There is something very Zen about fishing. How it simplifies life, combining contemplation and focus amid the beauty of nature.
In the high-tech, complicated, hectic world that has become the current definition of living, fishing can be the ultimate personal escape. Peaceful. Relaxing.
There’s nothing more basic than pole and line and hook. Just add water.
And, preferably, fish.
That’s the concept behind Patagonia’s latest product. The environment-conscious outdoor apparel company launched its "Simply Fly Fishing" campaign earlier this month with a kit that includes a tenkara-style fly fishing rod, line, leader, a dozen flies and a book with the self-explanatory title: Simple Fly Fishing: Techniques for Tenkara and Rod & Reel."
The telescopic rods come in three sizes — 8-foot-6, 10-6 and 11-6 — and can be bought separately, ranging from $200 to $225. The rest of the kit runs $75.
It might sound like a pricey investment but, given the cost of youth sports and equipment, it’s a reasonable investment for multi-generational families. After all, what price can be put on quality time shared by grandparents and grandkids?
"I’d recommend it just to get the kids engaged," said Paul Carson, manager of the Patagonia outlet on Auahi Street. "So many of our kids get distracted from being outside and this is an easy way to get them started.
"It’s not really for the elite fisherman. It’s more to enjoy and appreciate the sport and the outdoors. It’s a great technique for little kids. Fly fishing with a regular reel can be a very laborious process."
"Tenkara" is Japanese for "from heaven" or "from the skies." It’s a centuries-old method of fly fishing in Japan, primarily targeting fresh-water mountain stream trout.
In Hawaii, Lake Wilson is well-suited for this type of fishing. Carson, who lives in Kaneohe, has taken his children fishing off He‘eia Kea Pier for smaller fish such as manini, tilapia and papio … mostly done on a catch-and-release basis.
The collapsible pole makes it easy to fold up and slip into a carry-on when traveling. It’s the ultimate get-away-from-it-all accessory.
"To be honest, I do a lot of sports that you have to seek out others to do it with," firefighter Tracy Masuda said. "I go out surfing and golfing with friends. But for the most part, I’m not interested in fishing with anyone. I enjoy being just by myself.
"Even if you go fly fishing with someone, mostly likely you won’t speak two words to each other the whole time. You take off in different directions, give each other the space that you need. The enjoyment is very personal."
Masuda grew up in Hawaii Kai, fishing the flats of Maunalua Bay. Because of his work schedule, his free time is often during the day.
"I’ve seen a huge growth in interest in fishing during the last 10 years," he said. "Before, I would not see another person out there fishing. Now, you’re seeing more people.
"Tenkara is more suited for the small fish. People who embrace it right off the bat are usually existing fly fishermen. It’s simple. It’s light."
It’s fishing demystified. For everyone.
The book, co-authored by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, is beautifully illustrated by widely known fish artist James Prosek. It includes photos and stories that personalize the sport as well as diagrams of casting and wet- and dry-fly techniques.
Proceeds from the book sales will go to environmental preservation and restoration, as well as to organizations such as the Native Fish Society and 1% for The Planet. Temple Fork Outfitters, which produces the rods, is donating $10 from each rod sale to groups that restore rivers and creeks.
