These seem to have disappeared from the distributor's / retailer's inventories. Does anyone (sponsors) have some left they'd be wiling to part with?

Hi Ken,

I have you contacted Batson. Got the slick butts from them the last time.

It would be a loss if they no longer existed as they work great in rod holders.

Capt Neil Faulkner

Neil -
Looks like the aluminum tube / slick butts ("Tuff Butts") have gone off the market. So, now I'll have to use the "Slick Butts" from Batson or American Tackle with bushings and separate reel seats. Darned shame because they made assembly much easier..

Very heavy though Unless ya don't care about the weight

Bill - willierods.com

Hi Ken,

Had to go back to my 2009 Merrick Tackle catalog to reinforce my memory about the "tuff butts". Seems like many years ago that I may have used one. The price was right and easier to install. Looks like you are right, they may be gone.

Didn't some one buy Stuart Tackle a few years ago?

I hope some one has a few left in stock for you.

Neil

Capt Neil Faulkner

Hi Ken,

I found the Stuart tackle web site and it still shows the "tuff butts". Here is their phone # 305-651-3474.

I hope the fact that the web site is still up means that they are still in business.

Neil

Capt Neil Faulkner

I'll give Stuart a call tomorrow - Thanks for the phone number

Yes, these assemblies are heavier than a through-butt build would be but they are also much easier to assemble and since they will spend most of their lives in rod holders trolling for large fish the additional weight is negligible especially when you consider that the rods will be coupled with 3/0 and/or 4/0 trolling reels.

Call placed / message on answering machine... waiting