abandoned fly fishing gear

[rainbowchaser]

I talked yesterday to a guy about buying a large lot of tying material. He also has a number of fly rods to sell. My problem is that he says that these items were left behind by his sisters ex-boyfriend. I didn't ask about the circumstances of his departure. I can make some money reselling these items at the price he is asking but I'm not real sure about his right to sell them. I don't want to rob anyone and I really don't want some big mean sucker coming to get his stuff back. What do you think?

[Dave E]

I'd pass. What goes around, comes around. Bad Mojo attached to selling off another living mans toys without his knowledge. A few bucks today isn't worth the headache tomorrow might bring and I'm not sure I'd put my full faith into the sellers explanation about the circumstances of the boyfriends departure.

A quarter century of running fly shops, I could tell you a month of stories about gear that was brought in, with a sad / bad story attached to it.

You've got 98 cents in change coming. Dave

[clearwater]

Your profit won't equal the "crap storm" you may be involved with.
Do the right thing here and pass........

[dr korn]

Your profit won't equal the "crap storm" you may be involved with.
Do the right thing here and pass........

+1, Do the right thing.....

[Prairieschooner]

Crap storm or not, if it ain't yours, don't sell it. JMO.

[narcodog]

You know if this is something that just occurred then that is bad. She would have no legal right to sell the stuff. If it has been a year or so and there has been no contact well, I would say no problem. But I would try to contact him and see what he has to say. He may not want the stuff any longer, then you are free to get rid of it. Of course he may want it back and for your effort to contact him he may share some of it with you.

[appalachian angler]

Hate to ask but I hope this isn't about money for dope. Lots of stuff being peddled these days to support addictions...

[PA Dave]

I say go with your gut. If you had to ask the question you already know the answer. I'd pass.

[rainbowchaser]

This guy knows nothing about fly fishing so I don't expect a lot of answers about the stuff. What has me nervous is his vagueness about where it came from. Also he posted it for sale on a Craig's list over an hour from where he says he lives but not on the local one (I checked). He has me so suspicious that I have contacted the sheriffs department in his county about stolen fly fishing gear but haven't heard back yet.

[LadyFisher]

Rainbowchaser - good for you!
An extra hug *S* LF