The problem with quantifying the condition of my sporting estate and telling my family the extent of the worth of my hunting and fishing gear is...then my family would know the worth of my hunting and fishing gear. Which might possibly bring about my end sooner than anticipated.

My wife never complains or even comments (or maybe even notices anymore)when a new fly rod or reel shows up. It is either because she has no problem with it or she just doesn't want to know what it cost. I don't care to know which of those two is right.

I would hope my two boys will keep and cherish my collection of outdoor gear. My two boys are so much like me I can't imagine them not wanting to keep it all to themselves.

I would suggest two list. One in case you die and another in case you get divorced. I think you know what I'm talking about...

I plan to use my gear up before I go.
Yeah, right.

When my friend Nick died, nobody knew WHAT he had. I went and did an inventory to help out Ginny (the widow)and I found 23 firearms in various conditions, huge quantities of ammo and other stuff. I didn't even find it all, we have found at least another dozen since then!
I have a will, such valuables as I possess are listed and recipients are already designated. Life is 100% mortal, What, you wanna live forever?

I'm hoping I have a long time to decide, but when/if I have children, I'm hoping they are interested in hunting and fishing and will use some of my gear.

I've already learned this lesson from previous generations. There were a few items that were sold for a song at yard sales that are priceless in sentimental value and some of them quite valuable monetarily as well. One side sold a closet full of great old guns in good condition, the other sold a pair of Fox shotguns but kept the less valuable models. Neither was aware of the mistake they were making. It makes me cringe.

Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts.

I have no idea how many fishing reels I have anymore. But my wife does. She has a list of all my reels and even a pretty good list of all the parts in the parts bins. She will do what she wants with them after I am gone, but my grandsons will get a chance to fight and pick over them also. I have many proof of concept and proof tooling reels that might have some value to someone someday.

Nope, nothing but a garage sale,
and I hope I didn't put fresh line on.

Outdoorsmen should give some thought to the knives they use and what will become of them after they have passed away. I have had some widows contact me and ask for help with what to do with the old knives left by their Husbands. Many are sold at estate sales at way less than market value. Even worse they end up priced for a few bucks in a garage sale. Designate your knives to sons, daughters, and tell them that they are valueable. Contact collectors for priceing. Maybe your old jack knife will never be sold. Maybe it will end up in your great grand childrens wall mount display. But maybe not if you don't let someone know that they have value.
Ed
wwww.foxqualityknives.com