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

In Episode 26 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast the Tenkara Angler crew discuss the intersection of tenkara fishing and foraging with special guest Ari Rockland-Miller of The Mushroom Forager. Ari's unique background as a professional mycophile who has a growing passion and knowledge for tenkara lends itself to an interesting conversation we're sure you'll enjoy.

We talk with Ari about the world of mushroom foraging, discussing the safest mushrooms to start with on your foraging journey (and those to stay away from), the best seasons for combining foraging and fishing, the diversity of wild foods including edible greens, and delicious cooking and effective preservation techniques. Throughout the interview, Ari not only ties the two hobbies together, but focuses on the importance of sustainable harvesting practices and the joy of connecting with nature.

Show Notes & Links:

0:00:05 - Introductions
0:02:00 - Ari Rockland-Miller & The Mushroom Forager
0:07:12 - Ari & Tenkara
0:09:25 - How to Start Foraging Safely
0:13:04 - Beginner-Friendly Mushrooms
0:18:27 - Poisonous Mushrooms & Phone Apps for ID
0:25:13 - Foraging in Tenkara's History
0:31:06 - Ari's Approach to Foraging & Fishing
0:35:31 - Ari's Recipe for Trout & Mushrooms
0:37:19 - The Seasonality of Foraging & Fishing
0:44:57 - Golden Oysters & Invasives
0:47:42 - How to Harvest Mushrooms - Trailwaters Mesh Foraging Bag
0:55:40 - Smurfs & other Mushroom-based Creatures
0:56:35 - Story Time with Bill
0:59:00 - Ari's Biggest Mushroom Haul
01:03:23 - Ari's Final Thoughts
01:06:28 - Contacting Ari
01:16:32 - Closing Remarks

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler

In Episode 25 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast the Tenkara Angler crew explore five fishing destinations, including Spring Creek in Pennsylvania, warm water fishing opportunities in Southwest Wisconsin, brook trout in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Northern Portugal's native brown trout, and North Georgia's "trout town", Blue Ridge. They share tips for fishing in these areas, and discuss the unique characteristics of each location, including accessibility, types of fish, and local culture through personal experiences. You'll be sure to want to add a few of these locations to your fishing travel plans!

Show Notes & Links:

0:00:25 - Introductions
0:01:15 - Upcoming Community Events
0:07:45 - Pennsylvania's Spring Creek
- TCO Fly Shop
- Flyfisher's Paradise
- Keystone Fly Fishing
0:27:28 - Wisconsin Warmwater Smallmouth
- Dodgeville, WI
- Smallmouth Alliance
0:40:34 - White Mountains of New Hampshire
- White Mountains Tenkara Campout
- Lost River Valley Campground
- Squaretail
- North Country Angler
0:50:04 - Portugal
- Antonio Rodrigues / Minho Fly Fishing
- Monção, Portugal
- The Last Old Place
1:03:14 - Blue Ridge, Georgia
- Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival
- Cohutta Fishing Company
- Toccoa River Outfitters
- Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
- Sabor a Puebla
- Expedition: Bigfoot
- Trout Fishing in North Georgia
- Fly Fishing for Peach State Trout
- Doin' Stuff with Zane
01:16:32 - Closing Remarks

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler

In Episode 24 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line podcast Mike, Anthony, Bill, and Matt discuss their preseason preparations for the upcoming spring tenkara fishing season. They cover essential topics regarding the three major categories of gear - rods, flies, and lines - focusing on rod care and preventative maintenance, storage solutions, cleaning techniques, common causes of rod breakage, and best practices for new anglers. Once done with gear, the conversation turns to fishing preparation, including scouting techniques, knot tying, journaling, and personal goal setting.

Show Notes & Links:

00:07 - Introductions

00:34 - Pre-Season Preparation Overview

02:03 - Rod Care and Maintenance Practices
- Anthony's Video: Tenkara Tips - Tenkara Rod Maintenance
- Bill's Air Blaster

12:34 - Preventative Maintenance and Spare Parts

14:29 - Common Causes of Rod Breakage

20:30 - Best Practices for New Anglers

24:17 - Dealing with Stuck Sections

26:26 - Rod Socks and Lost Tip Caps
- Universal Tip Caps

27:37 - Fishing Stories of Broken Rods

33:09 - Flies, Tying, & Organizing Fly Boxes

44:02 - Line Management and Preparation
- Level Line Podcast: Exploring Tenkara Lines
- DRAGONtail Line Winders

48:58 - Scouting Water & Gathering Intel
- onX for property lines

51:16 - Renewing Your License, Bill the Outlaw

52:12 - Keeping a Fishing Journal

55:30 - Setting Personal Goals for Fishing

57:55 - Understanding Insects and Ecosystems
- The Bug Book
- Hatches II
- Upper Midwest Hatches

01:04:35 - Which Way Did Bill Go?

01:06:17 - Practice Casting and Knot Tying

01:10:33 - Closing Remarks

Want to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler

In Episode 23 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line podcast Anthony, Bill, Dave and Tom discuss various tenkara presentation and fly manipulation techniques. Dead drift, upstream & downstream pulling, tomezuri, and "pon pon" are covered emphasizing their effectiveness in catching fish and the best equipment to use to execute each.

The podcast isn't meant to be a comprehensive seminar on tenkara techniques but rather an introduction. The idea is to familiarize anglers with the basic concepts of active fly manipulation. The Tenkara Angler crew share their personal takes on how they use active fly manipulation in their own fishing. The goal is to help anglers add to and develop their own tenkara tool boxes.

Show Notes & Links:

0:00:08 - Introductions

0:02:41 - Books & Resources
- Tenkara by Daniel Galhardo
- How to Fool Fish with Simple Flies by Paul Gaskell & John Pearson
- Super Clear Level Line Tenkara by Dr. Hisao Ishigaki

0:05:00 - The Importance(?) of Dead Drift

0:16:40 - The Pause and Drift Technique

0:21:00 - Pulling Presentations

0:25:05 - The Importance of Gear Selection

0:31:45 - Understanding the Upstream Pull

0:37:13 - The Concept of Tomezuri

0:47:30 - Exploring the "Pon Pon" Technique

00:57:57 - Strategies for Catching the 'Gatekeeper' Trout

01:01:55 - Bill's Book Club
- Understanding Trout Behavior by John Goddard & Brian Clarke

01:04:51 - Lifting and Swinging Flies
- Leisenring Lift

01:10:17 - Final Thoughts

Brand Affiliates Mentioned in this Episode:

In Episode 22 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line podcast, Amanda, Anthony, Bill, Matt & Mike discuss current events in the tenkara fishing community, including online kebari tying classes, new rod releases, and upcoming events.

The conversation then turns holiday gifts that anglers really want. No "Big Mouth Billy Bass" wall decorations here. The team shares humorous and practical takes on fishing gifts they'd wouldn't mind giving or receiving. Our discussion wraps up with some memorable fishing experiences from the past year as well as an announcement of a special art contest ,"Paint Matt's Adventure Van" with great prizes that you don't want to miss!

Show Notes & Links:

0:00:06 - Introduction

0:01:37 - Current Events
- Online Kebari Tying Classes
- Rocky MTN Compa Rod
- Taunki Kunoichi Rod
- White Mountains Tenkara Campout
- Wisconsin Driftless Tenkara Campout
- Tenkara Angler Events Page

0:17:24 - Holiday Gifts Tenkara Anglers Really Want
- Nippers
- Orvis Fishing Shirt
- Fly Winder Pro Mag Mount
- DRAGONtail Furled Lines
- Miss Mayfly Waders
- Airbnb Gift Cards
- Tenkara Angler Gear on Amazon
- John Galligan Books
- Tippet Guide Spools
- Trouthunter Tippet
- Gift a Fishing License
- 2024 Tenkara Angler Gift Guide

0:35:18 - Meandering Conversation
- Gas Station Food: Wawa, Sheetz, Kwik-Trip, Kum & Go
- Christmas Trees
- Name Anthony's Irritable Betta Fish

0:38:44 - Looking Back Fondly on 2024

0:52:09 - "Paint Matt's Adventure Van" Contest

0:55:08 - Closing Remarks

Brand Affiliates Mentioned in this Episode:
DRAGONtail, Tanuki, Rocky MTN Tenkara, Red Brook Tenkara

In Episode 21 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast, Mike, Anthony, Matt, and Bill discuss various topics related to tenkara fishing, including current events in the tenkara community, the significance of Tenkara USA's 15-year anniversary, and personal experiences with tenkara over the last decade and a half.

The conversation then swerves briefly to the 'Overrated Underrated Game,' before Anthony leads our primary discussion into the various types of tenkara fishing lines, reviewing their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. We explore level lines, furled lines, floating lines, and tapered monofilament lines, providing insights for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Show Notes:

0:00:13 - Introduction
- A View of Tenkara in Austria

0:05:30 - Tenkara Community News
- Tenkara USA 15 Years
- Men's Health 10 Manliest Hobbies on Earth
- New DRAGONtail rod / Japanese Salamander
- Zen Hachi Closeout - $80!
- Tanuki 2025 East Coast Boot Camp?

0:26:08 - Overrated / Underrated
- Midcurrent Barbless Hooks Article
- Tim Traver's - Lost in the Driftless: Trout Fishing on the Cultural Divide

0:47:00 - Tenkara Line Discussion

0:49:19 - Level Lines
- Nissin PALS Oni Line / Varivas Special Nylon / Cortland Indicator Line
- Shooter FC Sniper BMS / Seaguar Tatsu Clear
- 1.5 YGK ULTRA Sight & Sakura Markers

1:03:00 - Furled Lines
- DRAGONtail Furled Lines / Nissin PALS Line SP

1:12:24 - Floating Lines
- Daiwa PVC Floating Line / Cortland Monocore Euro Line

1:17:37 - Tapered Monofilament Lines
- Fujino Tapered / Daiwa Tapered

1:21:50 - Tenkara Angler Housekeeping
- Level Line Podcast T-Shirts & Gear
- 2025 Print Magazine Deadline - November 29th

Brand Affiliates Mentioned in this Episode:
DRAGONtail, Tanuki, Tenkara USA, Zen Tenkara