In the serene mountain streams of the Carolinas and Virginia, a unique fishing method called Tenkara is gaining popularity.
This ancient Japanese technique offers a simple yet effective way to fish, especially in the small waters where native brook trout thrive.
What is Tenkara Fishing?
Tenkara is a traditional Japanese fly-fishing method that uses a fixed line attached to a long, flexible rod.
Unlike conventional fly fishing, Tenkara doesn’t require a reel. This simplicity makes it ideal for fishing in tight, brushy streams where casting space is limited.
Why Tenkara Suits the Appalachian Streams?
The lightweight, telescopic rods used in Tenkara are perfect for hiking into remote mountain areas. Since the line is fixed, there’s no need for complex casting or line management.
This means your fly spends more time in the water, increasing the chances of attracting the often elusive brook trout.
Amanda Hoffner: A Passionate Tenkara Angler
Amanda Hoffner, known online as “Lady Tenkara Bum,” is a prominent figure in the Tenkara community.
Based near Charlotte, North Carolina, she balances her time between her work as a traveling nurse and her passion for Tenkara fishing.
Through her website, ladytenkarabum.com, and the Heritage Tenkara Project, she promotes this fishing style and shares her experiences.
A Personal Connection to Tradition and Healing
Being half-Japanese, Hoffner found a deep connection to her heritage through Tenkara. She explains, “The way they fished it there is exactly the way we fished it today.
They would fish for their village with a basket on their back; it’s a very efficient way of fishing.”
After the loss of her brother in 2014, Hoffner turned to nature and Tenkara fishing as a source of healing.
She reflects, “Getting outside has healed me these past ten years that he has been gone. There’s nothing like Tenkara; it brings me closer to nature.”
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The Joy of Fishing for Native Brook Trout
While native brook trout are typically small, averaging four to six inches, the experience of fishing for them is about more than size. It’s about the tranquility of nature and the thrill of the catch.
As Hoffner puts it, “We should be in awe, be in awe of everything. As little kids, we lose sight of enjoying life, just taking fresh air. Tenkara brings me closer to awe.”
Conclusion
Tenkara fishing offers a simple, effective, and deeply rewarding way to connect with nature.
Its growing popularity in the United States, especially in the Appalachian regions, is a testament to its effectiveness and the joy it brings to anglers like Amanda Hoffner.
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