So much of tenkara fishing overlaps with conventional fly fishing. But despite the commonalities, there are a few differences. One of these differences is the use of the term “level line”. When fly anglers hear this term they generally think of the running line section of their fly line, or the back…
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you and yours! The Zen family would like to wish you and your family the best holiday ever. We’d also like to thank you for your continued support over the years and for your enthusiasm for tenkara. As the New year approaches, we’ll continue…
If you ever only target little 6″ to 8″ trout on your tenkara rod like the Zen Suzume, then you’ve probably never run into this situation. But if you ever target or accidentally get into a bigger fish, 20″ on up, or intentionally chase more powerful species like sockeye, coho…
If you have read this blog in the past or subscribe to the Zen Newsletter, you know that while I do love traditional tenkara, I also love to push the boundaries of this fixed-line fly fishing method and test its limits. I often find the opportunity to do this in…
Just after the Christmas holiday my husband and I flew down to Baja California, Sur. We were heading there to attend our friend’s wedding vow renewal ceremony and celebrate with them. I had never been on “that side” of Mexico before and thought it was the perfect opportunity to squeeze…
About a week ago I received an email from Angling Trade Media. If you’re not familiar with the group, it “is the only independent media group in the world specifically dedicated to covering the business of fly fishing in North America and has been for the past 16 years. It’s…
I have, over the years, landed a broad range of species on tenkara rods. Everything from carp to trigger fish. I have been told by many that I probably hold a world record for the most species caught by this method. The challenge has become a bit of an obsession.…
A recent trip to New Orleans was spurred by an AFFTA Confluence taking place there this past October 22nd and 23rd. AFFTA stands for the American Fly Fishing Trade Association which represents the community of fly fishing businesses aligned around the sustainable growth of fly fishing. Its members include…
As a small Colorado company, we love to collaborate with other local businesses to build relationships and support each other. It’s a great way to meet a number of wonderful, solid people and learn about other Colorado companies. Zen recently had a terrific night at Spirit Houd Distilleries, makers of…
If you are in Colorado on October 8th and near Lyons, you have an opportunity to participate in a FREE class at Spirit Hound Distillery. Karin Miller, Owner and Founder of Zen Tenkara will be providing an overview of tenkara rods, lines, casting, fish play and landing techniques. This is…
Fly rods breaks. If you’ve been fishing a while, you’ve probably had this happen. Usually a fish is not the cause but sometimes, particularly in saltwater fly fishing, it is. More commonly the culprit is a truck door, a tree, a car tire, and yes, the angler. The fix typically…
Recently I received a request for help from a tenkara angler who was struggling with generating an effective hook set. As I responded to his email, it got me thinking that I hear a lot of other anglers describe a similar struggle, especial when they start out. I figured what…
This article was written by Steve Hudson and published in FlyLifeMagazine.com. He and his wife have been exploring tenkara and landed some incredibly impressive fish. His wife Trish Hudson just might be the Fish Whisperer. We thought we’d share their fun here. Read on: Little fish, big fish – tenkara…
As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, fall fishing in 6 Mile Canyon offers a unique opportunity to hone your skills and target brown trout like never before. Let’s delve into effective tenkara fishing techniques, essential American Tenkara tips, and fall fly fishing strategies designed to help…
I’m home from Alaska. It was amazing and never seems to stop offering up glory, wonder and awh. Once again, Rapids Camp Lodge took incredible care of us and Mother Nature was in full cooperation mode as tempuratures were mild and pleasant. The only rain we had was on the…
On July 21st Zen heads for the seventh consecutive year, back to Rapids Camp Lodge in Alaska. This home-away-from home lodge is a place of pure indulgence. They own both a Beaver and an Otter float place plus a jet that picks you up in Anchorage and is part of…
This past week I headed to Montana after the Memorial Day crowds had packed up and headed home. Our destination was Forth Smith, Montana to be exact. A group of 6 of us were heading up to fly fish with Big Horn Anglers. We rented a three bedroom cabin that…
