DON'T SKIP: How to use your DT Academy Courses

Five minutes to make sure you get the best out of all your content!

Introduction

Find out a little about the birthplace of tenkara manipulations and a few quick notes on the “Personalities” of Japanese Fish: One reason there are so many tenkara presentation methods.

Main Feature: Tenkara Manipulations Video

When you watch "Manipulations Volume 1" remember... there's too much detail to take in in just one sitting. The subtleties of many of the chapters will only begin to emerge with practical experience on stream and repeated viewings.

Getting Started with Rigs and Drills

Before we go any further, here are a few pointers on tackle, rigs and general setup to get you started with a solid foundation.

Dead Drift

Don't skip this!!! The fundamental dead drift skill is actually your gateway to success in all the manipulation techniques.

Intermission: How to Practise on Stream

Before we go any further, here's a few thoughts on how to put the lessons that follow into practice next time you're out on stream.

Upstream Sasoi

Now you've got your upstream dead drift sorted it's time to get things moving with a little upstream sasoi.

Yokobiki (Side Pull)

One of the few times it's okay to drop that rod tip! Yokobiki (side pull) techniques can revolutionise your presentation with traditional or modern flies... not to mention streamers.

Line Sailing

Don't let people put you off line sailing by telling you "tenkara's just dapping". This is a really powerful tactic when you understand and get good at it. Don't be shy, break a few rules - particularly ones set by folks who don't know what they're talking about!

Ashtapazuri (Tap Tap)

Don't miss this amazing technique with a funny origin story...

Gyakubiki (Reverse Pull/Surface Variation)

Not everything is easy. This presentation can make it hard to hook fish. In fact almost everything about it is difficult but when you get things right the rewards can be worth the effort.

Closing Thoughts: When to Bend, Break or Follow the Rules

Manipulations - and fishing methods in general - are not "black and white" absolute systems. There's plenty of grey areas and blurred lines where mastery is to be found.

Deadly Dozen Fly Tying Bonus

A comprehensive step by step guide to tying 12 Tenkara kebari patterns - follow each recipe exactly for a go-anywhere box of flies or use the patterns as inspiration for your own creations using John's helpful suggestions for variants.

Ride Along Bonus Video - Flying by the Seat of Our Pants in Japan

Here is close to an hour of us on the edge of disaster while teaching and showing tenkara presentation tactics on a LIVE TV broadcast to the world (part of Fishing TV's "World Fishing Day" 24 hour live TV event).

Fly Action in Focus: part 1/4

Episode 1 of "Fly Action in Focus" originally released as part of the launch for Manipulations Volume 1.

Fly Action in Focus: part 2/4

Episode 2 of "Fly Action in Focus" originally released as part of the launch for Manipulations Volume 1.

Fly Action in Focus: part 3/4

Episode 3 of "Fly Action in Focus" originally released as part of the launch for Manipulations Volume 1.

Fly Action in Focus: part 4/4

Episode 4 of "Fly Action in Focus" originally released as part of the launch for Manipulations Volume 1.