How much are you wearing

dollarsign.jpgI don’t think I can complain about my girl’s perm’s anymore without blushing. Sure, they are 12 times what my haircut costs, but if she got one every month, it would be less than equipping her with fly gear.

Assume I want to take the plunge and equip my “better half” with quality gear, yet not go overboard should she not like the sport. The exception will be rod choice as I may be fishing it instead…

Rod: Sage 9.0′ 5wt “Z-Plane” = $590.00 Reel: Loomis Venture 5 and X-Tra spool= $150.00 Line: Scientific Anglers Mastery WF5F, WF5F/S, $59.00 ea = $118.00 Vest: Simm’s Freestone Mesh = $79.00 Waders: Simm’s Freestone Waders = $200.00 Boots: Simm’s Freestone Boot = $80.00 Accessories: 5 leaders (@3.75ea) 3 tippet (5x/6x/7x)($7.95ea), nippers and pliers (@8.00ea), flyboxes (2 @ 20.00ea), floatant and indicators (4.00ea) = $108.00 Flys: an anemic 4 doz dries (@ 1.90 ea) and 4 doz nymphs (@ 1.90 ea) = $182.00 License: $35.00 Subtotal: $1542.00 Tax: $131

Grand Total: $1674.00 (for her)

Let’s contrast that with what you’re wearing. Upgrades to the above totals as follows:

Rod: Winston WT Rod 9.0′ 6wt = +$5 Reel: Ross Evolution #2 & Xtra Spool= +$350 Vest: Simms G3= +$100 Waders: Simms Rivertek (Large) = +$80.00 Boots: Patagonia Riverwalker= +$50 Accessories: 10 extra leaders, 3 extra flyboxes (@40.00 ea) 3 extra tippet spools (last years @8.00 ea) = +$190.00 Flys: +32 dozen = +$730.00 Subtotal: +$1500 Tax: $127 Total (Extra only) = $1627,

Grand Total = 1627+1674= $3300.00 (for you)

I’m not sure what fraction of the angling public is wearing that much Bling, but I have met many anglers that are wearing a lot more. It amazes me how fast this stuff adds up. 

4 thoughts on “How much are you wearing”

  1. The $730 you save by tying all those flies yourself will undoubtedly be repaid in her love for you. Even if she has no idea what they would have cost. Or how many hours you spent tying them up just for her. Even if she decides that she hates fishing. Right?

  2. K,

    Thank you, I am in your debt (figuratively). Once I show SWMBO how much your rig cost I’m good for a new cane rod.

    Here is how mine tots up:
    Rod – Santos 7′ 4wt 2/2 medium action cane – 2 frequent flier tickets to Las Vegas – $0
    Reel – Brass skeleton 60 yd – $10
    Waders – Wardell (Springbrook) breathable uppers, neoprene legs – eight years old, no leaks – $200
    Boots – Orvis – $49
    Line – Hardy WF4F five years old – $10 on ebay
    Leaders – 40 leaders – knotted and knotless – by Orvis, LL Bean, etc. – made in early ’70’s, unused – $10 with wallet
    Fly Boxes – six vintage Wheatley in different sizes, some filled with flies – $120
    Flies – 500? tied from $3000 worth of materials – $0

    SubTotal – $399
    NH sales tax – $0
    Total – $399

  3. That’s a good theory Chris, but the proof is Overmywaders comment ..

    “500? Tied from $3000 worth of materials”

    It’s a tough call to claim any money is saved with tying your own flies, its almost like trading one addiction for another.

    When I buy that $90 Metz cape, I always tell her it is saving us huge coin – and I always have my fingers crossed behind my back when I do so.

    It’s fair….how many new pairs of shoes have you seen your girlfriend wear, that she claims she’s had these forever…

  4. Pingback: High dollar tackle attracts the unwanted element | Singlebarbed

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