Write Your Fly Off, Tenkara.

And that's what I did. I wrote my fly off and it paid in full. Karel over at Tenkara on the Fly held a writing contest a while back and I got a nice package in the mail last week for my efforts. No doubt about it, even as a "simplistic tenkara angler," I'm a gear head. What can I say? I like new toys.

Up until now, I've been just winding my line around my hand or arm (like winding up a garden hose) when I walk from spot to spot. The spool will be great for longer-term storage and transport.

11ft horse-hair line, line holders, stickers,
and 6 awesome flies.
Tied by none other than Karel, of course.

A hand or arm works for quick walks, for long storage,
the spool (ie. reel :) is very nice. 

Ohhhh, mama. These look delicious.

This is my entry for the contest:

What is it about those streams and creeks,

Running down mountain valleys

Winding their way through high plains

And Midwestern pastures

That keeps me up late tying, planning

Reading and dreaming?

It is the fish, the hunt,

Stalking the quiet.

Always looking,

Searching for more ways to be closer to water,

To fish painted unlike any other.

At times it takes a slow mind to study the behavior

Of fish and river.

The next day it is a mad rush to conquer the terrain

And unearth the dominant invertebrates

That are the keystone to a heavy creel.

Concentrating, I know what ails me,

I yearn to be closer to the ground.

I want cologne of wet dirt and

Sweet rotting leaves,

Fresh like spring water

And changing-weather breezes.

So I strip down.

Simplify.

Rod.

Line.

Fly.

Fewer moving parts mean fewer

Distractions from the surroundings.

With this strange, new rod in hand

I feel giddy.

Every headshake and body thrust

Of the fish sends shock waves down my arm.

Connected to the fight like never before,

I giggle.

Now I am silver and ruby,

Rust and olive,

Forest green spotted blue, red and yellow.

I am my nephew on a dock screaming with laughter

At the sunfish bending his Lightening McQueen rod.

Today, I am closer to the water.

Closer to trout.

Closer to char.

Because of tenkara,

I am closer.

That is all I ever want to be.

You can read all of the awesome entries at Karel's "Your Tenkara Stories" page.