I am not a fan of the spools in general - I like to be able to stow the rod in a rod-tube with the line in place for storage and while hiking, and I use the EZ keepers. Also I'm too impatient with winding the line on the spool - winding on the ez-keepers is quicker. I don't find the problem of "kinking" the line to be a real problem with this system - it's easy to work out the kinks.

What I'd love is a system similar to the ez-keepers but designed with tenkara in mind - maybe easier on and off than ez-keepers, and perhaps a better way (when wound) to secure the end of the line and fly built into the keeper. Of course there are plenty of DIY solutions to this problem, but I think an alternative to the spools would be a good product addition.

Maybe even something like a long boat mooring cleat that can come on and off easily so as to serve as a storage solution both on and off of the rod.

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my blog CastingAround
Ebisu, Iwana 11'ft (with additional short handle), Amago, Ito, Ayu II

Line management is required for effective fly fishing and coiling it on a separate spool or in your hand just doesn't do it for me.

A year or two ago I posted (but can't find it now) about my tenkara line control (TLC) system and it still beats any spool system I've seen...for the line you're using. I carve a small closed-cell foam block into a foam hook up near the top of the closed rod, then fabricated a plastic or aluminum washer and 90 degree flange shape that secures with the butt cap. This top and bottom hook winds the line very quickly, without line removal, keeps the rod segments retracted without need of a plug and is small enough to fit in the rod tube all rigged and ready. It makes stowage and deployment 3 times easier and faster than using a separate spool. It also works either with the rod engaged or retracted. I had a number of people ask me if I would make a commercial version but it's too easy to do yourself. The EZ Keeper idea that came out shortly afterwards is good and cheap solution but still does not work nearly as well as the TLC system. Try it, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Storing extra lines is another story altogether.

Larry, Here's a post that I made with a very similar system: viewtopic.php?f=44&t=643
I agree with you regarding on-stream line management and also find it easier to leave a line on when storing in a rod tube. My current system is even EASIER TO MAKE. I use a Fuji EZ keeper on the end of the rod shaft and an aluminum can tab ( I use them from a a cat foot can) under the butt cap.

As you know, You get all your line wrapped in 4 to 5 windings and there are fewer line kinks to straighten if fishing a fluorocarbon level line. Good job.

Kevin

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http://www.amazon.com/Tenkara-Radically ... 0762763949

I fishy Ito for the first time this weekend and I'd like to see a spool that will fit over the handle and lock in place like the spools do on the other rods.

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Rick

テンカラ。小さなストリームのシンプルさ。
My Tenkara Rods:
13' Ayu, 12' Yamame, 11' with a conversion handle, and an Ito.

My Wife's Tenkara Rods:
12' Ebisu and 13.5' Amago, 12' Iwana with a conversion handle, and an Ito.

I've added a line holder to my Tenkara for more convenient hole hopping along brushy Sierra creeks.

I've installed a small stainless steel loop that protrudes 1/4" from the side of the plug and I added a similar protrusion from the side of the base cap. These allow me to wrap up the leader and tippet lengthwise along the rod rather than spool it. Easy walking and I'm
not even aware the protrusions are there when I'm using it.

David Grubbs Frsno Ca