Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast

In Episode 36 of the Level Line Podcast, Tenkara Angler editors Mike Agneta, Matt Sment, and Anthony Naples kick things off with summer updates before Anthony decides to stir the pot, and from there, the panel dives headfirst into some of tenkara's most debated topics. Is tenkara simplicity overrated? What actually counts as "real" tenkara? What are your biggest tenkara pet peeves? Things stay lively, occasionally spicy, and always fun.

The episode wraps with the results of a recent Tenkara Angler reader and listener survey covering what the community enjoys most and wants to see more of going forward. Stick around for it, there are a few surprises in there worth hearing. We hope you enjoy this latest episode!

Episode Show Notes & Links:

0:00:06 - Welcome & Introductions

0:01:42 - Summer Updates

0:04:52 - Blind Rankings - Fish

0:13:50 - Favorite Eating Fish

0:17:49 - Is This "Tenkara"?

0:22:43 - Tenkara vs. Fixed Line Fly Fishing

0:30:15 - Tenkara Pet Peeves

0:39:49 - Is Tenkara Simplicity Overrated?

Simple Fly Fishing

0:49:07 - Matt's One Fly Experiment

0:53:25 - Tenkara Angler Survey Results

Tenkara Angler At The Half

Sunday Morning Riffles

DRAGONtail Newsletters

1:10:00 - Closing Thoughts

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler⁠

In Episode 35 of the Level Line Podcast, Tenkara Angler panelist Amanda Hoffner takes the hosting chair for an all-women conversation featuring four incredible anglers from across the country: Auna Kaufmann (Wyoming), Caitlin Costa (Connecticut), and Haley Beaupre & Victoria Hussey (North Carolina).

Together, they cover everything from rod selection and fly tying to women-only tenkara events, conservation policy, mental health in the outdoors, and what makes the tenkara community feel different from the rest of the fly fishing world. A change of pace and genuinely entertaining, this one is worth the full watch & listen. We hope you enjoy this latest episode!

Episode Show Notes & Links:

00:12 – Welcome & Introductions
– Victoria: North Carolina – Victoria’s Bluesky
– Auna: Wyoming – Auna’s Instagram | Artemis Sportswomen
– Haley: North Carolina – Haley’s Instagram
– Caitlin: Connecticut – Caitlin’s Instagram

03:53 – Victoria’s Gear Setup & Why Rod Weight Matters for Women

06:45 – The Fulcrum Problem: Short Arms, Long Rods & Casting Fatigue

08:21 – Auna’s Rod Selections for Wyoming’s large and small waters

12:26 – Haley: Gear Talk & Minimalist Approach

17:57 – Caitlin: Discovering Tenkara Through Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

19:17 – What Caitlin Loves About Tenkara: Packability, Simplicity & the ADHD Factor

20:30 – Connecticut’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Program

21:14 – Feeling Safe, Competent & Welcomed in the Tenkara Community

22:02 – Being a Woman Alone in the Woods

23:25 – Victoria & Haley Planning a Women’s Tenkara Campout in Western NC

26:29 – Auna Announces Women’s Tenkara Event in Wyoming – August 2026

29:40 – Tenkara’s Low Barrier to Entry & High Ceiling for Mastery

30:50 – Caitlin: Nature, Mental Health & Rewriting the Outdoor Narrative

32:32 – Victoria: The Tenkara Community’s Unique, Nerdy, Nurturing Vibe

34:19 – Haley: Why Tenkara Spaces Feel More Inclusive Than Western Fly Fishing Communities

37:20 – Auna: Getting Into Tenkara Without Knowing Anyone Who Fishes It

39:48 – Auna’s Path: Wildlife Ecology, Wyoming Wildlife Federation & Conservation Lobbying

42:56 – Amanda’s Upcoming Women’s Event in New Mexico & Closing Thoughts

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler⁠

In Episode 34 of the Level Line Podcast the Tenkara Angler panelists welcome a truly special guest: Bob Mallard, Executive Director of the Native Fish Coalition (NFC) and one of the most passionate voices in native fish advocacy today.

Bob brings a remarkable background to this conversation; 15 years running a Maine fly shop on the Kennebec, hundreds of articles across publications from Fly Fisherman to Outdoor Life, five published books (including Squaretail: The Definitive Guide to Brook Trout and Where to Find Them), and co-founding the Native Fish Coalition, which has grown from a single chapter in Maine to 21 chapters spanning Maine to Arkansas in just a few years.

The NFC’s mission is simple but powerful: wild native fish, for the sake of the fish, not just for fishing. And as Bob explains in this wide-ranging conversation, that message is resonating with a new generation of anglers who are showing up in big numbers. We hope you enjoy this latest episode!

Episode Show Notes & Links:

00:10 - Introduction & Panel Welcome

02:51 - Meet Bob Mallard: Background & Career Path

- Article: Ecological Purity

06:20 - The Native Fish Coalition: From One Chapter to 21

09:00 - What Makes NFC Different and Why It Attracts Young Anglers

11:13 - Pushback from the Fly Fishing Industry

12:46 - Small Streams, New Anglers & a Different Kind of Fishing Culture

14:10 - The Brown Trout Problem: Recreation vs. True Conservation

17:39 - "Traditional Fish Conservation Isn't Conservation, It's Recreation"

18:51 - NFC vs. Trout Unlimited: How They Differ

21:14 - Can Brook Trout Come Back to Limestone Streams in PA?

23:02 - Urban Stream Conservation: Finding Fish Where No One Looked

25:09 - Working With Watershed Groups Instead of Fishing Groups

25:46 - Hatcheries, License Fees & the Broken Trout Model

30:57 - Climate Change, Warming Waters & Shifting Fish Populations

35:54 - The New Hampshire Habitat Project: NFC & Tenkara Community Work Together

- Article: NFC Plants Trees on Wild Native Brook Trout Stream

39:53 - Why Tenkara Anglers & Native Fish Conservation Are Natural Allies

- Article: Tenkara & Native Fish

42:46 - Bob's Books, Including Squaretail: The Definitive Brook Trout Guide

44:32 - Bob Tries Tenkara - What He Thought

49:14 - NFC Chapters, Growth & What's Next

51:03 - What You Can Do Right Now for Native Fish

- NFC Website | NFC Instagram | NFC YouTube

- Bob's Website

55:49 - Closing Thoughts & Sign-Off

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler⁠

In Episode 33 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, host Mike Agneta is joined by Tenkara Angler panelists Matt Sment and Bill Robichaud to welcome one of tenkara’s most respected voices, Robert Worthing of Tenkara Guides, LLC. Rob has just released his long-awaited book, Demon’s Game: The Oni School of Tenkara Fly Fishing, and the conversation digs deep into the philosophy, science, and advanced technique behind this landmark release.

Rob has spent 10+ years studying under Masami Sakakibara who is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest tenkara masters, and has guided clients on the Provo River and beyond through the Oni Tenkara School. Demon’s Game is his effort to preserve Masami’s legacy and bring the most advanced tenkara concepts into print for English-speaking anglers for the first time.

Whether you’re picking up a tenkara rod for the first time or you’ve been fishing fixed line for years, this episode and Rob’s book will give you new ways to see the water, understand the fish, and elevate your game. We hope you enjoy this latest episode!

Episode Show Notes & Links:

00:00:07 – Introduction & Welcome

00:01:03 – Meet Rob Worthing: Background & Tenkara Guides LLC
– Tenkara Guides, LLC
– Advanced Tenkara Clinic

00:03:06 – What Is Demon’s Game & Why This Book?

00:05:13 – How Rob First Met Masami Sakakibara
– About Masami Sakakibara

00:06:55 – The Birth of the Oni Tenkara School

00:08:07 – Early “Aha Moments” Watching Masami Fish

00:11:42 – Inside the Book: Structure, Science & Philosophy

00:14:05 – How the Book Serves as an Oni School Syllabus

00:18:30 – Tenkara Flies: Matching the Hatch, Oni Style

00:23:24 – Trout Vision & the Science of How Fish See

00:26:21 – Trout Senses Beyond Sight: Sound, Shadow & Stealth

00:29:11 – Is This Book for Beginners or Advanced Anglers?

00:31:11 – The Philosophy of Lifelong Learning in Tenkara

00:34:04 – Bill’s Story: Putting Oni Techniques to the Test on the Stream

00:36:34 – Rob’s Story: An Real World Application of Stealth

00:39:39 – Hydrology and the Movement of Water

00:44:39 – Tracer Flies for Visibility and Manipulation

00:46:32 – The Book vs. Oni School

00:50:15 – Gear Talk: Rods, Lines, Flies & Fishing Oni Style
– Tenkara no Oni Shop

00:55:31 – Future Oni Schools & Where to Find Rob in 2026

00:58:53 – Where to Buy Demon’s Game
– Kendall Hunt | Amazon

01:00:26 – Closing Thoughts & Sign-Off

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler⁠

In Episode 32 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast Mike Agneta talks with special guest Kris Franqui and contributing editor Tom Davis about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including their favorite spots in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

Kris covers the massive Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, a paradise with over 300 fishable alpine lakes, many containing wild cutthroat, golden, rainbow, and brook trout. Tom then expands the discussion to the wider Yellowstone ecosystem, covering areas in western Wyoming and eastern Idaho, including the famous Snake, Green, and Madison River drainages, and the unique fluvial grayling of the Big Hole River in Montana. We hope you enjoy this latest episode!

Episode Show Notes & Links:

00:00:15 - Introductions
- Tenkara on the Trail
- Episode 8: Fish Stories 2

00:02:20 - 2026 Tenkara Events
- Tenkara Angler Events Page
- Mostly Tenkara: New Hampshire Part 1 | Part 2

00:15:46 - Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

00:16:15 - Kris Franqui Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
- 00:17:22 - About Kris
- 00:21:31 - About the Region
- 00:28:57 - Fishing
- 00:34:28 - Planning a Trip
- Fishing the Beartooths (book)
- 2025 Mountain Lakes Guide (pdf)
- 00:50:54 - Fishing & Safety Gear
- 01:05:29 - Other Things to Do

01:08:14 - Tom Davis General Overview:
Yellowstone National Park, Western Wyoming, Eastern Idaho, SW Montana
- 01:16:16 - Wind River Range
- 01:17:17 - Green River Drainage
- 01:18:13 - Yellowstone River Drainage
- 01:19:51 - Snake River Drainage
- 01:22:06 - Eastern Idaho
- 01:23:33 - Southwest Montana

01:30:15 - Final Thoughts

Affiliates Mentioned in this Episode: ⁠DRAGONtail Tenkara⁠

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler⁠

In this episode, we explore tenkara fly fishing in Patagonia, Chile, with lodge owner Jeff Wells of Fundo Los Leones. We discuss what makes Patagonian trout fishing unique, how tenkara performs in South American waters, and what anglers should know when planning a fishing trip to Patagonia.

Jeff shares insights on the history of trout in the region, the landscapes and rivers of Chilean Patagonia, wildlife encounters, eco-tourism opportunities, gear considerations, and the difference between DIY travel and staying at a fishing lodge. Whether you’re dreaming of a Patagonia fly fishing adventure or simply curious about tenkara in the Southern Hemisphere, this conversation offers practical tips and inspiring stories from the water.

Show Notes & Links:

00:00:06 – Opening Remarks

00:02:20 – Introducing Jeff Wells

00:08:07 – A Meeting with Douglas Tompkins

– Fundo Los Leones Fishing Lodge

00:12:13 – Jeff’s Entry to Tenkara through his Grandchildren

00:14:34 – Tenkara in Chile

00:21:23 – History of Trout in Patagonia

00:23:08 – The Landscapes & Streams

– 180 South (Film)

00:30:10 – Outdoor Equipment & Tenkara Gear

00:37:50 – Fishing with a Keiryu Rod

00:40:41 – D.I.Y. Opportunities

00:43:43 – Local Wildlife

00:45:03 – Fishing Licenses, Communication, & Safety

00:47:28 – Geology & Rivers

00:48:47 – Patagonia Fishing Lodge Experience

– Fundo Los Leones

00:56:06 – Jeff’s Personal YouTube Channel

– Patatgonia Tenkara Addict

00:56:37 – Closing Remarks

Affiliates Mentioned in this Episode: DRAGONtail Tenkara

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler⁠

In Episode 30 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line podcast, the panel of Amanda, Anthony, Bill, Mike, & Tom discusses various fly patterns, tying techniques, and fishing strategies, particularly focusing on kebari & nymph patterns. Each member shares their favorite flies, insights on materials, and personal experiences in fishing them, emphasizing the importance of confidence in one's fly choices. The conversation also touches on seasonal fishing practices and the evolution of their fly boxes over time. We hope you enjoy this latest episode!

Show Notes & Links:

00:00:06 - Opening Remarks

00:01:23 - What's in Your Fly Box?

- Tenkara Angler Kebari Swap

00:03:09 - Amanda's First Fly

00:07:33 - Bill's Four Confidence Flies

- Pass Lake / Oxford Wool Kebari

00:14:57 - Anthony's First Fly

00:23:02 - Tom's First Fly

- Teton Tenkara Flies & Kebari Collection eBooks⁠⁠⁠

00:30:24 - Mike's First Fly

- Road Kone Kebari Tying Video⁠⁠⁠

00:35:03 - Amanda's Second Fly⁠⁠⁠

00:37:59 - Anthony's Second Fly

- Podcast with Jonathan Antunez⁠⁠⁠

00:44:05 - Tom's Second Fly⁠⁠⁠

00:48:26 - Mike's Second Fly

- Discover Tenkara "How to Fool Fish with Simple Flies"⁠⁠⁠

- How to Reinforce Peacock Herl

00:54:06 - Anthony's Third Fly⁠⁠⁠

01:01:31 - Tom's Third Fly

01:07:49 - Bill's Bonus Fly

- Idaho Killer Futsu Kebari⁠⁠⁠

01:11:27 - ⁠Confidence Fly Banter

01:19:00 - ⁠Anthony's Bonus Fly⁠⁠

01:25:38 - Closing Remarks

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler⁠

In Episode 29 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast the Tenkara Angler crew, Mike, Matt & Amanda, invite special guests Brent Auger & Conrad Estrem to discuss the recent Idaho Tenkara Campout. The conversation highlights the the planning and organization of the event, the fishing opportunities available, experiences of attendees, and the community spirit fostered during the campout. The speakers share their personal experiences, the types of fish caught, and the overall vibe of the event, while also discussing future plans for similar gatherings, including one already scheduled for Wyoming in 2026. We hope you enjoy this latest episode!

Show Notes & Links:

00:00:14 - Opening Remarks

00:01:16 - ⁠Meet Brent Auger

00:01:48 - Meet Conrad Estrem

00:03:49 - Idaho Tenkara Campout Idea

00:05:29 - South Fork Boise River / Baumgartner Campground

00:08:31 - Campground Vibes⁠

00:11:17 - The Fishery⁠

00:13:09 - Kokanee Salmon Run⁠

00:14:19 - The Underrated Whitefish⁠

00:15:55 - Gear Choices⁠

00:17:53 - Fishing Locations⁠

00:22:56 - Bull Trout & Idaho Bigfoot⁠

00:25:41 - Wildlife Sightings

00:28:58 - Campfire Nights⁠

00:31:10 - 2026 Wyoming Tenkara Campout⁠

00:43:09 - DRAGONtail Holiday Deals!⁠

00:45:59 - Closing Remarks

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler

In Episode 28 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast the Tenkara Angler crew, Mike, Anthony, & Tom, invite special guest and outdoor gear aficionado Bryan Trantham to discuss essential tenkara and fishing gear. The "show & tell" style conversation covers a range of topics from the importance of selecting the right products to ensure on-stream and backcountry safety to innovative solutions for transporting gear and releasing fish. Each member of the panel shares their favorite gear and tips, emphasizing the significance of comfort and safety while fishing.

The episode also highlights the Tenkara Angler print magazine - Reminder, the deadline for the 2026 Issue is November 21, 2025!

In all, the conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, expert advice, and a passion for fixed line fly fishing, making it a must-listen for tenkara gearheads. We hope you enjoy this latest episode!

Show Notes & Links:

00:00:13 - Opening Remarks

00:01:16 - 2026 Print Issue Submissions

00:02:30 - Meet Bryan Trantham -  @bryantrantham7872 

00:04:27 - Don't Fish Without This Gear!

00:07:24 - Tom's First Item - Wooden Wading Staff

00:14:49 - Bryan's First Item - Garmin InReach

00:25:00 - Mike's First Item - 6 Can Tube Cooler

00:28:58 - Anthony's First Item - Nite Ize Hitch Phone Tether

00:31:32 - Anthony's Second Item - Dr. Scholl's Shoe Inserts

00:33:30 - Mike's Second Item - IKEA Frakta bag

00:37:03 - Bryan's Second Item - Hill People Gear SAR Kit Bag

00:43:42 - Tom's Second Item - Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

00:52:24 - Anthony's Third Item - NETrekk Alpine Angler Folding Net
(10% off Coupon Code: TA10)

00:57:46 - Mike's Third Item - Travelon Packing Squares | Tip Grips

01:01:28 - Bryan's Third Item - NoTouchTrout Release Tool

01:05:30 - Tenkaraman's Net Release -  @tenkaraman

01:07:02 - Tom's Third Item - RiverRuns Wader Gaiters

01:16:41 - Closing Remarks

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler

In Episode 27 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast the Tenkara Angler crew invites special guests Payton Skidmore (Skiddy Fishing) and Keegan Uhl (Mostly Tenkara) to discuss various fishing destinations, focusing on locations west of the Mississippi River. We explore the beauty and fishing opportunities of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, the Uinta Mountains of Utah, and Eastern Sierras of California highlighting travel tips for accessing these stunning locations, the various trout species available, fishing techniques, and the importance of planning and timing for a successful fishing trip. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, expert advice, and a passion for the great outdoors, making it a must-listen for nature enthusiasts and fishing aficionados alike. We hope you enjoy this latest episode!

Show Notes & Links:

00:00:14 - Opening Remarks

00:01:20 - Meet Payton Skidmore - Skiddy Fishing

00:02:50 - Meet Keegan Uhl - Mostly Tenkara
- "Dibbing the Bob" with Jonathan Antunez

00:07:07 - Anthony discusses Rocky Mountain National Park
- Park Fishing Rules
- Timed Entry System
- Shuttle System
- YMCA of the Rockies
- A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park
- Tanuki Pocket Ninja
- The Donut Haus

00:34:00 - Payton explores the Uinta Mountains
- Visit Utah's Guide to the Uintas
- Fish Utah Interactive Fishing Map
- Utah Cutthroat Slam
- Dairy Keen

00:57:19 - Keegan travels the Eastern Sierra Mountains
- Fly Fishing the Sierra
- Eastern Sierra Back Country Fishing Guide (PDF)
- Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits
- The High Sierra: A Love Story

01:35:42 - Closing Remarks

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler