Aug. "00 
    There is a lot of talk on the Internet about being a tackle "ho". A tackle "ho" is just someone who wants to collect as much tackle as they can. Also it seems to be a male dominated area. Not too many lady anglers become a tackle "ho". Of course just about every tackle store loves a tackle "ho". I have my share of them but I really think that most tackle "hos" should spend less money on tackle and more fishing. This concept may be counterproductive to the business I am in but that is just fine with me. I have seen way too many people blow their money on tackle that they will never use or do not know how to use correctly.
    I feel their time and money is better spent on learning how to fish and actually fishing. Why spend a couple of thousand dollars on tackle when you can take two trips for the same amount of money. Besides on those two trips you can improve your fishing skills. There have been many a time were I have seen a "ho" at the rail and cannot get hooked up. Not wanting the guy to go home frustrated and empty-handed I try to teach him and get him hooked up. It is knowledge and skill that will land you land more fish than the latest "trick".
    So why then is this so popular? I think it comes down to human nature. It is the "keeping up with the Jones" mentality. So and so has a new reel then I should have one too. And if I don’t I’ll feel inferior to him. He will catch more fish and have a better time. We all come up with reasons to have the newest and latest gadget. I know I fall prey to it when it comes to computers.
    So what can be done to prevent you from becoming a tackle "ho"? The first step is to recognize that you may already be a "ho". If you answer yes to any of these questions you maybe a "ho".

1. If you have the urge to always have the latest or newest reel or rod, you maybe a "ho".

2. If you list a tackle store as who to call in case of an accident, you maybe a "ho"

3. If you have more lures that you can carry without using a forklift, you maybe a "ho".

4. If all your Internet bookmarks are for tackle stores, you maybe a "ho".

5. Finally if you’d rather play with your tackle than your family, you maybe a "ho".

    So once you realize you are a "ho" what is the next step? The next time you get the urge to buy, try putting that money into a savings account. Call it your fishing trip account. After a while you will be amazed at how much money you have saved. It may even be enough for a long trip. And when your buddies talk about their new reels just tell them about your upcoming trip. Now they will be envious of you. Hope with this tip you will be in control when you get the urge to shop. But if you must shop, do it wisely.
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