To be a pack rat.
I'm, actually, not a pack rat. If there is something in my house that hasn't been touched in 2 years, then it's landfill. Except...............................................fishing equipment. I still have the original rod and reel I used when I started fishing, FLW cranks and assorted tackle, fishing reels and rods I've accumulated over the years, 3 St. Croix rods I built back in the late 90's will never make the landfill as long as live.
Today, after work I saw a nice hole to make a few casts at. Well, let's just say my outing was cut short when I heard this nasty squeel from my reel during a long cast. I spun a bearing. Got out some old parts and reels to see if anything would work and wouldn't you know, a reel with the same spool bearing. Spent the next 20 minutes switching out the spool bearing and while I was at it, did a quick clean of the reel. Smooth as silk again.
Now I know I have too much miscellaneous fishing items that really need to be tossed, but seriously, is it all that bad to be a pack rat?