so true! Big T, the Blue, Taylor, especially the Pan...
Totally explains the judgmental looks anglers give each other.
I fished a very famous C&R last fall. It was snowing on and off, so I wore a huge 1990's columbia down parka. Lots of funny looks at the michelin man...
They didn't mention the lanyard though, I thought that was the cool new jewelry.
Also, you can use a sharpie to hide the Cabela's logo on all that affordable gear, until you save up and remortgage for a sage.
My first waders had built in rubber boots, no wonder nobody would talk to me!
If you really want to be cool, when someone asks what you are using just be really vague, "nymphs", "midges"," a good drift", "dries"
My favorite sun hat is a bit dorky, probably calls out 'NOOB!' from a mile away, but I love wearing that darn hat. Same with camo... might just spell out 'redneck idiot', but it works. Love my camo!
craigslist in colorado frequently has complete setups for sale because some yuppie bought all the right gear, used it about 5 times, and realized that angling is hard/not always fun. A good place to score the right gear at a reasonable price. No joke, complete his and hers head to toe setups with really nice gear.