Tenkara is simplicity. Tenkara is poetry in motion. And
Tenkara is the form of fly fishing that I find myself gravitating towards more
and more each and every day. Because of this my passion grows with wild abandon
and makes me froth at the mouth in search of all things Tenkara be they
techniques, flies, or even additional items that could relate to Tenkara.
As a Tenkara angler and the Head Blogger here at
TenkaraGrasshopper I am always looking for those cool items that might help to
add to my experiences with Tenkara. Being a Tenkara angler has opened my eyes
to the beauty and simplicity that Tenkara instills in a person. But, deep down,
you will still find the gear whore that I truly am.
That being said in 100% confidence, I have been on the
search for those individuals who are true craftsmen or craftswomen and
personify the true character of Tenkara. My search has brought me many
successes starting with Mr. Daniel Galhardo and TenkaraUSA. The craftsmanship
found in the rods and additional accessories that are sold like the traditional
tamos is truly awe-inspiring to the uninitiated and the initiated. The passion
for a product that performs it’s intended purposes in the most stellar way is
what attracts me to a manufacturing firm such as Tenkara USA .
Having received the Tenkara USA Ito rod as a gift I knew without a doubt that I
had found happiness in a rod that has far exceeded my expectations as a Tenkara
angler.
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| TenkaraUSA Tamo Photo Courtesy of TenkaraGrasshopper |
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| TenkaraUSA Ito Rod Photo Courtesy of TenkaraGrasshopper.com |
My adventures in discovering quality craftsmanship continued
when I found The Finest Fly Tying
Benches of Colorado crafted in the state by Mr. Jay Burge a consummate
woodworker who exudes a passion for woodworking that far surpasses the notion
of an individual who simply likes the smell of wood. Mr. Burge commits body,
mind and soul to the benches that he makes in his home shop. The passion for
the wood that he works with jumps out at you when you are sitting in front of
one of his creations, while tying one of your favorite kebari patterns for
either your next trip or even the coming season. I know from personal
experience that this is exactly the way I feel when I am sheltered from the
outside world in the Tenkara Man
Cave
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| Finest Fly Tying Benches of Colorado Photo Courtesy of TenkaraGrasshopper |
I have come across other items that make my life as a
Tenkara angler easier and more fun both on and off the water. One item in
particular is the Mountain Ridge Gear
Fishing Buddy designed and made by Mr. Eric Lynn of Colorado
Springs , Colorado United
States of America , out of his own home, I
smile knowing that I am supporting a true American hero. Some might say that
the Fishing Buddy is too big
to be considered a Tenkara specific chest pack yet I find myself heartily
disagreeing with them. (I am currently working on a review post right now so
please be patient and you will find out why I feel this way about the Fishing Buddy!)
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| Mountain Ridge Gear Fishin' Buddy Chest Pack Photo Courtesy of MRG.com |
After discovering the Fishing Buddy and using it
extensively, it appeared that I had entered the proverbial Tenkara craft
doldrums until I was contacted by a craftsman who I found to be a true breath
of fresh air in my endless search for that special item that could add to the
world of Tenkara. And who you ask could do such a thing?
Ladies and gentleman, please let
me introduce Mr. Richard Kolodny of Fly Fishing Artwork.
Richard is the prime example of a craftsman who has embraced Tenkara
whole-heartedly and brought it into his life. Mr. Kolodny is also studying the
Japanese culture and integrating aspects into his daily life or at least his
life in his workshop. Richard does have a day job that keeps him busy for a
large part of the year but he also has taken Tenkara to heart and is now
crafting in his home workshop an item that will add that special something to a
Tenkara anglers Cave of Wonderous Items.
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| MANKAINO |
| HANA |
