Tenkara flies
Sakasa Kebari, the traditional Tenkara fly patterns
Sakasa Kebari, the traditional Japanese fly patterns were developed for tenkara fishing and are still used very successfully today. This is because they have a number of unique features that make them so catchy. The most obvious feature of the Sakasa Kebari is the hackle fibres pointing forwards, towards the eye of the hook. This provides a distinctive silhouette and a lifelike movement of the fly in the water when the fibres pulsate as soon as the fly is moved. The Sakasa Kebari flies embody the minimalist philosophy of Tenkara fishing, where simplicity, effectiveness and the art of presentation are paramount, rather than an elaborate selection of flies. As such, the patterns are comparatively simply tied and have a natural appearance. This makes them universal and very versatile, so you will be very successful with a few patterns on many different waters.
TENKARA FLIES – FEWER PATTERNS, MORE POSSIBILITIES
One of the first things anglers notice when discovering Tenkara is the surprisingly small number of traditional fly patterns. Whereas Western fly fishing has evolved thousands of dry flies, nymphs and streamers to match specific insects and conditions, Japanese Tenkara follows a different philosophy. Success depends less on carrying countless patterns and more on mastering a handful of versatile flies and presenting them naturally.
This approach developed in the remote mountain valleys of Japan, where professional fishermen needed flies that were quick to tie, dependable and effective throughout the season. Rather than changing patterns to match every hatch, they relied on a small selection of Kebari that performed consistently under a wide range of conditions. That practical mindset remains one of the defining characteristics of traditional Tenkara today.
SAKASA KEBARI, FUTSU KEBARI OR JUN KEBARI?
The Japanese word Kebari simply means "artificial fly". Over time, several traditional styles emerged. The best known is the Sakasa Kebari, distinguished by its soft forward-facing hackle. Other classic patterns include the Futsu Kebari, featuring a conventional rear-facing hackle, and the minimalist Jun Kebari. Although these styles differ in appearance, they all share the same purpose: creating the impression of living prey through movement rather than faithfully copying a particular insect.
WHY SIMPLICITY OFTEN CATCHES MORE FISH
Traditional Kebari are intentionally uncomplicated. Long tails, bulky bodies and excessive materials are largely absent. This restrained design makes them exceptionally versatile, allowing the same fly to perform equally well in fast pocket water, shallow riffles and slower pools. Instead of constantly changing flies, Tenkara anglers adjust their presentation, the speed of the drift and subtle rod movements to suit changing conditions.
WORKING WITH THE CURRENT
The soft hackle fibres respond instantly to even the slightest changes in current. A gentle lift of the rod tip or a brief pause is often enough to make them open, pulse and fold back naturally. This understated movement gives the fly remarkable life without appearing exaggerated. In clear mountain streams, trout frequently respond to this delicate animation even when they ignore conventional dry flies or nymphs.
A TRADITION THAT STILL PROVES ITS VALUE
Despite the availability of modern materials and countless new fly designs, classic Kebari have remained largely unchanged for generations. Their effectiveness lies in the combination of simplicity, versatility and presentation. Even today, many experienced Tenkara anglers demonstrate that a carefully chosen selection of traditional flies is all that is needed to fish a wide variety of waters successfully.
TIED TO TRADITIONAL STANDARDS
Our Tenkara flies are inspired by these classic Japanese patterns and are tied on premium barbless Dohiku hooks. Quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship and balanced proportions ensure that every Kebari performs exactly as intended, delivering the natural movement that has made these flies so successful for generations.