Since returning from an epic tenkara expedition in Japan in June 2014, I have done a dozen or so interviews, podcasts, and discussions of what I learned from 3 of the most prominent Japanese tenkara masters, Masami Sakakibara, Horimichi Fuji, and Dr. Ishigaki. Ill try to sum it up. I have learned 3 distinct styles of tenkara that were developed in 3 very different mountain regions and ecosystems in Japan by 3 anglers with a combined 100 or so years of experience. Adding my own tenkara experience this is what I have come up with. I dont believe in styles anymore. Japanese tenkara, American tenkara, carp, stillwater, big rivers, fly casting, bait fishing, etc. True tenkara is about expressing yourself honestly through the application of a group of fishing skills utilizing a telescopic fixed line rod. This honest self expression is finding your own tenkara. In Japan I have heard this referred to as your color, your style, your flavor. Or just simply, your tenkara. Master basic casting, water reading, ecological understanding, and necessary outdoor skills. Then explore, innovate, expand. Never blindly follow. Be true to yourself, express yourself, just be who you are. Those that are entrenched in tenkara styles are simply imitating other anglers. That is when styles become a gospel truth, inflexible, stagnant, and will eventually become irrelevant as the rest of the world evolves and progresses forward. The history and heritage can and should be remembered and respected. You can still do this and move forward in finding your own tenkara. I know that if I just mimicked every nuance of my tenkara mentor Masami Sakakibara, he would be disappointed that I spent all my time and effort to imitate him and never mastered my own tenkara.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 23:29:14 +0000
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