I was sorting out a box of old tackle this morning and found
something that I think would add interest to this discussion.

This is a Rapala CD-7 that I bought when I was working
for Albertson's. I worked at this store until 1984 so that
would have been the latest date that I would have bought it
for the marked price of $3.79. This would have been
a competitive price for that time.

I ran this price through the Bureau of Labor Statistics
calculator for inflation. The $3.79 in 1984 dollars would
buy $9.22 worth of goods in today's dollars. So a big part
of today's prices versus yesterday's prices is inflation.
The invisible tax that everyone pays.

https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm


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Fact is, most anglers that fish for panfish and bass already own more lures for both species than they can shake a fishing pole at. I posted on crappie.com today how you can modify soft plastics, make hybrid lures connecting the parts of different lures, shorten plastic worms and cut parts off baits and rig them on light ball head jigs. If you'd like, I could post some examples.

You'll never need to buy soft plastic lures again for bass or panfish and for my money they catch the most fish.

Awesome picture and information. It makes sense. Funny how they still seem expensive to me. I suppose in ten years they will be $28.
I got a good deal on these Strike King Bitsy Minnows today at $3ea.

All noted. Don't be surprised if you see me out someday with a non name asian flyrod combo.

Well all this being said I saw a guy tonight selling his fly tackle for $12,000+. Makes me scratch my head a bit and wonder if a $10 Rapala is out of my budget.

That guy must have had some very expensive fly tackle!

I wouldnt BS anyone on here.