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I must confess that I also read gun magazines. I do that so
I can give myself a permission slip to steal an idea for this
weeks column. It was an answer to the typical question from
a young hunter who was all worked up about which gun to buy,
would it be perfect for what he wanted to use it for and all
of the other life-threatening questions that go along with
buying stuff. Especially those who are just getting into any
of this.
The editor who answered the fellow did a great job. He covered
the necessary facts in a slow and logical way and assured the
person that all would be well and not to fear the event. The
answer was not so much of a technical one but rather an emotional
hand-holding session. The person who had written in for the
question must have been very relieved to know that everything
would work out just fine. I will try to do a little of that
here.
Each year about this time questions show up on the bulletin
board and in e-mails asking about the same thing. What rod,
reel, and line combo should they get. Any of you who have been
at this very long realize that is not an easy question to answer.
Many things need to be considered including the color of your
wife's hair (I have heard that red-heads are sometimes hot
tempered).
The price is not one of them. The cost however is. Remember
that a combo which costs a hundred bucks may be pocket-litter
to some guys and divorce grounds for others. So, let's move
beyond all of that and jump into more secure footing. Like
emotions. Likes. Wants. Desires. Needs. Well, maybe not needs,
but we can rationalize a little sometimes.
Boy, this is a hard one, but for many, it is very true. You
will bust your first rig, outfit, combo, rod&reel. Whatever
you call it. In a car door, the screen door at home, the trunk
lid, catching a tree on a back-cast or landing or hooking a
fish. Then again, you may be one of the creative ones and
figure out a new way. But, the facts remain about decided on
this one. The first one will not be your last one.
Now, I like to use this idea. Let's consider bowling. You
think you might have an interest and want to buy your own
ball. You could ask the guys at the bowling alleys, the one
place where they might actually know a lot about such things,
but, not you. Nope, you know better. You will not let them
talk you into something. Ha! Ask you buddies. It does not
matter that they don't bowl, they are buddies and will help
you out. One knows of a place where you can buy used goods
and cheap new gear. "Bowling Stuff R Us" Fine. Down you go
and for half the price of the ones you have seen advertised
you get yours.
No point spending a wad of dough just to find out if you
like something or not. You will not be stuck with an expensive
ball if you find you do not like bowling. Not being very up
on bowling you have however failed to notice that the ball you
got at that fantastic bargain price happens to be square. The
following weeks as you practice bowling you feel you were
right and do not actually enjoy the game and are glad you
did not spend a huge amount on one of those high priced
balls. Case closed.
Ok, enough of my foolishness. My point is this. There may
not be any 'free lunch' but you can find some cheap ones
sometimes. Just because a combo may be marked down does
not necessarily mean it is not any good. A lot of things
can affect things like that. Do not spend more than you
can afford. You will be afraid to use the thing. Spend too
little and you will not place any value on it. Somewhere
in the middle is where you need to go.
It will be fine. It will cast. It will catch fish. You will
do just dandy with it. Buy one you like. One that is pretty,
nice, makes your heart sing. One you want to take out your
handkerchief and wipe off a smudge that you notice. One that
you can and will be proud to show to your father.
You didn't spend too much, got your dollars worth and, "damn,
ain't she a purdy one Pop?" Now, get out there! ~ JC
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