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The Masterclass

Circumduction Techniques and Aerial Line Management

Circumduction Techniques is not a term that originates in Japanese tenkara, but is a term I use to describe Mr. Sakakibara’s aerial line management or the “wrist rolls” he uses before and in between his casts. 

    Line management is not a term we think much about in tenkara given the fixed-length lines we use, but aerial line management can assist tenkara anglers in several important ways.

    Many advanced tenkara anglers, as noted in the missing lesson, use “aerial mends” to reach their targeted casting locations. By implementing circumduction movements into your pre-cast routine, an angler is afforded a better ‘angle of attack’ to make these J-loop casts. It’s important to understand that circumduction techniques are NOT aerial mends, but the tool in which the angler can best achieve ‘the angle’ to make a mended-line cast. 

    Other reasons circumduction techniques may be implemented is to minimize movement, or maximize “stealthiness,” and/or afford more time [thought] between casts. Circumduction techniques help when casting in windy conditions, and can lessen arm fatigue, especially when casting longer length rods. Circumduction techniques are really another tool in the anglers toolbox to help provide better overall efficiency on the water and like Mr. Sakakibara, add a special tempo and style to the masterfulness that is Tenkara fishing.

Circumduction Casting & Aerial Mending

Circumduction Casting is when circumduction techniques are used in conjunction with the casting motion. Pre-loading energy into the rod through the use of inertial force; then using that accelerating energy against the weight of the fly to perform aerial mend casts.             

    Circumduction casts DO NOT require a 180 degree opposing anchor. Having no directly opposing force makes accuracy more difficult and places importance on constant tension and finding the key position.

    Circumduction casts may deliver a fly from an overhead position or from a side-arm position. Regardless of the arm position at the point of release, casting any fly or line-type using circumduction movements would be considered a  Circumduction Cast.

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