OK, THEY WERE MADE OF RUBBER. . . . .

[charlie_the_tuna]

shaped like the number eight (8) with a cutout on either end.
about 1.75 inches long. if you had a 2 piece rod, they would clip into them. they would keep the rod halves together and keep them apart.
we were at the boat show a buncha years ago and we walk by this little table and we arent paying much attention. the guy goes, "hey if you can rip these in half, you get a pair for free".
at the time i was 272 pounds of twisted steel and sex appeal. i was working a very physical job and was a dam monster.
anyway, i rip em in half with little or no effort and i get a pair for free.
i ask the guy if i can rip some more cause my pop and bro in law want some too.

long story short, i dont know what they were called or where to find em, and my kids, who dont have enough crap to play with, lost em.

anybody?