TENKARA

Although there are many similarities between Tenkara and its better-known cousin, Western-style fly fishing, the two techniques developed independently of each other, with Tenkara being purely Japanese in origin. "Western" fly fishing uses a specialized rod, reel, and heavier floating “fly line”. Tenkara utilizes longer, highly flexible, fixed line rods with smaller diameter lines and various artificial flies. Tenkara is still a fairly rare method even among freshwater anglers in Japan, and was largely unknown outside Japan until 2009, when the company Tenkara USA,[ founded by Daniel Galhardo, introduced and popularized Tenkara in the US. 

Why try Tenkara? The reasons are many, but a few might be: 

• The learning curve of casting and catching is very short. 
• The cost of equipment can be far less than Western equipment. 
• The packability for hikers, bikers, and campers is exceptional.  
• The simplicity! 

Why do Tenkara and the Driftless region pair so well? 

• First, Tenkara and its stealthy presentation disturb fewer fish than the average western caster, increasing our catch possibilities. 
• Second, with our Driftless stream's curvy nature, the necessity for long casting is minimal while emphasizing stealthy accuracy as priority #1 - both great attributes of Tenkara.  
• To hear more about the Driftless and the benefits of Tenkara, listen to Tenkara USA founder Daniel Galhardo and me discuss its merits on a Tenkara Podcast here: