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  • Tenkara Fly Shop

Tenkara Fly Shop

Overview

Tenkara Fly Shop has a rating of 4.94 stars from 69 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Reviewers satisfied with Tenkara Fly Shop most frequently mention customer service. Tenkara Fly Shop ranks 62nd among Fishing sites.

  • Service
    5
  • Value
    5
  • Shipping
    5
  • Returns
    1
  • Quality
    5
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What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

  • Great customer service and their products are of excellent quality.

Critical highlights

No critical highlights yet

How would you rate Tenkara Fly Shop?
Top Positive Review

“My favorite custom fly shop bar none.”

John L.
2/13/20

Superb craftsmanship takes time... and well worth it. Jim is a true artist. He also sells a variety of imports which are also very effective as a considerable bargain. Custom orders are fulfilled in order of receipt. My average wait is roughly 2 months... and well worth it. Top quality custom materials are very durable and perform best on the streams. It really brightens my day when receiving an email announcing my order is next on the vise

Reviews (69)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (8)
Thumbnail of user johnl2299
1 review
1 helpful vote
February 13th, 2020
Verified purchase

Superb craftsmanship takes time... and well worth it. Jim is a true artist. He also sells a variety of imports which are also very effective as a considerable bargain. Custom orders are fulfilled in order of receipt. My average wait is roughly 2 months... and well worth it. Top quality custom materials are very durable and perform best on the streams. It really brightens my day when receiving an email announcing my order is next on the vise

Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W. – Tenkara Fly Shop Rep

Thank you John, I really appreciate your kind words. BTW: I am about to start the order right before yours. That will take me a few days to complete, so... "Your order is next on the vise" (LOL)

Thumbnail of user karriem5
1 review
1 helpful vote
February 27th, 2020
Verified purchase

Jim makes beautiful flies. You may have to wait for your order, but the wait is worth it. Just make sure you order several weeks before you need flies. Jim does a great job of communicating, and giving timing updates so you know he hasn't forgotten about you. I highly recommend Tenkara Fly Shop.

Thumbnail of user davidn657
1 review
1 helpful vote
March 14th, 2020
Verified purchase

I ordered some flies from Jim a while ago and since he doesn't tie his flies until your order is placed it takes a little time to get them. Jim updates you with emails right up until he ships them.
He also sends a small wooden container with them. Jim is a superior fly tier and the quality of the flies are are outstanding. I will definitely be ordering from him again.

Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W. – Tenkara Fly Shop Rep

Thank you David. Sometimes it get so busy around here that I wonder if I should speed things up. But, that would mean less quality which is a no-go for me. But, my customers have always been understanding of this. Thanks guys!

Thumbnail of user markg1311
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 13th, 2020
Verified purchase

Jim provides great service and ties kebari flies as if they are fine art. This is the real deal.

Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W. – Tenkara Fly Shop Rep

Thanks Mark, I'm happy that you are enjoying them.

Thumbnail of user adamb416
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 5th, 2019
Verified purchase

Jim produces an excellent product. You can see the care that goes into his work.

On top of that his communication is very good. He sends multiple updates about the status of your order.

All in all, an excellent experience. Highly recommended.

Thumbnail of user waynej63
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 22nd, 2018

Purchased a range of patterns from Jim which I succesfully used on a recent fishing trip. Jims Black Ant and the Kebari Futsu Common consistently out performed all my other patterns over a 5 day period, and I will definitely purchase more from Jim in the future.

Thumbnail of user edwardh242
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 18th, 2019
Verified purchase

I've just placed my first order from Tenkara Fly Shop. Jim was right up-front in stating that he custom-makes each fly, so I should expect to wait for a while to receive my shipment. A couple of days later, he emailed me an update, explaining that my order was next in the queue. I call that dedication to customer satisfaction!

Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W. – Tenkara Fly Shop Rep

Thanks Edward. It's good to hear that my efforts are appreciated, keeps me going another season. Tight Lines, Jim

Thumbnail of user michaelt275
1 review
1 helpful vote
February 23rd, 2018
Verified purchase

Great experience. Helpful. Good prices. Nice range of flies from those to, loose in trees to more high end... recommended

Thumbnail of user russelll75
1 review
1 helpful vote
April 9th, 2020
Verified purchase

Started new Tenkara and shop was excellent in help

Thumbnail of user sharonl75
1 review
1 helpful vote
August 18th, 2016
Verified purchase

I was very pleased with the flies I received my only complaint was I had some questions that went unanswered via email. Being new to the sport I just needed a little direction.

Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W. – Tenkara Fly Shop Rep

Thanks Sharon. I am sorry that I missed your questions. I took another look at your order and email but did not see them. Of course, I just upgraded to Windows 10 so it may have gotten lost in the sauce. Please let me know if you have any more questions. Best regards, Jim

Thumbnail of user francisr41
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 7th, 2018

I am not a fisherman but wanted to buy an assortment for a friend for Christmas. He did a beautiful job in putting together a nice assortment, asking what kind of fishing he does, and shipped exactly as promised. They look beautiful.

Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W. – Tenkara Fly Shop Rep

Thanks Francis. Happy Holidays.

Thumbnail of user travisj60
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 5th, 2020
Verified purchase

Exactly what I wanted, fast shipping and quality product

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user daniels1072
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 7th, 2019
Verified purchase

My experience with Tenkara Fly Shop was fantastic. Jim makes flies to order which means they ship when they're ready. Jim communicated as my order was in progress and was very friendly and accommodating. The flies are gorgeous! I will be ordering again. Thanks!

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W. – Tenkara Fly Shop Rep

Thank you for your kind words Daniel

Thumbnail of user rickys59
3 reviews
2 helpful votes
November 5th, 2018

Everything is of a superb quality and looks like a true work of art. Fly fishing has become very enjoyable thanks to the products from this store.

Thumbnail of user jamesb508
1 review
1 helpful vote
March 16th, 2017
Verified purchase

I have been a fly-tier for almost my entire life. Tying a high-quality fly involves more than just following a pattern. The flies supplied by the Tenkara Fly Shop are excellent quality: high-quality materials, correct proportions, and skilled construction. Even though I haven't yet tried them on fish I am certain that if they don't produce the fault lies entirely with me. If you want high quality tenkara flies there is no need to go anywhere else.

Thumbnail of user davids1806
1 review
0 helpful votes
September 24th, 2018
Verified purchase

After placing my order I had a question regarding an item I purchased. Within 3 hours I heard back from the staff. They answered my question and then provided me additional information to contact Chris Stewart at TenkaraBum. Not only were my questions addressed, I gained more insightful information I was looking for. Thanks Dave

Thumbnail of user danb502
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 30th, 2019

I received the fly order today. Every fly was beautifully crafted. I look forward to getting them wet. The flies were tied to order, I was kept informed all through the brief wait, and you could not ask for more personal service or attention.

Tenkara Fly Shop is now my official go-to source.

Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W. – Tenkara Fly Shop Rep

Thank you Dan. Welcome to the family. Tight lines!

Thumbnail of user mariec292
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 11th, 2019
Verified purchase

The flies arrived quite fast. They are beautiful at a reasonable affordable price. I recommend this shop :))

Thumbnail of user waynem259
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 23rd, 2019
Verified purchase

Fast to keep me updated on progress of tying flies but did let me know there would be a slight delay. No probkem a coupke of months before trout season

Thumbnail of user jeffb747
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 22nd, 2019
Verified purchase

Mailing Service was fast, prices excellent, and a bit of personal attention with the inclusion of a sample of tying material... Would make additional purchases...

Thumbnail of user ericj143
1 review
0 helpful votes
April 23rd, 2018

Excellent communication and customer services. When I told Jim I was leaving on a trip later in the week, he made sure I got the flies on time and with no extra charge. Thanks Jim! I'll send photos of the fish I catch with my Tenkara Flies.
Eric J

Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W. – Tenkara Fly Shop Rep

Thanks Eric. My pleasure. Tight lines.

Thumbnail of user robertm632
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 28th, 2018
Verified purchase

I miss read the home site about Jim being on vacation, so Jim send me a e-mail, about him being on vacation. An that Jim would refund my order, reply back to JIm that i was willing to wait for him to back from his vacation, so i got a e-mail from Jim stated I was next after he complete one order before me.an for that i thank you for staying in touch with his customer.

Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W. – Tenkara Fly Shop Rep

Thank you Robert. I try to treat customers the way that I would want to be treated.

Thumbnail of user jeffh422
1 review
0 helpful votes
September 3rd, 2018
Verified purchase

Very fast response and delivery. Materials are just as described. I couldn't be happier with the transaction. Thank you.

Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W. – Tenkara Fly Shop Rep

Thank you for your review Jeff, and I'm happy that you appreciate your delivery. I do feel that I need to qualify the topic of fast delivery for the benefit of the average customer. Your order was for fly-tying materials, which I ordinarily send out next business day. In the case of kebari which are tied on demand, I usually have a backlog of orders. Again thanks for your glowing approval and best of luck with your tying adventures. Jim

Thumbnail of user simonr59
1 review
1 helpful vote
October 11th, 2017
Verified purchase

Excellent customer service. Still waiting on my flies, but they have provided constant updates on production. Really good direct contact with this company.

Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W. – Tenkara Fly Shop Rep

Thank you Simon. I hope that I am working with you guys in the way that I would want to be treated if I was the customer.

Thumbnail of user jamesa675
1 review
0 helpful votes
July 21st, 2019
Verified purchase

Have not received my product yet but was well informed that it was delayed and the reason for the delay.

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From the business

Hand Tied & Imported Tenkara Flies. Different than everyone else's because of the time that I take in construction. I consider myself a craftsman, not a production shop whose goal is profit. I take the time to tie these flies to last as long as possible. My nicely proportioned fly bodies are built up using a technique that allows them to last long after the hackle has worn away from use. The silk is glued to the hook, the hackle is glued to the silk body, then the collar is also glued. Or any other component for that matter. The whip finish is then waxed, closely trimmed and glued under the body as the master's have always done.

Business History

In 2012 I discovered Tenkara, and began to tie Japanese style kebari for my own use. In 2013 after seeing how effective and easy to learn this style of fly fishing was, I decided that I wanted to be more involved. My goal was to offer not only traditional patterns, but popular American and European designs as well. Thus the name Tenkara Fly Shop (instead of Tenkara kebari shop). I found out that Jason Klass of Tenkara Talk maintained a fishing blog, and I sent him a variety of things that I was producing. After he featured these on his site, I began to get business and I never looked back. When I started using Shopify as my web host, I started getting a large volume of new anglers stopping in. I used this opportunity to assist them in getting started. I have now completed six years in business, and am enjoying it more than ever.

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user jamesw346
James W.
Owner
My name is Jim, Jimmy to my family & friends. I love fishing my steep gradient streams and tying trout flies for the occasion. I have been doing this since 1967. At that time, I was the only person in my "worm-dunking" community who fished this way.

I recall a cheap, glass Berkley dry fly rod purchased at the local Jamesway department store, and the snapping of every fly that I purchased, right off of my simple level leader on every back cast. Christmas of that year I was gifted with a simple fly tying kit and an instruction book by Art Flick, who became my mentor from a distance. Those first trout flies were awful! But, it wasn't long before I could turn out a decent fly.

I live on one of the tributaries of the Great Lakes in Western New York where steelhead is king, but I don't fish for them. My love is and has always been, to head up into the gorge to fish the small, steep head-water streams no wider than my driveway, for fish in the 6 to 10 inch class. Or to head over the ridge and fish the Mississippi headwaters.

As I grew older, I put together several fly fishing outfits which were subsequently abandoned in my never-ending search for one that would fit the style of fishing that I practiced. I disliked constant line-mending, desired more precise control and never was one for long fly casts on my brushy headwaters. Back then I used the longest Western rod that I could fit under the trees, and paired it with the lightest fly line that I could find. So when I discovered it, Tenkara was a revelation for me.

I sometimes tell people that I hate Western fly fishing, as a way to emphasize how much Tenkara has changed my life. Of course I don't hate Western fly fishing. I adored it for over 50 years. In the creeks, on the lakes and in the rivers both in the US and in Canada. I fondly recall each and every memorable trout. The mornings, the evenings... I savored their gift, like the rare fish that died at my hand and nourished both my body and soul.

Putting to use many years of experience in the Northeast and in Canada, studies in aquatic entomology, fly-tying, working with wood, bamboo and metals, acquired as a wood carver, cabinetmaker and in antiques repair... and, of course largely thanks to my customers this business has blossomed. It's they who have helped build this business and who largely determine the quality product that comes out the other side.

In-season it's impossible to keep kebari in stock, they are all tied on demand. Still, I insist on a certain level of craftsmanship which sometimes makes the completed product take a little longer. It sounds cliché to say that I am not in this for the money, but it's a fact. Sure I use the money, but you will see for yourself if you buy from me. It's a user friendly operation. I am small & intend to stay that way. And, I want your purchase to be worth your wait.

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