Abstract: Fishing rod components such as guide (12), hook keepers (16), and tops (18) are formed from shape memory alloy materials such as nickel-titanium alloys and provide lighter weight coupled with improved performance, high flexibility and superelasticity.

Abstract: A breakaway link or flexible connector take the form of a short coil of wireform material having known elastic and tensile properties. The breakaway link is used to link articles in circumstances where it is desirable to have the articles separate when exposed to a pre-determined level of force. The breakaway link is a simple coil and will uncoil or release when exposed to predictable levels of force. The flexible connector is used to link articles in circumstances where some flexibility is desirable but release is not desirable. The flexible connector can be a crossed and hooked coil which will expand and/or respond predictably to a given range of force, but will resist opening until exposed to a much higher level of force. Both the breakaway link and the flexible connector are preferably constructed of known superelastic materials whose unique properties give the devices increased repeatability.