted]

I'm still researching the various rods available, there actions, the lines they take and trusted manufacturers etc. It always takes me a while to make decisions about new gear

[leckie]

thetroutfly,

I can meet you sometime on the WOL and you can borrow my 12' Iwana...that's Tenkara USA's best seller...that way you can try before you buy a T Rod ...and the good thing is your not now restricted to just the one sales outlet.

Drop me a PM if your interested...if you do take up my offer it would be interesting if you wrote up a small report on the forum to let us know what you think?

tight lines

Alex

[Deleted]

Again, thanks a lot for the offer Alex, very kind. I'll be sure to send you a PM and see if we can arrange a session on the WoL