Traditional Japanese Fly Tenkara 2 |
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| There are flies I got at various places or tied by myself. It is interesting that tenkara fly has local color. |
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Okumikawa area
The Oku Mikawa Highlands is located in the southwest of the Kiso Mountains (Central Alps), and is next to Nagano Prefecture, and the tenkara fishing of amago is superior.
In the area, the method to hook the trout that is called "Karabari (Hanging hook)" has been handed down.
The occupational fisher Eiji Ito of Taguchi Shitara-cho used rod 3.9m, furled tapered line of white horse tail 2m, tippet number 1.5 (6lbs.), and 4.2m in total length.
It had a karabari in the tip, and a fly above 10-15cm as a dropper.
The Karabari is tied only by black cotton thread.
In the best season (after May), the method without the karabari was used.
The left is fly that I reproduced referring to "Mountain fishing".
Two of the centers are flies that I tied referring to Asuke kebari of Yahagigawa river of "Tenkara Fishing".
The right is kebari that I tied referring to the kebari of bulbul wing hackle of Asuke rod maker Takeo Suzuki of "Tenkara Fishing"(Sources of reference: Mountain fishing by Fujio Suzuno Rural Culture Association Japan 1993, Tenkara Fishing edited by Soseki Yamamoto Ikeda Publishing Co., Ltd. 1989) |
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Kaga area
Kaga-kebari fly's origin goes back until Edo period.
Kaga is present Ishikawa Prif.
At that time, Kaga Domain encouraged the river fishing (sweetfish) as samurai's privilege,
and competed for not only the fishing results but also the making and the beauty of their flies.
In the Meiji period (1868-1912), anybody was allowed to enjoy fishing, and selling flies became businesses.
Kaga's artificial flies for the sweetfish were displayed at National Exhibition in 1890, and they were praised for their beauty by the people all over the nation.
The technique of the traditional craftwork of the Japan paint and gold foil is used for small flies.
Photo's flies were tied with the traditional craftwork of sweet fish by Meboso Hachirobei Co. as flies for the Iwana and Yamame.
(Sources of reference: Digital Archives of Ishikawa Japan, Web page Meboso Hachirobei Co.) |
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Banshu area
The history of Banshu flies originate in Takagun Banshu area (Nishiwaki Hyogo prefecture).
A record of methods of fly production of the late Edo Period has been found in the Banshu area.
The tradition of Banshu flies achieved through skillful incorporation of techniques developed in Kyoto, and it is carried on to this day.
Today, Kaga, Tosa, and Banshu are representative fly-producing region in Japan.
Banshu flies are designated as a traditional craftwork of excellence by the Ministry of industry and Trade.
Photo's flies were tied by Ryuoh Fly Shop as flies of mountain stream for trout, etc.
(Sources of reference: Banshu fly Pamphlet Banshu Tsuribari Coop. Kitaharima Industrial Deveropment Org. 2004) |
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Kyoto area
Traditional fly in Kyoto.
The original fly had hackle of blue dun, body of peacock herl, tail of dark brown hackle tip.
Hook was bait hook of trout fishing and eye was made by dark brown yarn.
Photos are process of reproduction and finished fly.
Photo's fly hook is Gamakatsu Yamame No.8 and eye is Kevlar yarn.
A way to attach the eye of yarn is as follows.
Tie folded strong yarn in half with thread under the shank of the hook and put head cement or instant glue after that.
Finish the shank of the hook as slender as possible.
(Sources of reference: The world of Flyfishing Tenkara secrets by Soseki Yamamoto Asahi Sonorama 1987) |
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Typical Tenkara
These have hackle of Japanese pheasant's alula, body of cotton of flowering fern, ribbing of flat gold tinsel,
or body of yellow wool yarn, under body of flat gold tinsel.
The last fly has hackl of sparrow's primaries. ( Tied by myself. 2001 ) |
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