What's next?

[Flaptail]

I am talking fishing tackle. Lines, rods, reels etc. For example 25 years ago we saw our first skirted spool reels ( Mine was a Daiwa 7000c) 30 years ago it was graphite ( HMG by Fenwick was my first in 72') I think braid is not here to stay as a main line for spinning and bait casting/conventional, it's just a step till someone figures out how to make a no- stretch, thin diameter, Fluorocarbon, limp non-kinking line without memory ( I hope there isn't one that I don't know about) I think rod diameters will improve to more slender light wieght composites without the delicacy inherent in some rod blanks we have today, especially in the fly casting arena. Sort of like an ugly stick with finesse. Someone will finally wake up and figure out how to mass produce a reel for the marine environment that is totally water/corrosion resistant, medianly ( is that a real word?) priced and virtually maintenance free so we don't have to shell out 500.00 or more and get whacked for 100 just for lube oil and filter work. And lastly that it would be nice to see this stuff developed, manufactured here in the good 'ol US of A. What do you guys think?

[JPowers]

Flap - Quote;

"...... a no- stretch, thin diameter, Fluorocarbon, limp non-kinking line without memory.... "

Price: $450 per 100 yard spool.

[vineyardblues]

Flap's Back

VB

[eelslinger]

Did you see the piece in Field and Stream a few months back? They showed lures indevelopment with cameras in the tail to see the bite and line to transmit it to your reel display. There are working examples. Computerized reels for no backlash were another product.

[Raven]

nano tube technology.....well not for a while... but if you're talking about a total upheival of the fishing line and fishing rod industries thats going to be the material of choice....made from carbon nano tubes they will be more than a hundred times stronger than steel and whats built today. One problem i see is its ability to conduct electricity so its not the rod to be using around an electrical storm . this material is going to revolutionize everything we presently know of! Kevlar now considered to be choice material for bullet proof vests for our police force and military will be a distant memory. Car bodies and even our clothing will be made from this material and will literally be indestructable. It's also going to revolutionize the electronics industry too.

[BigBo]

Unfortunately, for U.S. manufacturing, all the newest technology will be coming from overseas. It's not necessarily a bad thing for the consumer, but I would personally like to see a U.S. made reel with quality features that are offered from foreign companies at a decent price. The Avet Reel line seems good right now and the prices are reasonable, but how long will that last. There are a couple of others, but not many offering anything earth shattering in breakthrough technology.

[Pete F.]

I see braided line becoming less expensive, although if you consider the life it's not bad now.
Rods, I don't see getting less fragile after all unless physics changes a tube is still the most efficient shape. You could fill the inside with reinforcing but I would think production costs as opposed to the current mandrel method would negate any advantages.
Reels, I see a great opportunity for a braid friendly reel with minimal bearings that's easily maintainable, like a modern 704. Of course that might be a spheros?