How to Tie a Tenkara Fly
I’ve been asked by several people to make a video showing the basic steps on how to tie a sakasa kebari so here it is. I chose a very simple pattern for the demo but you could easily substitute a lot of different materials to create a wide variety of patterns.
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Jason Klass is a former fly fishing guide who now exclusively fishes Tenkara for trout in the streams and lakes of Colorado...Read More Tenkara Summit 2012
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Thank you. That was helpful.
Thanks Jason, this is great. I just did a Fly Tying 101 class at my local Orvis (Arlington, VA) and I’m psyched to get started on some of the recipes you’ve got on the site. This is such a good resource.
That’s great Alex. Tying your own flies is a great way to form a deeper connection with the sport. Let me know if you have any questions or need any help.
Now watching this for the third time … it really is a fantastic resource. No questions, but if you’re taking requests, it would be great to see how you tie a Japanese Hammer. I’m intrigued by that fly.
Thanks Jason, it always helps me to see how someone else ties a fly. After reading your post about fishing Tenkara rather than fly fishing with a Tenkara rod do you plan to spend more time fishing Tenkara flies this season?
Hi Tom,
Yep. I have been since the fall. I’m still learning but so far it’s going well. But I won’t completely give up dry flies. They’re too fun!
Are you fishing mostly Western dry flies or something like a Japanese gujo? Also, are you matching hatches? I ask because I’m a lazy bastard and will always fish a general attractor if I can get away with it. For me that usually means a TenkaraBum CDC & Elk or an Orvis beetle pattern.
Hi Alex,
I don’t match the hatch much anymore. Last year, I used Japanese Hammers exclusively for dry flies (except for some hoppers in the fall) and then sakasa kebari the rest of the time. Like you, I prefer to fish attractors.
Jason, I can’t tell much differance in the amount of fish I catch, and it sure cuts down on how many flies you carry. I have cut down to one dry pattern (cdc & elk) and I still fish some killer bugs. I can’t go cold turkey. But if I don’t plan to fish Tenkara style I never will.
Hey thanks Jason–need to get back into tying again–your video kind of gives me the itch!!!!
Ron
Jason,That was a great instruction. I hope my old shakey hands can do it. I have never tied a fly before but you made it look pretty easy and I think I’ll give it a try. Thanks
Thanks Eddie. Sakasa kebari are a great way to get into fly tying since they’re easy to tie and don’t require a lot of materials.
Great video, I hadn’t tied in over 2 years and it has gotten me started again. I had forgotten how relaxing it is. Thanks