Hi from Herefordshire

[Deleted]

A few weeks ago I was pursaded to have a go-which I did and then bought a Hayase rod and got going. Have since been on the Derbs Wye, the Welsh Wye, the Arrow, the Monnow. Success on all of them! great fun! have relearnt much of my fieldcraft and rivercraft has improved dramatically by watching (and fishing) closer in. The rod (and its handler) has handled fish to 14" with ease, but I have hit across 2 problems
1. a 12" rod is difficult to handle with a fish on in heavily treed country- I am getting the hang of handlining, but it is sometimes difficult to get hold of the line.
2. I lost my best fish (possibly over 2lbs) on the Monnow the other day. The fish sipped the klink - I immediately knew I was into something solid-- initially it just cruised around--then it obviously realised something was wrong and just took off, snapping my 3lb leader like cotton. I was sort of ready for this- but not the power!- On reflection, I think the rod dipped- so my fault.

Do I ?
a  Change to 4lb leader?
b  When there is a heavy fish on grab the rod with the other hand higher up
c try not to frighten the fish and hope for the best?

All questions and.........
Hi everyone
Tony

[flatsghost]

Hi Tony
I suspect you may be of Leen farm!
I personally use 4lbs leader as a minimum. A large fish can catch you out and the rod dip is fatal usually so give it the butt ASAP after hooking is my advice and be prepared to move your feet smartly if you can!
A shorter or telescopic type rod with varying length options may solve your problem plus learning some horizontal casts to assist in difficult areas.
Well done on your success so far and glad that you are enjoying the new experience.
Glyn

[Deleted]

Hi Glyn
You and your friends started all this!!
T



PS- I'm glad you did

[flatsghost]

And so am I ! See you on stream somewhere. I hope your grandchildren gain some enjoyment from this as well which is something I seem to recall you mentioning.
Glyn

[Paul G]

Hi Tony, there are a number of things that will help, including the following,

Using something like 4lb tippet (3.8lb drennan supplex is proving quite promising in tests so far )
Using the Palomar knot for attaching fly to tippet
Using our modified Palomar knot to attach tippet to level line (both demonstrated here, )

The above measures will ensure that you retain the maximum proportion of your tippet breaking strain

Using side strain and supporting the rod with two hands helps to keep it well bent and offering the greatest cushion

Changing the angle of sidestrain can be important in turning a fish. There is some guidance here www.discovertenkara.co.uk/about-tenkara/playing-fish/

Finally,there is a whole sequence of drills to ensure that you can reliably and confidently catch the level line for hand lining on the DVD, www.fishonproductions.co.uk/fish_on_dvds/introduction-to-tenkara-vol-1.html

If you follow the above to the letter, I guarantee that your success and confidence in landing big fish will significantly improve!

Coaching in person would bring in the opportunity for assessment of needs in order to tailor drills and coaching for maximum effect. But first try out the above basic and general advice and feel the difference

Paul

[flatsghost]

Tony
Paul gives great advice. I suggest that you buy the Discover Tenkara DVD as you will learn much from it I promise you.
Glyn

[Paul G]

Thanks Glyn, that is super kind of you to say

[paul1966]

Welcome Farmer all good advice here good knots are the key.

[Deleted]

Thanks guys- a lot to go at there.
(As always -More to this than meets the eye).
I already have a roll of cast on my desk to practice the knots and, of course, side strain makes so much sense.
Will let you know how I get on.
Tony

[orangeotter]

Good luck Tony, we met on the Arrow last year on the Grayling Society day.

No better advice than Paul's.

Tight lines and hope to meet again on your lovely waters.

Louis

[adric]

Hi Tony

Just read all your posts. I use an 8 foot rod on most of the upper beats such as the Honddu and the Escely Brook with a 3 metre furled leader with some success.

Richard