May 28 2009
Tools of the trade
In beginning to fly fish, I have run across a huge variety of different personalities and attitudes. A lot of the input I get feels kind of elitist, in that, the suggestions I get are to buy more/spend more, and bragging about gear. While I can understand having pride in your equipment, I do have a hard time understanding the popular view that if you don’t have a certain level of stuff, or a certain type of home waters, then it’s better to not even start. I, myself, do not have anything special in the way of equipment. My fly combo was purchased for around $20.00 at Wal-Mart. I have obtained some older second-hand stuff along the way, but have yet to spend any dramatic amounts of money on anything. Does this make things a bit more challenging than having better equipment? Possibly. But it in no way detracts from my enjoyment of being on the water. So if cost is an issue. Don’t let that stop you. Get gear as cheap as necessary and build up from there. You won’t be sorry.
Take care.
J
