Furl your own horse hair line!

Posted by Paul W. Jones, Historic Angling Enterprises. on 17th Aug 2010

I have been reproducing horse hair lines and snoods for many years using various twisting methods described in early angling literature, including a "Treatyse Jig," Williamson's goose quill roll/twist, or a Walton's Engine. I was fascinated when I learned that Michael had "rediscovered" a method of making tapered knot-less lines. Such a one-piece line is much easier to use, so after first acquiring from Michael a set of his quills needed for the process, I start making them using the written material Michael furnished. I also acquired one of the horse hair lines he makes for my collection. Now I think I make fine horse hair lines and snoods, but in my opinion Michael is an artist, and I am proud to have one of his knot-less one-piece lines for my collection. Moreover, I will be showing it to my students as an excellent example of a properly constructed one-piece horse hair line in all of my historic angling classes and lectures. I highly recommend that you consider obtaining one of Michael's lines for your collection, or for fishing in a period correct "antique" manner. I also suggest that you consider making one yourself using his quill tools and the fine horse hair he offers his customers.