Tenkara Terms Glossary

A

B

Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

A species of freshwater Char that is native to the eastern part of North America. They are identifiable by the iconic red spots surrounded by blue halos, and the marble-like pattern on their adipose, dorsal, and tails.

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

A species of freshwater fish in the "Salmo" family. Characterized by a dark brown color along the back, that transitions to a lighter brown near the belly, as well as red spots mixed in with the dark brown spots that span the length of the body and into the top of the tail.

C

Casting Line

The main section of line that is used to load the rod in order to make the cast. Usually thicker in diameter, these lines can be made from a variety of materials.

D

E

F

Freestone Stream

Freestone streams and rivers are undammed streams that are fed by rainwater and snowmelt.

Furled Line

A casting line made up of multiple strands of material that are twisted or braided together.

G

Gou (号)

Pronounced "Go," this is the Japanese measurement in line diameter. Most often seen on level line, but you may also find it on tippet. You might also find it on the packaging of Japanese rods as a suggested tippet rating for the rod inside the package.

H

Headwater(s)

The source of a stream or river

High-Gradient Stream

A tributary of water that flows down a moderate to high-gradient landscape. These types of streams are often characterized by riffle/run patterns.

I

J

K

Kebari (毛鉤)

The Japanese word translating to “feathered/haired hook” - or what is known as a “fly” in English

L

Level Line

A casting line that is the same diameter throughout the entire length of the line.

Lillian

The cordage at the tip of the rod that serves as a connection point between the rod and the casting line.

Limestone Stream(s)

A stream that is maintained by underground springs beneath limestone bedrock.

M

N

O

P

Q

R

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A species of freshwater fish native to Asia and North America. These fish are often identified by the pink stripe that runs along their lateral line. There are many subspecies of rainbow trout, including redband and cutthroat trout.

S

Spring-fed Stream(s)

A stream in which the flows are regulated by continuous flow from natural springs.

T

Tapered Line

A casting line that’s profile has a difference in diameter between the tip of the line, and the butt section where you attach the line to the lilian.