One Fly: An Experiment in Color
The Takayama sakasa kebari is a classic tenkara fly that is tied in many color variations. But basically, it’s characterized by having a thread abdomen, a peacock thorax, and forward facing hackle. My first encounter with this fly was the red version so that’s what I chose to base my interpretation on. Here’s my recipe for what I consider the Royal Coachman of tenkara flies…
Takayama Sakasa Kebari
Hook: Umpqua C500BL #10
Thread: Red Uni, 8/0
Hackle: Male Ringneck Pheasant
Thorax: 3 strands of peacock eye, twisted and wrapped
Abdomen: Red thread, tapered toward thorax
This is a great all around searching pattern whose contrasts and color combinations seem to work particularly well on attractor-prone species such as brook trout. But this pattern is just a template. Try out different color combinations and see what works best out in your neck of the woods.
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How are you liking these Umpqua Competition Hooks? I like the looks of these and may have to try some at some point.
Hi Craig,
I like them a lot. They have a nice black finish and a more circular bend which I think helps with setting the hook. Read more about them here: https://www.tenkaratalk.com/2012/05/umpqua-competition-hooks/
Thanks for the link to the older post. I’ll have to try adn find some at some point to try out.
I highly recommend going to Takayama and fishing a sakasa kebari.
You will be glad you did.
Tenkara Bum carried this pattern at one time. It was named the “Christmas Kebari”. This is a fantastic brookie fly. Try a yellow body for big bluegills.
Shame on you for publicizing my most productive fly! I consistently use this pattern for wild browns, brookies, and even native rainbows in our local headwater streams; it never disappoints. I also tie it with a black body and red hotspot forward of the herl, which seems to be a little more appealing to fish in slower, clearer waters.
Great looking!!
Jason,
Do you have any videos of tying your flies? Do you sell them?
Thanks,
Rob
Hi Rob, here’s one video: https://www.tenkaratalk.com/2012/01/how-to-tie-a-tenkara-fly/
I do sell some flies. Right now I only have a few patterns in stock. Email me through the contact form if you’re interested.