deerslayer,

It appears you're on the young side. Just some news for you in case you weren't aware. No girlfriend or wife makes a man do anything he doesn't want to do. If you do it, it's because you either want to or allow yourself to be guilt tripped into doing it.

Also, no man ever bought too much fishing gear unless his wife/gf has only one pair of shoes. If you like it, and you can afford it, and your kids aren't hungry or shoeless, it's OK.

Sg