Tenkara Bum is now offering their own line spools and I got my order for 3 of them today. They’re essentially identical to the Meiho blue spools sold by Tenkara USA but are a shrunken down version.
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The smaller diameter would be good for a tenkara minimalist or the backpacker who wants the convenience of a spool with the absolute minimum in weight and bulk.
Left: Tenkara USA Spools, Right: Tenkara Bum Spools
While the outer diameter of the spool might be smaller, the inside diameter of the hole is the same as its larger cousin, meaning that you can still carry the spool by slipping it over the blank and handle of most tenkara fly rods:
Tenkara Bum Spool on a Tenkara USA Iwana 12 ft. Rod
And, as an added bonus, the Tenkara Bum spools come with stickers to help you keep track of line lengths and weights:
While both spools are good, as a backpacker, I can see the niche appeal for this smaller and lighter convenience item. If you’d like to try the smaller spools, you can get them here.
And, oh…you might be wondering if the smaller diameter of the spool increases coils and line memory on level lines. Well, not any more than on the larger T-USA spools. You still have to stretch out your line either way so I don’t see it as a problem. Think of it more as a pre-fishing ritual you have to go through anyway than a chore.
How do you store and transport your tenkara line?
The smaller line spools work great when using with the Ebira rod quiver as the smaller size fits well in the attachable pocket.
Thom
TrailLite Designs
Ah, good point Thom! I should have mentioned that in my post.
I’ve been wanting to get a few of the older style spools for quite some time, but now they are even smaller I’ll be biting the bullet today and ordering a bunch. Now I have no excuse not to make a few of your new level lines to put carry on my new spools when the arrive 🙂
Brian,
Just curious, what do you mean by the “older style spools”?
how do these compare to the oni spools?
I like to use buttons . I use old , antler or wood buttons that are secured on to the handle section of my Yamame/Iwana with hemp twine ; two buttons ,actually, about a foot to a foot and a half a part . Simply wind between the two , their small enough that they fit into a rod case and when moving from place to place , a quick loop around one or both .
What a clever idea Michelle! I think my son is trnyig to be a crafter himself. He took his shoe box and put a couple of holes on top using a pencil. Added grass inside. And now he is on the hunt for a bug or something to put in it! lol I wonder if young Avery will do the same! heheheHugs,Angela