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SPOTLIGHT ON...<br />
roDS<br />
SPOTLIGHT ON<br />
RODS<br />
An essential tool for any angler, a good rod<br />
will allow you to cast and control your bait or<br />
fly as well as aid fighting your fish. Advances<br />
in technology have seen changes in materials<br />
in many markets while understanding the<br />
value or rod length or blank design are crucial<br />
to select the right one for the job.<br />
No matter what species you<br />
are fishing for, in whatever<br />
conditions and with whatever<br />
method, the fishing rod is far from<br />
being a simple device to throw your line<br />
and play your fish.<br />
Fishing with a rod and line has<br />
ancient origins. Early humans likely<br />
used simple tools like sticks, bone hooks<br />
and lines made from plant fibres to<br />
catch fish.<br />
Historical records suggest that<br />
the ancient Egyptians and Chinese<br />
were among the first to use more<br />
sophisticated fishing tools. In ancient<br />
Egypt, around 2000 BCE, depictions<br />
of fishing with rods can be found in<br />
various artefacts while there are records<br />
in ancient China of bamboo rods and<br />
silk lines being commonly used.<br />
In medieval Europe, fishing rods<br />
became more specialised. They were<br />
often made from wood and the design<br />
evolved to include features like guides<br />
to help control the line.<br />
By the 17th century, fishing rods<br />
had become longer, lighter and<br />
more flexible. This was partly due<br />
to advancements in materials and<br />
construction techniques. The use of<br />
reels also became more common during<br />
this period.<br />
The 19th century saw significant<br />
advancements in fishing rod technology.<br />
Materials such as steel and, later,<br />
bamboo, became popular choices for rod<br />
construction. With the improvements in<br />
fishing reels, anglers could cast longer<br />
distances with greater accuracy.<br />
The 20th century brought about<br />
further innovations in rod design, with<br />
fibreglass rods gaining popularity by<br />
the middle of the century, thanks to<br />
their durability and affordability. As the<br />
century progressed, graphite and carbon<br />
fibre materials were introduced, offering<br />
lighter weights and high-performance.<br />
With the advances in technology and<br />
materials, rods are now designed and<br />
developed to be specific to whatever<br />
niche you are into, whether that’s rod<br />
length, line or lure weight, ring or guide<br />
spacing, blank construction or the use<br />
of relevant materials.<br />
24 www.tackletradeworld.com
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