History of Braided Fishing Line
According to available historic sources, the first braided fishing lines were introduced in England around 1908, replacing the traditional horsehair used for generations. This line was formed from woven silk and then coated for durability and performance.
As the technology in the textile industry developed, new fibers became available and the manufacturers of fishing lines took advantage of the improved properties these fibers. In 1938, Dupont introduced a synthetic fiber called nylon and the braided lines produced from this synthetic fiber became a favorite with anglers for the next decade. Nylon was also used to produce monofilament lines during this era, but these early versions were somewhat stiff and difficult to cast.
Then in 1948 Dacron (polyester) fibers developed by Dupont were used to produce improved angler fishing lines. There are still manufacturers of braided lines that offer products based on these fibers, but their popularity has declined. Once again Dupont led the field when they introduced nylon monofilaments that were easier to use, most notably Stren in 1959.
Braid made a strong comeback with the development of high performance fibers such as Spectra and Dyneema. The properties of these fibers are ideal for the production of fishing lines as they are 3 times stronger than their predecessors and offer little or no stretch. In addition, because they are 100% polyethylene, they are smooth and tough and will not absorb water or deteriorate from exposure to UV light.
Spiderwire was the first nationally advertised brand of superline enjoying great success, particularly during the frenzy from 1994 to 1996. However, the early versions of Spiderwire, as well as other brands of that time were lacking the performance of today’s superlines. Improvements to superlines continued over the next several years as the industry developed the technologies to add the properties needed for enhancing the performance of braid as fishing line. The most important among these improvements would be adding body to assist in casting, better color retention, and the improved ability to hold knots.
While much has changed in the fishing line industry over the years, one element remained unchanged. Personal preference and wide ranging applications demand diversity. Just walk into your favorite tackle shop and look at the fishing line isle.
Editor’s note: Facts in this article are credited to Dave Burch (no relation), the President of BBS, the producer of Fins Fishing Line.
As the technology in the textile industry developed, new fibers became available and the manufacturers of fishing lines took advantage of the improved properties these fibers. In 1938, Dupont introduced a synthetic fiber called nylon and the braided lines produced from this synthetic fiber became a favorite with anglers for the next decade. Nylon was also used to produce monofilament lines during this era, but these early versions were somewhat stiff and difficult to cast.
Then in 1948 Dacron (polyester) fibers developed by Dupont were used to produce improved angler fishing lines. There are still manufacturers of braided lines that offer products based on these fibers, but their popularity has declined. Once again Dupont led the field when they introduced nylon monofilaments that were easier to use, most notably Stren in 1959.
Braid made a strong comeback with the development of high performance fibers such as Spectra and Dyneema. The properties of these fibers are ideal for the production of fishing lines as they are 3 times stronger than their predecessors and offer little or no stretch. In addition, because they are 100% polyethylene, they are smooth and tough and will not absorb water or deteriorate from exposure to UV light.
Spiderwire was the first nationally advertised brand of superline enjoying great success, particularly during the frenzy from 1994 to 1996. However, the early versions of Spiderwire, as well as other brands of that time were lacking the performance of today’s superlines. Improvements to superlines continued over the next several years as the industry developed the technologies to add the properties needed for enhancing the performance of braid as fishing line. The most important among these improvements would be adding body to assist in casting, better color retention, and the improved ability to hold knots.
While much has changed in the fishing line industry over the years, one element remained unchanged. Personal preference and wide ranging applications demand diversity. Just walk into your favorite tackle shop and look at the fishing line isle.
Editor’s note: Facts in this article are credited to Dave Burch (no relation), the President of BBS, the producer of Fins Fishing Line.
