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I went fishing. A few years ago I mentioned transitioning into Greg 3.0. (newsletter #18) using a graphical representation of my life:

During this transitional phase, I mention maybe wanting to take up fly-fishing and soon thereafter I am flooded with fly-fishing tools and toys on birthdays and as holiday gifts.
I now have enough gear to run a small outfitting service.
A few months ago while out on a stroll with an old friend from university we decide to schedule a weekend fishing getaway. We put it on the schedule and stick to it. Along the way to the trout streams (5 hours away) we stop at a fly-fishing store.
I learn something important. I don't have enough stuff. Not even close.
I needed to double nymph, I needed better indicators, I needed more leaders, and lots more tippet. Mostly, I needed flies. Big ones, little ones, shiny ones, all designed to mimic what I see in the environment.
The thing is, while wandering the wilderness I don't see anything in the air, on me, or in the water looking anything like what I now have in my special floating fly box. If you happen to see something fuzzy flying by with purple parts I have it, for what that's worth.
My best purchase so far? The magnifying glasses that attach to the brim of my cap. It's hard enough to see thin tippet line in a controlled environment, let alone while wading in crystal clear spring-fed creeks. Tying all this stuff together a pain. I could use a manicure.
Yes, I catch some fish. Not many, but I get it right a few times. It's fun to try and outthink a cold-blooded, wet, slimy critter.
This fly-fishing thing may become a permanent part of Greg 3.0 after all, the healthy investment in gear giving me a positive ROI.
If not, I'll warn you when to check eBay.
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