Bass Turd Posted February 2, 2016 Posted February 2, 2016 A post a few weeks back mentioned a bunch of fishing stuff stolen from a mini storage. Guy said he saw his reels in a pawn shop but no way to prove they were his without serial numbers. This got me thinking. Does anyone mark their reels (and other expensive stuff... rods etc...) in some way they can be identified as belonging you? I've thought about engraving my initials on the inside of the side panels on expensive reels. Does anyone do this? Any better ideas? Does anyone take pictures for insurance purposes? Quote
Super User Cgolf Posted February 2, 2016 Super User Posted February 2, 2016 I have pictures of all my crankbaits and a spreadsheet with all of the baits and replacement costs (new) from three shops. As I lose crankbaits I keep a running list and eventually update the spreadsheet. Quote
Super User Choporoz Posted February 2, 2016 Super User Posted February 2, 2016 hmmmm.....interesting.....I'm curious how my insurance company will react when I file a claim for a year's worth of lures at the bottom of the the reservoir.... OP, I don't mark any of my gear, but I agree that it sounds like a great idea. Something I will seriously consider Quote
Evan K Posted February 2, 2016 Posted February 2, 2016 OP's idea does sound like a really good one. It'd be unobtrusive and I'm guessing a thief would never bother looking there to deface something. I might have to do this with my reels. What about rods? Quote
5fishlimit Posted February 2, 2016 Posted February 2, 2016 According to my insurance company they said that I just need to keep the receipts for the reels and rods. Pictures of the lures is what they suggested. Quote
Bass Turd Posted February 2, 2016 Author Posted February 2, 2016 For rods the best thing I could think of was to get labels printed with your name and address and wrap it around the base of the rod. People used to use these for golf clubs. I'm not sure if they are still made. I'm betting it wouldn't even be noticed by a thief on their way to the pawn shop. Quote
blckshirt98 Posted February 2, 2016 Posted February 2, 2016 I keep a spreadsheet of all of my rods, along with *most* reels I have paired up with them. All casting reels are accounted for, spinning reels not really because I have a ton of $30-$100 Shimano reels that I mix and match. I should spool everything up and pair them with a rod though and keep the sheet up to date. I don't label my reels but on my spinning reels I will take a piece of masking tape and write down the type of line and # test and put it on the reel mount that faces the rod reel seat so I know what kind of line I have on the reel. At one point I'll probably add my swimbaits to the spreadsheet, and consider getting all items on the list insured from theft/fire. I would NEVER etch or place some permanent identifying mark on my fishing equipment as I think it hurts value if I ever trade/sell. Custom rods is the only place I ever see personalized identifiers, and even then I think it could look a bit cheesy/tacky. If anyone is looking to "mark" their gear, I think the least intrusive would be maybe a colored sharpie dot sequence on the reel /reel seat so it's not visible unless the reel is removed. Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted February 2, 2016 Super User Posted February 2, 2016 I've heard etching your initials into the rod blank is the best way to deter thieves from stealing them. haha I've got pictures of most of my rods and reels as well as receipts, but I should probably make sure I have pictures of each, as well as pictures of my tackle trays. Quote
Super User Maxximus Redneckus Posted February 3, 2016 Super User Posted February 3, 2016 Yuup all my reels,tools,knives get my initials and last 4 of my SS all done with a dremel,,,,hide them if possible all my reel seats also ..there are some crummy ignorant pill heads around these parts .trying to sell stuff they stole to freinds of same person. Quote
MidwestFishing Posted February 3, 2016 Posted February 3, 2016 I mark reels in two places that most people would not notice. Do the same with rods and electronics. Take pictures of tackle and other accessories. Quote
Super User Deleted account Posted February 3, 2016 Super User Posted February 3, 2016 Yes, but not in case they are stolen. I use the same reel for just about everything (own about 30) and it helps to keep track of maintenance and line spooling intervals. Quote
Super User fishballer06 Posted February 3, 2016 Super User Posted February 3, 2016 I have an excel spreadsheet with my rods and reels. Along with that, I keep the receipt for all of my rods and reels. As for tackle... Well TW and BPS both keep a file of your receipts on your account, so I could always pull those up if needed. Quote
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