Tenkara line spools can be as simple or complex as you want them to be. They can be cut from plastic sheets or even a pool noodle, they can be purchased from trusted tenkara brands such as The Keeper from Tenkara USA or line holders from DRAGONtail, or they can be handcrafted or highly designed, functional pieces of art like the spools from Tenkara Path or ikari.
However, if you’re into 3D printing, I recently stumbled upon a design for a “Snap Together Tenkara Spool” from user ABIV over on Bluesky.
Pretty cool, right?
3D printed tenkara line spools are nothing new, they occasionally pop up with the first being released over a decade ago. If I recall, fellow tenkara angler Michael Hackney was one of the pioneers to really dive into this concept. (He also 3D printed a fly reel too, very cool!) However, much has been quiet on this front in recent years, so when I saw this particular variation pop up, I thought it would be a good time to resurface the concept to our readership.
Oh, and if you happen to use ABIV’s design, don’t forget to “tip” him kindly. It’s the right thing to do.
Happy printing!
Do you have a story to tell? A photo to share? A fly recipe that’s too good to keep secret? If you would like to contribute content to Tenkara Angler, click HERE for more details.
When you buy something using the retail links within our articles or Gear Shop, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Tenkara Angler does not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.
I’m the designer of this. Thanks for the write up!
Thank you for contributing your design. I hope many angler/makers get to enjoy it.
Always exciting to see people putting 3D printers to work. I think the scale pattern adds a lot of character to the design.
Agreed! Figured it was a good time to revisit this topic now that 3D printers and materials are far more advanced. I hope people give it a try.