About Tenkara USA

Tenkara USA introduced tenkara rods outside Japan in 2009, founded by Daniel W. Galhardo as a fully independent U.S.-based company. It aims to provide the gear and knowledge for simple fly-fishing. Daniel first discovered tenkara in 2007 while exploring Japan's fishing history and culture. A trip to Japan in 2008 allowed him to see tenkara firsthand, and he brought a tenkara rod back to the U.S., enjoying its simplicity during backpacking trips. With no English resources on tenkara, Daniel saw an opportunity to share this minimalist method, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned anglers. To make tenkara accessible, Daniel decided creating gear was essential for its growth. In March 2009, after months of preparation and one month before officially launching Tenkara USA, he left his international banking career to pursue his vision. Challenges arose as tenkara defied conventional industry norms by focusing on simplicity rather than targeting large fish. Initially dismissed as a fad, tenkara has sparked a small revolution in fly-fishing, proving its staying power and changing perceptions in the industry.Read their story