This was going to be a well crafted post about the outstanding fishing trip I had with my good friend Chris Hunt who writes the ever informative and very entertaining Eat More Brook Trout. But that will have to wait.
Tsunami
The tsunami that struck Japan continues to leave havoc in its wake. Half a world away, the connection to fly-fishing may seem tenuous at best.
But tenkara has deep roots in Japan. And tenkara fishers can’t help but look to Japan for tenaka inspiration, instruction and traditions.
Daniel Galhardo, owner of TenkaraUSA, has very strong ties to Japan and while thankfully the tragedy has not directly effected his family or friends those connections have inspired his to help with the relief efforts.
UPDATE: the Auction has closed and it netted more than $900 for Japan relief efftorts!
original post continues after the jump >
A Rare Tamo
Daniel has put up for auction a tamo (tenkara fishing net) made by tamo master Ikichi-san. As you will learn these nets are hard to come by and beautifully hand-crafted works of art. Here is Daniel’s email:
You certainly heard about the tragic earthquake and tsunami that swept through Japan. You may also know of my connection with Japan, as I have been introducing tenkara (the traditional Japanese method of fly-fishing) to the US, and have very close friends and family in the country. I’m happy to report my friends, tenkara teachers and family are well and safe. But many others are in need of help.
In an effort to raise funds for the relief efforts that will be taking place in the coming days/weeks/months, I am auctioning off one of my very prized and extremely rare tenkara nets (tamo), made in Gujo bytamo master Ikichi-san. I have written extensively about tenkara nets here: http://www.tenkarausa.com/blog/?tag=tenkara-net. I thought you, or someone you know may like the opportunity to acquire this one. 100% of the money raised will be sent to the relief efforts, and the bidder earns a one-of-a-kind net that is becoming rarer by the day. Please pass it on to anyone you feel would like a chance to bid.
AUCTION (better pictures, and more info here): http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320670445593
Spread the word
Daniel has asked and I will echo it here. Please spread the word about this unique auction and how it will be used to help the relief efforts in Japan.
Want to see how bad it is? Check out these NY Times before and after interactive photos.