When Tenkara was first being publicized in the U.S., the initial message revolved around simplicity - rod, line, leader, and a fly. As people started to use Tenkara rods, it seems like the tendency to push the boundaries regarding what techniques could be used while fishing with a Tenkara rod.
Tenkara related forums contain remarks along the lines of "fishing a cast of three weighted nymphs and a few split shot under a strike indicator" (Perhaps a slight exaggeration of any one entry, but only a minor stretch). U.S. fly fisherman (and probably most fisher people world wide) seem to like equipment, gadgets, and seeing what kind of terminal tackle they can heave with a fly rod. I think this natural tendency carries over as folks start to fish Tenkara.
For the past few months, I plead guilty as charge. I spent my time fishing for panfish in my local subdivision pond. I wanted to see how large a bug I could cast with as long a line possible. I did get a much better understanding of the mechanics involved in casting with a Tenkara rod. Everything had to be just right in order to get the line and leader to fully turn over while carrying a the wind resistant bug.
I spent the past weekend fishing for trout using Tenkara equipment as it was initially presented, simple. The act of casting was a pleasure, it required little or no thought, rather it just takes one to picture where the fly was to land. Everything else pretty much took care of itself as if by magic. It instantly reminded me of what the initial appeal of Tenkara was.
I don't want to say that anyway you choose to fish is wrong(as long as it's legal). I do urge you to try fishing in the most simple manner. You may catch a few less fish, who knows, you may even catch a few more. In any case, it makes for a pleasant and relaxing journey.
