If you are a backpacker and don't yet know about Tenkara, learn about it, because it's one of the most progressive concepts in fly fishing, and you need to know what it is, and why it's important. Stay tuned for a full review (including some fun video I took with a GoPro helmet cam) at BackpackingLight.com soon.
In particular, don't pay too much attention to the rumors that Tenkara is limited to small streams and small fish.
This fat cutthroat was taken from the South Fork Flathead River near the terminus of the White River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.
Photo: Ryan Jordan, July 2009. Sigma DP2 f/2.8 1/40 sec.
While I haven't yet tried the Tenkara roads and system myself, I do agree with you that it can not be limited to only small creeks and small fish. Actually I am involved in quite a lively discussion on a German forum about this topic, but because of the missing practical experience I can not support my arguments in a stringer way.
So how big have been your biggest catches with the Tenkara system? Did you try to fish lakes? And how light is your complete Tenkara system?
Posted by: Hendrik M | July 27, 2009 at 06:57 AM
Ryan, can't wait to see your video. I had the same experience with the same rod (Ayu 6:4)... it handled everything I could catch on a 5x tippet in the Winds--up to 18 inch cutthroat. Talk about a light weight set-up! I lashed a 1.5 inch mailing tube to the shaft of my trekking poles--literally bushwhacking to fishing in one minute. Faster landing better control and most important, a presentation that I think was softer and more natural. Brought a bit of Zen back to my fly fishing that vanishes completely on some days with a traditional set up.
Posted by: Kevin K | August 14, 2009 at 01:30 PM
What about fishing in mountain lakes with a tenkara? Any experience with that?
Posted by: nathan | November 23, 2009 at 02:41 PM
Never mind the question about if this works well on lakes. Found your other link! Thank you.
Posted by: nathan | November 23, 2009 at 02:44 PM