Tenkara on the Rio Grande
Today I got a chance to try out the release box that Karel from Tenkara on the Fly made for me. I really like it because it gives me plenty of time to take pictures of fish without having to worry about suffocating them or slipping out of my hands. Plus, I can pour them right from my net into the box, and then pour the box into the water to release them touch free. Here are a few pics…
I added some adhesive measuring tape to the bottom so I can measure fish while they’re in the box.
As a small modification, I’m going to add a shoulder strap to the release box so it’s easier to carry. As you can see, I didn’t catch any monsters today but had a good day overall. And it’s always fun when you get to play with a new toy on the water!
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Hmmm. Is this along the line of (western?) man’s tendency to take a simple thing and then add to it needlessly until it becomes another catalogue supported burdon? I’m guessing that you feel the photo box necessary to give documentation for your site, but frankly Jason, I trust yor word. Keep it simple.
Actually, it was invented in Japan by Tatsurou Oakaniwa of tenkara.com.
Seems like it would be a bit inconvienant to carry around while wading or casting but deffinitely a neat idea. Interested to see what modifications are made to it.
That’s why I’m going to add the shoulder strap. After that, it will be no more inconvenient to carry than a net. It will be on my back out of the way.
Why not use a clear plastic pouch instead, a lot less weight to carry
Karel already tried that. It’s difficult to get it to stand upright. The box is pretty light.
I can’t say for certain but I doubt I would use it. I rarely measure a fish and the pictures I take are taken quickly. However, I can see how some would advocate it’s use as it would make it easier in the handling of the fish to take the picture.
Beware of using this on catch and release only streams. The act of putting the fish into the box for photos can be considered “possessing” the fish and could garner you a written and costly reminder from the various game & fish wardens.
Thanks for bringing that up Vern. Good caveat. It’s ironic though since it’s actually gentler on the fish to take its picture in a release box than in your hand or on the rocks. Even more ironic that a “release” box could violate catch and release laws.
Although I think the box is of some interest, one of the reasons that tenkara attracted me is it’s simplicity. I carry very little and that feels liberating. I am not interested in carrying a box as it would defeat my goal of simplicity. Heck, I debate with myself just to carry a net!
-Tom
Is this an april fools joke? I find it hard to see how you are “enjoying the Zen-like simplicity and freedom of tenkara” when you are lugging a daggum aquarium around the backcountry?
Well everyone has their own concept of simplicity. Some people use a net, others don’t. I am not going to carry this box with me every time. It’s just fun to take it along sometimes. And I would hardly call it “lugging”. This release box weighs less than many peoples’ fly box. Considering that anglers in Japan use it and it was invented by the founder of Tenkara.com I don’t think it’s antithetical to Tenkara.
I think its a cool idea. not something I would want to carry on every trip, but were it would be really usefull is for experimentation and documentation. would be a lot easier to pick your one fly if you had a seasons full of documented, size, species, with pictures.
but then again when I get passionate about something I tend to get a little “Sciencey” haha 😛
I like it I don’t think I would carry it every time I fish but it would work well to get some good pictures of some very beautiful brookies I fish for in the mountains without harming the fish. It’s a box that’s kinda simple.
I seen Saltwater guides put Bone fish in the boat’s live well so they recover enough to keep from getting eaten by sharks when released. I’m glad we don’t have sharks in trout streams. I can see where it would help release the fish in a more gentler and healthy manner.
What are the dimensions of the box? I got the 12″ length, but what is the height and width?
Hi Vern. Height = 4 1/2″ and width = 2 1/2″. Most of the fish I catch are pretty small so this is a perfect size for me. Anything bigger might get a bit clunky.
Jason,
I think we all appreciate your research and sourcing of authentic Tenkara gear from Japan, but a catch and release box? Really?? This does seem like the gadgeteer-tenkarafile posting on April 1st!
But honestly, the sight of a fish in a plastic box is hardly pleasant (as a consumer of blog photos), and I think it’s very uncommon for any type of fisherman to feel the need to photograph such a large portion of their catch that they need a dedicated box to assist. After unintentionally killing a large cutbow while posing it for a photograph a few years back, I committed to never pausing for fish photography unless I was fishing with a partner who could help speed the process. And as far as it being healthier for the fish; wet your hands, fish barbless, and get the fish back into the stream as fast a possible. The best bet is to leave the camera AND plastic box at home, unless of course you write a fishing blog with lots of followers. Keep up the great work, Jason.
Well Jason, I do have to admit that your photos of those beautiful, jewel-like trout sure brighten up your site like nothing else can. What on this planet surpasses the beauty of a young trout? I deeply respect your consciencous effort to ensure these irreplaceable babes survive the grueling photo gravure session. That’s true sportsmanship.
Also if I may say so, to your credit, you made absolutely no suggestion that anyone else should maybe get one of these. You only stated your exitement that it worked for you. And that’s a relief.
Hi Jeffrey, that’s right. Just because I post about something doesn’t mean I use it 100% of the time or am suggesting it as a necessary piece of gear. I’m just exploring what’s out there and exposing it to those who might find it interesting. You can’t make a choice unless you know your options. So I just try to show people all different kinds of ideas, gear, and techniques and they can decide what resonates with them.
Wow, lots of “April fools joke” comments…
Whatever, nice release box, what did you use for adhesive? is that just plexi-glass or lexan? it also looks like the two side panels are slightly higher than the the end panels, was this just a measuring error? any issues with scratching with the panel material?
sure you not going to carry it 10 km into the bush but why not for shorter distance trips or open streams?
Looks like a very good way to take a picture of your catch without having to over-handle your catch.
Hi Jayme,
I didn’t make this so Karel might be a better person to ask. But I believe it’s plexi glass and that the adhesive was superglue. Karel, is that right?
Jayme, that’s my thinking–wouldn’t take it on a hardcore hike in trip but it’s nice to take it out every once in a while when fishing near the car. Gland you got that.
I woke up laughing in the middle of the night, wondering who’s warier – we or the trout. One odd presentation and we got spooked! Mumbled, “buncha troutheads” and rolled over.
Love these boxes, mine is from japan with a strap, never know it’s there, 100% better for the fish and I LOVE to see them in a swimming natural position to look at. They also have time to get composed before you let them go.I wont go without mine now , if your worried about carrying a little thing like this just go naked and forget your boots and shoes as well, go simple, LOL