Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast

Episode 16 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast is doing double duty as a "Supersized" edition of the Tenkara Moves series. In this episode Anthony talks to Jonathan Antunez about fishing wet flies with tenkara rods. Jonathan offers up insight and advice on both taking wet fly fishing back to its fixed line origins while also bringing it up to the state-of-the-art utilizing modern tenkara rods and lines. Show Notes: The art of trout fishing on rapid streams by H.C. Cutcliffe Check out these videos by Adam (Fly Anorak) on YouTube to see some more Cutcliffe patterns and learn more about them. Patagonia video featuring the traditional Italian fixed-line style called Pesca alla Valsesiana Jonathan Antunez's "Trout Conjurer" Instagram account Want to see more? Visit ⁠Tenkara Angler

In Episode 15 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, Amanda, Anthony, Matt, and Mike answer listener (& reader) submitted questions from the tenkara community. The topics reviewed include a discussion of furled vs. level lines, a "go to" fly, beginner tenkara skills, rod breakage, Patagonia, bucket list tenkara fishing destinations, and the difference between tenkara vs. fixed line fishing. We really enjoyed this change up in the podcast programming, and hope you like it too. Check it out! Show Notes: 00:10 - Introduction 01:45 - Furled Lines vs. Level Lines (Submitted by Andy) 15:02 - "Go To" Flies (Submitted by Dave) 25:30 - One Tenkara Skill for Beginners (Submitted by Dave) 37:39 - Rod Breakage in the Elements (Submitted by Gary) 44:01 - Patagonia? (Submitted by Dario & Fer) 47:35 - "Bucket" List Tenkara Destinations (Audible by Anthony) 52:22 - Tenkara vs. Fixed Line Fishing (Submitted by Arran) 59:21 - Closing Remarks --- Want to see more? Visit Tenkara Angler

In Episode 14 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, Amanda, Anthony, Mike, and Tom cover several topics in a grab bag of conversation. Starting with current events, we discuss the new print issue of Tenkara Angler, the Appalachian Tenkara Anglers fly swap, and an upcoming Tenkara 101 course. The conversation then transitions into a deep dive of what techniques each angler uses to find and scout new-to-them waters. We also play the overrated / underrated game with two topics sent in by a friend. To close, the back half of the podcast features an interview with Casey & Kevin Canfield of Rocky MTN Tenkara to learn a little bit about their backgrounds, their interest in tenkara, and the direction they're taking the company. Level Line Podcast Episode 14 Show Notes: 00:10 - Introduction 01:12 - Current Events⁠⁠⁠ 09:40 - Scouting Water⁠⁠⁠ 28:07 - Overrated / Underrated 40:59 - Q&A Ask 42:40 - Interview with Rocky MTN Tenkara 48:50 - Fishing in New Mexico 51:38 - Rocky MTN Tenkara's Niche 54:35 - Rod Lineup - Chico & Rio 1:00:34 - Conservation 1:02:38 - Where to Find Rocky MTN Tenkara

In Episode 13 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, Anthony, Matt, Mike, and Tom discuss several different topics of note including upcoming tenkara community events, cold weather fishing, overrated / underrated, what books influenced their tenkara, and then wrap it up noting our Tenkara USA Amago giveaway and the conclusion of the Riverworks Oni conversion program. Check it out! Level Line Podcast Episode 13 Show Notes: 00:12 - Introduction 00:39 - Upcoming Tenkara Events⁠ 08:29 - Cold Weather Fishing⁠ 24:56 - Overrated / Underrated 42:35 - Books That Influence Your Tenkara 55:54 - Tenkara USA Amago Giveaway 56:51 - Riverworks Rod Co. Oni Conversion Program 58:45 - Closing Remarks

In Episode 12 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, Anthony, Matt, and Mike chat about the "little things" in their fishing that make a BIG difference in how productive their outings become. They also discuss some holiday presents, the winter fly box, fantasy tenkara gear, play another round of overrated / underrated, and outline the 2024 Oni Tenkara Intensive in North Carolina. Also, there's a little contest Anthony is generously running, but you'll need to listen to the podcast and comment on our YouTube video to enter. Check it out! Level Line Podcast Episode 12 Show Notes: 00:12 - Introduction 00:29 - Holiday Gifts Nirvana Vise | Ragnarok | Chota Cloaks | Hill People Gear | Steel Bison 06:49 - The Little Things Orvis Guide to Reading Trout StreamsReading Trout Water (Dave Hughes) 29:05 - Winter Fly Box 36:24 - Fantasy Tenkara Gear Tom on TenkaraTalk 44:18 - Overrated / Underrated Game 1:00:45 - 2024 North Carolina Oni School 1:06:01 - Free Foam Spool Contest 1:07:34 - Closing Remarks

In Episode 11 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, Anthony, Matt, and Mike chat about their memorable 2023 tenkara fly fishing seasons and look ahead to 2024. They also discuss some gear picks, merch, and play a fun new game. We’d love it if you’d listen and play along! Let us know if Mike or Matt is right regarding the topic of “fishing snacks”… but you’ll have to watch or listen to see what we mean. Whichever side you choose we hope you enjoy! Level Line Podcast Episode 11 Show Notes: 00:12 – Introduction 00:45 – Go To Tenkara With Us?Tenkara Angler Article / Nikko Tenkara Article 06:12 – Contrasting Styles 12:30 – Look Back & Ahead – AnthonyDave’s Guitar Store 17:16 – Look Back & Ahead – MattPersonal Best Driftless Trout Video 19:42 – Look Back & Ahead – MikeDahlonega, GA / Helen, GA 25:33 – Overrated / Underrated Game 44:33 – Retro Driftless DesignsMerch on Spreadshop 46:12 – Standout Gear Picks of the YearRiverruns Wader GaitersDRAGONtail KaidaDRAGONtail MutantTenkara USA SatokiWet Wading Small Streams 51:31 – Tenkara USA UKIYO 54:28 – Closing Remarks

In Episode 10 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, Anthony and Mike chat about (semi) current events in the tenkara and fixed line fly fishing community. Topics such as new gear releases, recent gatherings, and early summer fishing outings are discussed in depth, with quite a bit of meandering (guitars, woodcarving, and hot dogs), just for good measure. That’s right, no special guests and no pre-produced segments this time, just two friends talking about tenkara. Make sure to check the “show notes” at the end of this article for links to some fo the topics referenced. We hope you enjoy! Show Notes & Links: 01:33 – New Product Launches river peak Sangaku Special DRAGONtail TalonMINI Tenkara USA Fly Weight Jacket Riverworks Rod Co. / Oni Convert Program Tenkara Adventure Outfitters 17:11 – Recent Events (Focus on Driftless) 2023 TenkaraCamp Tennessee 2023 Oni School Recap (TenkaraTalk) 2023 Great Driftless Tenkara Campout Five Days in the Driftless (Article) Sunfish Woodworks Dave’s Guitar Shop / Beanie’s Diner / Borgen’s Cafe Anthony’s Gear: Tanuki 375 / Tenkara Rod Co. Kita 330 Mike’s Gear: Wader Gaiters / Oni Honryu 395 / DRAGONtail Kaida 43:41 – Summer Fishing Do You Keep A Fishing Journal? (Article) Frank Nale Maggie Valley Fly Fishing Festival Valley Forge National Historical Park The Pass Lake Wet Fly (Article) TYROAM Wading Staffs / Buggins / YGK Ultra Sight Line Unsuspecting Minimalist (Article) 1:09:39– Tenkara Angler Housekeeping 2024 TenkaraCamp? Contact Us Rocky Mountain National Park / Shenandoah National Park Content Contributions / Print Magazine Want to see more? Tenkara Angler: https://tenkaraangler.com/

In Episode 9 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, we pivot a little bit and introduce a taste of our "Listen In" audio articles as featured on the Tenkara Angler YouTube channel. This particular recording was a little bit longer than most, so we thought it would lend itself well to podcast form, almost like a mini audiobook. Enjoy! Septomber: A Tale of 3 Trips - Written by Paul Vertrees and read by Dave Rosset Notes & Links: 00:58 – Introduction 02:54 – Trip One: The Gore Range 06:09 – Trip Two: The Arctic Circle 15:45 – Trip Three: The Front Range 19:59 – About the Author, Paul Vertrees Want to see more? Original Article: https://tenkaraangler.com/2022/04/11/septomber-a-tale-of-three-trips/ Listen In Playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsMrTIA9H5kut084rrzrNSKYRUgTnHe_s Tenkara Angler: ⁠https://tenkaraangler.com/

In Episode 8 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, Mike sits down with some of his friends to gather more fish stories. From hard earned fish, to environmental challenges, to first and personal bests, these stories are a great listen. And don't miss the bonus story at the very, very end! A big thanks to guests Nick Feller, Ryan Kimball, Dave Rosset, Isaac Tait, Kris Franqui, and Jeff Lomino for telling us their stories! Show Notes & Links: 00:55 – Nick Feller (NorCal Tenkara) 04:56 – Ryan Kimball (My Tenkara) 13:11 – Dave Rosset 23:50 – Isaac Tait (Fallfish Tenkara / Ilovetofish) 28:35 – Kris Franqui (Tenkara on the Trail) 42:48 – Jeff Lomino (Riverworks Rod Co.) 52:20 – Post Credits Bonus Story Want to see more? Tenkara Angler: https://tenkaraangler.com/

In Episode 7 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, Anthony & Jason give some topical updates and field listener questions with the help of Mike, Matt, Tom, and special guest Paul Vertrees of Royal Gorge Anglers. Questions include clear tenkara lines, euronymphing, "go to" tenkara rods, getting kids started with tenkara, the future plans for the podcast, and a deep dive into tailwater tenkara. Show Notes & Links  00:43 – Tenkara Angler Updates 03:05 – Upcoming Events 10:25 – Clear Tenkara Lines  16:09 – Euronymphing 21:27 – "Go To" Tenkara Rods 32:32 – Getting Kids Started with Tenkara 37:15 - Choosing Rods & Lines 45:57 - Podcast Plans 46:27 - Tailwater Tenkara with Paul Vertrees (Royal Gorge Anglers) For More: Tenkara Angler

In Episode 6 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, Mike sits down with a handful of friends to talk about their most memorable fish stories. From first fish, to big fish, to hard earned fish, to the fish that got away, these stories certainly capture the imagination. A big thanks to guests Jared Willadsen, Dre Fornasiero, Jonathan Antunez, Arran Kerr, & Adam Trahan for sharing their stories! It's interesting to hear the backstory of what makes a fish memorable to each angler. I know more than one of the stories will hit home. You're not going to want to miss this episode. Show Notes & Links 01:20 – Jared Willadsen, Tenkara Genki (YouTube) 04:44 – Dre Fornasiero, New School Tenkara (Facebook) 20:10 – Jonathan Antunez, Trout Conjurer (Instagram) 25:00 – Arran Kerr, Appalachian_AF (Instagram) 28:19 – Adam Trahan, Tenkara-Fisher (Website) 39:59 – Mike’s Story, Troutrageous! (Website) For More: Tenkara Angler

In Episode 5 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, we check in with Bill Holleran, Amanda Hoffner, & Nate Camp to recap the first White Mountains Tenkara Campout held June 10-12, 2022. Hosts Mike Agneta & Matt Sment sit with Bill, Amanda, & Nate to get an update on a recent tenkara gathering in New Hampshire. With other events taking place in North Carolina and Wisconsin, this was the first organized community event to be held in New England in quite some time. Bill gives us background on his company, Red Brook Tenkara, the White Mountains, as well as the origins of the campout, while Amanda & Nate introduce themselves and discuss their tenkara histories and role in the weekend. The meandering conversation also covers topics such as fly patterns, gear preferences, and techniques for fishing in the White Mountains, as well as hub cities, travel details, and plans for next year’s event! Show Notes:  01:10 – 2022’s Tenkara Event Calendar 03:45 – Intro Bill Holleran, Red Brook Tenkara 05:35 – Intro Amanda Hoffner, Lady Tenkara Bum 07:10 – Intro Nate Camp, Camp Kebari 08:44 – White Mountains Campout overview 14:55 – The “Incident” on the water 16:35 – Fly tying with Amanda & Nate 21:05 – Strike indicators & attractor flies 23:08 – Confidence flies 24:16 – Beadhead strategies 28:50 – Rod Choices & Bad Axe love 37:12 – Community & social aspect to events 40:55 – Nate’s knife hand! 41:34 – Timber & Fins, North Country Angler, Yonah Packs, Rod Raffle 50:50 – Tenkara Outlaws 52:01 – A traveler’s guide to the White Mountains 55:44 – Closing remarks 57:18 – The legend of Shyman Want to See More?  Red Brook Tenkara  Lady Tenkara Bum (Instagram)  Camp Kebari (Etsy)  Ledge Brewing Co.  Timber & Fins (Instagram)  North Country Angler  Yonah Packs  Bad Axe Rod  Tenkara Angler

In Episode 4 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, we check in with Mike Lutes to see what his post Badger Tenkara fixed-line fly fishing experiences look like today. Mike Lutes brings a unique perspective to fixed-line fly fishing. Living in Wisconsin, he has access to many different species of fish – from the trout of the Driftless, to smallmouth of the rivers, and even the fish of a thousand casts, the muskie. In this podcast interview Mike Agneta and Matt Sment speak to Mike Lutes about his background in fly fishing, the progression toward tenkara, a top secret fishing location in Wisconsin, his gear choices and tenkara “style”, targeting machaca in Costa Rica, the origin story of Badger Tenkara, as well as some quick hit questions on favorite species, flipping guitars, conservation, natural phenomena, advice for a new tenkara angler, and hair care tips. In all, it’s a little over forty minutes of tenkara and fixed-line fun we’re certain you’ll enjoy! Show Notes & Links: 01:40 – Intro to Mike Lutes, co-founder Badger Tenkara 02:54 – Mike’s intro to fly fishing 05:07 – The transition to tenkara & top secret water 06:55 – Mike’s local waters and species 08:17 – Trout vs. Smallmouth bass gear 09:14 – Props to Tenkara Times! 10:34 – Mike’s tenkara style & choice of flies 11:20 – Chucking streamers 14:23 – MACHACA! 18:00 – Fixed line + boats 20:05 – Origin story of Badger Tenkara 26:40 – MWTF & the tenkara community 30:48 – Post Badger Tenkara 33:00 – Mike’s favorite species 33:54 – Flipping guitars 35:43 – Interesting natural world happening 37:50 – Bigfoot meets Tenkara Gandalf 38:51 – Trout Unlimited and Project Green Teen 39:38 – Advice for a novice tenkara angler 40:10 – Mike’s glorious flow Want to see more? Badger Tenkara Tenkara Angler

In Episode 3 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, Matt & Mike have the pleasure of spending time with tenkara enthusiast, philosopher, and magician (not an exaggeration), Dennis Vander Houwen. While Dennis has previously written articles for Tenkara Angler, including “The Three Paths” and “Finding Happiness with Less,” those that have been around the tenkara scene are surely more familiar with Dennis from his always interesting blog, Tenkara Path, or perhaps the popular wooden line spools available in his Etsy shop. In this interview, we talk to Dennis about his fishing background, his favorite type of water, how the simplicity of tenkara sets the standard for his everyday life, his blogging background, experiences fishing with friends, woodworking, brook trout, art, bread baking, and bigfoot! Show Notes & Links: 01:14 – Intro to Dennis Vander Houwen, Tenkara Path 04:44 – Meditative aspects of tenkara 09:07 – Purpose for Tenkara Path blog 10:20 – Connecting simplicity to everyday life 11:30 – Finding Happiness with Less 14:21 – Unnecessary gear, line spools, & “One Fly” 17:09 – Favorite type of water, Trip to Wyoming 21:45 – Fishing with friends… and Graham too 24:55 – Woodworking / Tenkara Path Etsy shop 31:30 – “Master of the Illusionary Arts” 35:40 – COVID opening doors 37:44 – The tenkara community 39:19 – Dennis’ favorite fish species 40:39 – Hobbies – Art, bread baking, foraging, and a patient wife 43:29 – Most impressive natural sight while fishing 44:46 – Bigfoot!… and Dennis’ son as our next guest 47:49 – Advice for new tenkara anglers 50:19 – Ways to find Dennis – Blog, Instagram, Facebook, Etsy Want to see more? Tenkara Path Tenkara Angler

If you've ever searched for a tenkara rod review online, you've undoubtedly come across Tom Davis' website Teton Tenkara. It is by far the most comprehensive source of tenkara rod information, with reviews of over 150 models! In Episode 2, Tom spent a little time catching us up on his fly fishing & tenkara background, his favorite types of water and gear preferences, and obviously a lot of rod talk. We cover the Rod Flex Index, a few of Tom's favorite rods (as well as a few not so faves), and of course his role in the development of the DRAGONtail Mizuchi. We then close out the interview with a few "quick hit" questions before saying goodbye. In all, it's slightly over an hour of entertaining conversation!   Show Notes:  0:01:34 - Intro to Tom Davis, Teton Tenkara  0:03:27 - Guatemala Mission  0:05:31 - Tom's fly fishing background  0:12:25 - Everyone's first tenkara rod  0:17:15 - Favorite types of water  0:22:02 - Tom's tenkara style  0:29:30 - Specialized rods & #nottenkara  0:32:27 - The origins of Teton Tenkara & the rod reviews  0:37:00 - Rod Flex Index  0:38:15 - Saint Chris Stewart of the Penny Scale  0:42:55 - Tom's Favorite Rods  0:51:52 - Tom's Not So Favorite Rods  0:53:45 - The Mystery Rod  0:56:48 - The DRAGONtail Mizuchi  0:58:40 - Quick Hits: Favorite Species, Conservation, Hobbies, Sasquatch, Advice  1:04:35 - Closing remarks Want to see more?   Teton Tenkara Tenkara Angler

Tom Bayly from Tenkara Adventure Outfitters was kind enough to "meet" with Matt & Mike for an interview that we know you'll enjoy. In this discussion we cover Tom's personal background, his competitive archery career, and a nice mix of hunting & fishing stories. He goes on to explain his jump from tenkara angler to retailer, profiles some TAO rod models, and finally we finish up just chatting for a spell.    Show Notes:  01:01 - Intro to Tom Bayly, Tenkara Adventure Outfitters  03:29 - Tom's competitive archery career  05:45 - Atlatl - a spear throwing lever  06:19 - Scout tenkara rod in bow quiver  16:03 - Tom's introduction to tenkara  17:54 - Tom's preferred gear set up  22:22 - Tom's Tenkara Angler Interview with Bernhard Niedermair  29:28 - The beginning of Tenkara Adventure Outfitters  33:14 - Classic | Wisco 2 | Bad Axe | Scout | U.N.C. rods  36:52 - Carlos Blatt U.N.C. fishing in Brazil  39:39 - The impact of COVID-19 on business  47:49 - "Dream" fishing destination  51:45 - Trout Unlimited | Backcountry Hunters & Anglers  54:45 - Tenkara Sasquatch in Nebraska?  56:33 - Tom's final remarks   Want to explore more?   Tenkara Adventure Outfitters Tenkara Angler