The Tenkara Jam is one of the community's signature events
The Appalachian Tenkara Jam is one of the most exciting events of the year in the Tenkara community. The 3rd annual gathering was held in Cherokee, NC over the weekend of October 15-16 and exceeded expectations on all levels!
Over 170 anglers came to enjoy vendors, presentations, and camaraderie. They represented all levels of experience - from "first time angler" to "fully tenkara obsessed" - and there was something for everyone to enjoy. The presentations were informative and fun, and the topics varied enough to keep every speaker's time feeling fresh. A great deal of the information was practical knowledge - any angler looking to improve their technique and catch rate was in the right place!
Jason Sparks delivering his "Tenkara 101" presentation
One of the most enjoyable parts of events like the Jam is the chance to meet customers in person. You speak to them on FaceBook and through emails for years, but never get to meet them in person until something like this comes along. Getting to say hello, or hear how much they have enjoyed fishing their rod since you last saw them is a real treat!
Jerry and his new Badger rod - Always fun to put faces to names!
Of course, we also get to see great pictures and reports as people take their new rods out on the water...
Luwayne put his new UNC to good use!
Medric rocking his WISCO!
Medric's review of his new WISCO:
"I had the chance to fish the trophy waters section at Cherokee for 2 days and had the opportunity to put the Wisco through its paces. It was designed for big fish and i have my doubts that a 5 inch brookie would give me the enjoyment of a much lighter fuller flex rod in that scenario. But those rods would lack the back bone to fight the lunkers that live in the Catch and Release section of the Ravens Fork. I presented everything from dries to heavy weight buggers and the rod felt great with both furled leaders and a long nylon tapered line with 5 ft of tippet. So it was easily tossing everything i could throw at it and i feel confident fighting the fish. Used Rob Robert Worthing 's Tuck move when a 21 incher took of downstream and tried to flatten me out. I was able to hold him in the powerband and control him. Another of my hookups went vertical and caught air 4 times during the fight. Again I had the rod to control this 18 inch rocket. I also tried a 2 hand spey cast as well as laying a heavy weighted bugger between the Rhodos and the Undercut bank and it delivered a soft presentation with a sidearm cast. From steeple chase casts to figure 8's the Wisco maintains its fixed line heritage while pushing a bigger fish envelope...The Wisco is a beefy solid big fish rod that handles big fish well and the extra long cork grip allows for 2 handed fighting of those that need it.
Kenny's review of his new BAD AXE:
"It's been said that one rod won't fit all fishing scenarios. I am well aware of that fact. All I have to do is look at all the fly rods in my man cave. However, since getting into Tenkara, I may have found that "one" rod. I've been looking at the Badger BAD AXE for a long time and was thrilled that Badger was at Tenkara Jam. It's always good to hold a rod before buying. The BAD AXE is a two position rod from 9'10" to 11'5". I use a 9' furled leader and add tippet. This set up works great at both lengths. What I love about this rod is the sensitivity. With just the slightest movement I can feel the tip. I can make delicate presentations and also throw a two fly rig. Finesse and backbone. Did I mention that it's Green, my favorite color?"
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