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An Egyptian angling scene of about 2000 BC shows figures fishing with rod and line and with nets. http://www.oldmaster85.com/history_of_fishing.htm
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A Chinese account of about the 4th century BC refers to fishing with a silk line, a hook made from a needle, and a bamboo rod, with cooked rice as bait. References to fishing are also found in ancient Greek, Assyrian, Roman, and Jewish writings. http://www.oldmaster85.com/history_of_fishing.htm
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The first rudimentary reel had consisted of a wooden spool with a metal ring that fitted over the angler's thumb. By 1770 a rod with guides for the line along its length and a reel was in common use. http://www.oldmaster85.com/history_of_fishing.htm
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Rods were also improved as heavy native woods were superseded by straight-grained, tough, elastic woods, such as lancewood and greenheart from South America and the West Indies, and by bamboo. By the end of the 18th century a technique had been developed in which several strips of bamboo were glued together, retaining the strength and pliancy of the cane but greatly reducing the thickness. http://www.fishingmuseum.org.uk/rods_overview.html
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In the 20th century, rods became shorter and lighter without sacrificing strength. Split bamboo was largely replaced by fiberglass and finally by carbon fiber as rod material. http://www.oldmaster85.com/history_of_fishing.htm
