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Posts: 7123
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | We seem to talk a whole lot about what baits to buy, but there are obviously many other "tools" we use to chase muskies. Where do you spend the bulk of you alloted muskie $$$?
(please pick 2 at most) | |
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Posts: 2112
Location: The Sportsman, home, or out on the water | I have to say, even though I am an equipment and bait junkie, gas, as well as campground fees were my biggest $$ this season.
That, and Krishna showing me that I had to have a boatload of Mantas and Hang Tens. I'm not even including baitmaking expenses. | |
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Posts: 7123
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | VERY interesting results so far....am I not spending enough money on more lures? | |
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Posts: 829
Location: Maple Grove, MN | One can have many lures in the box, but only one lure can be on your line at a time.
Just a thought. | |
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Posts: 1086
| I've slowed waaaay down on the lure buying. I've also slowed way down on the rods and reel buying. Now I'm all about getting the newer boat outfitted and setup the way I need/want it.
Gas...that's the biggest ticket item right now... | |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | For the most part I've gotten over the "need to have it in 4 colors" when a new lure comes out, etc. I've whittled lure purchases down to either replacements, or stocking an extra one or two of what works for me. I still buy a few new ones to try each season but it's nothing like it used to be and probably totals under $250.
I have to say the majority of my $$ is spent on gas for the boat/truck, especially at today's prices.
After that would have to be a variety of tackle components. I make my own leaders so a $3 spool of .032 wire goes a long long way, Spro swivels and snaps. Bucher split rings to replace the cheaper ones, a variety of replacement hooks, replacement rubber tails, line etc. Pretty much nickle/dime stuff but it all adds up over time.
Due to gas prices I'm not running much farther than 40 miles from house like I used to, so lodging and food for a weekend is a very small fraction of what it used to be.
Consider the other things that most don't think about, insurance for two boats is about $400 a year, maintenance for the boats including oils, plugs, filters, wax, batteries every few years, etc. probably another $500 a season if you average it out, some years more, some less.
I used to change boats every season but quickly found that to be a loosing proposition, as well as a pain in the butt.... even with purchase discounts when you factor in electronics/accessories, sales tax, etc. it was hard to come out at an acceptable level. I'm looking for my next rig and want to make the correct choice so I can keep it 10 years or so, that will get me into semi-retirement and I'll buy another one then. At the price of quality boats today it is as major of a purchase as a truck/car.
So...you said pick two at the most. I would say my top two are:
#1 Gas
#2 Maintenance supplies for Boat, Tackle, Fishing Gear, this encompasses a lot of stuff but it's a large annual cost if you take care of things to keep it in tip-top condition for reliability and performance.
If/when gas prices get back to an acceptable level I will resume buying "toys" under the "just to try something different" reason...but until then, the fun-money goes in the tank so I can fish.
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Posts: 20281
Location: oswego, il | Gas for sure. I trip to indiana is a tank of gas. Now that is about 90 bucks. Lures would be next. Going up north this weekend, I figure just gas will be 150 bucks. I hate to say it but I might have to start cutting back on trips if the summer does not get bad like it did this year. The hot water kept me from fishing and it became a financial blessing. | |
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Muskie Spending