Cloud Line Spool Review

I've seen some unique line holders on the market and out on the water. Tenkara line holders are about the most non-essential, essential piece of equipment while you're out trying to score big with the fish. I say that because I've seen folks wind-up the line around the handle (I'm guilty....don't tell anyone). Truly, line holders are essential 99% of the time and we all have at least
They are from different materials, sizes, and shapes.  I've even seen sewing spools used as a holder that actually worked great as a line spool! Though, given all the ingenuity, there is nothing more to a line spool than spooling line and handling the spool itself.  You really can't "reinvent the wheel" here.

Have you ever been out at the water spooling your line and it suddenly slips as you are turning the line over in the spool? Or been embarrassed that your finger doesn't fit in the middle hole of the spool? Or become so frustrated with your fingers getting in the way of turning the line over and over? Cry no more! Your problems are solved! The Tenkara Shop Cloud Line Spool has become my favorite line spool to handle.

The Cloud Line Spool has 4 finger sized-indentions to make holding it more ergonomic and secure while winding the line. This is the most functional line holder I've ever been able to use. Being at 3 inches in diameter makes it the perfect size for your paws.  It's not so big that it takes you an hour to wind up your line, nor too little that it requires a child to hold.

On one side, it features the engraved Japanenese Katakana spelling of tenkara.




The spool also has slits for your line at the lowest part of the curve of the indentions.

The Cloud Line Spool cradles even your thumb to accommodate for a better hold.  Even when it's cold or wet this spool doesn't leave you second guessing about your grip.




There is black foam where the line is wound and in the middle hole where you will slide your rod through, ensuring it won't scratch your rod. The foam in the middle also features notches for a better hold to the rod.

Another useful function is a place for a sticker (sticker sheets provided) for you to mark what line you currently have spooled. It's on the opposite side of the tenkara engraving.

Now the aesthetics! It's not called the Cloud Line Spool for marketing reasons. The engraved pattern on the spool is called "cloud." According to the Tenkara Shop website: "In Buddhism, clouds symbolize the Western paradise beyond Earth, and in Shintoism, the spirits of the dead."  (No, this does not mean you will be in paradise if you buy it nor does it mean all the dead fish you've killed will come back to haunt you...maybe.)

Being made of wood along with the engravings of tenkara and the cloud pattern makes this spool feel like I acquired it from a skilled, master craftsman from Japan. It certainly has been crafted masterfully. You'll know that when you hold yours. It's made right here in the USA, in Boulder, CO.  

The one downside I've found while winding the line on the spool is that there is a very small space between the foam and the inside portion of the wood. This has resulted in my 6X tippet going in between the foam and the wood. Depending upon what kind of line you use, the same could happen to light level lines.  

Overall, the spool has become my favorite spool to use. It has the functionality one demands and the aesthetics to please the eye! Oh and one other thing...

The Cloud Line Spool comes with a neat satchel:

   

You can pick yours up at the Tenkara Shop today!