The
mountain streams of the Western and Eastern
Cape are ideally suited to the Tenkara technique.
An abundance of pocket water means that all the water bar the bigger pools can be fished.
An abundance of pocket water means that all the water bar the bigger pools can be fished.
RODS
Tenkara rods are long, typically 10 – 13ft, and telescope out from within a short handle to a delicate tip at the end. The action is considered slow compared to conventional modern rods, but not all rods re the same.
The 'stiffness' or 'action' of each rod is designated according to the following table
| 6:4 Mid, 7:3 Progressive, 8:2 Tip - What do
these numbers indicate? These numbers designate the rod action, which is determined at the point on the rod where the stiffer butt gives way to a softer section. For example, on a 6:4 rod the first 60% is stiffer than the last 40%, thus most of the bending action will occur 60% from the butt, or say 6 foot from the butt on a 10 foot rod. |
Rod handles are typically made or cork or a light wood like paulownia. In general cork handles are shaped and wooden handles straight.
Each rod has a 'cork' that fits in the top and prevents the pieces coming out and possibly getting damaged in transit. The back of the handle has a screw in cap, so that the pieces can be removed for cleaning or maintenance.
The rod's tip piece has a piece of yarn glued into it, that sticks out of the tip. It is to this piece that your 'line' is connected to the rod with a loop.
Caring for your rod Extending and collapsing your rod. Your rod has very delicate tip pieces and this has to be borne in mind when extending or collapsing your rod. Extending your rod
 Collapsing your rod
 Cleaning your rod A wipe with a damp cloth should be sufficient to clean your rod most of the time. Let it dry properly before packing away. For a thorough clean your rod will have to be dismantled. With the stopper in front in place carefully remove the butt cap by screwing it out. Tilt the rod carefully and remove each piece one by one, starting with the smallest. Lay them out in the order, smallest to biggest and ensure they are oriented the same way, ie front side up. Getting them upside down when you put them back may cause damage. Clean with a mild detergent and wipe dry. Replace pieces in reverse order and ensure that the butt cap is secure. You do not want your pieces falling out at the stream. |
LINE
Tenkara lines are actually a leader, as there is no reel or fly line, so from here on, they will be referred to as leaders .
These are made from furled mono-filament or silk, and sometimes fluorocarbon. Level lines (no taper) as also used but are more difficult to cast, and are usually used for specialised applications.
The leader length is usually the length of the rod. In windy conditions a shorter one can be used and in ideal conditions a longer one (see sidebar about when your line is too long).
There are leaders for different techniques or circumstances.
Yellow tapered leaders are for small streams and delicate presentation
White tapered leaders are for general use, an all round line.
Brown (or Tea) coloured tapered leaders are for heavier flies and distance casting.
Yellow level leaders are for specialised applications like 'dapping' a wind blown line and can be cast by experiences Tenkara anglers.
Custom leaders can be made with furled mono-filament or silk, and level fluorocarbon can also be used. Leader formula's will be published at a later stage.
When changing leaders it is advisable to collapse the rod unless you have someone to hold the rod for you.
Most leaders will require a bit of preparation before first use.
Your leader is usually stored on a spool, with the tippet and a fly already tied on. Thus you can have a range of lines, with the relevant fly and tippet ready tied for fast deployment. These fit easily into you pocket, and the spool serves as a temporary holder if you want to collapse your rod to move through some bush.
Leaving the leader connected to you rod, collapse your rod. Hook your fly into the spool and wind the line onto it leaving a piece a little shorter than the collapsed rod. Tuck the line into the spool to stop it unwinding, and then slip the spool over the top of the rod where it sits like the hilt on a sword.
Be careful to keep it upright at all times so that the rod pieces don't come out the top and the spool doesn't fall off. When you are ready to fish reverse the procedure.
Leaders can also be stored on 'dropper rigs'
TIPPET
Standard fly-fishing tippets are used, usually in the range of 6X or 7X. The main reason for such light tippets is to protect the tip. Some rods allow much thicker tippets (see manufacturers guidelines), but decent sized fish can be landed on 6X.
Standard knots are used to connect the leader to tippet, with most leaders having a loop at both ends. In this case a perfection loop put onto your tippet then loop to loop connected to the leader is the best option. For tying on flies, use your favourite knot.
NETS –
Tenkara nets differ slightly in that they are bent at the neck and
generally have a round entrance. This facilitates easy capture of a
passing fish without having to bend down too far. It also allows them
to be slipped into your belt while fishing without them falling out.
