Page 19 - 2020 May/June Outdoor Oklahoma

and they needed gear that was simple and portable.
The long rod allows the angler to present an arti- DON P. BROWN/ODWC
ficial fly in a very precise manner. There is no reel or
spool of line to worry with; only a length of line ending
with a lighter tippet to tie on a tiny fly. The length of
line is normally about the length of the rod, or maybe
a bit longer.
As for tenkara technique, “most people pick it up
quickly,” Vidrine said. “The kids call it ‘whip fishing.’
Anybody can learn to do it.”
Similar to traditional fly fishing, a tenkara angler will
snap the rod back and forth to position his fly before
letting it fall into the water. Vidrine says tenkara is best
used in smaller water bodies and streams or creeks.
But because it is ultralight fishing, the wind can easily
hamper the angler’s casting efforts.
Several companies now offer tenkara fishing gear
in America. Vidrine said the expense is comparable
to what you might pay for a high-quality rod-and-
reel combo. Modern tenkara rods are usually made
of fiberglass or carbon fiber and are very light. They
are often telescoping rods that extend from about 20
inches to 12 feet. Rods come in a carrying tube that
can easily hold everything an angler needs.
“These are amazing for hiking. It weighs next to
nothing.”
called kebari. They differ from a standard Western Watch on tv!
The flies that are used in authentic tenkara are

artificial fly in that it is a wet fly with a special reverse
hackle — instead of feathers or hair tied facing back-
ward to cover the hook, they are tied facing forward DON P. BROWN/ODWC
to create more disturbance in the water.
Vidrine said during the past several years, he’s
noticed more traditional fly fisherman trying their
luck at local urban fishing areas. Many are curious to
learn about the method Vidrine is using.
“I’ve met so many great people all the time I’ve been
fishing. But it’s a different technique for sure.”
But he’s never once run across another tenkara
angler while fishing. Perhaps as society has learned
to slow down some, more people will take to tenkara. Watch Michael Vidrine as he enjoys a tenkara
fishing trip on the “Outdoor Oklahoma” TV
“There’s lots of opportunity. It’s an easy way to get episode set to air at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 10, on
out with the kids, to go out for an hour or two. OETA. Watch the TV show online anytime at
“It is so much fun.” youtube.com/OutdoorOklahoma.

MAY/JUNE 2020 17