Fishing Technology Advancements

In theory, fishing tackle can be as simple as a line and something to disguise a hook. However, our quest to improve efficiency and connect with all kinds of fish in every type of habitat has led to great strides in advanced fishing technology. In March, I attended the Bassmaster Classic Expo in Tulsa, OK where vendors displayed the latest fishing technology advancements of their products. Here are a few recent innovations in fishing.

Rods

Many traditional fishing rods used to be composed of Fiberglas but now are replaced mainly by graphite or carbon fiber. The choices of fishing rods can be staggering. One brand of rods may have 25 different models sold under its name. Through continual field testing, well, more likely, lake testing and angler feedback, manufacturers have been able to match the components and composition that may best fit each particular species such as developing the best carbon fiber fishing rods for bass fishing, muskie fishing, crappie fishing, and so on. Rods also can be specific for line size, lure, and casting type, or there are models which split the difference to achieve greater versatility.

Reels

Fishing reels continue to make strides in casting and line cranking performance. The goals usually are stronger but lighter. For example, high-strength aluminum fishing reels for saltwater have been developed that are corrosion-resistant and more durable under the brutal saltwater exposure. With their gears, clutches, brakes, and drags, these machines in the form of baitcaster, spinning, spin-cast, and fly reels have been fine tuned for efficiency, reduced casting drag, as well as matching the types of casting, lures, or techniques.

Lines

Another reason reels keep evolving is partially because lines keep evolving too and are another example of advanced fishing technology. Not long ago, monofilament accomplished about every task in fishing. Like the stronger but lighter goal elsewhere, there are now a variety of superlines such as braid and Fireline, and other line composition such as fluorocarbon. Anglers use these lines, often in tandem, for the stealthiest way to present lures and bait sometimes at great distance and yet still be able to battle large fish around vegetation, brush piles, and other possible structures. There have even been advances in biodegradability of line. Do biodegradable fishing lines really work? I have yet to “lake test” but there are several highly respected brands behind some of these lines. Due to the unique nature of these lines, strength retention may not be recommended beyond a year, but regular fishing lines are often changed yearly, if not more, anyway. These lines may be found in air-sealed containers because degradation starts once package is opened.

Lures

One new advancement in lures at the Bassmaster Classic Expo seemed to be large glide baits. These are usually rigid plastic, jointed, with ultra realistic painting to resemble the actual forage of large bass and other predator fish. However, soft plastics continue to be a hot commodity and there are always new shapes and colors. These also can be some of the most eco-friendly fishing lures that catch fish. There are many types of biodegradable soft plastics now on the market. Many are scent infused to attract fish as they slowly begin to deteriorate in water.

Sinkers

Although perhaps not the most glamorous high tech fishing gear, there has been interesting progress in weights. For example, there are lead-free weights made from components such as steel and tin, tungsten, or even slightly modified rocks. As far as lead-free fishing weights: pros and cons, the main pro of lead-free sinkers is that there is less lead to contribute to any potential health complications in the food chain. The main con is that lead is still the heaviest and most familiar weight. Switching weights may take a bit of adjustment for casting with the slightly larger profile required to equal the same holding/sinking rate, but this learning curve does not take long. There are many situations where I no longer miss lead sinkers.

And more

Sun protection materials for fishing clothing continue to improve both UV blocking and breathability. There is also always something new in fishing electronics. Smart fishing rods with bite alarm are available which are often used by bait anglers such as dedicated, patient carp anglers. And there is even the best app for smart fishing reels which might be helpful if you need to keep track of casting metrics such as number of casts, retrieval rate, and distance.

If you ever get to test any new products, I highly recommend it. For many years, anglers proved that pretty much any rod, reel, and line combo could probably do the job. However, advancements such as heightened sensitivity, efficiency, and control have demonstrated fewer lost fish. This angler hopes to see even more of the latest fishing technology advancements in July at this year’s giant ICAST show in Orlando, Florida. With fishing, there is always something to learn.