Karin Miller, founder of Colorado-based Zen Tenkara, visited with Fly Life Magazine.com Editor-at-Large Steve Hudson for a far-reaching discussion of how tenkara fits into the bigger world of flyfishing. Here’s what she had to say (see Sources below).
By Henry Clement
Tenkara: A Practical Approach
Fly shops can benefit from lowering the barriers to entry for fly fishing, especially since Tenkara is highly portable—the entire system fits in a lightweight backpack.
The concern that Tenkara will cut into sales of traditional fly rods is unfounded
This industry fear is often repeated at fly-fishing shows, in online discussions, and by rod-and-reel reps parroting their employers. Face it—Tenkara is beginner-friendly.
Karin makes a point with a nice trout.
It can be highlighted by a fly shop email campaign to emphasize its advantages:
- Tenkara is easy to use and not intimidating; fly casting with a conventional fly rod is often the overwhelming deterrent to fly fishing.
- Tenkara is affordable
- No reel or $100 fly line needed.
It is perfect for backpackers as a compact, stowaway option. Its gear is simple and compact, making it easier to employ in a limited space than many conventional fly-fishing products.
- A small Tenkara section in a fly shop can serve as an entry point, encouraging further fly-fishing purchases.
- The best approach is to promote Tenkara as a gateway product and a specialized niche, not just a novelty.
- Tenkara appeals to beginners, kids, backpackers, seniors, people with disabilities, and those seeking a simpler setup.
- Its practicality lies in fewer parts—reducing mistakes and setup time.
Fly shops can attract new anglers at low cost, enhance education, and remain relevant in a market increasingly driven by direct-to-consumer sales.
Sources:
Zen Tenkara (Karin Miller), Hatch Magazine, Thom Glace phone interview, Midcurrent (several good videos provided by others), and Steve Hudson.
Video by Mad River Outfitters
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