Dennis Vander Houwen is what I like to call a “friend of the program” here at Tenkara Angler. Dennis is a frequent contributor to the magazine and website, has a recurring column called Tenkara Lifestyles, and has even sat in on a Level Line podcast or two. In addition to writing here and on his own blog Tenkara Path, Dennis also operates a craft woodworking business of the same name offering different minimalistic, tenkara-adjacent tools and accessories through his Etsy storefront.
I recently purchased one of the latest Tenkara Path line spools and fly holders, a bamboo version named the “Take“. I was so impressed with the craftsmanship I thought it would be a perfect reason to interview Dennis specifically about his woodworking and tenkara spools. What I learned is that a lot of thought and consideration goes into creating these beautiful, yet utilitarian accessories. Please enjoy my discussion with Dennis below.
Dennis, thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to do an interview of sorts for our readers. I’m sure most people would like to know what inspired you to start creating your own tenkara line spools. How did the idea initially come about?
Well, like many, I was drawn to the simplicity of tenkara. As I continued, I found myself still juggling lines, fly boxes, and tippet spools, which felt just a little out of sync with the minimalist nature of tenkara. The spools that were available were fine but not very elegant or in line with the spirit of tenkara. After trying a few different unorthodox line holders like an earbud case as a line holder, the idea hit me of a line spool that could hold line, tippet and a fair number of flies. As it happened, I had gotten a wood lathe for Christmas and was playing around with it. This seemed like a good project to slap onto the lathe and begin experimentation.
Interesting, so what sets your tenkara line spools apart from others on the market, in terms of design?
I enjoy seeing what others create, but I don’t think comparisons are always helpful. I don’t want my spools to look like anyone else’s but instead try to just let the designs happen without outside influence. Speaking objectively though, there are a few key aspects I really appreciate about my spools. Each one is handmade by me—not mass-produced—so they are personally unique, with a human touch to the craftsmanship. The subtle imperfections give each spool its own character, and no two are ever exactly alike. That’s the beauty of hand-turning wood. While I follow certain specs to ensure functionality and some continuity, there are always slight variations.
Each spool becomes a piece of functional art, and knowing people enjoy using them makes me happy. This project has never been about mass production but about creating useful items for people; it’s about being creative, contributing to the tenkara community, and participating in its evolving culture. I’m always glad to get an order because it means more time in the workshop.
Excellent, can you walk us through the process of crafting each spool? What materials do you use, and how do you ensure quality in every piece?
Each spool starts as a 3 to 4-inch square, wooden blank. I drill a small center hole and cut the corners off to form an octagon. This makes it easier to turn into a disc on the lathe. Once mounted on the lathe, I shape the spool, rounding off the remaining edges and giving the spool its basic disk shape. I then create a small, funneled depression on both sides of the center of the spool. This center will later be drilled out as the center of the spool. Depending on the type of spool requested I shape the face of the spool. Finally, I cut the line track into the side of the spool. This may be the trickiest part. If the spool is going to fail on the lathe, it will be in this step.
After some sanding, I remove the spool from the lathe and if it is a magnetic chamber spool, I use a drill press with a Forstner bit to make chambers for the magnets. The neodymium magnets are then hammer-set snugly into the centers. Other spools don’t have chambers but rather a special center that will hold a spring loop around it for putting the hooks in and others have a special center that acts as a inner locking spool for wrapping line up.
Using my scroll saw, I cut notches into the sides of the spool for the line to lock into later. Then I use a ¾” Forstner bit to cut out the center hole. I put the spool back onto the lathe, sand a final time and then apply 3 coats of shellac followed by a beeswax/carnauba wax mix to buff on a smooth finish. If the spool has a spring or a button fastener this is when those are added.
The spool then gets moved to my office table where I add an elastic band around the line track and brand the spool with my trademark. I add one of my tenkara lines and toss in a few extra flies. Each spool is wrapped then in a furoshiki and is then mailed off.
Regarding the materials… I try to use harder woods, like acacia, teak, maple, and some walnut. Occasionally I come across some special wood types like olive. I have recently gotten ahold of a large supply of quality laminate bamboo. The woods must turn nicely, and not have glaring flaws in them. I try to source the wood from places other than a specialty lumber store. There’s lots of wood to be repurposed if you keep your eye out for it. Sustainability is part of my ethos. Much of the wood I get is a repurposing of wood used for something else first. Cutting boards, old award plaques, chairs, and once I found a good supply of beechwood from an old piano.
How does your minimalist philosophy influence the design and usability of your spools?
My main attraction to tenkara is its simplicity, which has influenced my spool designs. Over the years, they’ve evolved by becoming more streamlined. I now focus on removing rather than adding features, only including something if it truly enhances function.
Because I use the spools myself, I can assess what works and what needs improvement. A guiding principle I follow is from a sign in a Zen woodworker’s shop: “Don’t add anything.”
One significant change was eliminating the double line track, which felt redundant since a single track holds both the tippet and the line in use. While I still offer a second track upon request, I find it unnecessary.
My latest design is a minimalist, bamboo spool with a single fly chamber and a new line-holding feature using Japanese buttons. This past year, I’ve upgraded the basic designs, maintaining the original integrity while incorporating functional improvements. Due to the limited supply of the bamboo this is for now a limited-edition spool.
I’m also selective about materials, favoring natural hardwoods, subtle magnets, minimal metal and no foam to keep the aesthetic handmade and organic.
For anglers just starting with tenkara, what advice would you give on choosing and managing their lines with your spools?
I believe that in tenkara angling we have a responsibility to step up and learn its story and traditions. While my spools aren’t replicas of what early tenkara anglers used, I believe they carry the spirit of practical design that fits the practicality of form and simplicity. I love that my spools have a handmade, old-world feel to them. Hopefully they will outlive the user.
There are some great spool designs out there, but I’m not a fan of plastic or foam spools, which can harm the environment. CNC-machined spools are well-made, but they lack the human touch of craftsmanship.
For new tenkara anglers, it’s about finding what works for you. A spool can be a cherished item or just a tool, but for me, these unique personal items enrich my fishing experience.
What feedback have you received from tenkara anglers who have used your spools, and how has it shaped any future designs or features?
I’m really grateful for the support I’ve received from the tenkara community. People often compliment my work in their reviews, which is flattering. I put a lot of myself into designing and making these spools, so knowing they enhance someone’s experience on the river makes me feel proud of my work.
While I don’t get much feedback on how to improve the spools, that’s okay. Most of the constructive input comes from close friends who help me brainstorm new designs. Not every idea is a winner, and having honest, creative friends is an essential part of my design process.
Looking forward, do you have any plans to expand your tenkara spool designs?
I’ve been making spools for over a decade and expanded my designs quite a bit over the past year. This year, I’ve focused on streamlining my catalog, and I feel good about the changes I’ve made. I’m excited about my latest designs and plan to continue refining them while also offering limited-edition spools made from unique, high-quality woods I come across.
Dennis, I really appreciate you taking the Tenkara Angler readers and I through your creative process. It was wonderful to learn a little more about the design and construction of your one-of-a-kind line spools. I’m certain that anyone that chooses to add one to their fishing kit will be extremely pleased they did.
For more information on Dennis check out his blog, Tenkara Path, where you can also support his tenkara lifestyle by purchasing one of his amazing, handmade tenkara line spools. You can also read his many contributions to Tenkara Angler, including his recurring column Tenkara Lifestyles, here.
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