The Complete Guide to Tenkara Fly Fishing: A Beginner’s Tutorial
Tenkara fly fishing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to catch fish. Whether you’re new to fishing or an experienced angler looking for a minimalist approach, tenkara offers a lightweight, hassle-free alternative or companion to traditional fly fishing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from setting up your rod to making your first cast. Watch the video below for a complete step-by-step tutorial.
What is Tenkara Fishing?
Originating from Japan, tenkara is a centuries-old fly fishing method that simplifies the gear needed to fish effectively. Unlike traditional fly fishing, tenkara rods do not use a reel. Instead, a fixed-length line is attached directly to the rod tip, making casting intuitive and easy to learn.
Tenkara is perfect for fishing in mountain streams, small rivers, and lakes, and is especially effective for targeting trout, bass, and panfish.
Essential Tenkara Gear
Before you hit the water, you’ll need the right equipment. If you’re just getting started, a great example would be our Sawtooth Tenkara Rod Kit that has everything you need to begin fishing immediately. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
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Tenkara Rod – A lightweight, telescopic rod (like the Sawtooth Tenkara Rod) that collapses down for easy transport.
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Tenkara Line – A specially designed line that matches the length of the rod (give or take a few feet) for effective casting.
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Tippet – This connects your line to your fly.
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Flies – Imitation insects that attract fish. Tenkara anglers often use simple, effective fly patterns.
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Rod Tube & Sock – Protects your rod during transport and storage.
For those who want a complete setup, check out the Sawtooth Tenkara Kit, which includes everything listed above. Or check out some of our other rods like the White Cloud for small streams and small fish, or the Sierra rod for medium size streams and medium sized fish.
Setting Up Your Tenkara Rod
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Extend the Rod – Start by unthreading the cap and slowly extending each section of the rod, beginning from the tip.
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Attach the Line – Use a loop-to-loop connection or girth hitch to secure the tenkara line to the lillian (the soft tip of the rod).
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Add Tippet & Fly – Attach 3-4 feet of tippet to the end of your line, then tie on a tenkara fly.
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Get Ready to Cast – You’re now set to start fishing.
How to Cast a Tenkara Rod
Tenkara casting is simple and intuitive. Follow these steps:
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Up & Back – Raise your rod smoothly to bring the line behind you (similar to a fly-fishing cast).
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Forward Motion – Flick the rod forward to send the line and fly toward your target.
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Let the Fly Land – The goal is a gentle presentation, allowing your fly to land naturally on the water.
Watch the video below for a step-by-step casting demonstration.
Tenkara Fishing Techniques
The goal with fly fishing is simple; trick the fish into believing that your fly is real. Once your fly is in the water, try these proven techniques
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Dead Drift – Let the fly float naturally with the current.
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Pulse the Fly – Gently lift and drop the rod tip to create lifelike movement.
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Keep the Line Off the Water – The beauty of Tenkara is how easy it is to keep your line off the water. This allows you to present the fly with zero drag giving it a more lifelike presentation.
Why Choose Tenkara?
Tenkara fishing is easy to learn, ultra-light, and incredibly effective. Whether you’re a backpacker looking for a minimalist fishing setup or an angler who enjoys a more hands on and intuitive experience, tenkara offers a simplified yet highly effective way to fish.
Get Started Today!
Ready to experience the simplicity and effectiveness of tenkara fishing? Check out our complete lineup of tenkara rods and accessories to find the perfect gear for your next adventure.
Watch the video below to see these techniques in action!
And as always, shoot us a message if you have any questions about rods, techniques, or fishing!
