DrDarin Loc: Longview, WA

Hit the little no-name park on the Coweeman 10 miles up Rose Valley Rd from Kelso Rd. Caught three little rainbows in an hour using my Iwana 12' Tenkara pole. I'll definitely be heading back.

DCGravity Loc: Fairfax, VA (by way of Cleveland OH)

Nice! How long have you been Tenkara fishing? Do you prefer it over flyfishing or baitcasting and why? The simplicity of the technique really intrigues me.

DrDarin Loc: Longview, WA

DC, Yep, it's all about the simplicity. And I never fail to catch something. I have 10', 12', and 13.5' poles. I purchase flies from AliExpress because I have very little spare time and want to spend it all on the water.

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

Nice one ☝️

Papa Jack Loc: Indianapolis

Cool Congrats

DrDarin Loc: Longview, WA

DC, I realized I didn't answer all of your questions. In my defense, I initially answered you on my phone.

I've been Tenkara fishing about 6 years and love it. I do not fly fish otherwise. I've been a spinning reel guy since I was about 8 years old, so a really, really, really long time. I could also hit the Coweeman with a spinner, but where's the fun in that?

I've invested in the three rods I mentioned in my original reply, all Tenkara USA poles. When I first started, I had gone with a buddy and was hooked (see how I did that?). When I got home, I checked Craigslist and the 13.5' (Amago) was listed for $60 - they're normally $180 - so I snatched it up. I haven't seen one listed on Craigslist since, but I've also not looked very hard.

The other two I purchased from Tenkara USA and AvidMax, both deeply discounted during holiday sales. I purchased my fly fishing backpack from AliExpress for around $20 and, as I said, I purchase my Kibari flies pre-made - 12 for around $20. If they didn't work, I'd break down and tie my own, but I have several other obligations that prevent it and I've caught a ton of fish with those cheap, little buggers. One day, I will have my own time and take up tying, just not right now.

My wife and I are taking an Alaska cruise in October, stopping in Ketchikan, Juneau, and a couple of other ports. I fully intend to take a couple of the rods, purchase a 5-day license, and fish the streams I've seen in videos next to the towns we visit. To quote my wife: "There's no way I'm standing in Alaska during our time off the boat watching you fish." My response: "Good." Who needs that kind of pressure, right? :-)

thuner Loc: Seattle Washington

Is this any different than a Euro Rod and Euro Fishing? Long leader. No casting.

Charlie H Loc: Greer, Arizona

DrDarin, best of luck in Alaska. Spent a couple of working summers and bow hunts up there. The fly fishing was phenomenal.
Make sure you carry
100% DEET with you. It can make or break your experience.

DrDarin Loc: Longview, WA

Thuner, looks to me like Euro uses a reel. Tenkara is just "a rod, a line, and you." The line is the same length as the pole, so good mostly for small streams or larger ones you can wade in, as well as shore/lilypad fishing - that sort of thing.

DrDarin Loc: Longview, WA

Charlie, Ha! I'm hoping things are tolerable in October, but probably not, right? More than anything, I just want to dip a line into the little streams I've seen on viddies so I can say "I fished in Alaska." :-)

Kdra Loc: Washington coast

Out of Juneau take a float plane across to Admiralty Is caught until our arms dropped but beginning of August not sure what you will catch in October bottom fishing is great too