Some time ago a friend from the United States wrote to me asking if it would be possible to reproduce the legendary HEDGE 7 TAPER, the first known weight-forward fly line. My friend sent me a document, an advertising publication from the 1940s which reports the measurements and diameters of the famous fly line. For…
The history of Hardy Bros. fly fishing reels is a masterclass in Victorian engineering and timeless design. For over 150 years, the name Hardy has stood as the gold standard for fly fishers worldwide, blending handcrafted tradition with cutting-edge angling innovation. From Alnwick Gunsmiths to Tackle Pioneers The journey began in 1872 when William Hardy…
By John Mundt (The American Fly Fisher – Fall 1991 – Article) The practice of using fly lines made of horsehair and silk is well documented in the lore of angling, however, information on the actual manufacture of these lines is much more limited. Early English publications, such as “A Treatyse of Fishing with an…
In my research on how silk fly lines were made in the past, I came across an old book written by John Harrington Keene – “Fishing Tackle, its material and manufacture” (1886). About recommended recipes for treating the raw lines that could be purchased from manufacturers of the time, in chapter III (“Running Lines and…
Whether you are already well-versed in the use of silk fly lines or are trying them for the first time, I would like to share prompts that may prove beneficial. Break-in Process My Silk Fly Line is crafted from premium braided Italian silk. After the braiding process, the line undergoes a pressure treatment with a…
The Craft, Legacy, and Modern Revival of a Classic Angling Tradition Silk fly fishing lines represent both a practical tool and an enduring symbol of the artistry in fly fishing. Revered for their finesse, durability, and tactile beauty, silk lines have woven themselves into the history of angling. While contemporary synthetic lines dominate the market,…