5 minute read
Introduction
“Don’t expect tenkara to be magic. It is just fly-fishing. Fish are still fish, you need to be able to find them, get the fly to them, detect the strike, set the hook and land the fish – none of that changes.”
Anthony Naples
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After publishing “Tenkara Fly-Fishing: Strategies & Tactics” in 2013 and then following that on with “Tenkara Kebari: Traditional & KebariInspired Trout Patterns” in 2020, I decided to combine both books into one limited edition hardcover bound book. Anglers can still purchase one book or the other as they see fit but perhaps a few of you will appreciate this all-in-one approach to the subject of Tenkara fly-fishing and tying great Tenkara kebari trout patterns.
How It All Started
By any measure, I’ve been a very dedicated fly angler since I was about 14. That works out to 38 years (and counting) of enjoyment with the rod, reel and fly. Then, out of the blue a few years ago I was introduced to this thing called “tenkara.” That’s when my liberation from too much fly-fishing gear and my introduction to simplified fly-fishing began. Tenkara allowed me to travel lightly and fish effectively in just about any brook, stream or river that I found myself in here in the Catskills. I will tell you straight up, I’m not a purist or elitist. I welcome all to the art of fishing, in general. Everyone should find their niche and enjoy the time they have on the water. Anglers who will stand on the banks for hours waiting for a certain hatch can do that if they want. I just want to fish whether the fish are rising or not. It bothers me when anglers of one style or another put down another angler because he or she is not fishing the same way they are. So, it will come as no surprise to tell you that I still like to fish with
traditional Western fly-fishing gear during the season. Although, I also find myself more often ditching my traditional Western fly-fishing gear and opting for the simplicity of the tenkara rod and a good kebari (meaning trout fly), or other traditional Japanese fly, pattern instead. I’ve already integrated tenkara into my guiding and have found many willing to learn the art, science and simplicity of tenkara. You will too if you give it a chance.
One of the things I first noticed when I began getting into tenkara was the lack of written material available outside of some very good blogs from experienced tenkara anglers, many of whom participated in this project. Very little Japanese literature has been translated into English. There are still many Western-style fly anglers who still don’t know or hadn’t heard of tenkara. Now that I have experienced tenkara for myself, it’s hard for me to imagine other anglers missing out on an opportunity to add another dimension to their fishing pleasure.
The Talent
Searching around, I did find a small cadre of anglers who had discovered tenkara and were now on the path to serious dedication and understanding. More importantly, these guys were catching trout and lots of them in waters all around the United States. How could something this good be known to so few? We had to find ways to get the word out on tenkara as a method of fly-fishing here in the States. It seemed to me that the best way to do that was to find some of the best tenkara anglers in the U.S. and work with them to share their insights, strategies and tactics for tenkara. That’s just what I did in producing both tenkara books. There are some very dedicated tenkara anglers who provided input and content for this book project and I am indebted to their gracious sharing of time and insights with us. I have to note the work of Chris Kuhlow –who is an exception person and fly tyer who provided many of the patterns. His artful and accurate representations of traditional kebari are to be treasured and I am grateful for his generous contributions. I also thank Anthony Naples, Jason Sparks, Chris Stewart, Tom Sadler, Jason Klass, and Rob Worthing for their excellent and insightful contributions to this book as well. You the reader have the opportunity to consider a wider range of views
on tenkara, from the purist tenkara angler to what I call the “adaptive tenkara angler.” There’s room for everyone in the tenkara world. You can discern what appeals to you as you work your way through each chapter. I think you’ll enjoy the wit and often-sharp opinions that our group of tenkara anglers has openly shared. I know I have as I’ve worked through their interviews and constructed the manuscript for this book project. One other note I’ll leave you with involves the editing that went into both books, including this one. It was my intent to retain the “voice” of the tenkara anglers and allow them some freedom to roam on occasion. The editing we did was intentionally light. The only times we deleted copy was when it really didn’t aid the reader in gaining insights and when we found ourselves repeating common themes too much. But, I don’t mind a bit of repetition in terms of advice and guidance and we’ve allowed for it. Perhaps it will reinforce some key principles and ideas about tenkara. Most of all, I thank my wife, Christine – who is becoming a fine fly angler in her own right now that our kids are establishing lives of their own. Chris has the patience of a saint and the gift of a loving spirit that is always an inspiration to me as her husband. Thank you, my bride, for putting up with me while I pursue an outdoor writer’s life and all the work that comes with it. I want you to enjoy the passages contained in this book and remember they are never a substitute for your own practical application on the water.
Fair winds and tight lines,
David E. Dirks
