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| I am doing a survey so speak whats on your mind and im looking for as much feedback as possible so don't be shy to give you opinion!
With the current rise in gas prices over the past few years have you found yourself fishing less?
Have the gas prices forced anyone to stray from they're normal fishing spots and routines to more local spots in order to save money?
Do you find yourself buying less fishing lures because you don't plan to go out as much because of gas prices?
Many of you may not be effected by the gas prices and i would appreciate your input as well. I am simply doing research on how gas prices have effected the fishing industry, if they have at all.
Also i know this may sound crazy but are there any new advances regarding boats and motors, mainly motors, to conserve fuel and money...I know there are electrical motors but they generally don't have the power of gas motors.. Maybe a combination of the two?
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated, Thank you. |
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Posts: 57
Location: Madison | Well, it hasn't slowed down the amount of fishing I do, but I am definitly sticking to local spots more and more. I work a flexible schedule and have every other Friday off. I used to take off for Northern Wisconsin on most of those weekends, but this year I only did once because of gas prices. When you get 13 mpg towing a boat and it ends up costing $150 - 200 per trip just in gas, it can add up in a hurry. I would rather spend my money elsewhere (like on lures) than funding the oil execs retirement funds. |
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Posts: 670
Location: Otsego, MN | Fishing a lot closer to home and staying longer where I travel to cut down on the driving. |
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Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | Fished the same, gas prices don't stop me from doing what I love. I probably made 1 or 2 less long trips if things were not right because of gas prices, but last trip of the year we got to the lake drove another 3 hour to switch lakes, ended up with 5 fish in the boat witht he biggest of the year=great trip.
Deer hunting, I figure I will have spent at least $30lb for venison, with gas, license, land, processing and supplies shooting deer and being with friends priceless.
Troyz |
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Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | Gas prices havent stopped me one bit. I'll generally fish wherever I can get on the water or hop in someone's boat. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | i would say that it's definitely affected me .... it costs me 200 bucks to fill my truck and my boat ... i run the boat differently, focus on how i manage the lake for where and how i fish it so i don't waste fuel when i'm on the water, we don't go tubing or recreational boating as much as we used to ... and with the kids i'll go fish the #*^@ from a lawn chair more often ... and for sure buy less baits ... the trip to canada doesn't go away, but the frequent trips to minnesota have ... |
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Posts: 341
| I need to pick up one of those cooking grease diesel converters. Just need to keep the dogs away from the tail pipe.  |
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Posts: 8835
| Certainly has affected me. A weekend up North is now over $200 in gas just getting there and back. I fish when and wherever I can just like always, but I've stopped buying lures I don't need, stopped eating in restaurants, stopped buying stuff I don't need, and I'm a lot more mindful of how many drinks I've had in the bar or what dinner costs when I do eat out.
It affects everybody, because no matter what it means less money in your pocket either way. |
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Posts: 226
Location: W. PA. | It's definitely affected my fishing. We used to take a trip to a good lake about 2.5 hrs away every couple weekends during the summer, sometimes for the weekend but most times just for a day. Haven't been there in 2 years now. We are going to go back next year once or twice but will make it a weekender instead of a day trip and it definitely won't be 10 or 12 times like it was a few years back. We fish mostly all local lakes now, way less gas, don't need to buy food, no hotel bills, no highway tolls and less fish. Oh well, better than not going at all. |
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Posts: 897
| This is a big reason I chose Duluth over the cities to start my career. I am about an hour closer to Mille Lacs, 3 hours closer to Vermillion, and 2 hours closer to the other lakes I fish.
This summer I spent a ton of time on the water - something like 70 days - but very few of those were day trips. Every time I went somewhere it was for at least 4 days.
When I started driving in 1998 gas was $0.89/gallon, wtf is going on?!?
-Chris |
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Posts: 2089
| Gas prices have certainly affected my fishing. I fish 1 lake for the most part, and the days of running all over the state to fish are over.44 gallons of diesel @3.50/gallon = $154 . Add in the boat (51 gal.X3.00/gallon) at $153 plus a 35-$40 gallon of oil. $307(if both are empty) that doesn't include ice/munchies etc.. Maybe I need to ask the Boss for a raise.LOL. Oh yeah, if I take a day off to fish for fun, I'm losing $$$$.Kinda sad but worth every penny. The times they are a changin'. Steve |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | If you have an optimax you can get a smart craft gauge that can tell you how many gal/hour you're burning. With that info and your GPS you can find the sweet spot in your motor. It's funny because the prop I thought was the most efficient was the least and the trim level that I thought was the best was the worst. I can get around 5mpg regularly out of my 225 and around 6mpg if I want to slow down to 28-30mph. But who wants to go that slow...
Edited by Muskie Treats 11/29/2007 12:17 PM
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Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | Treats
That is a good post, the biggest thing it has done is slow me down, pulling the boat, and driving the boats, when gas was cheap, run her wide open. Know I just back her off to 4000 rpm, almost double your mpg in the boat, and same with the truck dropping 5 mph when pulling a big rig, I cain about 8% in mpg.
Troyz |
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Posts: 1636
| I was paying 2.89 for diesel a month and a half ago. Now its 3.50  Good thing the river is a mile from my house and I sold my boat.
Anyone know how good those 175 merc jet motors are on gas? |
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Posts: 29
Location: n.ireland | how much is a gallon of gas now?
local prices here in uk are now £1.01 per litre for gas with diesel at £1.05
the last tax rise puts it up to 85% taxes and another duty rise due in april
makes you think twice about a 200 mile trip but end up going anyhow
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| there are 3.785 litres per gallon ...so you are paying 3.82 per gallon but then we'd have to figure in the exchange rate...but typically gas in Europe has always been $3-4 per gallon over the last 5-10 yrs even...we have been fortunate in the us we have had cheap gas...until recently....
it does make a difference on trips...don't just hop in the truck to minny or northern wi without a buddy to split gas like i use to!
maybe not wide open trottle as much..the new suzi sips gas at 32 mph |
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Posts: 29
Location: n.ireland | 3.785 litres works out at $7.60 for gas and $7.98
so quit moaning and get out there |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | a euro = 1.45 usd which is weakest in history against the new global currency index making it a bit tougher on us here of late, but could or should i should say increase the exports from our economy outward ... the trend will continue as the world financial centers shift to countries with more economic strength and more equity in their national and consumer debt. the globalization of markets is here ... and actions and habits translate to reality of market competitiveness ... and it sucks, but is deserved and is a result of an ever-growing entitlement society that has become our generational legacy ... the question will be whether or not we can make the adjustments and rebuild a marketable presense and increase exports accordingly ... or if we as a populace just continue to spend on credit and dig a deeper hole.
you will start seeing an increase in the use of motorcycles and scooters for real transport vs. the novelty or hobby idea if you haven't already ...
anybody want to start a scooter business? ... i'll supply you ...
we will begin to look like the rest of the world as it relates to our use and affordability of use of energy ...
random thoughts ... merry christmas!
Edited by jonnysled 11/29/2007 2:30 PM
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Posts: 501
Location: Norway | Here in Norway I pay $8 per gallon of diesel, which is 10% cheaper than regular gas.
Michael |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | michael .... you are the world's most expensive place to visit man! ... as a third generation purebred norwegian ... i think that's blasphemy... i want to visit so badly but would not be affordable at all. for you to come here now is best in many years correct?
will you come again for how innexpensive it is to visit the u.s.? ... do others there speak of u.s. as destination now with the weaker dollar?
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Posts: 186
Location: West Chicago, IL | Higher gas prices have actually been great for me. I still fish as much and buy as many lures but I don't have as much money to spend on food so I'm not such a fat a$$ anymore!! LOL |
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Posts: 501
Location: Norway | jonnysled - 11/29/2007 3:18 PM
michael .... you are the world's most expensive place to visit man! ... as a third generation purebred norwegian ... i think that's blasphemy... i want to visit so badly but would not be affordable at all. for you to come here now is best in many years correct?
will you come again for how innexpensive it is to visit the u.s.? ... do others there speak of u.s. as destination now with the weaker dollar?
Yep for us to shop in the US these days are very nice. And people in WI still wonder why I bought so much at R&H (Which, I think, I didnt...)
Im not sure if Ive heard to many people talking about going over there, but I for sure know ALOT of people shopping like crazy.
As an example, I could go to NYC (one of the cheapest US destinations) and buy one of the more exspensive Lowrance models and have "earned" $3-400 (If I stayed at my friends place there)
And I think you are correct, Norway, and especially Oslo, is one of the worlds most exspensive countries/captiols.
We have higher salaries AND higher taxes, but healthcare is free etc. So in a way it evens out. But for us anglers, fishing equipment prices are extreme here, I'm not sure if other hobbies are equal cheap over there. So I do save alot there.
And for a trip to WI, like the one I had, I cant put a price on, ok if the price would triple, maybe Ill consider a trip to sweden and fish for saltwater pike instead...
And I think you said something about taking me out some time ;)....
Lately they have put on some new taxes to diesel prices, still cheaper than regular gas, but earlier the difference was 20-25%. I dont complain tho, I dont need to drive that far to fish, I do want to start bicycling to work, but thats more of an enviromental issue.
And with my 25hp merc I can fish with 2 full weekends on one 6 gallon tank
BTW May/June is a good time to visit 
Michael |
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Posts: 76
| Gas prices have definately affected my fishing. Fishing much closer to home. I still went out a lot, just not the usaul places that I frequent. Even had to target walleyes more this year, because the musky waters I fish are little to far to keep spending that kind of money. That really sucks. |
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Posts: 4266
| Definite negative impact.
Fixed income and higher prices have hit me twice. No out-of-state fishing for me, and it doesn't show any signs of getting better. Gas is going up, health insurance is going up, but my pension checks are remaining the same.....which is still losing ground. I'll spend more time closer to home and will probably look for a partner more often, though I'm used to going alone whenever I get the urge to go.
Donald Trump was on TV last week, and he said that he'd get the price down to $20 a barrel in a couple of months. He said that we need businessmen running this country, not butt-kissers. I agree. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | you are welcome at my home or in my boat anytime Michael ... hope to see you again. maybe for me to visit Norway next time too. some from my family have been ... my family history is from near Trondheim. i'm having a little lefse with my beer tonight while i watch the packers play american football! |
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | It's effected me as well, I usually head north 2x a month, 12x a year, but I'm cutting back this winter to maybe 3 trips. Its not just the price of fuell for my boats, truck and snowmobile, the price of everything goes up because of fuel prices. Propane has just about trippled in price up in Land O Lakes. By cutting back on my driving I can save for my home fuel. |
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Posts: 143
| meh, not so much. i have a bit of a different situation, though. i work 3 weeks on, 1 off. that 3 on i may get a saturday or sunday to fish, so i generallay go pretty close to home. the week off is when i take the trips to pineview. plus, that's really the only time i drive my truck, i have a company work truck. so that's nice.
and $20/barrel? HA. not anytime soon, methinks. there's a lot of reasons that prices are so high right now. i think they'll come down a bit, but it might be awhile. |
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I fished more this year than I usually do, but didn't travel as much. |
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Posts: 29
Location: n.ireland | i work on an oil rig halfways between scotland and norway
at the minute it costs oil company approx $22-25 to bring it out of the ground
add pumping costs and refining probably tops out at $35 so trumps statement of $20 is bull rot |
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Gas prices fell this weekend everywhere I traveled except....Rhinelander! |
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Posts: 1504
Location: Oregon | Yep, it's affecting me for sure.
RM |
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Posts: 1247
Location: On the Niagara River in Buffalo, NY | Yes here on the Nigara River and Lake Erie the price of gas has effected many.You just don't see the numbers of fishermen on the water anymore,Not only does the decline of fishermen have a lot to do with gas prices,$3.24 land / over $4.00 water,but the VHS scare,warming water changing peak periods and Homeland Security,State Police,Sheriff,and O.P.P. checks on a regular basis on border waters has made many just stay home. There are many more Casters and Drift fishermen now,where the prefered method once was just about all trolling for muskies.Number of long trips,I have cut in half,6.0 Liter V-8 Silverado 2500 HD(9-12 MPG)to fill boat and truck $375. Instead I have placed a trailer near Chautauqua Lake and spend more time there casting through the summer.
Made no trips to Canada,the Ottawa River or St. Lawarance River this year.The price of gas in Canada is about $4.45 a galon after conversion from liters and your U.S. Dollar is only worth about 92 cents!
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Posts: 929
Location: Rhinelander. | I was going to fish all events in the P.M.T.T. this next year but not cause of gas prices. There are more then enough tournaments cloe to home that I can fish and be way ahead. I think some other anglers may be thinking same thing. Will be interesting to see advance entries this year. Merry xmas all!!!!!!!!
pfiff |
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Posts: 1530
| you guys should be here in ontario. today diesel was 102.9 a litre. multiply that times 4 = u.s. gallon. . seems the working folks are bearing the brunt. luckily im a mile from the marina but running boats is a pricey venture. theres lots of boats for sale here. |
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Posts: 13
| Gas prices have definitely changed how I go fishing since the nearest lakes from Las Vegas are 50-70 miles away. I used to fish every week when gas was cheaper. $20-30 of gas for each trip was manageable, but $100+ for fuel each trip,,, $400 a month is too much for my budget, single income w/kids. I started taking out my jon boat with 7.5 HP motor more instead of the SeaSwirl with 140HP engine, and also towing the jon boat with the car instead of the truck. I'm back to the $30/trip for fuel, but won't even think about venturing out on the big lakes with the small boat. When I feel the need to go out on the big water I pop the extra $70 for fuel.
I also used to go offshore fishing a few times a year, but the combination of the sportboats raising their trip fees, fuel surcharges, expense of driving 6 hours and a limited budget have cut down on my trips,,, unless it's pretty much a sure thing
I did cut down on my saltwater tackle purchases, but am probably spending more on freshwater gear so the tackle industry is still getting their $$$ out of me. Guess I figured out how to still go fishing as often as I want without breaking the bank.
Edited by Fishrdan 12/4/2007 9:44 PM
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Posts: 14
| Does anybody know what the correlation is between the price of gasoline , and the cost per barrel? Give this some thought, When Gas was $3.50/gal.,oil was around $70.00/barrel. Last Friday, I was in Southern Missouri, south of Lebanon, and saw gasoline at $2.71 / Gal. and what do we hear the oil price is $90.00/barrel. Now I ask you, whos is BS'n who? Now I realize that Missouri doesn't have the Gas Taxes that Illinois does, but come on! Maybe it's time that we elect officials that won't add taxes to gasoline, every time they turn around, because they don't know how to operate Govt. with the finances they have. |
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Posts: 97
Location: Chaska MN. | Oh yea I have changed my approach, i used to break up my five weeks of vacation and go with my motorhome for one week at a time up on the big V. but since gas jumped I sold the motorhome (7 miles per gal) and picked up a 5th wheel and now keep it on the lake year round in a seasonal camp site and get there and back with my truck (18 mi per gal) and take a couple of the vacations for two weeks at a time to save some gas and grab any weekends that I can but once there I still run the boat but not as fast and I don't do as much touring, So you could say that the gas prices have really gotten me to spend more time on the lake fishing than I used to. |
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Posts: 1764
Location: Ogden, Ut | I actually fish muskies more with higher gas prices. Pineview is the closest reservoir to my house (8 miles), so fishing there is the obvious choice. Now once there, I could fish for smallies, perch and/or crappies...but I have a hard time doing so until ice cover.
S. |
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Price has alot to do with supply as well. A refinery going down will be tougher on gas prices short term than a spike in oil prices. |
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Posts: 401
| I changed for sure. Leech is a big body of water with a good distance between small spots. I am in a RV park on the west side and I never got to some of the spots I know on the east side. Sure wish Grand Vue still had weeds on it.
High gas prices made me have one of my more enjoyable years fishing up there. I started fishing other fish. I forgot how much fun it is to catch. Watching my kids catching bass on topwater was the most enjoyable.
I already said I am going to pass on a Canada trip next year. It will cost close to $250 to fill my boat up on the dock up there. ouch.
Keith
Edited by Professional Edge 12/6/2007 7:35 AM
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Location: Sun Prairie, WI | How about gas prices affecting your ice fishing plans...have your ice fishing trips/vacations been affected by higher gas prices? I read today where on average, a gallon of regular unleaded is $.66 higher than last year at this time. |
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| No.
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Posts: 1530
| man between gas, smokes and beer we are hostages. its only 106.9 a litre here today.. hope it snows more. my lab dont know it yet. but hes going to be a sled dog soon. |
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | Gas priced got you down?.....buy a motorcycle. I get 50mpg, put on 5k miles a season. |
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Posts: 514
| Yeah... if only I could haul a boat with a motorcycle and STILL get 50 mpg, then that might be somethin' worth lookin' into |
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Gas Prices