At that time, the centrepin had become the classic British fishing reel, developed in the lace-making town of Nottingham. Soon it became adapted for sea fishing and as the model for fly fishing reels. Even before the 19th century, attempts had been made to glue together strips of bamboo, and by 1847 the top sections of rods were being made from this material, known as 'split' or 'built' cane. Then, in 1905, a Bradford textile worker, Holden Illingworth, invented the fixed-spool reel, and this type of reel has dominated much of world angling ever since. There have been vast improvements in tackle technology in the 20th century.
Reels are now much lighter in weight, more efficient and hardwearing.
Angling It is probably because of the very nature of the sport that anglers have, until quite recent times, been lone individuals or small friendship groups, pursuing a quiet and ancient craft. The clubs which emerged after this were largely social in nature. At that period, there was a great deal of fishing available for a relatively small number of anglers, and the banding together of groups of clubs to ensure access to water by taking up tenancies did not begin until later. As the 19th century and, more importantly, the Industrial Revolution progressed, the advantages of angling associations became more apparent. Many impoverished industrial workers from the rapidly developing slum cities turned to poaching as a means of supplementing their meagre food supply.