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A Look Back: Go With The Flow (TenkaraUSA)

This article was written to include presentations and tactics I found useful in rivers with faster currents



"The first thing is safety! Being out on the river in an area where cell reception is shoddy at best means I have to assess my movements with a more reserved perspective. A combination of swift flows and slippery rocks can make wading a bit sketchy. I often find myself walking upstream, then wading and fishing my way back down when there may not be any good casting spots along the banks."

Safety plays a big role in my decision making when out on the river. Whether alone, or with a friend, the last thing I want is to be swept downstream in the swift currents.


"Take advantage of the different angles you can fish a pocket or section of riffles and try different presentations. A presentation that may not have worked on the first few tries might be better received when tried from a different angle."


With more water to cover, trying a section of riffles or an eddie from different angles may give the fish a better opportunity to see the fly. Sometimes one angle doesn't allow for the best presentation.


"Whether you’re fishing in a stretch of riffles or in a pool, be prepared to move a bit when you do hook into a fish! Fighting a fish in stronger flows can be difficult. While they won’t often swim against the flow, fish will use the current to try to get away from you. I have lost plenty of catches to powerful currents, whether it’s in the riffles or a strong current in a pool."

Movement is key to fishing, and tenkara is no exception. Without extra line on a reel, sometimes you have to move with the fish until you can get it to a spot where you're able to land it.


If you're looking to read the full blog post, you can find "Go With The Flow" on the TenkaraUSA website!

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