Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast

Tenkara Angler
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Your home for smart discussion of tenkara and other forms of fixed line fly fishing.

  1. Ep. 34: Why Native Fish Matter with Bob Mallard Native Fish Coalition

    3 MAY

    Ep. 34: Why Native Fish Matter with Bob Mallard Native Fish Coalition

    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

    57 min
  2. Ep. 33: Demon's Game: Rob Worthing on the Oni School of Tenkara Fly Fishing

    5 APR

    Ep. 33: Demon's Game: Rob Worthing on the Oni School of Tenkara Fly Fishing

    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

    1hr 1min
  3. Ep. 32: Tenkara Fishing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

    8 MAR

    Ep. 32: Tenkara Fishing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

    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

    1hr 32min
  4. Ep. 31: Tenkara in Patagonia with Jeff Wells

    16 FEB

    Ep. 31: Tenkara in Patagonia with Jeff Wells

    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

    58 min
  5. Ep. 30: What's in Your Fly Box?

    18 JAN

    Ep. 30: What's in Your Fly Box?

    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

    1hr 28min
  6. Ep. 29: Idaho Tenkara Campout

    30/11/2025

    Ep. 29: Idaho Tenkara Campout

    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

    48 min
  7. Ep. 28: Don't Fish Without This Gear!

    02/11/2025

    Ep. 28: Don't Fish Without This Gear!

    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

    1hr 19min
  8. Ep. 27: Western Destinations with Skiddy & Keegan

    05/10/2025

    Ep. 27: Western Destinations with Skiddy & Keegan

    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

    1hr 37min
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Your home for smart discussion of tenkara and other forms of fixed line fly fishing.

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