Chill-N-Reel on 'Shark Tank': What is the cost, who is the founder, and all about the drink koozie that lets you fish
If you're big on multi-tasking, then here's a product that is sure to impress you. Making it's way to 'Shark Tank' this week is Chill-N-Reel, a nifty little drink holder that comes with a handline fishing reel. Perfect for those days when you want to grab a drink and some fish, the Chill-N-Reel is pretty much the best of both worlds!
Now, the question is -- does Chill-N-Reel have what it takes to impress Mark Cuban, Robert Herjavec, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner and Daymond John and score a deal? Let's find out!
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What is Chill-N-Reel?
Chill-N-Reel is a "hard-shell drink holder with a handline fishing reel attached comes equipped with 50 ft of 8lb test line pre-wound on the Chill-N-Reel spool."
The product essentially allows you to enjoy a drink while you fish. Curious to know how to use it? Here's the step by step guide --
"Step 1: RIG IT
Attach your hook, sinker, and bait, just as you would with a regular fishing pole.
Step 2: LOAD IT
Put your frosty beverage in! The best way to do this is to pull out the removable insulator half-way, put your can into it, then slide it back down into your Chill-N-Reel.
Step 3: PITCH IT
Hold your Chill-N-Reel in one hand with the spool/reel facing the direction you'll cast. Unreel enough line so you can "pitch" the bait or sinker into the water with the other hand. The line should naturally unwind with your toss.
Step 4: GRAB YOUR SLACK AND TIP IT BACK™!
Take a sip of your cold beverage! Keep holding the line (slack) in one hand while you wait for the fish to bite so you can set the hook and keep holding your drink with the other hand.
Step 5: REEL 'EM IN COLD™!
Take another sip of your cold beverage! Reel in a little line, take another sip. Chill. When you get a bite, tug on the line with your non-sipping hand, then use the handline reel to bring in a winner!"
Who is the founder?
Jake Rutledge
Jake Rutledge is the "Inventor, Owner, Head of Operations" at Chill-N-Reel. Prior to this, he was an assistant baseball coach at Charles Page High School. He was also the head coach at 4 Corners Colligate League. Rutledge has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from West Texas A&M University. Rutledge was also a Tulsa firefighter and has held down a variety of odd jobs, such as "lawn mowing to restoring and renting out fixer-uppers". His love for fishing is what led him to create the Chill-N-Reel -- "Jake has been an avid fisherman and hunter since childhood. It was when he was on vacation on the beach in Destin, Florida in 2017, standing in waist-high water with his beer in hand, bored because he was just standing there, that he felt the need to try to catch the fish swimming around him without spilling his beer (or making everyone in the water mad if he brought out a fishing pole). That's when the idea struck to try to convert his koozie into a fishing device."
What is the cost and where to buy?
The Original Chill-N-Reel costs $14.95 , but is currently on sale -- you can purchase is for $11.96 on the brand's website. As per the product description -- "It's the ONLY drink holder you can fish with! Our patented and unique approach to hand-line fishing keeps you hydrated and having fun for hours! Made in the USA, each Original Chill-N-Reel comes fully equipped with just about everything you need to immediately get to chillin' and reelin' -- and all you have to do is add your favorite bait and, of course, a frosty beverage!"
The product has been reviewed well by fans, with customers enjoying the nifty little gadget. One customer wrote -- "Works great if your just chilin by the water with a drink. I used this at a sandbar party and everybody loved it. Worth the money just for the reaction I got on the first use. Only caught a crab but hard to catch fish with 40 people around you in the water. Love this gift!"
Another reviewer noted that -- "Bought this as a gag gift for my husband and his friend. While standing on our dock just talking and drinking his beer, my husband catches a fish, and a good size one! I couldn't believe it! Such a cool product!! I have ordered a few more for myself and other friends!"
Another satisfied customer said -- "I love it, I brought my reel and the Chill-n-reel down to the creek to see how well it works. It took about 4 or 5 cast before I got my hands to work. Casting is always a chore with it but once you learn to point the sticker and toss the weight it flies out 20 to 30 feet. I had fun with it and caught 8 with it. Cant wait to use it Ice fishing this winter great little jig with a drink holder."
Where is Chill-N-Reel now?
Chill-N-Reel has garnered quite a fan following, including two sharks -- Mark Cuban and Kevin O'Leary, seeing that O'Leary posted a TikTok of Cuban in Chill-N-Reel merchandise.
Who will steal the deal?
It's hard to tell who might take the bait, but if Chill-N-Reel's numbers hold up, Kevin O'Leary might be the one to make a deal.
'Shark Tank' Season 13 Episode 23 airs on ABC on May 13, 2022, at 8 pm ET. Catch the latest episode featuring products like Stryx, Driftline, Chill n Reel, and Springer.
Missed an episode? Been wanting to catch up? Episodes can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu. Not just that, you can also watch old seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.