TENKARA

Over a decade ago, I bought an inexpensive fly fishing rod 
and some nymphs and set about trying to learn the hobby.

It was an abysmal failure.

I don't really have access to any streams nearby, though 
there are plenty of lakes. Bass fishing is the main angling
hobby around here. 

So, as I have become more interested in backpacking and 
hiking, I've decided to give tenkara a try. It is a very 
simple fixed-line form of fly fishing from Japan. The 
initial appeal was the use of collapsible rods that are 
very lightweight.

Also, for some reason, I've always been intrigued by 
the use of lures instead of bait. I've always fished
for bass with casting reels and lures, but never been 
very successful until I trade my lure for bait. I'd 
like to change that. I've found it more satisfying to 
hook a fish with a lure than bait. Using bait is more 
like trapping and using a lure is more like hunting.
I heard a fly fisher say that and it certainly does 
resonate with me.

I ordered the minimum necessary gear to get started and 
it all arrived yesterday. As the weather permits, I am 
hoping to be able to try my hand at tenkara fishing soon. 
There is a small lake about a 20 minute walk from my house.
I've had some luck jigging for panfish in the lake, so 
I am hoping to pull in some of those with topwater flies 
before trying my hand at chenille worms and poppers for 
some of the shallow water bass. Given my lack of experience,
I don't want to break my rod wearing out larger fish than 
I know how to land.

I will report on my progress or lack thereof here.