Zee Baas, are they worth the money?

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by Casting Z's

Rob, the creator of VS sold the company only to start ZB. He doesn't come across as a wealthy person who just sold a company, even though we all might think he should be. My impression is that what ever he made from that transaction, is being dumped into his new product and at great risk as production cost in America put these reels just out of reach to most fishermen and therefore the risk is even greater.

Um, you're a little wrong on your facts there

Van Staal was sold because it went under. Tits-up, toes-up, however you like to refer to it. It was an aerospace contractor that made fishing reels as a sideline. The whole company went into Chapter 11 many years before Zee Baas was even a blip on the horizon. Reel Ventures LLC bought the fishing reel line. They made the reels in Mass. somewhere for several years Then they sold to WC Bradley, the parent compnay of Zebco/Quantum/Finnor et al. That sale had nothing to do with Rob, and I doubt he got anything out of it, including the start-up capital to start Zee Baas. I don't know what he did after VS, but obviously, it had something to do with engineering. He's always loved fishing, and I think he got a bigger kick out of making the reels than he ever did making aircraft parts.

There was some unpleasantness surrounding the sale of VS to Zebco, but again, that had nothing to do with Rob.

[Casting Z's]

Originally Posted by Mike P

Um, you're a little wrong on your facts there

Van Staal was sold because it went under. Tits-up, toes-up, however you like to refer to it. It was an aerospace contractor that made fishing reels as a sideline. The whole company went into Chapter 11 many years before Zee Baas was even a blip on the horizon. Reel Ventures LLC bought the fishing reel line. They made the reels in Mass. somewhere for several years Then they sold to WC Bradley, the parent compnay of Zebco/Quantum/Finnor et al. That sale had nothing to do with Rob, and I doubt he got anything out of it, including the start-up capital to start Zee Baas. I don't know what he did after VS, but obviously, it had something to do with engineering. He's always loved fishing, and I think he got a bigger kick out of making the reels than he ever did making aircraft parts.

There was some unpleasantness surrounding the sale of VS to Zebco, but again, that had nothing to do with Rob.

Had no idea those where the facts! But then again, I try to fish more than researching a manufacturers history.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Casting Z's

Had no idea those where the facts! But then again, I try to fish more than researching a manufacturers history.

Just a long running story that has been around for years and most are familiar with it... Van Staal, and its varying ownership over the years, has been a staple of winter conversation

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by Casting Z's

Had no idea those where the facts! But then again, I try to fish more than researching a manufacturers history.

Uh--you wouldn't happen to own a black lab named Lughead, would you? You remind me of someone I ran into a few years back, that's why I asked

[Casting Z's]

Originally Posted by Mike P

Uh--you wouldn't happen to own a black lab named Lughead, would you? You remind me of someone I ran into a few years back, that's why I asked

I do not Mike.
Do you live near the NH seacoast?

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Mike P

Uh--you wouldn't happen to own a black lab named Lughead, would you? You remind me of someone I ran into a few years back, that's why I asked

No, no, no - Lughead was from ASSateague Island, remember?

Ben - you got one? Which specifications??

[fishpoopoo]

John -

After speaking with Rob Koelwyn on the phone, I lost all my willpower and picked up a ZB Rough last week. The lower price point at ~$900 was too much to resist. I had hocked several Van Staal's to save up for this purchase.

The ZeeBaas was on the shelf for just a day, according to the guys at the shop.

Mine has two line rollers on it.

[Casting Z's]

Originally Posted by Bassturbed

John -

After speaking with Rob Koelwyn on the phone, I lost all my willpower and picked up a ZB Rough last week. The lower price point at ~$900 was too much to resist. I had hocked several Van Staal's to save up for this purchase.

The ZeeBaas was on the shelf for just a day, according to the guys at the shop.

Mine has two line rollers on it.

You are going to love that reel. I guarantee it!
I'm taking mine out for some small Tunas first thing in the morning. They just arrived six to eight miles off shore two days ago. I want to see if the tiny ZB's spool is up to the task. It might require an 80# leader along with my 65# Suffix and putting the brakes to the limit

[ChiefLinesider]

Originally Posted by Casting Z's

I guarantee it!

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by JohnR

No, no, no - Lughead was from ASSateague Island, remember?

Ben - you got one? Which specifications??

Sorry, CZ. Major brain fart. I thought I might have run into you once or twice on the north shore. John just reminded me. Besides, Lughead's master LOVED to do research, now that I think about it.

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Mike P

Lughead's master LOVED to do research, now that I think about it.

Those were funny days - poor Doug