Even in the last two days since the first tenkara outing, I've learned so many things about what I could have done to catch more fish. I limited myself to the soft hackle fly thinking I should try what I thought was "traditional," but I now I think I was wrong to place a limitation on the rod. I could have easily dropped a scud with a red midge pupae using an indicator and split shot to get down to those hunkered down, January trout (Remember, David, just because your fly is by the fish doesn't mean you'll catch the fish). Instead, I stayed true to one tactic. Luckily, the sun came out on my second day and brought with it a few midges to the surface of the water. The fish were soon to follow.
I also realized watching tenkara casting on film is about the most boring thing in fly fishing video. This is simply because the action of casting is much more subtle, not because the fishing is any worse. There are just less moving parts to watch. Therefore, I tried to limit those shots in the video. I hope you get a sense of the fun trip I had out to western Virginia. It was wonderful to get a taste of the fresh water again after focussing so much on the salty fish.
Oh, and so far, I can already tell you my favorite thing about a tenkara rod. You really feel the fight of the fish. The running fish doesn't pull your drag, it pulls you. Pretty cool.
________
When you head out by yourself to fish new waters, there is no telling what can happen. I locked my keys in my car (while it was running), dropped my phone in the water, and still managed to catch a couple nice fish using my new tenkara rod. Looking back, I'd do it all again.
It may have been cold, but I got lucky.
Music by Max Tennone: Jaydiohead: "Change Order"
If you are interested in any of the waters I fished, check out Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's site. The guys at the fly shop run a great operation with great reports and instructions on some of the Virginia trout, bass, and muskie waters.
Nash
ReplyDeleteSolitude and peaceful come to mind here---the Tenkara is the perfect rod to do high sticking. What length were you using and the fly pattern? You played those bows to perfection. How do you think a little CCR or 3-Dog Night would have played out here with the muic--I want blame you if you don't know who these bands are--way back in the 70's----enjoyed the post!!!
Bill - I have an Iwana 11ft from tenk usa. I tied up some size 12 and 14 soft hackles using partridge feather (more white than black) and I mixed grey and orange dubbing for the body. Those two bands are great. I think I know most of their popular stuff and haven't immersed myself deep within their records, but I bet they would back some fun videos. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteLove it when a solid fish puts a nice bend in a tenkara rod. You described the "fight" well.
ReplyDeleteThanks T!. It was a cool feeling. I almost felt uneasy about it. Like a little kid who hooks a big fish but is so excited they don't know what to do with the rod.
DeleteEnjoyed the vid. Still not sure tenkara is for me. I need to see more.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jay. I put a shot of an (my guess) Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens). I was at this little mountain lake and they were all over in the submerged grass/weeds. Very cool. Because I thought they might be more fragile in winter, I didn't attempt to pick one up and get a closer look with my eye or camera so it could have been something else, but using the book you gave me, this is my best guess :)
DeleteAs far as tenkara goes, so far it is just another way to fly fish. I love casting a "western" rod too much to give that up, but it is great for backpacking etc because it reguires very little equipment and the telescope down. If we ever are on the same water, I'll let you try it :)
Favorite MLW production to date. Thought everything meshed really well. Bravo sir. Bravo. Were those glasses for real?
ReplyDeleteHa, no. no for real. They are the ones you get after going to the eye doctor. My wife had them in the car and I like to wear them from time to time. I feel like Marty Mcfly from Back to the Future. Thanks for the compliments, Yuke.
DeleteA few feisty 'bows on a tenkara, well done!
ReplyDeleteI honestly felt a bit scared how feisty they were. pretty fun. Thanks, Tom.
DeleteGreat video! Love the mix...and the anus hook was solid. Well don sir!
ReplyDeleteCheers
They are difficult to pull off, but when you get good, you can almost hit the "bullseye" every time :)
DeleteAnd here we have the Tenkara Chronicles. :) You're learning new things this winter as well....good on you (and glad the phone survived)!!!
ReplyDeleteI got very VERY lucky on that phone.... David learned a lesson :) .... well, maybe.
Delete