A Japanese char, Iwana (C) KINEYA

FLY FISHING in JAPAN

The concept of Fly Fishing as a sport was began in Japan over 100 years ago. Especially over the last 30 years, it has become an increasingly popular fishing method among Japanese trout anglers. In Japan there are several species of Trout and Char; Iwana (Salvelinus leucomaenis), the anadromous Yamame (Oncorhynchus masou), Amago (Onchorhyncus rhodurus) as land locked trout as well as the many Salmons (Pacific Salmon) that run the rivers in autumn in Northern Japan. Fly Fishing has become the tactic of choice for the Trout and Salmon angler in Japan and is a permanent part of their angling culture.

About KINEYA

We at KINEYA had been a famous camera shop dealing vintage classic cameras such as Leica, Zeiss, Nikon etc. over 60 years in the middle of Kyoto, the old capital city of Japan.

In 1985 the owner, Masatoshi Okui, had started becoming deeply interested in the beauty and elegance of many famous American classic fly fishing tackle, of particular note was his near obsession with vintage bamboo rods and antique reels. He often went to America in his search in obtaining fine tackle and was an active buyer at several famous auctions. In addition, whenever the occasion presented itself, he was excited to introduce the Japanese culture of traditional fishing and fly fishing to American fishermen at some "table shows" and vintage tackle swap meets.

In the early years we gained much experience in our business of importing and distribution in Japan several American tackle makers and in 1990, we started producing fly reels of our own design. To help augment our business we also had arranged to do manufacturing for a few select tackle makers and wholesalers. In 1990, due to the overwhelming demand and short supply of high quality fly reels in the traditional style, we set out to create our own line of premium quality fly reels.

In April of 2000, Kineya discontinued O.E.M. manufacturing and decided to concentrate solely on their own designs. All of our products are made in house and are overseen by Masatoshi Okui who is also an avid fly fisher. He personally directs the operation of Kineya's state of the art CNC lathes. That is why you will see exclusive features and designs not found anywhere else and at a price that is very reasonable considering the superior quality and impeccable craftsmanship that goes into every Kineya design.

At present we are dealing with only 30 retailers in the entire country of Japan. Kineya has gained the respect and praise of fly fishers around the globe by manufacturing high quality products of original design and offering hand made craftsmanship and features and specifications not found on ordinary reels.

In order to maintain our high standard of excellence, we design and manufacture all of our products "in house" (including ALL components of every reel down to the last small screw). We have a great love for the wonderful and beautiful nature that we share on this earth and the clear rivers that run through it. We at Kineya strongly feel that the life of a Trout or a Salmon is an art which was borne from mother nature and our tackle designs are offered as, what we hope you will agree, a design in harmony and in tribute to this wonderful pastime. For us at Kineya, fly fishing and its importance in of our lives is our true passion and desire which we will continue to pursue all the days of our lives.