HISTORY OF JAPANESE FLY FISHING ROD

CFFCM will host a program about the “History of Japanese Fly Fishing Rods” on Saturday, May 20 at the center.

In the morning, Miyoshi Shiozawa, who is the chair of Tenryu Company, LTD and the director of NPO Waterside Basis Society, will speak about the history and design of fly rods and tenkara rods.  He has been involved in making rods for lure fishing, fly fishing and tenkara for nearly 70 years and still designs the rods for the company.  His latest designed tenkara rod is the most modern, and has gained attention from the fishing industry around the world.

Mr. Shiozawa will discuss the rod making history in Japan, showing bamboo, glass and carbon rods.  The company’s website is http://www.tenryu-magna.com.  Its products website in English is located at http://fishing.tenryu-magna. com/?Lang=En.  Mr. Shiozawa’s tenkara rods are featured at http://www.tenkarabum.com/ tenryu-furaibo.html.

His 90-minute talk will be translated by Misako Ishimura, who is well-known to many members of CFFCM.  She is co-author of “Tenkara: Radically Simple Ultra Light Fly Fishing,” the first English language book on tenkara.  Her profile is at https://sites.google.com/site/ misakoishimura/.

In the afternoon, Ms. Ishimura will give a tenkara casting demonstration and workshop that is appropriate for beginners.  Following the workshop, she and Chris Stewart will demonstrate the tying of tenkara flies.  Mr. Stewart’s website is http://www.tenkarabum.com.

A number of vendors selling tenkara products will also be present.