Every time a good size fly rod fish heads for trouble I always ask myself how much pressure can I put on it and do I have the correct angle. Obviously the wrong time not to know. Here is a video and a written description I found of how the great Andy Mill solved this dilemma. Mill is renowned for landing big fish quickly. IMHO his technique should work over all fly rod weight classes. I rigged up the sand bucket as described and for me it was a stunning awakening of just how strong a 10lb test tippet really is. Hope y'all like it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWXskIPu9SE
http://www.floridasportsman.com/2012/06/12/tarpon-on-fly/

Cool video. For me tenkara fishing has opened a whole new level of feel for fighting fish. I love the straight connection to the fish with tenkara. It's me, the rod/line and fish. I have been amazed at the size fish I can land without a reel. It seems that without a reel and drag the fish feel a stopping point and turn instead of run straight.

A few examples of large fish Ive
caught on tenkara rods.

Tenkara.... I know little of it but I understand it has a devoted following.

I have never been able to catch a gar on a fly even though there are a dozen under the lights on my pier. What's the secret?

I find gar frequently attack my bugger/streamer flies. The trick is the hook finding the right spot. I have far more take and spit moments than hook sets with gar. For longnose a rope type fly that catches their teeth is key. Also with a rope type fly let them take it and don't set too soon so they have time to tangle. Great fun on a fly.