Why Can't Tenkara and Fly Fishermen Get Along?

What's the beef between these two styles of fly fishing, anyways?
Watch ‪@hardmanfishing‬ video HERE: • Tenkara Vs Western Fly...
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#tenkara #fishing #flyfishing
Thanks for watching Why Can't Tenkara and Fly Fishermen Get Along?

[@FlickyFlies]

This was a fun one. Thanks for joining me Jon.

[@HardRoad2Travel]

Ok, I'm going to watch the video, but am writing this beforehand. Just who is saying that Tenkara and reel equipped Fly anglers can't get along? Am I schizophrenic and don't know it, and my two different fly fishing personalities are clashing behind the back of the personality that is writing this? The personality that owns way too many rods capable of casting by line weight - whether that be seiryu, keiryu, tenkara, spey, switch, and standard "fly" rods in grass, glass, and graphite. The personality that also uses spinning, baitcast, and conventional gear. And given the opportunity, is more than happy to dive and shoot fish in the head. Inquiring split personalities want to know!! P. S. - after watching, my question still stands - just who is saying that we can't get along?

[@paulhornyak243]

Anything that gets you out in the wild and puts a smile on your face is all that matters.

[@FlickyFlies]

Love it, yes!

[@larrybeavens7580]

I’ve been a fly fisherman for 60+ years and only recently discovered tenkara. My opinion is that there’s a place for both on most any stream or pond, at least the ones I fish. I now fish my 12’ tenkara rod whenever possible, but I always have my Sage 9’ 3-weight along if I want to reach out further. I believe in always having a backup rod with me anyway, so now the decision on which two rods to take is an easy one.

[@FlickyFlies]

Thanks for dropping by! Totally agree. Love the ability to take along an extra tenkara rod or two. I also love that different tenkara rods fill different niches as far as rod action and size of fish capabilities, so it's always fun to have a couple in the pack if you're just fishing tenkara.

[@michaelhill56]

​@@FlickyFliesYou missed the point: he takes a regular fly rod to reach further out, not a tank rod...

[@FlickyFlies]

I don't think it was that black and white! This river, full of pockets, is actually a great case for when a "tank" tenkara rod can be really effective. I routinely feel I have a huge advantage when nymphing on a tight line on most rivers, even slightly bigger ones. Hardman crushed it on this particular day by imparting a lot of action to his streamers that I couldn't do as well. If anything, that was the benefit of the fly rod on this day. But each day is different on the water, right?

[@innerverse1809]

Tenkara propaganda!

[@wingandhog]

Same here. Been fly-fishing for 50+ years and only used my new (two-week old) Tenkara once. Two weeks ago. I had so much fun and success with the simple techniques that I am going back to the glorious San Juan tomorrow. (11.10.2023). I will be up there for three days. My Orvis and Cortland rods will be in my truck but it’s the Tenkara I am looking forward to playing around with. At 63, I learned many years ago that we live our lives how we want to, not how others expect us to.

[@michaelsmith7193]

Wow, what a pleasant surprise - two of my favorite KZbin channels meet and fish! As for that fly-vs-tenkara, well, I simply ignore things that suggest unnecessary either/or’s. I’m well on in years, but I always take each on most outings. Beautiful stream, and beautifully produced video, as well. Many thanks for sharing this with us!

[@FlickyFlies]

Very cool! His is one of the few fishing channels I watch, myself! It was really awesome getting out there and fishing together. He crushed it, too ... the streamer was working wonders for him. Thanks, as always.

[@scottjohnson6089]

I am happy to have found your channel by watching Hardmann. I have switched to Tenkara because I like the presentation of the fly better, and the minimalist approach to Tenkara, but most of all I like the challenge of it. Looking forward to watching all your videos!

[@FlickyFlies]

I'm glad that you've found it as well! Tenkara rods can certainly present flies really well under a lot of circumstances. Agree on the challenge too - just depends on the water. Sometimes it can be a huge advantage as well!

[@clasics1211]

just casually looking for some tenkara videos and come across a nice message that fixed my mood, appreciate it

[@FlickyFlies]

Love that! Thanks for dropping by.

[@adamomernick7463]

I love both styles just depending on the day and the water. Keep up the great content, both of you guys

[@FlickyFlies]

Thanks Adam! That's really the best approach.

[@streamsidedrifter]

Having a tenkara and western set up I definitely the the pros and cons of each. I generally am fishing western, but man when I get on on my tenkara and that rod is flexing and the line is singing it feels so good! Great video man, bummer you lost the big brown.

[@FlickyFlies]

Thanks man. It really is an addictive sensation. If it was you I'm sure you'd have landed the brown hahah.

[@streamsidedrifter]

@@FlickyFlies haha this has been the year of the brown trout for me!

[@ncbirdwatch5992]

Great video Chris. You’re right when you said that we’re all in the water for the same reasons.

[@FlickyFlies]

For sure! Thanks for watching!

[@driftstone]

Your videos are always a pleasure to watch. Nice fishing with Jon, that was a cool surprise. I'd love to cast a tekara rod one day.

[@FlickyFlies]

Thanks Eric! It was a pretty fun day for sure. Anytime you're in Colorado, I can set you up and we can film something together!

[@skeating2818]

Great tone to this video. I fly fish with conventional rod AND I also do Tenkara. Both techniques have a place on the water and in my soul. Good-hearted fisherpeople know the water and the fish are more important than ego. Catching the fish is fun -- releasing an undamaged fish is even better!

[@FlickyFlies]

Yes! Love your take, and glad the tone spoke to you in my video. Hope you have some good days out on the water soon!

[@westonkolste8357]

Great video!!! Just bought my first Tenkara rod, should be here soon!

[@FlickyFlies]

Heck yeah, congrats! What did you get?

[@hardmanfishing]

Great video man!! Enjoyed spending some time on the water with you, we'll do it again!

[@FlickyFlies]

Thanks dude! It was tough fishing around those big boulders but in the end it was pretty epic! Can't wait till next time.

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

Came over here from Hardman Fishing... nice to meet you, subbed! I fish tenkara mostly, but also fly fish and regular casting... all depends on the water. I just broke my rod a week ago and can't wait to get another and get back out there. That river was better for traditional flies; much more difficult for a tenkara pole. Nice film!

[@FlickyFlies]

Awesome, nice to meet you too! Sorry to hear about your rod, that's why you've got to amass a large collection haha! The streamer bite early in the morning that Jon was able to get on certainly paid off! The reach wasn't so much the problem with tenkara in this case, despite it being a wide river, it was more so that I couldn't move that streamer quick enough to prompt a reaction strike. I should have started off the day tightline nymphing or something, might have had some better luck. But who knows in the end, and that's the joy of fly fishing!

[@YaknTackle]

I fish both and never have a problem with either!!! Cheers!!!😃 Enjoy all your videos!!!

[@FlickyFlies]

Right on! Thanks for watching!

[@darrellloftin1466]

i've watched every hardmen video love those guys! and i'm lovig yours.. great vedeos

[@FlickyFlies]

Glad to have you here man!

[@zisontheriver]

Thanks for the awesome video! I've been practicing and enjoying both, since, like you say, both have their advantages. I'm sure there are plenty of fly fishermen that do the same, maybe the naysayers are just louder:)

[@FlickyFlies]

Love it! It's just more fun that way too, mixing it up. I think you're right, kind of the rule in general for anyone with something negative to say about a topic.

[@rogerkoide9695]

Great video! I love your attitude.

[@FlickyFlies]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@daviddionne8296]

Thank you for sharing....! Love Tenkara on a slim stream!

[@FlickyFlies]

For small water you truly can't beat it! Thank you for watching!

[@eaglehawk3625]

Very Enjoyable Video with constructive advice and tips - looking forward to your Canal Vids 💪🏿🦅

[@FlickyFlies]

Thanks so much for watching my friend!

[@JarrettDorough]

Fantastic video man!

[@FlickyFlies]

Thanks so much Jarrett! Appreciate you watching.

[@Shafries]

I just went fishing with a co-worker for the first time. I spin fish, and he flies. We had a great time! I just think it's a good way to connect and have fun.

[@FlickyFlies]

Love your outlook! Totally agree!

[@tenkaragenki]

Nice video and holy crap what a beautiful stream! I agree that we can all get along and just fish! I have a future video coming out with me and a local western fisher, we had a great day on the water together! It's all fishing! Cheers!

[@FlickyFlies]

Great minds think alike! Hahaha. Come back and post the link when it's up!

[@tenkaragenki]

@@FlickyFlies Haha! Yes! Will do!

[@paulhoughland8505]

I love both methods, on I small pocket water stream tenkara beats conventional everytime for me. Btw absolutely fantastic channel.

[@FlickyFlies]

Thanks so much Paul! Glad you're enjoying it. For sure, on pocket water you just cant beat tenkara!

[@carlosandreblatt]

Wonderful nature and vid. As for the tenkara vs western fly to me it's just personal stuff, I've been into, cane pole, spining, baitcaster, fly and now tenkara for the last 13 years. And i will stay there as long as i don't fall in love with another new fishing experience ... Who knows what's coming around the corner?!!

[@FlickyFlies]

That's part of the joy of life, right? Thanks as always for watching Carlos!

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

Beautiful place!

[@FlickyFlies]

I know right, those massive rocks are so unique!

[@unclearthur9192]

G'Day, I enjoyed watching your video and hearing your thoughts about tenkara and western style fly fishing. Even the two styles have have different schools that sometimes do not play well together. Dry only as opposed to wet fly; fishing only kebari flies as opposed to fishing any style of fly with tenkara---the list goes on. When it's all boiled down, people should just get out and enjoy whatever style of fishing brings them joy, without trying to impose rules and restrictions. If it's legal and fun then that's fine. I think it was Izaak Walton who wrote that we are all "Brothers of the Angle". Cheers, Steve

[@FlickyFlies]

True that, even within tenkara there are arguments! I didn't want to get into the details of that for the purposes of this video but yeah you're totally right! And of course within conventional fly fishing, as well, like you said. I'm with you man, fish what you enjoy. Thanks for watching!

[@dedalus4153]

I've never fly-fished before, I've done everything else when it comes to fishing. I'm attracted to the simplicity yet technicality of Tenkara fishing. It seems pure to me. We don't have trout streams where I live but I feel that Tenkara is my next step.

[@FlickyFlies]

Tenkara can definitely work well for warm water as well! Creeks and wadeable rivers, a tenkara rod and a small streamer will get you far!

[@dedalus4153]

Thanks so much!@@FlickyFlies

[@FlickyFlies]

@@dedalus4153 keep me updated once you get out on the water!

[@michaelcapurso]

I fish with both Tenkara and Western. Both have a place where one shines over the other. Love'em both.

[@FlickyFlies]

True that! Thanks for watching Michael.

[@christopherbrooks8561]

I love having my tenkara ready-rigged for dry casting when I'm out with my nymph rod. Easy to carry and I hate switching my rod & reel between wet & dry while I'm out, so much easier to have the second rod. I hike into a lot of locations, so carrying two full rigs is a bit of a PITA, the tenkara second rig is perfect.

[@FlickyFlies]

Totally! Great use for a tenkara rod!

[@Dorsolateral1]

I am learning still about fly but also watching Tenkara anglers and I take notes there. I often short toss almost exactly the same as Tenkara without shooting line. I go to a fixed length. I can just adjust that length.

[@FlickyFlies]

Totally, there is a bit of overlap for sure! Have you looked into euronymphing much? It's basically what you describe, longer conventional rods with a reel and quite different line. The lighter line is crucial in both euronymphing as well as tenkara as it keeps the line off the water and away from currents which ruin drag.

[@kylebunga]

Cool video and river! I've only met 1 fly fisherman that wasn't respectful when I was tenkara fishing and it was through a fishing app (trolls are easier to find there). Everyone else has been excited to see what tenkara was like and give me pointers on fly fishing. Hopefully that means tenkara is on the rise and more recognizable.

[@FlickyFlies]

Can't argue with that, everyone becomes more opiniated on the internet, but even here on the internet there are lots of open minded folks who like or are at least open to both / other styles!

[@Harleywindtherapy]

All I can tell ya is I've had a tenkara rod in my pack when I fly fish for years. There are perfect waters for both on almost every water I fish - even paddling in a canoe or kayak! I don't see why I'd be without one or the other. I actually fish with a travel fly rod *packs small* and a tenkara set up, AND a telescopic 5.5ft ultra light rod with a tiny spinning reel on it. My lightweight pack is easy to take with me with a canteen and some other stuff whether I'm wading, paddling, or even in the Harley riding to streams to fish. Good on you for the video here. All good! All are a Blessing!

[@FlickyFlies]

Love that! I'd really like to mess around with ultralight finesse spinning or even baitcasting gear, but just sticking to anything that can cast a fly ... for now!

[@63jafo]

I fish with both. There are a few creeks I fish where I can take advantage of the distance casting with the western rig and others where the Tenkara rods are better. It's all fly fishing to me.

[@FlickyFlies]

Good to have many tools in the toolbox! Thanks for dropping by.

[@torrey8261]

Great video. it's not about what is best or better, both are all effective it's about what makes you happy and enjoy being out. I mostly use tenkara rods but still love to get the fly rod out at times. By the way, i picked up a pair of the crocs you recommended and i have to say, they are a game changer.

[@FlickyFlies]

Very measured and thought out response, and you're so right! Fish what makes you happy, of course, why else would we be out there, right? I'm psyched that you like them! Game changer in what way, the grip?

[@kurtjohnson7465]

What are the recommended crocs? I know I read about them once but can’t find it now.

[@torrey8261]

@@kurtjohnson7465 they are the Bistro Crocs. I was skeptical until i got a pair and they really do have some good grip.

[@FlickyFlies]

@@kurtjohnson7465 The Bistro model. They have a different sole with excellent wet grip.

[@torrey8261]

@@FlickyFlies they are a game changer for me because I hike in a lot here in East TN. Even my lightweight Korkers can wear out the legs. Plus I carry extra shoes or hike out with wet feet. Crocs are light for the hike in and dry hiking out.

[@mudsuckingpig6246]

Beautiful spot

[@FlickyFlies]

Yes indeed, a truly grand place. Hard to fish and a bit treacherous, but beautiful!

[@victorpalma5354]

Nice video; what kind of flies do you use in this video?

[@FlickyFlies]

Thank you! Started off with a size 10 Jig streamer then eventually moved towards a dry dropper setup. Chubby chernobyl type fly up top, walt's worm below.

[@ChristianPaulPhotography]

I fly fish on a Tenkara and a Trad Rod. Both are really fulfilling! Both have their place and I could never say one or the other. Historically they are both part of human history. Reel or not, Fish On is all that matters!

[@FlickyFlies]

Heck yeah! I feel like they both are so enjoyable in different ways, as well. Subbed to your channel - I come from a nature photography background as well.

[@ChristianPaulPhotography]

@@FlickyFliesthank you! I think where you are fishing dictates which style works best. Some places in the Uintas a fly rod is key, others it’s Tenkara all day long. Sometimes both are great to bring along! If you love dry flying and moving water both are great options! I subbed yours as well!

[@Paulpoission]

Cool colab! New sub here

[@FlickyFlies]

Glad to have you! :)

[@evilmothericebearkillerbir6016]

at times haveing a tenkara rod comes in handy some places a 9 foot fly rod is to long like he said at times being able to cast farther would be nice so ya pros cons for both

[@FlickyFlies]

For sure!

[@sprolyborn2554]

Honestly its just an extension of the smugness, contempt, and superiority that fly fisherman feel toward spin anglers. The fly fisherman believes that the tenkara angler sees the fly fisherman in the same light that the fly fisherman sees the spin angler and gets VERY, VERY defensive about it.

[@FlickyFlies]

Interesting take, I'm not sure if it's that easy to peg but you could be onto a little something.

[@DeeMoback]

I do watch Hardman channel.....good channel..... I have wondered why he don't do more tenkara.....and spinning rods with spinners surely have a place

[@FlickyFlies]

Yeah, he did his first tenkara rod a little while ago and I know he wants to film some more eventually!

[@Roccopaul73]

Fantastic stuff. I am A big spinner reel fisherman from Florida now living in Pittsburgh . What would you recommend for a beginner to this new amazing way of fishing.

[@FlickyFlies]

Thank you! Have you found any good smallmouth spots yet? I miss the East Coast for that. I'd recommend a rod from one of the American manufacturers such as Tenkara Rod Co., Dragontail, or Wasatch. I have the most experience with Tenkara Rod Co ... something like their Teton Zoom will get you everywhere you need to go and can be fished in two lengths. It can handle some bigger fish (such as decent smallmouth) while still being fun for slightly smaller fish as well! If you do decide to go this route feel free to use my coupon code: "flickyflies" for 15% off your purchase on Tenkara Rod Co.'s website. It also helps me out a bit.

[@jab10000]

Excellent video quality and content. I fish Tenkara exclusively. Only caught one fish with a streamer. What is your method for Tenkara streamer fishing?

[@FlickyFlies]

Thanks so much! I fish smaller size ~10-14 jigged tungsten streamers on my beefier rods, but unweighted clouser minnows and such could work on lighter rods too. Often I'll fish the streamers the same as I would a beaded nymph. On a tight line, dead drifted. Fish love it. Otherwise, utilizing a tenkara rod to place the streamer into tight spots with accuracy can be useful, getting reaction strikes behind boulders and whatnot. You can also swing the streamer downstream and give it some pops back upstream. It's definitely different than a western fly rod setup but it's still very effective! Here's a recent video where I fish streamers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2i8mKBsap2UiMk

[@gokofly]

Love this! Someone mentioned below getting to see two of their favorite channels mix it up together- Awesome! Same for me! The only problem I see is.... Those Crocs! Haha- just kidding! I actually have those pinned on a wish list somewhere, so maybe will have a chance to give them a try someday. Just wish they weren't so damn _ _ _ _! Okay- back to the video. Beautiful stuff! Thanks.

[@FlickyFlies]

So damn hawt?? Thanks for watching man! It was definitely cool to fish with Jon!

[@jescereal]

Wow what state are you in? Beautiful scenery

[@FlickyFlies]

Hey Jesse, this is CO!

[@87Kaylen]

My man, thank you! It's like us hunters showing up at camp, then asking "what you hunting with?", one May say 308, the other may say Creedmoor, but they still enjoy a beer & sport together. I'm a rod/reel angler, but I really want to get into Tenkara for its simplicity as I backpack from time to time. Man, there was this one time, the wife and I were driving through WY near yellow stone on a road trip and I remember saying - there is a good fish hole, that's an excellent rock, sheesh I wish I had my kit. If I had a tenkara kit in a pack or in the truck somewhere, 100% I would have bought a license, booked my lass a massage, and I would have been on the water. But I wasn't, because at the time, I thought I needed "everything". I missed a golden opportunity because I couldn't justify the waders, vest, pack, rod, reel, etc. to the wife because I booted her carry on in our tiny jeep. I have a rod, reel and line, you have a rod and line, we two are still doing something we love! I don't find any issues there. Man, if I had my usual kit and saw a tenkara dude/gal going at it, I'd be jealous, cause they went for it just because while I planned for every element of my fishing trip! In short, I'd be jealous of their simplicity. We aren't enemies, we are friends, because we're fishining ... until you step into my hole, then we'll have words. Lol

[@FlickyFlies]

Love the comment. It really is true. You don't need much out there. I've caught fish in all sorts of places and of all sorts of sizes with a tenkara rod. Just got back from a trip to Wyoming this past weekend and I caught my PB brown, an absolute beast with huge shoulders and long fins out of a tiny creek, and on one of my softest tenkara rods no less. It was a hell of a fight but it was really interesting to see what a tenkara rod intended for smaller fish was able to do. Fishing of all types is so fun, you're right. Thanks for the well thought out comment my guy!

[@barry4fish]

It’s easy to see that based on a majority of responses, this really shouldn’t be much of a controversy. If you consider the technical aspects of each method, most will realize that they can, and do, compliment each other. Regular fly outfit probably more versatile, but I have found that Tenkara teaches you to be stealthy, and this can make you a better fisherman overall, regardless of which method you use. It should no longer be a one versus the other, or one replacing the other. I love both, and sounds like most of the responses here mirror that sentiment.

[@FlickyFlies]

I like your thought process, and agree! It's been really cool to see all the people here on my channel that fish tenkara as well as conventional rod and reel. Thanks for watching and leaving your thoughts!

[@Sparkfly88]

As a Floridian that's never fished anywhere like this, it looks like a whole different planet to me. lol.

[@FlickyFlies]

I hear that! I love fishing in Florida for exactly the same reason. I'd love to get down to the Everglades and film some exotic fish catches along with all the wildlife!

[@steverockwell5074]

I enjoy both. Come get some. Lol.

[@FlickyFlies]

You rebel! Hah

[@user-vt7ob9by1g]

Is there a limit to the size of fly you can use on a Tenkara rod/compared to a reel fly rod? The Tenkara has a much shorter line, and the blank design is very different, but in theory you should be able to use whatever fly size you like, or am I wrong about that?

[@FlickyFlies]

If the rod is beefy enough, you can use heavy flies within reason. Traditional Japanese tenkara utilizes light (mostly unweighted) flies on light line, but with a rod like the Tenkara Rod Co. Rocky, Wasatch Rodzilla, Dragontail Hellbender etc. you can certainly size them up. The heaviest I go typically is a ~4mm tungsten bead on my jigged streamers. It isn't beautifully elegant, but it works ... really well. Getting deep w/ heavy flies, long tenkara rod, and light line is a deadly combo.

[@user-vt7ob9by1g]

Gotcha, thanks@@FlickyFlies

[@AnnihilationPrinciple]

Where is this? What river/stream?

[@FlickyFlies]

It's in Colorado :)

[@gil-galad2037]

I go fishing with all of my buddies. I usually use a traditional fly casting setup. One guy uses a Tenkara. The other fellows use spinning outfits. Generally, if you're using artificial flies/lures, skill and knowledge is required to catch finicky fish no matter your tools.

[@FlickyFlies]

Love it, thanks for sharing your experience!

[@raydelarosa5799]

Seems like euro nymphing with a click and pawl combines these 2 aspects of flyfishing.

[@FlickyFlies]

I see a lot of merit in that. As always, the devil's in the details, especially when talking about anything euro nymphing! I personally think a long tenkara rod around ~14 feet has some advantages over a euro rod too, namely natural drifts further away than a euro rod could handle. I always thought it would be interesting to see how the competition guys would compete without rules to include a reel. Thanks for watching!

[@rickchandler2570]

I completely moved to Tenkara. No longer do any western fly fishing. Personally I think it’s just easier and less fuss with all the stuff that I had with my western setup. End goal is to catch fish and have fun and I have found I have more fishing Tenkara. Another nice thing is I never run into other fishermen on the tiny creeks I fish. Plus the fish have never seen a fisherman before.

[@FlickyFlies]

That's what it's all about! Love fishing small water with tenkara as well. For the beauty and the solitude.

[@tbaylo4034]

I fish both, but just love the simplicity of Tenkara, and the portability as well.

[@FlickyFlies]

True that!

[@mattyman5dodge101]

You're a good dude, Flicky...

[@FlickyFlies]

Appreciate it, man!

[@MrKindermusik]

I fly fish and Tenkara fish while my friends use spinning tackle. No judgement, just fun.

[@FlickyFlies]

Totally hear that, love that!

[@georgepretnick4460]

This same friction between fishing styles happened in the 70s too. This was pre-River Runs Through It. An elite fly fishing magazine writer wrote that he'd never let his daughter marry a spin fisherman. Then came Brad Pitt. Now, only fly fishing is allowed to be part of the scene in TV advertising. The pendulum swings and swings back.

[@FlickyFlies]

Love your take. It's the human condition, eh! Thanks for watching George.

[@kingkiddfishing]

Doing both you get the best of both worlds. Honestly putting your nose down to any type of fishing is just doing yourself a disservice, its all about versatility.

[@FlickyFlies]

I like your take my dude! They are both so fun in their own ways. Thanks for watching as always!

[@ianwhitehead3086]

I use both. I get along internally.

[@FlickyFlies]

Lol! This made me chuckle. Glad to hear it.

[@stringtwister7654]

I started with a Tenkara rod, then learned how to cast and fish with a fly rod & reel. I carry both on my pack at all times. If I need more reach I grab the fly rod if I'm in a small creek it's a tenkara rod. I love your channel it's my favorite tenkara, but I unsubscribed from hardman's. I still watch Jonathan every now and then but he isn't a bit of help, hardly ever even tells what fly he is using. To me his channel is just a brag on me channel, I'm the great Jonathan hardman piss on you. I mean he hardly even showed you and you were fishing together.. Keep doing what your doing Chris and great things will happen, I hope you do fish with a rod and reel some, I'm sure you can help me as well as other's.

[@FlickyFlies]

Thanks for the support! Glad to have you here.

[@JohnLee-ed8yi]

I agree. No useful info other than nice video haha

[@bluerocker4118]

Agree I've asked him questions and have received zero help,

[@rdevaughn22]

Tenkara is fly fishing. Personally I think anyone not doing both is missing out.

[@FlickyFlies]

I'd stand behind that as well, and indeed you're right!

[@gregory4457]

It is a very basic type of fly fishing. Something that was actually done in the very beginning of fly fishing around the 1400's. They used to use wood, steel and bamboo rods with horse hair for the line. Then things progressed to fiberglass, better bamboo, graphite and graphite/carbon fiber. Tenkara is nothing new. It has been around for many years in Eastern countries. Nothing wrong with either one. But, in my opinion, for the people that have just done fishing with Tenkara rods, they are missing out on a whole different type of fun.

[@jerryspringfield23]

I am a traditional fly fisher and a tenkara enthusiast

[@FlickyFlies]

Glad to hear it!

[@Dorsolateral1]

I plan to use Kebari lures. ....On my APPARENTLY LARGE....FISHING ROD....An experienced guy liked it all, but said it bordered on a salt water rig.That kinda sounded wrong....To Clarify...I have a decent large arbor billet reel with quite a bit of backing, that is rated at a 7/8 ,and 7/8 line that is green. Cortland? Not the best but okay? But my current rod is an inexpensive 5/6 rod that is slightly stiff , rugged, and medium fast made of glass? It actually generally casts and shoots very nicely I suppose because it is slightly over-lined? The real key is the leader set up.

[@Dorsolateral1]

By just tying up old school segments in varying lengths I discovered casting can be very easy and quiet.

[@FlickyFlies]

I'm sure you'll catch fish on that setup no problem!

[@MrGrizzlyclaw]

I can't understand the tension, as a life-long western fly-fisher, I'm excited to try tenkara. Both are fly-fishing to me, just different styles, and if I can catch just as many fish, without spending hundreds of dollars on equipment, I'm going to.

[@FlickyFlies]

Glad to hear it!! Let me know how it's going for you once you get out on the water more! I think you'll find certain scenarios like a nymph or dry fly on a tight line really lend themselves well to tenkara! And it rules for pocket water in general.

[@garyfarrell954]

it doesnt matter how you fish...there's always reactionaries out there that ruin it for everyone. fly rod, tenkara rod, spinning rod, cane pole or willow stick. if it makes you smile and feel good youre using the rite equipment.!!🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠

[@FlickyFlies]

Love the outlook Gary! Thanks for commenting.

[@Dorsolateral1]

I MAKE LITTLE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THEM. To me it is the same...Although different. Obviously certain things are different...Sorta?....I say EMBRACE BOTH....Eventually I may take both up. But right now it is FLY with a reel. But I use a lot of Tenkara sort of technique. Why? Because I am still learning and not terribly rigid about it all. Also on a budget , so I simplify it all. I use a 7 wt rod and reel .I can get big stuff and little stuff.

[@FlickyFlies]

Love it! It's all about getting out there and fishing what works for you!

[@chuckHart70]

I feel like most fishermen respect all good fishermen and styles. And I feel the same as long as they follow the rules and clean their mess when they leave. I catch and release but I don't care if you will keep them it's their prerogative I only release cuz I'm lazy. I give kids who have spin casters all the time some flies that are working and even carry extra ginormous bobbers so they can cast them! Getting outside is the key.

[@FlickyFlies]

I love it - that'll stick with those kids possibly forever!

[@jakecivis7402]

Why does there need to be any hate on any type of fishing with a line? Who cares if it's a fly a lure or live bait and no matter what you catch it on any fish is joy and exciting to catch.

[@FlickyFlies]

Totally agree man! It's all just variations on the same hobby.

[@stevensaunders8677]

Honestly don’t understand why they wouldn’t get along. I’ve been fly fishing for only a few years and I got my first tenkara today!! Super pumped about it. No way of fishing is better that the other. Just simply different techniques of fishing. ITS AWESOME that there’s not just one way to fish. That there are multiple ways to keep fishing just fun. Like you said, every technique has their pros and cons. That’s why no technique is better than another.

[@FlickyFlies]

Of all the comments I've received and thought about, I think I like how you say IT'S AWESOME more than any other. It's not a debate, it's just pure fun and awesomeness that there are so many ways to enjoy fishing. I love that. Thanks for the comment.

[@stevensaunders8677]

@@FlickyFlies I appreciate that. keep on making the videos you make and enjoy your day my friend! 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@tonysicily2687]

Why do you need a special rod, is not possible to simple not feed line from a conventional fly rod and fish it tenkara style?

[@FlickyFlies]

Hey Tony, thanks for watching! Like any hobby really, the devil is in the details. That would accomplish something sort of like a tenkara rod, but it wouldn't really feel the same in practice. A tenkara rod has a much different profile / action compared to a conventional fly rod. The tip is shockingly thin on most tenkara rods. This allows much, much lighter line to be cast compared to regular fly line. You can tight-line nymph on a tenkara rod very easily without the line dragging back towards you under its own weight, or you cast unweighted flies with ease and then lift your rod to keep the light line off the water. Fighting a fish with that thin tip also feels totally different. Everything adds up, IMO, to give a much different experience. There are similarities, of course, but you'd have to just get some fish under your belt with a tenkara rod to see some of the differences.

[@p.w.harris9883]

Its not a special rod. It's a typical rod for this style of fly fishing that developed over centuries. Your rod and reel setup is special for the majority of fly fishing history there was no reel. There is an entire methodology and set of techniques and tactics developed around this style and yes some of them can be done with a normal western fly rod and reel but some of them can ONLY be done on a tenkara rod. Ask any of the modern masters of Tenkara in Japan who also fish western rig you cannot subtly manipulate kebari soft hackle with the same sensitivity and touch on a rod with guides and a reel. It can only be done on a tenkara rod. There is an entire system that developed around this style of fishing just like western fly fishing.

[@cuttlefishpie3731]

I fish both

[@FlickyFlies]

Best of both worlds!

[@modrarybivrana5654]

well when it comes to fishing i am no bigot.I use what the water tells me I need to use, tenkara, standard fly rod spining, cast net, lines, jugs. whatever the water speaks, well I do have a bias against bait casters. hate spending my day working out a nest of line.

[@FlickyFlies]

I love the varied approach, good stuff! Never tried a bait caster myself. Grew up spin fishing. Finesse bait casters with tiny lightweight lures always seemed really appealing to me though.

[@DPM-dp9on]

I like both styles of fly fishing. Spin on the other hand….not so much.

[@FlickyFlies]

Did you get into fly fishing from nothing, or did you used to spin / baitcast etc when you were younger? Myself, I think it might be kind of fun to get into the super lightweight niche baitcasters with really light lures on lightweight rods ... but I think anything with a fly will keep me busy for quite some time to come.

[@OpportunityFishing]

I cannot get into tenkara fishing. Not because I have anything against it but because I have three kids and don't want another form of fishing to take money away from me lol. I like your message though. To me it doesn't matter how you fish as long as you are being ethical and a good steward of the environment!

[@FlickyFlies]

Lol I hear that! I will say, an inexpensive and relatively short tenkara rod makes for a really good way to introduce kids to fly fishing. Even down at the bluegill pond, can't have much more fun than some dry flies and a flexible tenkara rod on sunfish! Thanks for watching.

[@Taylor_in_Southern_Oregon]

I like tenkara, for about 2% or less of fishable water in my part of the world. The other 98% is for fly fishing, spincasting, or bait

[@FlickyFlies]

Right on, good to be open to all types. What type of water do you prefer tenkara for?

[@bethlebaron9079]

I'm Beths' husband, her brother, Bill, fishes Tenkara, that's all I need to say.

[@FlickyFlies]

Heck yeah!

[@DeeMoback]

Yup ..... flyline has it's place.....tenkara has it's place..... for years fly fishermen utilized "shortlining" and "dapping" ...... I don't know why "flyfishermen" resist tenkara..... flyfishermen walk away from fish in fast water and tenkara is the perfect tool for that......

[@FlickyFlies]

For sure. In the end fish whatever you enjoy, but I bet plenty of folks would get a lot of joy from tenkara if they gave it a chance.

[@DeeMoback]

@@FlickyFlies absolutely

[@Dorsolateral1]

Imagine casting two Tenkara rods....alternating?....One longer , one shorter?....You could CLEAN UP on fish!

[@FlickyFlies]

Wow haha!

[@ybbobmurphy]

There are some fly fishing elitists out there. The guys who only fish dries. The ones who refuse to say "bobber," and the ones who refuse to say "indicator." The ones who hate on Euro Nymphing. The ones who hate a fixed line on a tenkara rod. Cynical people need to channel their anger somewhere I guess. After I went on my first guided float, I went into my local fly shop to buy a full setup. The guy there was not interested in selling me anything because he said, "you should really take a class so you know what you're doing. And don't watch youtube." I initially thought, "oh no is this how fly fishermen are?" It made me rethink whether I actually wanted to get into it. Well, they lost $500 that day (and a LOT more since). I ended up going online and buying everything I needed. I watched youtube a ton too. I went out to a local stream, bumped into people who could tell I was new and they offered me some advice and I made some friends along the way. The point I am trying to make is this sport has some really bitter elitists in it, but it also has a wonderful and helpful community too.

[@FlickyFlies]

Totally agree, and thank you for driving that point home. There are so many cool fly fishermen and fishermen in general out there and it's cool that this hobby can bring some of them together. Just from making these videos I've met so many nice people. Appreciate the comment!

[@allanedgar8499]

I zip tie a small reel to my Tenkara but to just hold the line, leader and hook. I'm not a purist....I'll put a worm or grasshopper on a Tenkara.

[@FlickyFlies]

Interesting! Thanks for watching.

[@PNW_Adventures1]

Cuz reels because I catch big fish lol

[@FlickyFlies]

I'm guessing you're just messin, but if not, you can catch really big fish on tenkara my dude!

[@fishfoolishness4222]

Couldn't care less about what you use. Fly fishing is About the presentation of the fly. Glad to see you were adventurous enough to move upstream and away from the crowds down below.

[@FlickyFlies]

That's the truth! There's a lot of cool water on this river if you're willing to get a hike in. Need to explore it more next year.

[@ryankim7372]

물고기가 텐카라 낚싯대에 반응하면 낚싯대를 들고 왼손으로 낚싯줄을 당겨 손잡이에 부착합니다. 그 뒤에 있는 랜딩 네트를 사용하십시오.

[@FlickyFlies]

흥미로운! 이에 대한 동영상이 있나요?

[@banjodruid]

Meanwhile they can both bond over sticking their noses up at lowly spin anglers ;)

[@FlickyFlies]

Something we can all agree on! :P

[@JeffLillycrop]

Why do Americans aways pit one side vs the other. in EVERTYTHING. I carry both styles of rods , because it benefits my enjoyment

[@FlickyFlies]

Not sure man, they both have a place! Glad you're fishing both types.

[@stickermigtigger]

Imagine having a personality that denigrates others just because they don't do things exactly the way you do.

[@FlickyFlies]

Man, I know. I can't imagine it.

[@johnreed4962]

What advantage does a tankara rod have over a conventional fly rod. Seems to me I can do every thing a tenkara rod can do plus all the versatility my fly rod has. A lot of ero-nymphing, and tenkara people seem a little snobby because they are more " purists". I personally don't care what method you use I just want to catch fish. I like seeing other people have success also.

[@FlickyFlies]

It's all just a bunch of small differences that can add up and be beneficial with certain presentations, I'd say. To be honest though, I don't particularly think about advantages all that actively. I mostly like the way that fish feel on a thin tenkara rod without a reel as insurance. It's just really fun to fight fish on. Tight-line nymphing on a tenkara rod is quite similar to euro-nymphing at the end of the day as well, except my rod is even longer so I feel that could be an advantage there. But there are plenty of advantages to having a reel as well, of course. Namely, line storage for longer casts and occasionally, drag. Trout are pretty easy to catch, especially on the small waters I like to fish, so I just try to stick with what's fun! I love that we can catch trout in so many different ways. I don't see the snobbiness that often, but maybe I'm just in my own world haha. Thanks for watching.

[@p.w.harris9883]

You cannot manipulate soft hackle kebari with a western rig and obtain the level of control of a fixed line tenkara rod. The feel just isn't there. Of course you can tightline nymph with a western rig and do just about everything else better but you're not getting tenkara technique and sensitivity on a western rig. Aint happening.

[@gregory4457]

You are absolutely correct. There is NOTHING they can do with a tenkara rod you cannot do with a "real" (or maybe reel. haha) fly rod and reel. However, you can do many more things with a real/complete fly fishing outfit and people that try tenkara only are missing out on the complete experience of fly fishing. Tenkara is actually something that was done in the very beginning of fly fishing back in the 1400's or so. It is nothing new. Just bringing something old back around with a new gimmicky sell for the fly fishing industry to sell more equipment (like the always have). For those "cool kids" that think they are special that only do Tenkara, they are usually the ones that couldn't actually learn how to fly fish. haha

[@Strontyum]

Dogma is the vice of small minds.

[@FlickyFlies]

The facts! Thanks for watching.

[@logannewman4532]

The problem is that there are assholes in the world. I know plenty of fly-fishermen who bought a tenkara rod or two after seeing me with mine. Old guys who just love to try new things. Grey dudes. Then there are purists who are almost invariably obnoxious assholes. One local fly fisherman HAD a KZbin channel. It was...not super great but he did provide some useful information. His whole channel got taken down after he posted a video ranting about the inferiority of the palomar knot. He really hates that knot for (what his video would seem to indicate) some pretty racist reasons. He called Brian Latimer the N word. So go do your thing, talk to anyone who will listen. I've introduced big bass anglers to the joys of light lining for panfish. I've gotten catfishermen to get out of their chairs and go throw some artificials. It's fun to watch them light up the first time they FEEL a bite instead of just waiting for something to try to swim away with a circle hook in its mouth. I do admit to thinking that a lot of centerpinners are a bit goofy (can you take a picture of a fish caught on a centerpin rig without having the rod over your shoulder to display your reel?). I like to have all of the tools. They all work in different ways and some are just plain fun. I'm in the Phoenix area and I look forward to putting on some shorts and wet wading with my tenkara or Keiryu rods for panfish. It is an absolute riot fighting slabs on tenkara.

[@FlickyFlies]

Wish it wasn't so my friend. Crazy story about that YT channel. Just weird. Fishing is so fun - all types!

[@sm0k3y76]

Fishing is fishing ,just get out on the water and enjoy ! Stop with all the hate and divide, we have enough of that in the world already

[@FlickyFlies]

Love the outlook.

[@forester057]

People get religious about stupid stuff. All I got to say about that.

[@cleekmaker00]

You haven't been on The Dream Stream lately, where the 'purist' fuzz flippers smirk, guffaw and dismiss Tenkara Shokuryoshi with dirty stares and lewd comments. The purists get even angrier when the Shokuryoshi start landing more fish than they do. I see Western fuzz flippers in the stream and keep walking, especially here.

[@FlickyFlies]

Lol I love it ... What's a fuzz flipper?! Right over my head man, elaborate for me.

[@cleekmaker00]

@@FlickyFlies Fly fisherman vs. Spin cast fisherman. And it happened again a couple of weeks ago on the Frying Pan; Western fuzz flipper told me to take my kids cane pole and go fish off a boat dock somewhere. I totally agree with your train of thought and opinions... those 'purists' are out there, and in numbers get smart, snarky and act all full of themselves, especially the Women in their crowd. No more hoidy toidy Frying Pan for me. 😐😕

[@rustyshackleford9557]

Both can become equipment snobs who use multiple hundred dollar rods and gear to hook an 8$ stocked rainbow. Both can become so obsessed with traveling hundreds of miles to some exotic water when they have an urban lake and a lonely neighborhood kid two blocks away. Both can become selfish and obsessed with stuff they don't need. They ought to be able to enjoy each other's company and share an overpriced glass of spirits together and brag about what they own.

[@FlickyFlies]

Absolutely! A glass of bourbon shared cures all! Thanks for your take and comment.

[@crazydansmachineshop8718]

Why are we calling this tenkara? Mericans been fly fishing like this with cane poles for centuries. Maybe rich fly fishermen dont feel safe in the DEEP South.

[@FlickyFlies]

Tenkara has been around longer than the Mericans with cane poles, so that's a good start if you're looking for reasons. They also fish completely differently.

[@crazydansmachineshop8718]

@@FlickyFlies Folks in the south have been tying a fly to line on the end of a pole before we learned it from the Japanese. The technique goes back to ancient times in nearly all civilizations.

[@FlickyFlies]

@@crazydansmachineshop8718 That doesn't mean it happened before tenkara though... or before a lot of European civilizations. I also don't understand why you're lumping all fixed line techniques into one. They differ in substantial ways. Using your logic, why aren't we calling cane pole fishing tenkara instead?

[@crazydansmachineshop8718]

@@FlickyFlies I get it. All adjustable wrenches are called "Cresent" and all hex key wrenches are called "Allen" and "pole" stylefly fishing is called "Tenkara" after the brand who is banking off of the name.

[@crazydansmachineshop8718]

@@FlickyFlies There are folks in the south using the same cane pole rods their great grand fathers used and fishing "Tenkara" style. They never heard the word "Tenkara". They were fishing that way long before the modern fly fishermen learned it from the Japanese. I learned it from my kin. Modern fly fishermen stay away from the deep south that is why they just recently learned about it from the Japanese.

[@jakepavlo91]

They're not too different at all, come to the UK, tenkara and fly would be the same team, against the coarse fishermen who are just plain wankers haha

[@FlickyFlies]

Hahaha those damn coarse fishermen!

[@marklalone3091]

What are you talking about? Bogus claim.

[@FlickyFlies]

Post your tenkara stuff on a fly fishing forum or just simply watch Huge Fly Fisherman's channel and I think you might agree. There are lots of good folks that fish or appreciate both styles, but it's far from bogus.

[@alxmeadows]

That’s big water for tenkara!! That’s when you pull out the big guns for the Snipes!!

[@alxmeadows]

Ya gotta get the drift.

[@FlickyFlies]

The big guns are definitely perfect for getting crazy nice drifts on big water! The Rocky does a pretty great job at it, but I'd love to try out a 20 ft + long Keiryu rod one day.