Minimalism is Everything

Tenkara fishing is simple however the skill behind it is not.

This is the process of how I arrived at the way I practice tenkara.

Use a list to prove to yourself what you use and what you don’t need.

My definition of tenkara is more about skill than the equipment I carry.

The skill in reading water, the approach to a stream, the technique of delivering a fly can be honed razor sharp by using only what we need.

I suggest a process of improving your skill by using a written list. Write it all down, every last piece of what you carry in your kit. Go fishing. When you come back, the things that you didn’t use, cross off. The things that really helped you, circle. Carry the same kit next time and when you get back, cross off the things you didn’t use and again, circle the things that helped you. Now remove the things you crossed off and improve on the things you circled.

You carried two rods but only used one?

Next time use one. (You will learn to protect it.)

It’s a process of identification and elimination.

Use the list until you can do it in your head.

Focus on improving what you use, eliminate what you don’t and do that by being honest with yourself.

Filter your outlook on tenkara through this process.

Why choose minimalism?

Improving your skill in fishing is how you will improve over your lifetime.

Do you really need all that extra stuff?

I bet you use very little out of your kit.

I carry one rod, two lines, a few kebari, a nipper, a hemostat, rod un-stick pads in a small bag and sometimes a net, that’s it. The rod I use is versatile and compact. Each component of my kit is designed to be versatile and useful.

I use a zoom rod to handle a variety of stream types. I carry a long and short line to enhance the diversity of the zoom rod. I use a slightly heavier line to handle a little wind. I developed my own kebari, a style of fly that I use on the surface, wet or sink it deeply with the addition of hidden tungsten bead.

Focus on what works, get rid of unnecessary habits or equipment that you do not use. Move away from the comforts of stuff. Rely on your skill. Improvise in difficult moments, what you need to do with what you have. Minimalism enhances learning new skills. Fishing is about skill.

1. Carry just what you need.
2. Focus on improving the things you use the most.
3. Your fishing skill becomes a process of improvement.

Minimalists are constantly sharpening their fishing skill. People that carry a lot of gear become good at shopping.

You only need what works.

Your skill determines your success.

Improve your skill by efficiency.

p.s. I was asked by Anthony Naples to write an article for his web site, "Casting Around" I have updated that article here. If you liked the article, there are more that go with it, "Wrong Kebari" -  "Casting Practice for Accuracy" - "Lightweight Travel Tips"