Tackling the Box

I’ve finally made it. I have achieved a lifelong milestone that has been a personal goal since I was a young boy. It wasn’t easy and it took years of hard work, scratching and saving but I’ve finally hit the pinnacle of my own perception of manhood. Yes, by now I’m sure you’ve guessed it; that’s right, I now own a second tackle box. To be honest, I own about ten tackle boxes but this time it is different. The others are hand me downs and have hand me down tackle in them. This time, I had to actually go out and pick out and buy my very own tackle box for my own tackle. I’m all grown up, now.

I should note that I did not get the exact box that I desired because I almost passed out when I saw the prices. Suddenly, the hand me downs are much more dear to my heart. Honestly, fifty plus bucks for a molded plastic box, are you kidding me? I didn’t scratch or save long enough to outpace the inflation of extruded plastics so I had to dip into my piggy bank…a hand cast and hand painted ceramic object that cost $2.95.

There was more to the cost of the tackle box than just the sticker price if it was just that, it wouldn’t be such an achievement. Even though it may appear so, I’m not one to makeup silly, self-adulating accolades, this isn’t the Grammys; this is tackle box achievement. For example, first I had to negotiate with my wife.

When I reported to my bride that I was going tackle box shopping, I was told that, “We have no money.” I admit that my timing is terrible, every time I want to buy tackle; hunting gear or a gun it always coincides with the exact moment that we “have no money.” I’ve always thought I could fix that by making more money. I am not a rich man but have found ways to bring in extra income over the years but to no avail. Even when I do manage to make an extra lump sum of money that is always at the exact moment some other large bill has just become due. I recognize that without my betrothal accountant I’d be in debtor’s prison.

That is why this moment would not be noteworthy as an achievement if I didn’t have a wily way to circumvent the no money situation. Spend more money; it doesn’t just work for government. I suggested that my wife accompany me to look at tackle boxes. This is a double benefit as I enjoy spending time with my lady and I also, know to shop for tackle boxes not where they cost the least but where they also have ladies shoes on sale several isles over from the tackle boxes. When this shopping situation is proposed there always seems to be some money available. Timing is important. I wouldn’t marry a clothes horse, I have a very practical mate, who only really needs new shoes or sandals before the Memorial Day Holiday; timing is everything even for those of us with terrible timing.

So off we went and I managed to find my bargain tackle box for the price of an overpriced tackle box and two sets of sandals. Not a bad haul. I even had enough money borrowed over to pick up a couple new lures and a lure tool that I had lost. When I got home I carefully arranged and categorized my lures into each box. Now, like my Dad, I’ve got a trout bass and crappie tackle box as well as a walleye, pike and musky tackle box. The sandals go right next to the stringer.

See you along the stream.