From the Tenkara USA Blog:
Well, that’s an honest opinion from a fly fishing legend. Right or wrong, its one Legendary Fly Fisherman’s opinion. That opinion is ironically reaching many people with little knowledge of what Tenkara is about. That comment will likely promote more interest in Tenkara, simply because Lefty said it. Tenkara will owe Lefty big time.
I began fishing with a cane pole; moved up to a Zebco 202; dabbled with hand lining; actually caught some fish with my bare hands; fell in love with spinning reels; got way into bait casting, started building rods, picked up an old bamboo fly rod; bought a graphite fly rod; bought more graphite fly rods; and now I’ve got a handful of spey rods. I think one of the best things about fishing is that there are so many ways to enjoy it. We can choose the best or easiest technique or try something more challenging; with the goal being to catch a fish a certain way. There are many ways to be rewarded.
I don’t expect we’ll be seeing any Tenakara angling on the upcoming episodes of Buccaneers and Bones even though Yvon Choinard is a Tenkara fan. I’m a big fan of YC and if he’s made room for Tenkara, then that’s saying something. Tenkara is just one more way to exercise a fish under the right circumstances. Heck, Tenkara even has a yearly Summit. I’ve heard of fly fishing shows and spey claves, but a summit sounds pretty serious; even kind of elitist. While these guys may not be for reel, I think we will be hearing from them for awhile.
In checking out Tenkara USA, I’m behind their ideals:
“Tenkara USA will open the doors to many outdoor enthusiasts and backpackers who like the idea of fly-fishing but have always found western fly-fishing too complex or intimidating. Tenkara USA is dedicated to small-stream conservation, and committed to the Planet through the 1% for the Planetintiative. Tenkara USA will donate at least 1% of its sales to the environment.”
As far as Tenkara goes, its pretty simple and that’s kind of the point. These guys seem pretty harmless. If all goes well, they will take over the market and everyone will move to smaller waters and focus on diminutive trout. I will have all the casting room I need for double hauling 8 weights and swinging 2-Handers. Can you hear my drag scream? Tenkara…Tenkara….
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