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Tenkara Rigging: The Standard

Written by Martin Montejano


There are a few ideas that are echoed throughout the articles we have published on our site: the simplicity of tenkara, and the idea that our individual angling styles are often formed by the waters we fish. There is plenty of overlap of these two concepts, and it could even stir up a chicken and the egg-style paradox. Do we fish tenkara because of the waters we like, or do we fish certain waters because of tenkara?


Regardless of one’s own outlook on the matter, one thing is certain - Tenkara really is a great tool for fishing those high-gradient mountain streams. That is the environment in which the style was developed, and where we feel it really excels. We wrote about this before in an article which I will link below…



With the roots of tenkara embedded in fishing for trout and char in the mountain streams of Japan, the style is tailored and developed to fish those types of waters. Oftentimes, with a relatively steep gradient, the water flowing down becomes more turbulent as it comes in contact with structure such as rocks or log jams. This causes more complex currents than one would generally find on sections of a river closer to the ocean where it’s wide and featureless. Swirling eddies and converging currents play off the boulders and downed trees that decorate the riverbed, creating a variety of spots where trout may hide from the current while they keep an eye out for insects swept up in the flows. This is where the advantages of tenkara really become apparent.


Utilizing the length of the rod, we’re able to cast and suspend a fly in one of those eddies off to the side, or easily maintain a drift in a current or seam, all while keeping the majority of the line off the water. As it pertains to the rigging, using one fly at the end of the line makes this more manageable and more simple.


Of the benefits of using one fly, you will find it is easier to cast one fly than it is to cast a rig with multiple flies. You won’t have to worry about multiple flies tangling. Accuracy is also more easily achieved with one fly, which can be an important factor in one’s success. In addition, maintaining the right depth and path in which the fly drifts through the water is easier with one fly, as there is less influence from line or other flies that may be dragged around in different directions by the complex currents in a mountain stream.


Another added benefit of using one fly is the ability to animate the fly. We talked about this a little in an earlier post where we brushed up on the term “sasoi,” which is used as a way to draw the fish’s attention with the goal to elicit a strike. If you’re interested in reading that article, you can find it linked below…



In the article, we talk about the idea that some kebari may have been designed with the intention of animating the fly. Of course, there are ways one can benefit and even animate rigs that use multiple flies, but using just one fly. As it is, fishing one fly is the most simple, and often the most effective rig in tenkara.

The Standard Tenkara Rigging

This simplicity is reflected in the way it is set up as well. You may already be familiar with it, but the short and sweet summary is that from the lillian of the rod, you will have your casting line attached. The casting line can be any length you need, but the general rule of thumb is that you match the casting line to the length of the rod.


At the end of the casting line, you attach your tippet. The tippet used will come down to individual preference, as will the length of the tippet. Something to consider both in your casting line and tippet length is that the longer each of them are, the more difficult it becomes to cast them.


Lastly, at the end of the tippet you will attach your fly. It doesn’t have to be a kebari, and many people find success using flies that they’re already confident in using, whether it’s a dry fly or even a weighted nymph.



It’s a simple setup, but an effective one at that. Even though the rig is simple, there are still ways you can adjust it to your preferences, or the needs of the situation. Changes in the fly, the length of the tippet, are fairly quick and easy to do. Outside of that, changes to the length or diameter of the casting line can be made. Find what works for you and the situations in which you fish!


For anyone looking for a couple short videos about setting up your tenkara rod and the suggested knots, we put together a short playlist titled "Tenkara Set Up" that you can watch by clicking the link!


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