Elvis's Question:

Last summer after relocating to a rural section in southwest Mississippi, I was called away for a family emergency. Upon my return, it was discovered that all my fly-tying vice and materials ($2500 value) and a couple of trout rods/reels (bamboo and graphite, $3000) were missing. I've lost interest in fishing—period. How does one go about replacing fifteen years of memories, with the high cost of present-day gear, when funds are limited?

— Elvis Fields

Mark's Answer:

	Meet Mark Expert Answers Archive

Dear Elvis —

Elvis, that's as bad as losing your dog. You can attack this problem several ways. You can pick up some nice bargains in graphite rods (and other gear) from estate sales, garage sales, online auctions (EBay, etc.) and even on-sale or demo rods from your local flyshop. I know Orvis has a tent sale in Dallas every year where you can find some incredible clearance bargains including rods, reels, waders and the like.

The other way is to begin with a starter rod again—you'd be surprised how good the entry level rods are nowadays. Redington makes a sweet starter rod, as do Orvis, LL Bean and Sage, all under $200.

The flies and tying equipment are difficult to replace, short of having an uncle leave you his collection in his will. But I have a nice portable vise I bought for 80 bucks and it ties as well as the 'high end' vises that cost three times as much. And for tying material? One cheap source is roadkill, of course (just kidding—or am I? Flytyers can be awfully utilitarian).

I don't envy you in your re-emergence into the sport. But you know already that you wouldn't even be asking this question if you didn't know that you miss fishing and once back in, you will enjoy it as much (or maybe even more given the context) than ever before. Buy what you can and work your way back into our club.

Good luck,
Mark D. Williams