They are finally here - What do you think?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 1:52 pm

I have come up with something I think will make some of our lives easier and they have finally arrived! It's nothing too revolutionary but, something I thought there was a serious need for.

Check out the site and let me know what you think.. any and all feedback will be appreciated! I am not trying to sell them on this post - I just want you guys to let me know what you think! I offer my opinion on a ton of stuff --- now I am asking for your opinions!

http://www.Reel-Stix.com

-- They will be available at BassTackleDepot.com - Oroville Outdoors and the Clear Lake stores in 2 days and other stores hopefully very soon! I do not sell them direct or on the website.

hunterdave · Post by **hunterdave** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:01 pm

Hey great idea! The only thing missing are the stickers for line over 25#. My braided lined reals are 45-65#. Any way to get some for heavier line?

Dave

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:05 pm

Thanks ----

Braid is covered with 20,30, 50 and 65 #s. There are also 30 stix with nothing on them for you to write in odd line sizes like 45 Lb test or 16 lb test etc!

hunterdave · Post by **hunterdave** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:07 pm

Ah! I did not see that. Thank you! Is there anywhere in the Sac area I can get my hands on these?

Dave

MaddMaggs · Post by **MaddMaggs** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:07 pm

Looks good, I too also run 80# braid on my SB reel.

BB · Post by BB » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:10 pm

I like the concept.

How are they packaged?? Are they by line size and type of line or is it a variety pack and what quantity comes in the package?

BB

Blue_R70 · Post by **Blue_R70** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:11 pm

While it's a good idea, it seems like it would only appeal to those too lazy to cut and label a piece of masking tape with the same info (stick the tape inside the sideplate or bottom of the reel foot ). But I guess that's the demographic you're aiming at!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:14 pm

It is a variety pack with 6 each of the following
Mono - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 20, 25 lb tests
Flouro - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 20, 25 lb tests
Braid - 20, 30, 50 & 65 Lb tests

30 stix with nothing on them... so they can be written on to say whatever you want!

Should sell for $7.99 and should last quite a while with 174 total stix! thats less than a nickel a piece!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:16 pm

No doubt ... I was one who labeled all the time.. however, the tape got guey when in the sun too long.. or the ink would wear off after a while.. or I had to take my real off to see what the line was... I was just thinking for $8 it would be faster and easier for anyone. I made these for MYSELF but, with the cost of setting them up and the minimum order I had to make, I figured I might as well put them on the market and see what happens.

brambo0311 · Post by **brambo0311** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:47 pm

How about a sharpie permenent marker. If you color back over it, it wipes clean with your finger then, re-write whatever you want. Been doing that for years. Here is a money maker how about a little self inflating thing you attach to rod so it floates when it falls out of the boat. Kinda like suspenders life jackets, only smaller for rods. I would buy those. There is probably gunna be a rush on the patend office after this one.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:49 pm

That floating device is pretty smart as well. I have a few other ideas and one that I gave to berserk baits that could be pretty good as well. This one I wanted for me.. so I made them up!

Otay Michael · Post by **Otay Michael** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:53 pm

Tom, great idea. I always mark the date, brand and poundage on a piece of masking tape with regular tape over it, I thought I was the only one as I never saw anyone else with it on theirs!!!

The inks do fade and the tape does have a problem as you mention. Yours looks a lot classier than my hand written ones do, that's for sure.

I think it will do well.
Good luck with it

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:57 pm

Thanks Otay Michael -

I left enough room on the stix to write the date and even a code for the line brand like Sfx for Sufix, SLS for Sun Line Shooter and M for Maxima or PL for PLine... and the date like 8/11 for August 11th etc.. That may wear off but, you'll still at least know the line size and type!

Up until now - if I can't remember I just had to respool to be sure.. hate to tie on a spook to flourocarbon or a jig to mono just because I can't tell by looking at it! I sure have wasted a lot of line over the past few years!

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 6:58 am

Tom,

They look good and I will try them.

WTP is a company that has made these for years now, but you fill in the blanks with your line size and date. The problem with them is that they are hard to write on because the surface is waterproof.

I have been using for years a Casio labelmaker and I have used the same system for years of marking all reels with Fluorocarbon as 6F for 6 pound test and Fluorocarbon, plus the date installed. I place the labels on the reel, but I also make a label for the rod in larger letters with just the pound test line and type. I place this on the back of the top ring of the reel seat so I can spot the rod I want in a second when looking in my rod locker. Since many of my rods are identical Lamiglas rods, I look for this label to choose the pound test I want.

On the rod inflatable buoy system, that is already on the market and has been for years. It's a small packet that attaches to your rod, and when it falls over it works like the inflatable life jackets and sends up a buoy with a string that goes down to your lost rod. I don't think they sell very well. Other systems have also come and gone over the years, such as foam handle covers that have a ball at the end that float your rod when dropped over.

Geez, you are making me show my age here...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 9:07 am

Thats some great insight there Marc -

Thanks for the info - I have a couple Performance Tackle Custom rods that are my favorites!! - I may have to get a floating device for those!

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 11:39 am

GREAT............SEND ME A COUPLE !!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 6:56 pm

Thanks for the order Jigs! They left today and you should have them tomorrow!

Anyone interested in the Motherlode area can pick them up at Jigs Bait And Tackle, Oroville Outdoors or online at BassTackleDepot.com.

Hopefully, more locations soon!

JimmyReese · Post by **JimmyReese** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:05 am

Great job Tom!

I started labeling my reels as we speak, I personally am tired of guessing whether I had 10 or 12 lb test on a few reels I like the date idea as well, even though I change line often!......Good luck bud!

Jimmy Reese

Tobe · Post by **Tobe** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:01 pm

Sold!

Send me a couple Tom.
Why didn't I think of that?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:08 pm

Tobe - you know everyone has thought of it at one point or another.. just its generally right after you tie a spook onto a reel with flourocarbon and it starts sinking! The you retie and three casts later you forgot about it. Well, I did this one too many times lately and just decided I was going to figure a way to solve my own issue... in the process I found out I had to order 2500 of them - so I might as well sell 'em! I think they'll be handy for guys. You especially need them, especially with that high dollar line you use! For you it'll save you $30 the first time you don't have to respool because of it!

Jimmy - check your PM's!

Tobe · Post by **Tobe** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:10 pm

I'm with ya.

You may want to take this one a bit further.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:14 pm

I will keep making them as long as people keep using them!

I've already got some other ideas that I may bring out... should have it soon. Basically, along the same lines. Oh yeah, and POSSIBLY a production model of that bait I showed you at Clear Lake!

Tobe · Post by **Tobe** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:17 pm

SSSSSHHHHHH

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 3:52 pm

Smile_n_Jax · Post by **Smile_n_Jax** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 4:43 pm

I agree with all the others. Great idea and I will be getting some. Don't have many rigs, but I already have one I'm not sure of what I put on it.

Tobe · Post by **Tobe** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 4:47 pm

I can see the writing on the wall, Tomâ€™s new license plates will read "reelstx"

Johnny C · Post by **Johnny C** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 6:39 pm

Good Idea Tom..The system I use is that I have all my reels and rods on a line chart that I made on Excel...I keep track on the dates I changed the lines, when then reel was bought and the date the reel was cleaned. When I go to a tournament I print it out and make changes in pen...Now this didn't solve the confushion of what reel has what line when I was fishing. So now all my reels have a different color reel grip on them..This realy helps when you have eight of the same reel type..But the sticker idea is a good one.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 6:52 pm

Different color reel grips is a great idea.. For example - You can use blue for Flouro and Green for Mono and braid is self explanatory. That's the best one I have heard of yet!! You can pretty much get the idea of the line size by looking at it... For me, I just want to be very specific.

It seems like not to long ago I had maybe 2 line sizes and pretty much the same rod for everything. As I have evolved (From really bad to not as bad) I am getting more specific in what I like to use. For example - When I am throwing jig - I want flouro in 12 to 20 lb test depending on the lake. If I am carolina rigging I want 12 lb on Clear Lake and pretty much 8 for everywhere else. Sometimes I want mono so the lizard is off the bottom and others I will use flouro so the lizard stays on the bottom. For cranking I may want anywhere from 6 to 20 lb line and even mix in 10 lb or 20 lb braid. My rods are even more nuts than my line - but, luckily I don't have to guess what those are all the manufacturers put it right on the rod! Anyway - from experience I have become more precise on what I want to use - and therefore I want to be sure I grab the right rod with the right line when I am on the water... and I felt these little stickers would help me be more efficient. Speaking of efficiency - the one thing I can say for myself is that this year I have been more efficient on the water than ever before. Keeping my boat extremely organized - My reels all ready to go and my baits exactly where I know I want them - My livewell and culling system in the right place and ready to go (glory bags!) etc.. etc... has really been the difference between being near the money and in the money. If there is one thing I try to teach guys who want to be tournament fisherman (and hopefully better than me) it is to be EFFICIENT. Get stuff done and get it done now... getting an extra 10-20 casts in may be all the difference between being a winner and a donator.

Please don't think I am saying I am good - because we all know I am average at best... but, I really feel being efficient and organized on the boat is helping me over the hurdle from donator to check casher!

Quantum_Kid · Post by **Quantum_Kid** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:00 pm

Hey Tom- was that last part directed at me?

. You are right though. I need to work on that, and I do every time i go out.

Thanks for helping me become a better fisherman,

Scott

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:08 pm

Not really directed at you Scott.. I have a lot of guys I fish with.... but, you definitely could be a little more efficient!

I just wish I was as good a fisherman at 15 as you are! Thinking about fishing against you in 5 years scares me!

Quantum_Kid · Post by **Quantum_Kid** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 3:51 am

I try and focus on every cast I make, and I have noticed that I am not missing those better fish as much anymore

. Don't worry, I'll take it easy on you, just no more 12+ pounders on your part, okay?

Thanks for everything, and sorry for the thread jack.

Scott

Quasi · Post by **Quasi** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:02 pm

I would like to be a dealer but when I tried to open becoming a new dealer nothing happens. Can someone help me? Is there a phone number to call? Thanks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:07 pm

Feel free to email me directly...

Sales@reel-stix.com and I can set you up!

Thanks,
Tom

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:08 pm

Here is a link directly to the page as well.
Not sure why it is not working for you.
http://www.reel-stix.com/newretailer.html

Quasi · Post by **Quasi** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:57 pm

Sent you an e-mail . Hope to hear from you soon. My computer had a malfunction......me

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:06 pm

Check your PM's!
Thanks -

Dom · Post by **Dom** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:37 pm

WOW, you mean I aint supose to throw the same lb line on all the reels ?

LOL Great Idea! I'll buy em. I am also interested in a floating device for the rods. but it will have to be micro in size which should not be to hard to do becuase it dont take much to keep a rod and reel floating.gas charged is also a must!

I have seen guys wrap a piece of foam tubing around the rod with zip ties but it looks bulky.

Who ever makes em mark me down for 10 in advance,Seriously

BassketCase · Post by **BassketCase** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:09 pm

Great idea! I am one of those lazy guys and it has cost me more than I would like to admit. Thanks for making it easy for us! Looking forward to getting some.

getalife · Post by **getalife** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:39 pm

Hey Tom, great idea but I think you should get a patent on it and market it to the line manufacturers. That way if you buy a spool of 12lb P-line it would come with a small sheet of pre-printed labels that identified the line (12lb CXX). Think of how many you could sell to Stren or Trilene.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:44 pm

That's a great idea.. I should do that.. but, honestly, I don't have that kind of time.

If the line manufacturers do it... more power to them - it'll be great for the anglers. Until then I will just sell as many as I can. No biggie - I wasn't planning on retiring on them.. just wanted to share my little idea with everyone and if I make a few bucks while at it great! If not - well that's ok too. I am just trying to save some guys a few spools of line and maybe a fish or two!

If I wanted to be rich I would be writing software not fishing and writing about fishing! Great idea though... in all honesty, I hope the line manufacturers do that. I am ok with that. I do hope however, nobody copies my initial idea of the sheets for all of them. I spent quite a bit of time researching materials and glues to make this work just right.

Quantum_Kid · Post by **Quantum_Kid** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 8:26 am

Pm headed your way Tom.

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