Tenkara Today Book Review
New to tenkara? There’s an app for that! Last year, I heard about an English language tenkara app published by Tsuribito Magazine. I thought it was interesting but didn’t download it since it was geared towards beginners. But today, curiosity finally got the better of me. I wanted to see exactly what it was, so today, I finally downloaded it.
I was really impressed with not only how much information it contained, but the quality of the information. First of all, there are lots of really good diagrams animations, and videos showing proper casting techniques, where and when to fish, knots and more. I think the best part though is that the app not only shows you the right way to do things, but also addresses common problems beginners face (like if you can’t get your cast to turn over, etc.). Sometimes, I feel it’s just as important to address the wrong way to do something as it is to show the right way–something most tutorials neglect.
There’s also some good content on fly tying with some very unique patterns with step-by-step instructions and high-quality photos.
Overall, this is a really great app and I highly recommend it for the tenkara novice. Now, for the best part… It’s only $1.99! With so much quality content, this is an incredible value and will surely shorten your learning curve.
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The video embedded in the app of Yoshida tying the sakasa kebari is on the Honda website. About a week ago I posted the link on the TUSA forum. The difference is the video in the app plays through as one video and it has English subtitles. vs the Honda entry where the video is broken into 10 Chapters (Steps) and it lacks the English subtitles. For a preview of the video in the app you can watch the video on the Honda website. The Yoshida casting video is also pretty good, but I haven’t seen it elsewhere. His casting instruction is a bit different from what I usually see and from how I cast. But his method might be better for beginners.
I downloaded the app when it was first available. When I saw the blog entry title I was hoping it signaled an update, a second issue, had become available. Actually the iPad app is like iBooks, it’s a library or bookshelf like app, and if I recall correctly the download steps the app is free, it’s the first issue ( only issue thus far) that cost $1.99.
As always David, thanks for the extra info. 🙂 Looking forward to another issue coming out. Wish I had the resources to make my own app.
For anyone interested here is the link to the same kebari tying video that is embedded into the iPad app. Except here it lacks the English subtitles, and it is divided into 10 Steps ( listed as Chapters) instead of playing through as a single video.
http://www.honda.co.jp/fishing/skillup/tenkaraflies/index.html#chapter01
If you are not familiar with him. The guy tying the kebari is Takashi Yoshida [吉田 孝（よしだ たかし）]. He is the representative/chairman of the Tenkara Club Yoshida Fly/Kebari Association. [テンカラ同好会 吉田毛鉤会].
Once a month he teaches a class at TOKYO Trout Country [
TOKYOトラウトカントリー ].
This is a link to his blog. Only in Japanese language.
http://yoshidakebari.jugem.jp/
Wow, this is some cool stuff! A lot has changed in the last 5 years. Before 2010 it was fairly hard to find any written instruction, or to find it with detailed pictures and or animations. It’s a good time to learn the craft. Thanks Jason for your blog and continued enthusiasm.
Thanks for the heads up on this app. I love the fly tying article. The visual menu of materials is much better than a list.
Ok, so being the cell phone/computer dummy i have to ask. Is this iPad app available for Android? Thanks.
Hi Timmy,
Shoot, forgot about that. Yes, it’s also available for Android here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.tsuribito.tenkara.android&hl=en