Is It Possible to Create Fishing Line from Deer Sinew?

Preparing Deer Sinew for Cordage

To create fishing line from deer sinew, start by harvesting sinew from the deer’s tendons, preferably from the legs or back. Cut the sinew into 1-2 meter long strips, about 1-2 cm wide. Remove any excess fat, blood, or debris from the sinew, and then soak it in water for several hours to rehydrate the collagen fibers.

Processing Sinew into Cordage

After soaking, stretch and dry the sinew strips in a controlled environment, ideally with a consistent temperature between 20-30°C. This will help relax the fibers and prevent them from becoming brittle. Once dry, twist two or more sinew strips together to create a single cord. You can also use a spindle or a hand drill to twist the sinew into a more consistent thread.

Creating Fishing Line from Sinew Cordage

To create a fishing line, take the twisted sinew cord and soak it in water for several hours to rehydrate it. Then, use a twisting tool or a piece of bone to twist the cord into a thinner thread, about 0.5-1 mm in diameter. You can also use a whorl or a spinning top to twist the cord into a more consistent thread. To test the strength of the fishing line, tie a knot at one end and pull on the other end until the knot fails. The line should be able to withstand a minimum of 1-2 kg of tension before breaking.