Why Can't Tenkara and Fly Fishermen Get Along? 

This was a fun one. Thanks for joining me Jon.

Anything that gets you out in the wild and puts a smile on your face is all that matters.

I’ve been a fly fisherman for 60+ years and only recently discovered tenkara. My opinion is that there’s a place for both on most any stream or pond, at least the ones I fish. I now fish my 12’ tenkara rod whenever possible, but I always have my Sage 9’ 3-weight along if I want to reach out further. I believe in always having a backup rod with me anyway, so now the decision on which two rods to take is an easy one.

Wow, what a pleasant surprise - two of my favorite RU-vid channels meet and fish! As for that fly-vs-tenkara, well, I simply ignore things that suggest unnecessary either/or’s. I’m well on in years, but I always take each on most outings. Beautiful stream, and beautifully produced video, as well. Many thanks for sharing this with us!

Great tone to this video. I fly fish with conventional rod AND I also do Tenkara. Both techniques have a place on the water and in my soul. Good-hearted fisherpeople know the water and the fish are more important than ego. Catching the fish is fun -- releasing an undamaged fish is even better!

Your title: “Why can’t Tenkara and fly fishermen get along?” suprises me. I’ve never had a negative encounter with this, nor seen a negative encounter among other fishers.

I am happy to have found your channel by watching Hardmann. I have switched to Tenkara because I like the presentation of the fly better, and the minimalist approach to Tenkara, but most of all I like the challenge of it. Looking forward to watching all your videos!

I just went fishing with a co-worker for the first time. I spin fish, and he flies. We had a great time! I just think it's a good way to connect and have fun.

Having a tenkara and western set up I definitely the the pros and cons of each. I generally am fishing western, but man when I get on on my tenkara and that rod is flexing and the line is singing it feels so good! Great video man, bummer you lost the big brown.

I've never fly-fished before, I've done everything else when it comes to fishing. I'm attracted to the simplicity yet technicality of Tenkara fishing. It seems pure to me. We don't have trout streams where I live but I feel that Tenkara is my next step.

What a beautiufl and challenging river....plenty of places to hone technical skills.

just casually looking for some tenkara videos and come across a nice message that fixed my mood, appreciate it

I love having my tenkara ready-rigged for dry casting when I'm out with my nymph rod. Easy to carry and I hate switching my rod & reel between wet & dry while I'm out, so much easier to have the second rod. I hike into a lot of locations, so carrying two full rigs is a bit of a PITA, the tenkara second rig is perfect.

I fly fish on a Tenkara and a Trad Rod. Both are really fulfilling! Both have their place and I could never say one or the other. Historically they are both part of human history. Reel or not, Fish On is all that matters!

I love both styles just depending on the day and the water. Keep up the great content, both of you guys

I love both methods, on I small pocket water stream tenkara beats conventional everytime for me. Btw absolutely fantastic channel.

G'Day, I enjoyed watching your video and hearing your thoughts about tenkara and western style fly fishing. Even the two styles have have different schools that sometimes do not play well together. Dry only as opposed to wet fly; fishing only kebari flies as opposed to fishing any style of fly with tenkara---the list goes on. When it's all boiled down, people should just get out and enjoy whatever style of fishing brings them joy, without trying to impose rules and restrictions. If it's legal and fun then that's fine. I think it was Izaak Walton who wrote that we are all "Brothers of the Angle". Cheers, Steve

I fish both all the time. When I go fishing I bring both types of rods. I prefer tenkara over Reel for the simplicity but I also like the feeling of casting.

it doesnt matter how you fish...there's always reactionaries out there that ruin it for everyone. fly rod, tenkara rod, spinning rod, cane pole or willow stick. if it makes you smile and feel good youre using the rite equipment.!!🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠

Great video Chris. You’re right when you said that we’re all in the water for the same reasons.

Great video!!! Just bought my first Tenkara rod, should be here soon!

I fish with both Tenkara and Western. Both have a place where one shines over the other. Love'em both.

All I can tell ya is I've had a tenkara rod in my pack when I fly fish for years. There are perfect waters for both on almost every water I fish - even paddling in a canoe or kayak! I don't see why I'd be without one or the other. I actually fish with a travel fly rod *packs small* and a tenkara set up, AND a telescopic 5.5ft ultra light rod with a tiny spinning reel on it. My lightweight pack is easy to take with me with a canteen and some other stuff whether I'm wading, paddling, or even in the Harley riding to streams to fish. Good on you for the video here. All good! All are a Blessing!

Great video man!! Enjoyed spending some time on the water with you, we'll do it again!

Lovely spot. May I offer a bit of constructive criticism? You yourself got to go visit this river and experience the beauty and the SOUND of the river. However we did not have that experience because music was playing over this video. It could just be me but I think your video would be improved greatly if there was no music at all. Something for you to consider. Those were some beautiful fish.

It’s easy to see that based on a majority of responses, this really shouldn’t be much of a controversy. If you consider the technical aspects of each method, most will realize that they can, and do, compliment each other. Regular fly outfit probably more versatile, but I have found that Tenkara teaches you to be stealthy, and this can make you a better fisherman overall, regardless of which method you use. It should no longer be a one versus the other, or one replacing the other. I love both, and sounds like most of the responses here mirror that sentiment.

I fish both and never have a problem with either!!! Cheers!!!😃 Enjoy all your videos!!!

Thanks for the awesome video! I've been practicing and enjoying both, since, like you say, both have their advantages. I'm sure there are plenty of fly fishermen that do the same, maybe the naysayers are just louder:)

I completely moved to Tenkara. No longer do any western fly fishing. Personally I think it’s just easier and less fuss with all the stuff that I had with my western setup. End goal is to catch fish and have fun and I have found I have more fishing Tenkara. Another nice thing is I never run into other fishermen on the tiny creeks I fish. Plus the fish have never seen a fisherman before.

Cool video and river! I've only met 1 fly fisherman that wasn't respectful when I was tenkara fishing and it was through a fishing app (trolls are easier to find there). Everyone else has been excited to see what tenkara was like and give me pointers on fly fishing. Hopefully that means tenkara is on the rise and more recognizable.

I am learning still about fly but also watching Tenkara anglers and I take notes there. I often short toss almost exactly the same as Tenkara without shooting line. I go to a fixed length. I can just adjust that length.

Came over here from Hardman Fishing... nice to meet you, subbed! I fish tenkara mostly, but also fly fish and regular casting... all depends on the water. I just broke my rod a week ago and can't wait to get another and get back out there. That river was better for traditional flies; much more difficult for a tenkara pole. Nice film!

I enjoy both. Come get some. Lol.

My man, thank you! It's like us hunters showing up at camp, then asking "what you hunting with?", one May say 308, the other may say Creedmoor, but they still enjoy a beer & sport together. I'm a rod/reel angler, but I really want to get into Tenkara for its simplicity as I backpack from time to time. Man, there was this one time, the wife and I were driving through WY near yellow stone on a road trip and I remember saying - there is a good fish hole, that's an excellent rock, sheesh I wish I had my kit. If I had a tenkara kit in a pack or in the truck somewhere, 100% I would have bought a license, booked my lass a massage, and I would have been on the water. But I wasn't, because at the time, I thought I needed "everything". I missed a golden opportunity because I couldn't justify the waders, vest, pack, rod, reel, etc. to the wife because I booted her carry on in our tiny jeep. I have a rod, reel and line, you have a rod and line, we two are still doing something we love! I don't find any issues there. Man, if I had my usual kit and saw a tenkara dude/gal going at it, I'd be jealous, cause they went for it just because while I planned for every element of my fishing trip! In short, I'd be jealous of their simplicity. We aren't enemies, we are friends, because we're fishining ... until you step into my hole, then we'll have words. Lol

I go fishing with all of my buddies. I usually use a traditional fly casting setup. One guy uses a Tenkara. The other fellows use spinning outfits. Generally, if you're using artificial flies/lures, skill and knowledge is required to catch finicky fish no matter your tools.

I fish with both. There are a few creeks I fish where I can take advantage of the distance casting with the western rig and others where the Tenkara rods are better. It's all fly fishing to me.

I use both. I get along internally.

Wonderful nature and vid. As for the tenkara vs western fly to me it's just personal stuff, I've been into, cane pole, spining, baitcaster, fly and now tenkara for the last 13 years. And i will stay there as long as i don't fall in love with another new fishing experience ... Who knows what's coming around the corner?!!

I started with a Tenkara rod, then learned how to cast and fish with a fly rod & reel. I carry both on my pack at all times. If I need more reach I grab the fly rod if I'm in a small creek it's a tenkara rod. I love your channel it's my favorite tenkara, but I unsubscribed from hardman's. I still watch Jonathan every now and then but he isn't a bit of help, hardly ever even tells what fly he is using. To me his channel is just a brag on me channel, I'm the great Jonathan hardman piss on you. I mean he hardly even showed you and you were fishing together.. Keep doing what your doing Chris and great things will happen, I hope you do fish with a rod and reel some, I'm sure you can help me as well as other's.

Very Enjoyable Video with constructive advice and tips - looking forward to your Canal Vids 💪🏿🦅

As a Floridian that's never fished anywhere like this, it looks like a whole different planet to me. lol.

Great video! I love your attitude.

Doing both you get the best of both worlds. Honestly putting your nose down to any type of fishing is just doing yourself a disservice, its all about versatility.

Tenkara is fly fishing. Personally I think anyone not doing both is missing out.

Thank you for sharing....! Love Tenkara on a slim stream!

Honestly its just an extension of the smugness, contempt, and superiority that fly fisherman feel toward spin anglers. The fly fisherman believes that the tenkara angler sees the fly fisherman in the same light that the fly fisherman sees the spin angler and gets VERY, VERY defensive about it.

Your videos are always a pleasure to watch. Nice fishing with Jon, that was a cool surprise. I'd love to cast a tekara rod one day.

Fantastic stuff. I am A big spinner reel fisherman from Florida now living in Pittsburgh . What would you recommend for a beginner to this new amazing way of fishing.

i've watched every hardmen video love those guys! and i'm lovig yours.. great vedeos

Nice video and holy crap what a beautiful stream! I agree that we can all get along and just fish! I have a future video coming out with me and a local western fisher, we had a great day on the water together! It's all fishing! Cheers!

I do watch Hardman channel.....good channel..... I have wondered why he don't do more tenkara.....and spinning rods with spinners surely have a place

I called a fly shop here in town and enquired "Do you sell Tenkara rods? He snottily replied, "No, we are reel (real) fishermen here" What the hey I thought, we are both fishing with fake bugs I think the attitude is one that may reflect their bottom line, no reel to buy nor yards of expensive fly line mostly unused while fishing Salmon, steelies and other large fish may be another story tho' requiring reel and line especially if your movement up and down stream with the fish is hampered

Fantastic video man!

at times haveing a tenkara rod comes in handy some places a 9 foot fly rod is to long like he said at times being able to cast farther would be nice so ya pros cons for both

This same friction between fishing styles happened in the 70s too. This was pre-River Runs Through It. An elite fly fishing magazine writer wrote that he'd never let his daughter marry a spin fisherman. Then came Brad Pitt. Now, only fly fishing is allowed to be part of the scene in TV advertising. The pendulum swings and swings back.

I can't understand the tension, as a life-long western fly-fisher, I'm excited to try tenkara. Both are fly-fishing to me, just different styles, and if I can catch just as many fish, without spending hundreds of dollars on equipment, I'm going to.

I feel like most fishermen respect all good fishermen and styles. And I feel the same as long as they follow the rules and clean their mess when they leave. I catch and release but I don't care if you will keep them it's their prerogative I only release cuz I'm lazy. I give kids who have spin casters all the time some flies that are working and even carry extra ginormous bobbers so they can cast them! Getting outside is the key.

I fish both, but just love the simplicity of Tenkara, and the portability as well.

Seems like euro nymphing with a click and pawl combines these 2 aspects of flyfishing.

I am a traditional fly fisher and a tenkara enthusiast

Great video. it's not about what is best or better, both are all effective it's about what makes you happy and enjoy being out. I mostly use tenkara rods but still love to get the fly rod out at times. By the way, i picked up a pair of the crocs you recommended and i have to say, they are a game changer.

Is there a limit to the size of fly you can use on a Tenkara rod/compared to a reel fly rod? The Tenkara has a much shorter line, and the blank design is very different, but in theory you should be able to use whatever fly size you like, or am I wrong about that?

Honestly don’t understand why they wouldn’t get along. I’ve been fly fishing for only a few years and I got my first tenkara today!! Super pumped about it. No way of fishing is better that the other. Just simply different techniques of fishing. ITS AWESOME that there’s not just one way to fish. That there are multiple ways to keep fishing just fun. Like you said, every technique has their pros and cons. That’s why no technique is better than another.

Beautiful place!

You're a good dude, Flicky...

Excellent video quality and content. I fish Tenkara exclusively. Only caught one fish with a streamer. What is your method for Tenkara streamer fishing?

well when it comes to fishing i am no bigot.I use what the water tells me I need to use, tenkara, standard fly rod spining, cast net, lines, jugs. whatever the water speaks, well I do have a bias against bait casters. hate spending my day working out a nest of line.

Beautiful spot

Why does there need to be any hate on any type of fishing with a line? Who cares if it's a fly a lure or live bait and no matter what you catch it on any fish is joy and exciting to catch.

I like both styles of fly fishing. Spin on the other hand….not so much.

That’s big water for tenkara!! That’s when you pull out the big guns for the Snipes!!

Love this! Someone mentioned below getting to see two of their favorite channels mix it up together- Awesome! Same for me! The only problem I see is.... Those Crocs! Haha- just kidding! I actually have those pinned on a wish list somewhere, so maybe will have a chance to give them a try someday. Just wish they weren't so damn _ _ _ _! Okay- back to the video. Beautiful stuff! Thanks.

물고기가 텐카라 낚싯대에 반응하면 낚싯대를 들고 왼손으로 낚싯줄을 당겨 손잡이에 부착합니다. 그 뒤에 있는 랜딩 네트를 사용하십시오.

Imagine casting two Tenkara rods....alternating?....One longer , one shorter?....You could CLEAN UP on fish!

Yup ..... flyline has it's place.....tenkara has it's place..... for years fly fishermen utilized "shortlining" and "dapping" ...... I don't know why "flyfishermen" resist tenkara..... flyfishermen walk away from fish in fast water and tenkara is the perfect tool for that......

I cannot get into tenkara fishing. Not because I have anything against it but because I have three kids and don't want another form of fishing to take money away from me lol. I like your message though. To me it doesn't matter how you fish as long as you are being ethical and a good steward of the environment!

I plan to use Kebari lures. ....On my APPARENTLY LARGE....FISHING ROD....An experienced guy liked it all, but said it bordered on a salt water rig.That kinda sounded wrong....To Clarify...I have a decent large arbor billet reel with quite a bit of backing, that is rated at a 7/8 ,and 7/8 line that is green. Cortland? Not the best but okay? But my current rod is an inexpensive 5/6 rod that is slightly stiff , rugged, and medium fast made of glass? It actually generally casts and shoots very nicely I suppose because it is slightly over-lined? The real key is the leader set up.

I fly fish and Tenkara fish while my friends use spinning tackle. No judgement, just fun.

Nice video; what kind of flies do you use in this video?

I like tenkara, for about 2% or less of fishable water in my part of the world. The other 98% is for fly fishing, spincasting, or bait

I zip tie a small reel to my Tenkara but to just hold the line, leader and hook. I'm not a purist....I'll put a worm or grasshopper on a Tenkara.

Where is this? What river/stream?

I MAKE LITTLE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THEM. To me it is the same...Although different. Obviously certain things are different...Sorta?....I say EMBRACE BOTH....Eventually I may take both up. But right now it is FLY with a reel. But I use a lot of Tenkara sort of technique. Why? Because I am still learning and not terribly rigid about it all. Also on a budget , so I simplify it all. I use a 7 wt rod and reel .I can get big stuff and little stuff.

Wow what state are you in? Beautiful scenery

Couldn't care less about what you use. Fly fishing is About the presentation of the fly. Glad to see you were adventurous enough to move upstream and away from the crowds down below.

I fish both

Cool colab! New sub here

There are some fly fishing elitists out there. The guys who only fish dries. The ones who refuse to say "bobber," and the ones who refuse to say "indicator." The ones who hate on Euro Nymphing. The ones who hate a fixed line on a tenkara rod. Cynical people need to channel their anger somewhere I guess. After I went on my first guided float, I went into my local fly shop to buy a full setup. The guy there was not interested in selling me anything because he said, "you should really take a class so you know what you're doing. And don't watch youtube." I initially thought, "oh no is this how fly fishermen are?" It made me rethink whether I actually wanted to get into it. Well, they lost $500 that day (and a LOT more since). I ended up going online and buying everything I needed. I watched youtube a ton too. I went out to a local stream, bumped into people who could tell I was new and they offered me some advice and I made some friends along the way. The point I am trying to make is this sport has some really bitter elitists in it, but it also has a wonderful and helpful community too.

Why do you need a special rod, is not possible to simple not feed line from a conventional fly rod and fish it tenkara style?

Cuz reels because I catch big fish lol

Meanwhile they can both bond over sticking their noses up at lowly spin anglers ;)

Leave it to fly fisherman to start a rivalry over absolutely nothing.

Fishing is fishing ,just get out on the water and enjoy ! Stop with all the hate and divide, we have enough of that in the world already

Why do Americans aways pit one side vs the other. in EVERTYTHING. I carry both styles of rods , because it benefits my enjoyment

The problem is that there are assholes in the world. I know plenty of fly-fishermen who bought a tenkara rod or two after seeing me with mine. Old guys who just love to try new things. Grey dudes. Then there are purists who are almost invariably obnoxious assholes. One local fly fisherman HAD a RU-vid channel. It was...not super great but he did provide some useful information. His whole channel got taken down after he posted a video ranting about the inferiority of the palomar knot. He really hates that knot for (what his video would seem to indicate) some pretty racist reasons. He called Brian Latimer the N word. So go do your thing, talk to anyone who will listen. I've introduced big bass anglers to the joys of light lining for panfish. I've gotten catfishermen to get out of their chairs and go throw some artificials. It's fun to watch them light up the first time they FEEL a bite instead of just waiting for something to try to swim away with a circle hook in its mouth. I do admit to thinking that a lot of centerpinners are a bit goofy (can you take a picture of a fish caught on a centerpin rig without having the rod over your shoulder to display your reel?). I like to have all of the tools. They all work in different ways and some are just plain fun. I'm in the Phoenix area and I look forward to putting on some shorts and wet wading with my tenkara or Keiryu rods for panfish. It is an absolute riot fighting slabs on tenkara.

Imagine having a personality that denigrates others just because they don't do things exactly the way you do.

You haven't been on The Dream Stream lately, where the 'purist' fuzz flippers smirk, guffaw and dismiss Tenkara Shokuryoshi with dirty stares and lewd comments. The purists get even angrier when the Shokuryoshi start landing more fish than they do. I see Western fuzz flippers in the stream and keep walking, especially here.

What advantage does a tankara rod have over a conventional fly rod. Seems to me I can do every thing a tenkara rod can do plus all the versatility my fly rod has. A lot of ero-nymphing, and tenkara people seem a little snobby because they are more " purists". I personally don't care what method you use I just want to catch fish. I like seeing other people have success also.

Dogma is the vice of small minds.

I'm Beths' husband, her brother, Bill, fishes Tenkara, that's all I need to say.