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Fly fishing is well known to many anglers across the country, especially those who have visited or are currently visiting fishing tours on the Putorana Plateau. Using these lures, you can catch a variety of noble predators, such as grayling, whitefish, and lenok.
To catch a large taimen, it's best to use mice or larger lures. However, smaller river tigers are easily and happily caught on a hook rigged with a fly. This article explores the specifics of tenkara fishing.
Where does tenkara originate?
Tenkara is a fishing method that originated in Asia. Given that most bodies of water in this region are shallow, have strong currents, or are located in the mountains, this type of fishing is practically indispensable. Today, this fishing method is known on every continent.
This method got its interesting name from the tackle of the same name. It's worth noting that using certain tackle allows you to catch a variety of fish even in small streams. It's these advantages that have earned tenkara its popularity.
How is tenkara equipped?
Every angler has a set of tackle. They can be used while rafting, far from the mainland. Tenkara is ideal for the cold Siberian waters where fishing trips to the Putorana Plateau take place. The following tackle is essential:
- Fishing rod. Previously, when fishermen didn't have high-tech fishing gear made of carbon, fiberglass, and the like, bamboo served its purpose perfectly. Nowadays, any ultralight fishing rod made of flexible, durable material, 3.6-4.5 meters long, is used.
- Line. This element of the rig must have a special, tight braid. Its length can vary depending on the angler's tenkara skills. Beginners are recommended to use lines the same length as the rod. More experienced, seasoned anglers use longer braids, up to 12 meters long.
- Fly. While large lures are used in fly fishing, for this method, smaller or finer lures should be used.
- Leader. For Asian-style predator fishing, rods are equipped with fluorocarbon lines with a diameter of 0.1-0.14 mm and lengths of 0.6-1.2 m.
Tenkara is often combined with fly fishing and can yield quite a few hefty trophies.
How to cast a bait using the tenkara method?
The foundation of this fishing method is proper casting. Tenkara anglers use the following casting techniques:
1. Overhead casting – casting occurs overhead. During the cast, the angler moves their arms clockwise, performing a backswing and a throw with stops. The first stop should be at 12 o'clock (according to the clock face), and the second at 14 o'clock.
2. The shot is performed by sharply straightening the rod. Aim the casting point with one hand, while holding the tackle with the other. Then, release the bait sharply, and it flies in the desired direction.
3. Side-by-side – similar to the overhead, but differs in that the rod moves sideways rather than overhead. This technique is familiar to every spinning angler.
These types of casting are used by fishermen.
Summing up
As we've seen, tenkara presents no particular difficulty for experienced anglers. This method allows for catching large numbers of predatory fish on the Putorana Plateau, even in small rivers and streams. There are a huge number of such bodies of water in the country of 1,000 lakes and waterfalls.
Beginners will find it challenging at first, but with time, their experience will inevitably lead to more fish caught. This means they have the opportunity to win a fishing trip. This not only provides a wealth of enjoyment but also earns them a memorable prize.
