Got a new fly fishing catalog in the mail friday…and Im perusing it saturday morning over coffee…and then I realized I couldnt swallow!!!:eek:
I come across $700 plus Sage rods…:eek:…Renzetti fly vises at MORE than $700.:eek:…of course the infamous SS flylines at $100…then I paged on to find flyREELS at $600 plus…
Is someone kidding me?
I know they are all the upper crust…HIGH quality products but COME ON now…
We only have one really true flyshop in Cincy anymore, and they have the shelves full of that stuff…but I havent even seen anyone handeling that caliber of equipment…let alone walk out the door with it.
I fish primarily with Sage rods and Abel reels, and tie flies on a Renzetti Master vice, but I haven’t gotten to the $100 lines - yet. I also have other items probably considered by some as expensive items, like Simms waders and Patagonia rain jackets.
I’ve paid full retail for some of these items, and have bought others on sale, on Ebay and elsewhere - always on the lookout for a “deal”.
I don’t consider myself particularly wealthy, although I do live fairly comfortably, and just like the feel and performance of quality items. Also, considering that a number of my flyfishing item purchases have been spread over a number of years, I don’t spend nearly as much per year on these items as I do on some other items that I have related directly/indirectly to flyfishing and outdoor recreation.
John
p.s. I don’t live in a big city either. If I did, the expense of living there would surely eat up much of my flyfishing budget!
I fish with Sage rods too. All Z Axis. I only paid full price for my switch rod. One was used and the others were on sale. I fish two orvis rods also. A Trout Bum and a Helious. Same thing, on sale. I’m not rich by any means. I’m a blue collar worker.
Here’s how I look at it. I’m married, have no kids and don’t live beyond my means. I also dont gamble much, smoke and only drink when out. If I want a rod I save up any OT I work and when I have enough I wait for a sale and buy it. It’s all what your passion is. I use the best I can afford.
Do any of you use tools? Do you buy the cheapest or the best? I did small engine work for a while. I always bought Snap on or Mac if I could. I did remodeling part time for 7 yers and bought the best I could in that too. They last the longest and work the best. Plus the lifetime warranty is great too.
I was buying stuff like that. Was until manufacturing died in this country and cost me my job (along with millions of others)
The way it works for me is that I am able to use the best of things that fit my needs and style perfectly. If I need to I can usually sell the stuff later for what I paid for it, more or less.
So what the problem then… I get to use the gear I want, with no compromise, for almost free.
Justification over. I’m happy. That’s really all that matters. eh?
I’m a working class (i.e. gross about $40K )guy, nearing retirment. I own three Sage rods and one Winston. It’s simply a question of what you want to spend your money on, I know guys that wouldn’t dream of spending over $30 on a rod, but don’t bat an eye over dropping over a hundred in the tavern.
“I know guys that wouldn’t dream of spending over $30 on a rod, but don’t bat an eye over dropping over a hundred in the tavern.”
I don’t think we’re talking $50 rods here, 51BC, although I certainly get your point. Today’s moderately priced rods- I’m talking about in the $175 to $400 range- are far closer to the high price stuff than in past years. I personally have in my stash (which includes some high price names, bought used) rods that are a perfect fit for me, are a pleasure to fish all day, and are very nicely finished. Less than $250 each, too. I don’t begrudge anyone their fine equipment, but there’s a huge midrange of fly fishing gear available these days that contains some darn nice stuff.
When I go to West Yellowstone, several or so times a year, I always drive my Hummer or my wife’s Mercedes. If I flew in my Jet I’d have to rent a car to get around and I don’t want to waste money for a rental that I could be spending on flyfishing gear.
That is where I was 6 years ago. Then I asked myself, “Well, @#^$$%#$%, are you going to quit or not?” I decided I was and did. You can, too. If you need to rip someone’s head off in the process, You can email, call, or PM me anytime.
I own one rod that I would consider 'high end". A Sage XP. I bought it because it does exactly what I wanted it to do. I bought it for smallies, it can aerialize a lot of line and throw big beefy flies. I had a hard time finding a rod that would do those things nearly as well at any price. Typically, I spend what I would coin “mid level” money on gear. Most of my rods are St Croix Legend Ultras and Avids. Again, because they perform how I expect them to. My 4 weight Avid is the cheapest rod I own yet probably my favorite. I would have a difficult time finding a small rod at any price that fits my fishing style as well as that rod does. Money isn’t an issue, I make a decent living, no kids, married, don’t drink or smoke except for the occasional cigar and don’t gamble. My leisure money goes into fishing gear rather than the bar or anywhere else.
The answer to who is buying this stuff is… Me, maybe. It’s me if I find what I am looking for and the price tag states it to cost $700 or whatever. Generally I won’t look for a deal, I will support my local fly shop. If I am spending that kind of cash on an item, saving a few bucks doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, I would rather the money stays local. Saving 50% is another story!
May I, as a former two pack of Camels a day smoker, be the first to wish you many, many good days in a row, so you can finally and completely break the habit !!
Best of luck in all things, and particularly this one.
John
P.S. My last cigarette was at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 1989. I planned it for that time several days in advance. So I could make it work.
The Hardy China reels are worse! Look at the prices of some of them! Like the production costs were so high that they couldn’t make a go of charging $9000 for a Zane Ti. I won’t spend more than $200 on a reel anyway, no real need and if I can get a made in USA Ross for that, then cool. Got a whole arsenal of them now. Ridiculous!
