The Great Tackle Inspection

Shortly after we had settled on a campsite, it was time to prep the boat for launch – most notably pull out all of our shiny new tackle. The locals descend on us like vultures at the cleaning table. Everyone talking at once, asking questions, making comments, quizzing about tackle. So we pull out our heaviest gear (better to appear oversized than under I say) and..…..nods of approval.

Alan points to Steve’s brand new TLD30A 2-speed and asked what pound test line is on it. 60lb. “Yeah, use that.” I’ve got a Torium with 40lb and Steve a Penn Baja Special with 40lb, and they say it’ll work, but you might want to swap the line out to 50 or 60 tomorrow. This is oversized tackle for a 15-30lb fish…how can this be? Things are looking up!! You got good hooks? Yep. 4oz lead eggs? BlueChrome Jigs? Sabiki rigs? Yep yep yep. Rick asks about an anchor, so when Steve pulls out the world famous 30lb JB-welded Navy special, he bellows “You guys aren’t from Idaho with an anchor like that” and promptly turns and walks away, disgusted at his own covetousness of such a desirable hunk of iron. And that was the beginning of acceptance into this tight local group – doing the research, buying the right gear, and an unflappable sense of humor.