Fishing Line Invention

by Josh Hassell
April 2, 2022

Fishing lines have been around for centuries, and the way we use them has changed a lot over that time. Fishing gear has evolved to be more sophisticated and effective, and the fishing line is an important part of that.

In this article, we will take a look at the history and the invention of the fishing line and how it has progressed over the years.

Terminology

Before we get into a fishing line let’s talk about fishing itself. Fishing is the activity of trying to catch fish. Fish can be caught in many ways, including with a hook and line, a net, or by grabbing them with your hands.

There are two types of fishing: recreational and commercial. Recreational fishing is done for pleasure, while commercial fishing is done to make a profit.

Fishermen (anglers) enjoy fishing because it is a challenging and fun way to spend time outdoors. They also enjoy the sense of satisfaction that comes from catching their own dinner.

The first fishing line as a matter of fact was made from the sinews of animals. Animal sinews are tough cords made from the tissues that connect muscles to bones. Today, fishing lines are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, nylon, and silk.

The Early Days of Fishing Lines

In the early days, Leonard Mascall was one of the first to write about fishing with a hook and line. In 1596, he published a book called The Art of Fishing with Hook and Line.

In his book, Mascall described how to make different types of fishing lines, including ones made from animal sinews, horsehair, silkworm gut, and linen thread. He also shared tips on how to use these lines to catch different types of fish.

Fishing lines have come a long way since Mascall’s time. Today’s lines are made from stronger materials that can withstand greater tension. They also come in a variety of colors and sizes, so anglers can choose the right one for their needs.

Fast forward to 1667, Samuel Pepsys, an English inventor, wrote about fishing lines made from catgut. Catgut is the dried and cleaned intestines of animals, usually sheep or horses.

Pepsys was one of the first to use catgut for making fishing lines, and his lines were said to be very strong and durable. Unfortunately, Pepsys’ invention never really caught on. Catgut is no longer used to make fishing lines, but it still has a few applications in the medical field.

Present Day of Fishing Lines

Nowadays there are three common fishing lines that are used in today’s era which are braided line, monofilament and fluorocarbon.

Braided Line: Braided line is made from multiple strands of fiber that are woven together. This type of line is very strong and can withstand a lot of tension. It also floats on the water, which makes it a good choice for fishing in deep water.

Monofilament Line: Monofilament line is made from a single strand of plastic filament. This type of line is very weak and can easily break under tension. However, it is very affordable and easy to use, so it’s a popular choice for beginners.

Fluorocarbon Line: Fluorocarbon line is made from plastic that is treated with a fluorine compound. This type of line is very strong and durable, and it also sinks in the water. This makes it a good choice for fishing in shallow water.

Specialty Lines

There are also specialty fishing lines as well. They are designed for specific applications, such as fly fishing or tenkara fishing.

Fly Fishing Line: Fly fishing line is designed to cast lightweight flies. It is made from a thin and supple material that can easily bend and flex. This allows the line to move smoothly through the air, which helps to create accurate casts.

Tenkara Line: Tenkara line is designed for Tenkara fishing, which is a type of fly fishing that uses a long, flexible rod. The line is very thin and light, so it can be easily manipulated by the rod. It also has a low casting weight, which makes it easy to cast in tight spaces.

How Are Present Fishing Lines Used?

In today’s era, fishing lines are mainly used with spinning, spin-cast, and bait casting reels. The type of reel you use will determine the line you need. For spinning reels, use a light-action monofilament line in the six to eight-pound test range for all-around fishing. For smaller fish or when finesse fishing for trout, go with a four-pound test line.

If you’re targeting larger fish such as bass or pike, try using an eighth-ounce spinner bait with a ten-pound test line. Spin cast anglers should use an eight to twelve-pound monofilament line when bait casting for bass and walleye. Heavier lines can cause these reels to backlash.

Many fishermen use braided line for bait casting because it is strong and abrasion resistant. It also has a low-stretch quality, which makes it ideal for fishing in heavy cover. When using braided line, make sure to spool your reel with a smaller diameter than the braid. This will help reduce the likelihood of getting tangled up while casting.

To find the right fishing line for you, it’s important to consider the size and species of fish you’re targeting, as well as the tackle you’re using. With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to find the perfect line for every situation.

How Do Fishing Lines Affect The Environment?

Fishing lines have a big impact on the environment. They can cause problems for marine life, birds, and other animals.

Marine Life

Fishing lines can be very harmful to marine life. They can get tangled in coral reefs and other aquatic habitats, which can damage or destroy them.

They can also be ingested by fish and sea turtles, which can lead to health problems and even death. In addition, discarded fishing lines can create hazardous entanglements for marine mammals, such as dolphins and whales.

Birds

Discarded fishing lines can also be dangerous for birds. The lines can get tangled around their necks or wings, which can prevent them from flying or swimming properly.

This can lead to injury or death.

Other Animals

In addition to marine life and birds, fishing lines can also be harmful to other animals. They can get tangled in fences and other structures, which can lead to injuries or death.

How to Minimize the Environmental Impact of Fishing Lines

There are a few things that you can do to help minimize the environmental impact of fishing lines.

Reuse Your Fishing Lines: Reuse your old fishing lines whenever possible. This will help reduce the amount of waste that is created.

Dispose of Fishing Lines Properly: Dispose of your old fishing lines properly. Do not throw them in the trash or leave them on the ground.

Use Biodegradable Fishing Lines: Use biodegradable fishing lines when possible. These lines will decompose in the environment, which will help reduce the impact that fishing lines have on the environment.

Closing Thoughts on The Invention of The Fishing Line

Fishing lines have come a long way since their invention. They are now made from materials that are more environmentally friendly and less harmful to marine life and other animals.

There are also ways to dispose of them properly and reduce their impact on the environment. So, next time you go fishing, be sure to use the right line for the job and do your part to help preserve our planet.

Josh Hassell

There's nothing better than going out to the lake early in the morning, and catching some fish! Like many other anglers, I find fishing to be very therapeutic. I've been fishing since I was about 10 years old, and fell in love ever since. I hope to share my expertise and knowledge with the community, and help everyone become better anglers.