Noodles on equipment

I have noticed this on many folks gear. What it is all about? I am guessing flotation but do t want to assume.

It used to be for floatation purposes, but we learned that the noodles made it a bit safer when we beat people with the rods and nets.

I use it for flotation. It's always a bad day when $100 worth of net or $200+ of rod/reel is claimed by Poseidon. I take them off before beating people though. I want it to sting....

Are they just zip tied on?  Love the beating comments!!!!

That gives a whole new meaning to beating someone with a wet noodle....

Are they just zip tied on?  Love the beating comments!!!!

Depends on the gear and what works for you. On my nets I just slide them over the handle. It's a tight enough fit that no further securing is required. For my Hawg Trough, I tie a short leash of para cord. The ones on my rods are actually manufactured rod floats. I can't remember the brand, but I buy them from Cabelas for $9 for 3. they work great on up to small salmon gear. If you've got 6+ OZ of lead on a heavy rod paired with a 6000 or larger real I'd opt for the leash. The float just isn't quite enough in that situation.