Just a conversation starter really (and I always like to pick brains). Many on the forums speak of having more success with tenkara on the same streams than with western gear.

So the question is: For you, what single aspect of tenkara has contribute the most to your success with the tool/method?

There is no right or wrong answer on this one - it's a personal evaluation.

I'll start by saying that for me I think it is the stealth factor. I think that for the way that I utilize tenkara gear and methods it is the lack of a heavy fly line slapping the water that makes the biggest difference. I say this because I always fished through a particular section of "skinny" pocket water on this particular stream - never picking up that many fish. With tenkara - i pick up fish consistently there. As far as I can tell, for me and my style, it is the ability to fish at a distance with no fly line spooking the fish. Therefore I rank the stealth factor as #1. It is not the only aspect, but for me, at this juncture I'd say it is the most crucially different than western.

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my blog CastingAround
Ebisu, Iwana 11'ft (with additional short handle), Amago, Ito, Ayu II

Line control; at your feet (none), length of line (a little longer than rod) and zero drag on fly. The result is better contact and control of fly, inturn greater hook up rate

The stealth factor is good and so is the line control but for me it is being able to just put one fly on and fish anywhere and catch fish. If I need to fish deep just feed some line if I need to fish higher just raise the rod. So for me it would be that. However after thinking about it as I write this I also love how easy it is for hiking to those very far of streams.

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Hanapa'a
BC
www.tenkaraelevated.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/TenkaraElev ... ture=guide

ditto to all comments above. When I first started I could no longer justify having multiple western fly lines for $60+ dollars per, reels for $150. and more, along with the spare reel inserts for $50 to whatever.... and rods that were priced way more than they are worth....when I could get an entire set up for Tenkara for way less, fish areas I was never able to access before, with casts that are much easier and more accurate and catch way more fish (don't miss the constant mending either). I actually feel sorry for those like Lefty that feel this method is a "passing fad" that has only been around for several hundred years....but, more fish and fun for us!!!

The solitude.

I can enjoyably fish in places that other people pass off as "no good". After a busy day in the city, I have the water and the woods to myself/my fishing partner. And I have the freedom to cover distance on that water. No need to hunt for an open or undisturbed stretch. No need to park myself in a single pool and guard it with my life, feeling the squeeze from fishermen above and below.

Oddly enough, right after the solitude comes the camraderie.

The tenkara community is still small enough that we've all freely exchanged thoughts and ideas at one time or another. I hope we can keep that spirit up.

At first, those two factors might not seem like they are related to the original question in this post. But for me, they are very much related. Not just in some "come in for a hug, big guy" kind of way, but in a real practical manner.

Looking forward to the Summit,

Rob

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Rob Worthing
rob@tenkaraguides.com

Very nicely said Rob

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Hanapa'a
BC
www.tenkaraelevated.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/TenkaraElev ... ture=guide

Less equipment and less inventory to handle on the water compared to western flyfishing. e.g. line control. Hauling and double hauling line, mending, stacking, playing fish off of and on to the reel...etc...etc. For me, tenkara is a different experience than western flyfishing. For me, it's simple in comparison to the more complex set of skills needed to be proficient at western flyfishing. I love them both though. I wouldn't say "tenkara makes it better". For me, its just different.

To put it into one word... SIMPLICITY.

JD

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"The reverse side also has a reverse side"

I like everything that has been said but the thing I like is keeping the fly on the water. No false casting over and over I pick the fly up and in one stroke put it back on the water where I want it. I was fishing with a guide back in April he also fishes Tenkara he was trying to keep the fly dry with powder shake when he said, false cast a few times I have a tendency to stay to long in the same place. With a Tenkara rod I keep moving. After fishing a western fly rod today (a friend made me a split bamboo rod) i say AMEN to not having fly line around my feet and my wading staff

Tom

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Wilderness Tarpon 120
and a Tenkara USA Amago
Good Combo!!!

I think the increase in success for me comes mostly from the number of presentations I can make. in the time it took me to make one presentation (which ended up being in 70% unproductive water) i can make dozens of tenkara presentations and to only the hottest water at that. it comes down to the fact that my fly is in front of the fish's face for more of the day than it ever was before. not to mention dealing with less tangles, snags, and knots than I ever did before.

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RODS: Ito&
Iwana I/II 12ft & 9ft
Amago