Tomorrow’s Catch 

by Jason Chen

Abstract

Tomorrow’s Catch is a centrepin fishing reel devised to combat the recent wave of overengineered angling products. The notion that technological development is interchangeable with innovation has been challenged throughout the research process and proven incorrect via extensive background and literature review, paired with primary research involving interviews, surveys and construction of prototypes. Through the simplification of normally complex mechanisms, ‘Tomorrow’s Catch’ bridges the disconnect experienced by anglers between their products and their environment; allowing users to enjoy auxiliary aspects of the sport. This project sets a precedent for future design work in the same vein, to challenge the practice by sporting goods manufacturers of ‘blackboxing’ their products. Within fishing, new information regarding fish movement and behaviours create a need for niche and focused products, leading to innovations in materials and usage, but on an incremental scale. Over time, these creeping changes can have the effect of overloading products with unnecessary complexity which detract from the essence of ‘recreational fishing’. Whilst this coopetition is beneficial for embedding the latest features across equipment brands and can lead to product innovations, it is not a sustainable method for the future as evidenced by the damaging resultant outcomes. 

Design Intent

Tomorrow’s Catch is a simplified fishing reel mechanism which ultimately sheds light on user attachment and more sustainable manufacturing procedures by decoupling technology from innovation. This could pave the way for similar sporting products in aiding a return to their original recreational and pleasure intended purposes. By removing ‘unknowns’ about their internal mechanisms and instead creating a friendly user-product relationship it is an invitation to users to disassemble and assemble their own products at will. This relationship garners users with knowledge and provides the ability to self service and repair their own products, creating a more sustainable product-manufacturing relationship when paired with effective and enduring material choices.

The final reel embodies the essence of the research through simplicity, intuition and elegance. Assembly and disassembly rely on simple push fits replacing the use of fasteners, with distinct markings on components to communicate the tasks that they perform. For example, the pattern on the hub cap is replicated on the reel seat, indicating that these components can be rotated. The product employs three main elements which drastically reduce mechanical complexity within the product: the brake lever, a two-speed handle and a side-turn cast feature. The brake lever acts as a drag system to fight fish in a manual rather than in an automated way. The two-speed handle provides differing speeds at which fish can be wound in, once again reducing gear complexity within the reel. The side-turn casting feature reduces complexity within a standard spinning reel with regard to casting and letting out lengths of line. 

Tomorrow’s Catch serves as an example of a product which performs with precision and deep user involvement. This style of fishing is more challenging which would make the catching process more rewarding. The user will recognise that a catch was contingent upon luck, adept use of equipment and skill. It is intended that new approach can lead to a change in behavioural habits and the way we perceive and interact with our environment. 

Bio

Jason Chen is an industrial designer and a graduate of the Product Design Honours program. He has a passion for sustainability, understanding ecosystems and the role we play in them. Equipped with critical design thinking skills, extensive knowledge of CAD and experience in additive manufacturing methods, he aims to employ these skills to create change through the way we interact with and value our products. 

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