I did not post this looking for pity. My pride is too strong to do such things. Instead, I did this to put out another aspect of the snagging debate.

The last rod and reel that I bought was the $30 setup that was mostly birthday money for my SON. My levelwind rod and reel are about 8 years old and they were a Christmas gift. My spinning rod and reel were also gifts from about 15-20 years ago. My vest was a gift from my wife 4 years ago. Heck, even my rock-pulling fishing line was Spider Wire my dad bought and didn't like so I got it.

My license and tags were purchased with a (follow the trend) gift card. For the three trips that I've made to fish in Washington (first a cleanup on the Wind, second a fishless trip with Scrog at Hoodsport, and third a trip to the Kalama) was with daily permits out of my pocket.

My two Oregon fall salmon trips were carpooling with my father to Big Creek where we brought home near limits. Thankfully I have food in my freezer that my family enjoys (they more than me, but they eat a lot of foods I don't so there ya go).

Luckily we aren't at a point where fish is needed for existance; it's only a luxurious addition to the menu.

While I know that there are obviously better deals out there on ramen, pasta, beans, etc (and trust me, we're damned good at it), I also get more out of fishing than just the meat.

It is my religion. My place where I reconnect with Earth. Fishing is in my blood. It's hard to explain to a woman from SoCal, so I don't.

Fishing can be done without the Loomis, without the Lamiglas, without the Curado, Owner, $4 lures, $20 lines, and $5000+ boats. I'm doing it. I'm not poor, but when it comes to bringing home food for the family I have a hard time letting it swim away simply because it swam into my line.

I fish to catch fish legally. If I'm not successful that way and one runs into my offering from the side...I'm probably going to keep it.

I'm not putting any of you on by saying this stuff. I can understand why you would suspect such with my history of posting, but since I don't get out much sometimes I feel that it is all I can offer.