Why are bass fishermen wearing those crazy ties? To use one, the angler simply dunks it in cold water and places it around the neck. As the absorbed water slowly evaporates, the collar helps cool the body. How, to remain comfortable while fishing in hot weather The ‘koolest’ tie on the water B.A.S.S. TIMES JUNE 1995
By LOUIE STOUT
You may have seen them adorning the necks of PGA golf caddies at the U.S. Open, or worn by fire fighters in Southern California or by Green Berets in the Middle East. The people wearing them weren’t making fashion statements; they were trying to stay cool with the Kafka Kool Tie, a lightweight fabric scarf filled with polymer crystals that swell into a cooing towel when soaked in water. And unlike wet towels the Kool Tie stays wet and cool for hours. For that reason, marketing director Bruce Johnson says Kool Ties are ideal for bass fishermen who spend long hours on the water during hot summer days. "As an avid fisherman living in Arizona, I know what heat can do to you during a long day in the boat," he said. "The Kool Tie can create a body core temperature drop of a couple of degrees, which can make the difference between heat stroke and a bunch of extra casts." At first glance, the tie looks like a basic scarf. But once it's soaked in cool, clean water for 30 minutes or more, the collar section swells to the size of a sausage. Place it around your neck and it's like having an ice pack around the neck. "The coolness imparted to the skin goes through the bloodstream, transmitting coolness to the brain," explained Johnson. "That leads to a couple degrees drop in core body temperature, which is a lot on a hot day." The Kool Tie will remain hydrated for up to three days without further soaking. In extremely hot weather, a quick dip into the cooler’s ice water will chill it even more. "If it begins to lose it’s coolness, simply roll it a half-turn," says Johnson. " In high-humidity areas, moving air will recharge it. For example, a bass boat ride to another fishing spot will create the evaporation process needed to drop the temperature around the tie by 20 to 30 degrees." The crystals used in the Kool Tie are non-toxic, OSHA-approved and will continue to rehydrate for up to 10 years. The ties are washable and resist saline from perspiration. The necktie fabric is made of either 100% cotton or a cotton and polyester blend. It’s also triple-stiched for maximum durability. The Kool Tie retails for under $10.00, but it can be purchased in bulk at a discount. They’re available in a variety if colors and prints. "We’ve had some groups
create their own design and sell them as fund-raisers." Johnson explained.
"We can produce them with bass club logos and in just about any color or
pattern you desire.
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