Outdoors: Richardson: Is fishing really cheap entertainment?

Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary.

-Patrick F. McManus

(Note: This is a story about the dangers of going to Bass Pro Shop or any other establishment where fishing gear is sold.)

Iwant to be serious this week and talk about the economics of fishing. What I would like to do is verify the fact that fishing is essentially a simple sport with simple needs.

I think we can establish this fact by just looking at a few of the basic requirements one would need to get started.

At the top of the list is, of course, a fishing pole. Since it's such an important item, we'll get a bait-casting reel, which is right at the top of the evolutionary ladder in fishing equipment. They cost about $100. The reel is no good without a quality rod, and they are only about $60.

So now we are ready to go, right?

No, we better get three rod-and-reel combinations because if one breaks down, there a needs to be a backup for the second.

OK, now we need a tackle box to carry our gear in. These are pretty cheap also. They run about $40 each.

We will probably need to get two big ones and at least two little ones. The smaller version is a relative bargain at $10.

In order to stock the tackle boxes, we need to make a list so we won't get caught without some necessary items.

Plugs and lures are generally about $5 each and we'll need at least 50 because we need different colors and sizes depending on when, where and what we'll be targeting.

We'll also need some plastic worms and rigging for these because every good bass fisherman knows this is by far the most consistent bait. Different colors and sizes and styles are necessary and they run about $4 per pack.

I think we might slip by with 30 packs over the summer and try to be a little frugal.

Let's see if we can finish our list as we get ready for our assault on the fishing outlet (which is the same as a clothing outlet with bargains galore).

We need about

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