I thought about posting re some of my old tying gear, such as my thompson model-a vise that served for some time to support a lamp whose clamp broke. It was replaced by a renzetti traveler and my tying improved as a result of a better tool. The thompson model-a certainly isn't a piece of crap, it's just rather antiquated (and classic). I haven't been able to think of a useless piece of gear, which is why I hadn't posted one. :thumb: Mac.
Most of my useless things involve a "pure genius" fly design that turns out to be (Coach Duff designed, tyed and fished) "pure junk". Not only don't these patterns catch any fish, but fish have been known to slowly roll over on their back and laugh at me until they piss themselves. I have a vast boneyard of materials that sure looked good until they were put in the water. Well at least they looked good to me in the shop. Or I overthink things and after 30 years of studying water hydraulics, clarity, light refraction and the full color spectrum (while looking at the fly in the water) I realize that I still don't know a damn thing. Either that or I am colorblind and have been fooling myself the whole time.:beer2: I don't think that vicious cycle will ever stop. Tight lines Coach
Two things. First thing - a float tube. Once I bought a Super Fat Cat, I couldn't get rid of the thing fast enough. Second thing - Orvis Mach reel which I bought with a gift certificate I'd won at work. This was right after they were introduce and then recalled. I was the beta test. Drag stopped working and handle fell off after one day of bonefishing. I'm glad I had back-up reels.
Whip finishing tool. By the time I get the thing picked up and rigged, I can already have my fly whip finished by hand and be done.
Shakespeare fly rod/reel combo from Cabelas when I was 12. I was so proud that I bought it all on my own, untill the piece of crap snapped just above the handle about 6 months into ownership.