what would you buy if you had to start over

[JoshS]

Dumb purchases: 13 ft St croix float rod (first float rod was a wild river, had it fixed at the old Pollacks only to never see it again), Fenwick Walleye Classic crank rod (breaks too easily), various stupid looking plastics for bass that make me laugh looking at them now, crappy spinnerbaits, portable fish finder that takes AA's, crappy waders, etc.

 

What I now buy instead: Better quality gear. I see no sense in getting mediocre gear only to need to upgrade. If you know what you target and are going to be serious about your hours on the water, get good quality gear! Example: I've been using my calcutta 250 for over ten years and don't see it ever sitting at home, easy reel to service yourself and works like a beast.