Glossery 

An adjusted-stop is a rod tip stop-point that must be 'adjusted' to meet a desired or targeted casting location. This would include any stop-point that would be used to reach a compromised casting location.

The use of line manipulation to make the fly and/or line land on the water with a particular result. An aerial mend, like the name suggests, takes place in the air before the fly lands on the water.

The use of Circumduction Techniques during the precast routine that uses continuous motion to keep "constant tension" on the fly and line prior to casting. Aerial line management is used to maintain a certain 'casting rhythm' as the angler makes their way from one casting location to another.

A Belly Mend uses an "O" or "U-shaped" wrist roll to feed slack line down through the mainline system. This "coiled slack line" facilitates a quicker dead drift, or may be used to reposition the fly for target accuracy. Belly Mends send "time" in the form of slack line down through an otherwise tightline system. This small amount of "coiled slack" or "borrowed time" races down the casting line and allows the fish the ability to take the fly without tension. This lapse in time between the fish-strike and hook-set affords the angler greater hook-setting success. Belly Mends may also be used as a sasoi-tactic to impart life-like motion onto the fly.

a.k.a. An Overhead Circumduction Cast. The result is similar to a J-Loop Cast, but incorporates Circumduction Techniques into the pre-cast motion. The advantage of The Ceiling Fan Cast over a J-Loop Cast is that it gives a greater advantage 'in the angle of attack' when performing aerial mends. The constant motion of the line and fly (like that of a ceiling fan) afford a rhythmic and continuous overhead motion opposite of a J-Loop Cast that uses a traditional back-and-forth casting motion to provide a similar result.

Refers to any cast where Circumduction Techniques are incorporated into the casting motion. These varying casts can be subtle hand and wrist movements, or more pronounced circular-like motions from the arm and/or shoulder.

The circular-like motions that are made from the wrist and the shoulder during the pre-cast routine in order to perform circumduction casts and aerial line management. Circumduction Techniques include, but are not limited to figure-eights and overhead circling of the rod, line, and fly.

A cast where the most optimized stop-point cannot be obtained. This could be because of tree limbs, heavy brush, high river banks, rod length, line length, or the need to exercise stealthiness when casting to (known) holding or rising fish.

See Adjusted-Stop.

Densho refers to the traditional or 'Folk Lore' methods that were handed down in certain regions across Japan. Densho Methods are different than Sasoi-tactics in that they encompass a wide variety of fishing tactics and tackle differences. These differences may include specific rigging such as multiple flies, line diameter and length, rod preferences, and they often include specific kebari or Densho Kebari (traditional kebari) developed by local anglers from a certain geographic area. Think of these methods and flies more as "tips and tricks," or a style (or philosophy) that defined a certain area or a specific river system. These regional differences were passed on to younger generations of anglers from within that same region, mountain village, watershed, District, or Prefecture.

a.k.a Dry Fly Fishing. When an angler fishes a floating fly, albeit Japanese dry fly or western dry fly the method the angler would be practicing is referred to (in Japanese) as Doraten. This could also include foam terrestrials, and any other buoyant or self-floating flies that would be taken by a fish on the water's surface.

The downstream method is a broad term that refers to the anglers' kebari being presented to the fish from an upstream position. Meaning that the fly is fished downstream from where the angler is standing. The downstream method can be fished from the bank of the river or from an on-water position and can include a variety of sasoi-tactics.

Fly Repositioning is the point at which a fly lands on the water and then must 'adjust' to the directional water flow that would be at force against it. Fly repositioning involves "the twisting" or "untwisting" of the line and fly as it stabilizes to the surrounding water currents before a dead drift may occur. Think of fly repositioning as "the brief first moments" of the fly on the water before the rod would need to follow the fly to present it naturally.

This tactic uses the "pull" of the water current to "swing" the fly downstream. The tactic starts with an across stream cast where the fly is then swept downstream [ending down river or down current] from the angler. The tactic is known in Japan is Ougibiki, and is considered a sasoi-tactic even though no motion is placed on the fly by the angler (See Passive Sasoi). Because the technique has a direct western connection (in that it's a classic "swinging" technique) the Japanese term, Ougibiki, is less used in my teaching. Note: While "wet flies" and/or their Japanese equivalent, "Jun kebari" are traditionally known for being "swung," any type of western fly, Sakasa or Futsu kebari where the "swinging" method is implemented would be considered Fixed-Line Swinging.

Fixed-Line Nymphing is a term that I think is very important to tenkara nomenclature in that it differentiates “traditional tenkara” from tightline or euro-nymphing techniques. Traditional tenkara is a surface or just below surface method. When presenting flies at depths below 1 foot [the term] fixed-line nymphing could be used to describe the transition in technique or the change in the flies depth. You could be fishing [traditional tenkara techniques] with a kebari and then transition to fixed-line nymphing when you'd need to reach deeper depths, or you can fish fixed-line nymphing techniques exclusively with a sighter-section [of line] and bead-headed nymphs. Keiryu rods with firmer mid-sections designed for better hook setting at depth are made specifically for this method of fishing.

Dragging a fly upstream to create a wake against the flow. Sasoi-tactic sometimes referred to as Sakabiki. The technique involves pulling the fly up current from a downstream anchored position.

Sasoi-tactic that translates to mean "to sweep quickly." This tactic can be thought of as "skating" a fly on the water's surface. Demonstrated in the form of "S-shape" curves, the term is also known as the run-around tactic as the fly appears to be "running around" on the water's surface.

A technique where you "trace" a J-shape so that the fly lands either downstream or upstream of the line and tippet. "J-loops" are aerial mend casts that are implemented in conjunction with a straight back-and-forth casting motion. The outcome is noticed in the slight "J" shape, or the reversed "L" shape that is formed in the line on the forward cast.

The Key Position Distance is the comfortable distance an angler may be positioned away from their desired casting target given the line and rod length. This exact or near exact distance is determined by the angler in order to help achieve The Key Position stop-point in the forward cast. The rod and line length must be considered-most when determining this comfortable casting distance.

Also known as "The Key Position" refers to a certain "decided" stop-point in the forward cast. The Key Position is felt by the angler when near perfect transfer of energy occurs. Finding this "feeling" or "discovering" The Key Position stop-point often results in a "perfect" fly first cast. Think of the Key Position as the aerial target the angler is trying to achieve with their rod tip in the forward cast.

This term is used to describe the foundational teachings of tenkara fishing. Translated to mean, the "basics" or "the fundamentals" these are the foundational skills that every tenkara angler must understand and exhibit to demonstrate tenkara casting and presentation techniques at a higher level.

The decelerating energy that takes place in the line after the stop-point has been achieved. Line energy transfer can be witnessed in the "turnover" of the line and fly as it "falls" toward its' casted location.

This term relates to "the difference" or in Japanese "the change" that would be "returned" to the angler (by the line) after casting. This 'returning line sag' is demonstrated by the subtle "drape" or the "curve" that occurs as the line is 'drawn back' or "drapes back" from the casting target to the angler. This sagging-line effect is referred to as Otsuri. Otsuri can be used as a sasoi-tactic, but is largely a point of avoidance as the consequential effect [or result] is shown to pull the fly (kebari) out of its' intended targeted casting zone.

See Fixed-Line Swinging.

Passive Sasoi or passive sasoi-tactics include any technique where the angler relies on The 3 W's to manipulate the fly. See also Sasoi Tactics and The 3 W's.

Rod Tip Engagement describes the interaction of the rod tip with the casting line after hooking a fish. I use this term to describe the constant tension or "tight line" needed as the bend of the rod is witnessed while bringing a fish to net. An 'engaged' rod-tip helps assure that a fish does not break-off before landing can occur.

Sasoi is a broadly used term to describe all fly manipulations. Sasoi-tactics would include Tomezuri, Yokobiki, Gyakubiki, Hashirakashi, Tome-Okuri, and any other angler manipulated tactic that would impart motion or enhance the presentation of the fly by some kind of movement. The use of the word "Sasoi" would translate to mean "a luring" or "an invitation" (by the fly) to induce a strike. While most sasoi-tactics are implemented by the angler, there are "passive" sasoi-tactics that are not performed by the angler. These tactics would otherwise be manipulated by the water, wind, or weight of the fly or line (The 3 W's). Where by the directional flow of the water and/or the wind, or the weight of the fly or line (The 3 W's) is the causation. These non-angler resulting passive sasoi-tactics can be described as "passive sasoi." The term "Sasoi" can be thought of as the movement of the fly that invites curiosity from the fish before it should decide to feed.

The stop-point is the point at which the rod tip "stops" or appears to stop during the casting motion. The stop-point may be a Key Position stop-point or a Compromised Key Position, also known as an Adjusted-Stop. The stop-point is the moment when line energy transfer begins and "turnover" is first noticed.

The use of a high rod tip to manipulate the terminal end of the line. Terminal Mends are used to reposition the line, tippet, and/or fly after it lands on the water. Terminal mends are characterized by 2 main wrist/hand movements [or mending actions], The Belly Mend and The Twitch Mend. Any other subtle hand movement where the intention of the movement is to adjust the fly and/or tippet on the water to achieve a certain result would also be considered a Terminal Mend.

The 3 W's is a term I use to describe the 3 main factors that contribute to "passive sasoi" (non-angler induced fly "luring" tactics). These three factors (The 3 W's) are: water, wind, and weight. It's these outside influences that can be used to perform fly-like movements without the angler using the rod-tip to further enhance the sasoi-tactic. First, water may be used by relying on micro-currents and directional flows to dead-drift a fly. Second, wind can be used to "sail a fly" across or on-top of the water's surface. Third, and lastly, the weight of a fly and/or the fly line can be used to sink a fly to a certain depth. Also note: the lack of weight a fly or line possesses can be used conversely to float a fly in the surface-film. The 3 W's are vital to understanding the full scope of sasoi-tactics and advancing presentation skills in all environmental and water-type conditions.

See Terminal Mend.

The easiest of all sasoi-tactics it involves "holding" a stationary fly against the water current. The fly appears to "bounce." This bouncing or wake-producing fly is seen as "an invitation" for the fish. Consider this static presentation or "holding of the kebari" in one place the simplest of all the sasoi-tactics as the angler need do nothing but hold the rod in a stationary position as the water current imparts "the action" or the movement onto the fly.

This is a Sasoi-tactic that involves "sending" a fly downstream. It is mostly a subsurface tactic that involves "holding" then "releasing" the fly to drift downstream. Repeating this "hold" then "drift" (pause & drift) movement over several repeated cycles the angler is able to "feed the line" and fly downstream from an upstream position.

Turnover is the "witnessed" deceleration of the line and fly after the stop-point has been achieved. The line is said to be in turnover as the airborne fly is delivered to its' casting location.

A Twitch Mend uses a "twitch" or repetitive "twitching" motion to send waves of slack line down through the mainline system. This wave of slack line can expedite a dead drift, and like a Belly Mend, uses slack to "buy time" during a fish-strike. Providing the "extra" or needed time for a fish to make a head turn without line tension causing the fish to spit out the fly. A Twitch Mend [when performed in succession] is a sasoi-tactic, much like how "Pon Pon" uses finger tapping, only instead of a finger-tap, the angler uses a quick twitch of the rod tip. The "twitch" can be a series of fast or spaced apart twitches, or a singular; one-off twitch to adjust the fly or tippet on the water. The larger, more pronounced "the twitch," the more slack line is added. It's that same amount of slack line, or the "curve" that shows in the line that is then [the leeway] afforded a fish to make their head turn before the angler would need to set the hook. The Twitch Mend is one of two primary Terminal Mends. The other being a Belly Mend.

This is a broad term that would describe an anglers directional cast as being upstream from their position. The upstream method is less suited to present flies with manipulation (at least in faster flows), and therefore is a primary choice for "3-count" dead drifts or similar Doraten presentations. The upstream method is one of the stealthiest methods, as the angler is casting [from below] an upstream facing fish.

This is a Sasoi-tactic that uses a "side pull" motion to present the fly across a downstream current. The tactic can be seen as a version of western streamer fishing where the fly is 'stripped' across one or more slower moving currents in a sideways pull.

Zenmai is the sprout of a young fiddle head fern that produces a cotton-like material that is used as a body dubbing material. Yuzo Sebata used the fine fibrous material commonly in the tying of his hand-tied kebari. The material is still used today and speaks to the history and ancient survivalist practices of tying kebari out of materials found in nature.