Tenkara is the traditional simplified Japanese method of fly-fishing developed over centuries in the small mountain streams of Japan. In this method, only a telescoping rod, line and fly are used; there is no need for a reel. Without the complexity of the added gear, you are free to focus on your casting and fishing techniques.
Tenkara is especially effective for fishing the pocket water in the fast flowing streams such as are found in the Great Smoky Mountains. The obvious advantages are the simplicity, the ability to make delicate and precise presentations, the ability to keep the line off the water and the ability to reach small overgrown challenging streams. The Tenkara method also gives perfect control over the fly at all times.
All that is needed is a telescoping rod that is 11 to 13 feet in length when fully extended. To the end of the rod, tie a length of small diameter fish line that is approximately one foot longer than the extended rod. To the end of the line attach the fly; simple! And since the rod collapses down to 20 inches Tenkara is great for the SmokeyMountains backpacking and camping trips.
The fly is propelled by the line as done in the West, but the fly casting technique is shorter and slower. The Tenkara rig will also be perfect for dry fly fishing in the small mountain streams using the Great Smoky Mountaineer developed method of "caneing" using cane poles as well as the "slingshotting" or "bow and arrow"method of fishing. Also, the Tenkara method can be employed for high-sticking nymphs or for the Czech method of nymph fishing.
Landing a fish is very intuitive and similar to any type of fishing with a rod. All the angler must do is to simply raise the rod high, and reach for the fish. We at Troutprostore recommend the Zako Tenkara Rod.