I think I may have found a good solution for labelling rods. I label my rods with Avery's return address labels 1.75' x 0.5". They stick to the rod well and wrap around a few times so they also stick to themselves. They are not particularly easy to take off and leave a residue that would require soaking if I wanted to use that bit.
Today, I found that size but they are removable. I bought a package of them and stuck one to a rod they way I'd normally label. It came off cleanly and easily. Granted, it was only on there for a few seconds but I'm hopeful that this might be the solution!
These are the ones:
http://www.staples.ca/en/Avery-6504-...0_2-CA_1_20001