We have all heard it before. Fly fishing is too expensive.
Well, let me tell you something: Maybe it is. But there are plenty of other popular activities that cost as much, if not more, money.
How do I know? I’ve been looking to upgrade my duck hunting gear. By that I mean I’ve been looking to buy duck hunting gear because last season I used a combination of deer hunting and fly fishing equipment. I shot ducks. But as the season went on I realized the limitations of my stuff. My camo didn’t quite blend in. My stocking foot waders weren’t super warm. My (wife’s) neon green kayak wasn’t exactly inconspicuous. Since around Christmas I’ve been hopping online to price out a modest jacket, pair of insulated waders, and watercraft.
And people think fly fishing is expensive?
I’m just thankful I own a decent shotgun, or I might be discouraged enough to call a peace treaty with all ducks and geese. Seriously, things aren’t super affordable; even on the low end of things. This got me thinking: How much does it cost to get started up in some other activities? If you’re curious, I’ve got 6 outlined right here:
Golf is actually less expensive than I thought. Online, you can get into a modest set of clubs and a serviceable driver for under $600. Add in some balls and accessories, factor in the national average for green fees (around $35), and you’re hitting the links for around $750.
Mountain Biking advocates put the low-end price tag at around $1,000. They aren’t looking to be elitist or to fool you into something, they simply see the value in avoiding department-store equipment. With a helmet and the oh-so-stylish bike shorts, your peddling through the woods will cost about $1,200.
PC Gaming isn’t exactly outdoorsy. But that doesn’t mean it will save you money. A capable machine will start at $800; a good monitor will run over $200; new, major release games have a $70 price tag. Until you beat a few games, you will be okay spending around $1,200.
Raising Chickens pays. But it also costs. The national average for a coop, I’ll have you know, is $650. The chickens themselves are relatively inexpensive, with chicks running something like $4 a piece. Of course, you’ll need accessories, feed, and (eventually) more chickens. An incredibly humble flock will be $1,000.
Waterfowl Hunting, the activity that started this inquiry, is not cheap. A serviceable firearm can be had for $600. For some reason, jackets are over $200. Insulated waders are also over $300. A tiny flock of decoys will be close to $75. Calls, ammo, licensing, and other duckstuffs are essential. So even without a canoe or kayak, you’re looking at $1,400.
Now, I did put plenty of meat in the freezer for what amounted to a few $20 duck calls and boxes of shells. And with yard sales or generous friends, you might be able to pursue your next hobby in a very affordable manner. But seeing as you can get in fly fishing for something like $500 ($200 waders, $200 rod/reel combo, $50 accessories, $50 license), you can’t seriously assert that fly fishing is only for the elite. You can (and will) spend more. That comes with time. But to get going, fly fishing is not the most expensive pursuit out there.
My research consisted of reading multiple “getting started” articles for each hobby. Might I be over/underestimating some things? Absolutely. But the numbers are legitimate, and I think the premise holds true. Have a different opinion? Let me know below.