The Reel Nauti Journey
It would be cliche of me to start this story in a tiki bar somewhere with drinks flowing and a doodle on a napkin so I’ll give post-it notes the credit for this one...
Fishing has always been how my family has bonded. It’s how my husband and I bond and how we spend quality time with our daughter. To say the least we can’t get enough of being on the water. With anything you do do as a hobby, frequently or repetitively you learn what works, what doesn’t, and what makes life easy for you while doing it. Think about how meticulously you organize your tackle box and how everything has its place on your boat because it’s easier to get to and easier to find. It makes getting the job done that much more efficient. Those bungee cords or Velcro straps you have wrapped around your T-top are there because over the course of your experiences you’ve learned they help hold pliers, poles or (insert item of choice) in place to make accessing them easier. You’ve developed little nuances over time to make what you spend a lot of your time doing easier and those little annoyances you encounter, I can guarantee you’ve found a work around to help you enjoy your hobby that much more. I promise I really am going somewhere with this...
My little pet peeve just happens to be smudged sunglasses. I can’t stand sunscreen, sweat or sea spray on my lens and of course when you’re on a boat in the middle of the gulf, the closest thing you reach for is the bottom of your shirt followed by a fish rag or beach towel. It’ll do in a pinch but you’ll never truly get a smudge free lens. This came to head little over 8 years ago, I had a logo and a concept but no purpose. I had no idea what do with this hook and hibiscus logo I had doodled on a post-it note and thought if I sent it to a few graphic designers, I’d get the gumption to slap it on a shirt and call it day. No direction and no game plan. I had a few artist renderings and some of my own, but no Of course with no real plans in place, ideas fall to the wayside and life goes on.
Cut to COVID...
The early designs for Reel Nauti Performance shirts came from a desire to stay cool and protected from the sun but also a nagging need to keep my glasses clean. With sweat, sunscreen and saltwater spray, I found myself constantly cleaning the lenses of my sunglasses and frustrated that I could never truly get a smudge free view.
Of course the first thing anyone reaches for is the bottom of their shirt; and while it may suffice in a pinch, nothing beats the clean of a good microfiber sunglasses cloth.
So After setting my fishing pole down countless times in search of the nearest rag, I decided what better than to have a lens cloth within reach at all times. This, paired with a desire to find comfortable fishing apparel tailored to women is what lead me to design the first prototype at my kitchen table. It was then that the first Reel Nauti performance fishing shirt was born.
Just like many outdoor apparel companies, our flagship shirts were made from quick dry, UPF protective, polyester material. And while the look, feel, and functionality were great, we were missing something. It was important to me to find a quality material that was eco-friendly, offered protection from the elements, was comfortable beyond comparison and set us apart.
That hunt led us to a sustainably sourced bamboo fiber called TANBOOCEL® And, because it is a 100% natural cellulose fiber, it is completely bio-degradable leveraging an eco-friendly decomposition process. In addition to the durability of other conventional fibers TANBOOCEL®Bamboo fiber is naturally anti-bacterial, bacteriostatic and odor obsorbing. It boasts a breathability and coolness second to none and according to authoritative testing figures, apparels made from bamboo fibers are 1-2 degrees lower than that of normal apparel when worn in warmer weather. And, because it is a 100% natural cellulose fiber, it is completely bio-degradable leveraging an eco-friendly decomposition process.
With an integrated microfiber patch sewn into every shirt to keep your shades free and clear, UPF 50 protection, and it's eco friendly qualities, this shirt is a must have for any lady angler.
Our shirts are designed by women for women to deliver ultimate performance where needed most. Built for protection from the elements, functionality and comfort; this shirt is durable, looks great, and feels good on. This lightweight and breathable bamboo material is so soft and buttery you’ll never want to take it off.
As a small, family owned business, our hope is to empower more women and girls to get out, cast a line, and feel good doing it.