(1)Fishing tackle
As for the tackle, the simplicity is the best.
However ,there is still quite a bit, rod,net,creel,wader,vest, cap,sunglass,camera.
This waders are called dry-tights in Japan. Dry-tight sticks to the body,and has ecelent water proofing.
The feet of the waders are covered with felt and are excellent in preventing slipping.

The Fly
It is standard to use a wet fly. However, depending on the situation, I use a parachute, a nymph , or an elk-hair fly.
This standard wet fly uses a #12 hook. The body is flesh colored wool. The hackle is a grizzly saddle hackle. I put the pad of the peacock onto it.
There are many narrow places on river, 10 Fly are necessary.

Line
The line used is 10 pound test. When the wind is strong, I use 13 pound test.

Tippet
The tippet is a 2 to 3 pound test.

Line-cutter
The one with the pin-on-reel is convenient.(this is good)

Marker
This isn't allowed, but is used when fishing nymphs.

Waders
I like using dry-tights or waders. These were developed for AYU fishing, but but recently, it is often used by the other use.

Creel
I use a handcrafted creel made of bamboo and is called a "gujyou-biku".

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(2)Tackle and the way of fishing

TENKARA is the way of fishing on the narrow river.Because the river in Japan is narrow, it suits.
I introduce a level line in the tackle of TENKARA.

The rod(TENKARA zao)
Almost all recently manufactured TENKARA-rods are made of carbon fiber which is very light and stronger than other materials.
Rod is 15feet.The body is flexible and is good for the level line.

Line
It consults a figure on the right.The part of the fluorescence color is an item for the beginner.It passes away, being necessary when accustomed.
It adjusts length of the line by the field but it makes 3feet-7feet longer than rod.
The material is monofilament of the nylon.

Casting
The basis is the action which is the same as flyfishing.
The grip places a single finger on the top of the handle. This is good for rod control.
There are two kinds of basic casts , the overhead casts and the backhander casts. I will explain the overhead cast.
The back-cast throws up the line on the head and stops it in the position at 1 o'clock. After Line is stretched behind, it is pushed forward. When not learning this timing with the body, the level line doesn't stretch.
The fore-cast is made by pressing forward with the whole body. The rod position is stopped about 10 o'clock. The fly returns a few(5cm) arm immediately before falling to the surface of the water.It should land softly on the water.It lands softly on the water when excluding power from the line.

Presentation
I present the fly a little to the upper stream of the target.The fly is sinking by about 2 to 4 inches. Until fly pours, I raise up a rod.
It is the best that fly stops at the surface of the water for 1 - 5 seconds.
The point is the variation of the flow and depth. I walk on the left side of the stream headed upstream. Then, fly isn't caught in the trees.

Hooking
The reaction of amego changes with the condition. When the water conditions are right, amego will feed slowly. They sometimes take the fly,too.
Don't be careless. Be sure to set the hook properly. Use sharp hook.
After that,it pulls amego out of the water and receives in net. It becomes well in always putting a hand on the left on the net.
When amego bites a fly it isn't always necessary to see a fly. There is a change in the water around the fly. Time the hooking. I feel the bite with the fingertips. Normally this is very gentle. You don't need to see the take.
Do hooking sharply,I will make picking-up, too, sharp.

Application
Around 1985, no one knew about TENKARA fishing. It was possible to have some really great fishing. But, now it isn't . When the fishing isn't as good , it is good if sinking a fly in 1feet.
I really want to have this way of fishing last. It is possible to fish too much and to catch too many fish.
Fishing is more important than the tackle, casting etc.
I like to catch fish but I don't want to catch more than necessary.

Let's "Fly Swap". Please send me  e-mail

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