Adding technology to fishing has long been a topic of contention among anglers, regardless of fly or conventional preference. To many, this sport is analog, a chance to escape the digital and virtual trappings of modern life, and breath in nature like the transcendentalists of yonder year. But, innovation waits for no man, and the inventive team in Orvis’ product development department has laid claim to a patent on a “smart rod” containing sensors that provide casting feedback and recording fishing activity.

Finally, a rod that can tell me exactly how bad my casting is and exactly how many takes I missed while I’m not paying enough attention to my fly on the water.

According to the smart rod’s patent application, what Orvis has in mind is, “A fly rod including sensors and methods of using the same are provided, particularly where the sensors assist the user in casting or in logging data associated with fishing activities.”

As with most patents, the paperwork doesn’t delve into exactly what the sensors will do. But, if we were to wildly speculate, we think it will probably help you improve your cast by tracking motion, track when and where you fish via GPS (like a smart-watch), and perhaps even detect strikes. What isn’t clear is whether this info will be immediately shown to the angler, or will be displayed on your phone after your fishing adventures.

Check out Orvis’ patent, here, and let us know what you think the smart-rod will be capable of in the comments!

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1 COMMENT

  1. I can see where golf clubs would be the natural place for club mounted feedback, but real fishing involves casting from all types of peculiar angles and making casts at situational speeds . The computerized rod could help the total beginner with the 10- 2 standing upright, full back and front cast. Otherwise such sensors would be useless as an angler on the stream makes the type of creative casts that put the fly on a real fish.
    I note in reading the patent application that the plan is electronically connected waders to go with the rod.
    Computerized rods and waders will appeal to that certain type fly fisher who arrives on the stream all pristine and new each season.
    Considering there are people who pay 1000dollars for a 4 weight and 700 dollars for a reel for that 4 weight to catch an 8 ounce brookie, I imagine there is a market to pay 2000 for a computer rod, 1500 for a computer reel and 1500 for computer waders. I suppose Orvis somehow forgot the computer boots?

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