When you first start out, you will need every advantage you can get to read the boards. I see no downside to having the tattle flag system, especially for the cost if you are making them yourself. Lets say for easy math you are running 4 boards. A small white bass hits your lure and you drag him without knowing for 30 minutes. You just lost 25% of your baits in the water while you drug him. Its hard enough sometimes to limit out without something working against you. I would also buy my offshore stuff from Franks Great Outdoors, they are much cheaper than cabelas.