My enthusiasm

[dudley]

.
As to this being a "fad" as suggested by Dudley, I think he may be missing the point. If you find an approach that lets you expand both your fishing effectiveness in some settings and enjoy your time on the water more by using that approach where it makes more sense than using conventional fly fishing equipment, and plan to do it for a long time, it would hardly be considered a fad by most people. Some maybe, but not most.

John

26-28 years ago I bought myself one of those cane poles that they sell at bait shops for 2 or 3 bucks.
I had a blast that summer swinging flies on a short line. While I had never heard of tenkara, I was very much aware that this kind of fishing was very similar to what was practiced since the days of Walton and until the advent of the modern cane rod in mid 19th century.
I had my fun for a season or two and then moved on. I'd do it again, but I'm not compelled just because there's better (and more expensive) gear available
Don't kid yourself that I've "missed the point" Been there, done that.