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Ever since our last fishing experience with the fishing guides in Shirotoricho Hokijima, I learned about keiryu fishing. Initially, I believed I was taught tenkara fishing. However, I discovered that both methods differ from each other. This was a new experience for me, especially coming from my childhood in Switzerland where I used a fishing rod with a reel, and I always assumed it was the only method.

Here are the two Japanese fishing methods described:

Tenkara Fishing
Tenkara is a traditional Japanese method of fly fishing, primarily used in mountainous streams for trout.

Key Characteristics:

• Rod: Tenkara rods are long (typically 11-14 feet or 3.35 x 4.27 meters), lightweight, and telescopic. They are designed without a reel.
• Line: The line is attached directly to the tip of the rod and consists of a main line (usually a tapered line) and a tippet.
• Fly: Tenkara uses artificial flies that imitate aquatic insects.
• Technique: Casting in Tenkara is simple and focuses on precision and delicacy.
• Fishing Environment: Tenkara is best suited for small, clear mountain streams where stealth and accurate presentations are crucial.

Keiryu Fishing
Keiryu fishing, also a traditional Japanese method, is more versatile and used in various freshwater environments, such as streams, rivers, and lakes.

Key Characteristics:

• Rod: Keiryu rods are also long and telescopic but tend to be shorter than Tenkara rods, typically ranging from 8 to 12 feet or 2.44 x 3.66 meters.
• Line: The line is attached directly to the rod tip, similar to Tenkara.
• Bait: Unlike Tenkara, Keiryu often uses live or natural bait such as worms, insects, or small aquatic creatures.
• Technique: The technique involves drifting the bait naturally with the current.
• Fishing Environment: Keiryu is versatile and can be used in a variety of freshwater environments.

Comparison of Tenkara and Keiryu Fishing

• Rods: Tenkara rods are longer and designed specifically for fly fishing, while Keiryu rods are shorter and designed for a variety of bait presentations.
• Line and Reel: Both methods don’t use a reel; lines are attached directly to the rod tip. Tenkara uses a tapered line designed for fly casting, while Keiryu uses a straight nylon or fluorocarbon line.
• Bait: Tenkara uses artificial flies, while Keiryu uses live or natural bait.
• Technique: Tenkara focuses on precise, delicate fly presentation, while Keiryu focuses on natural bait presentation.
• Fishing Environment: Tenkara is ideal for small, clear mountain streams targeting trout, while Keiryu is versatile and suitable for streams, rivers, and lakes, targeting a broader range of fish species.

Summary
Tenkara is specialized for fly fishing in small mountain streams, using long rods and artificial flies for precise and delicate presentations. Keiryu is more versatile, using shorter rods and live or natural bait, suitable for various freshwater environments and targeting a broader range of fish species. Both methods emphasize simplicity and a close connection to nature, but they cater to different fishing scenarios and techniques.

Having delved into these two methods, I find myself unsure which of these methods I was exactly taught. I did use a long telescopic rod over 4 meters long with real bait, and yet I was fishing in small mountain streams, similar to tenkara fishing. Perhaps somebody else can clarify this, or maybe I was just taught a hybrid method. Or perhaps, in the end, the names of the methods don’t really matter, as long as I am fishing and having fun.

#fishing #tenkara #keiryu #japanesefishing #angling