Orvis Patents a "Smart Rod"
 

Discuss:

https://patents.google.com/patent/US20200008410A1/

https://flylordsmag.com/orvis-patents-smart-fly-rod/

Sounds like an interesting idea. I love technology, but as for fishing and my connection to the water and fish I am still bit old school for anything beyond the rod real and line.

Echoes of the Trident Technology, also from Orvis, in which a vibration-dampening substance from the skin of nuclear submarines was applied to the flyrods.

My first trip up to the Flyfishing Trade Show in Denver, we hapless Orvis dealers sat through the dog-and-pony show at a dealer meeting, featuring endless shots of Trident submarines diving and resurfacing. The Orvis team of pro-staffers seemed uncomfortable, in their matching khaki logo casting shirts, and had little to say.

I was one of the new guys, so when they asked if we had any questions, I raised my hand and asked, "So, what is that stuff and where do they put it on the rod blank?"

"Sorry, can't tell you..it is proprietary information."

Oh well, so much for the Trident. Hope this pans out a bit better, for Orvis' sake

My first response was yuck but then considered the benefits for teaching and learning. Similar tech is employed in the swing world of baseball and golf. Could be a good way to convert today's younger tech-tuned mind to the glorious analog world of FF.