“I love the way that the jigs are all stored. I like the way that they stay where you put them. Easy to see what you have with just a glance. No more fumbling around trying to find that one jig you know you have.”
Our History
The Start
The Problem
We’ve all experienced it. Chipped paint, damaged baits, tangled an dull hooks. If it’s not that it’s simply not being able to find what you’re looking for when you need it most. That’s pretty much the results that any tackle box out there will give you. None of the tackle storage options on the market can offer anything better. That’s why we started Gruv Fishing. We were tired of our old tackle boxes and we set out to create the better way.
Gruv was started in the winter of 2016. Utilizing a patented technology from Tacky Fly Fishing, we set out to change tackle storage completely. Our goal was to open people’s eyes to the possibility that they could actually have tackle storage that effectively protected, organized, and stored their tackle. They no longer had to settle with the tackle boxes that we’ve all grown so accustomed to. With the use of the patented silicone mechanisms we have been able to design, mold, shape and create silicone anchoring systems that are actually designed for your tackle. Pretty simple right? Tackle storage that’s designed for your tackle.
Development
The Micro Jig Box
We went to work creating a vision for the future of tackle storage. With a broad understanding of what we wanted to do, the question then became where to start. Ultimately we determined that we would start somewhere familiar with proven technology. The first patented silicone anchoring system has been used and proven in the fly fishing market for years by Tacky Fly Fishing. They launched their company and products in 2014 and with their award winning fly boxes they quickly became a leader in the industry. Their silicone anchoring systems took the market by storm as it became clear that their material and designs were dramatically better than the typical foam solutions.
We knew that smaller jigs are very similar to flies and thus, this system would be the perfect tackle storage solution for smaller jigs. The typical compartment style tackle box just wasn’t cutting it, nor were any of the foam style boxes. We developed the Micro Jig Box to hold a very wide variety of jigs and hooks. It’s perfect for the smaller jigs used in ice fishing, panfish, and crappie fishing. We designed and created a silicone mat specifically for these smaller jigs. Taking into consideration the size and weights of the smaller jigs along with the spacing needed for optimum capacity, we designed the perfect tackle storage solution for all your smaller jigs.
Beta Program
Beta Program
In December of 2016, with our first samples of the Micro Jig Box in hand, we set out to get feedback from our future customers. To do this we created a Beta testing program and attended multiple Ice Fishing shows in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio. Our team of Beta testers to help put our Micro Jig Box to the test and give us their feedback. Additionally, we solicited information about other tackle storage issues they experience and problems they would like to see solved.
The program was a huge success and it was clear to see that there was a real need for improved tackles storage and that we were on the right path. As we went to work designing our tackle storage solutions the feedback provided with our Beta program has been instrumental in helping provide guidance and direction.
Beta Member Feedback
See what some of our beta testers had to say.
“The hooks don’t snag in foam easy and quick retrieval or replacement of jig into box. Love the magnetic closer to the box. Have not had a jig come loose bouncing in the truck or across the ice.”
“Quality of materials used in construction of the box. The ease of taking out a single jig, while not disturbing any others. Positive magnetic latching system.”
“I like how the jigs and 100% snug in the slots and they don’t move at all. Even bouncing around the bottom of my tub of my flip over.”
“I think my favorite part is the magnetic clasp. They make it easy while out ice fishing to open and close my jig holder with my gloves on. Recently during an ice fishing tournament my jig holder rode in the sled behind the 4 wheeler, all my jigs were in place when I arrived at my holes, and I never worried about it opening up. Once I got to an area, it was convenient to carry my jigs around with me in my pocket!”
“Jigs are securely in place and never fall out. They are easy to put in or take out. Very easy to keep everything organized because the jigs don’t shift around.”
“I like that it’s designed to hold as many jigs as possible, the rubber instead of foam is a huge plus. I didn’t think the magnets would be good but after dropping a couple times and it stayed shut and the jigs didn’t move, I was sold.”
“I really like the clear plastic face of the jig box. Allows me to see exactly what I have in the box. Love how secure the material seems to hold the jigs in place. I also like the magnet design for keeping it closed.”
See Some Results of the Beta Program
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Would recommend the Micro Jig Box
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Rated the quality of the box to be very High quality
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Found the box to be Innovative
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Found the box protected their tackle well
TCIP Grant
TCIP Grant
As we traveled to the different shows throughout the ice fishing season we learned that we were on to something. It was very clear that there was real potential for innovation in the tackle storage market, and many agreed that we were heading in the right tradition. While we recognized the potential, we quickly realized that we needed additional capital to get things off the ground.
As we determined the need for additional capital, we decided to apply for a grant from the State of Utah. We identified the Technology Commercialization Grant from the Governer’s Office of the State of Utah and began the application. After months of the application process along with interviews and presentations, we were chosen as one of the 20 companies in the state of Utah to receive grant money for 2017. There were 183 applicants and because of the technology, innovation, and potential of Gruv Fishing and our upcoming product line, we were one of those select few to be awarded funding.
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Our History Continued
Development
Building Out a Product Line
With the feedback from our Beta team as well as feedback from many knowledgeable people in the industry we set out to determine what was needed next. Therefore we needed to understand what the most prominent tackle storage problems were that we needed to solve. Ultimately we determined that in addition to our Micro Jig Box, we needed to create a solution for larger jigs, hooks, and hard baits. Consequently that’s what we set out to do. With this approach we designed and built the Hard Bait Box and the Big Jig Box.
ICAST 2017
Our Real Introduction
We went to ICAST ready to show the world our vision for the future of tackle storage. We took our three products, the Hard Bait Box, the Big Jig Box, and the Micro Jig box and we traveled to Orlando. It was three days of meeting with big big companies, many of the top bass fisherman in the world, and many very experienced and influential people. It was a great show! Most importantly we walked away confident that we were on to something big. People are itching for some innovation and some change in their tackle storage.
The Launch
The Launch
We left ICAST with some final tweaking and fine tuning to do, but after months of tweaking we were prepared to introduce our product line to the market. On December 4th, 2017, the first three Gruv Fishing products were officially available online as well as through a select few outdoor retailers.
2017/12/04 09:00:00