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Posts: 7
| This year instead of reading this site, I decided to post a few times. I have learned a bit in the past here and so I figure I should give back and start writing.
Since I am not going to be on the water much in 2008 due to budget restrains, because gas is going to sore up to $4.00 a gallon I figured many others are in the boat. Maybe muskie fishing is going to become a richmans sport in the future. Right now if you want to win a club contest or have a lot of photos of big fish, you have to spend lots of money to get to good water.
I am going to change plans, making fewer trips, but better ones because of the gas prices. Lets face it, Wisconsin fishing is fun, but it often takes years of fishing to catch a fish in the fifty inch class. Last year I fished the populated twin cities area and caught 8 fifty inch leechers the first year I fished the area in 15 days on the water, without a guide. Thats 7 more then I caught in the last 20 years in Wisconsin. It doesnt take a brain surgeon to figure out where I should spend my limited cashflow. One thought I had is that I am cheating myself. Those fish grow so fast and get so big at a young age, that maybe I am only cheating my muskie skills. Oh well they sure look good in pictures, even if they are easier to catch.
Well thats my plan with the limited funds caused by $4.00 fuel, maybe someday my Merc will run on Bio Diesel. What are you plans to deal with the gas prices in 2008? |
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Posts: 143
| actually i plan on fishing more, and going farther more next year.
but i have a company vehicle, so i don't worry about my own fuel except for 1 week out of the month & weekends. plus 60 HP boat motor sips fuel, and i can see 18 mpg towing, so it's not that big of a deal for me. |
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| Absolutely not. Gas prices are forcing me to eat less garbage and more venison, drink cheap beer at home rather than at a club, go camping instead of the Resort and spend less time running back and forth accross the lake and more time with the trolling motor in the water while casting...maybe it's a good thing? Sure thing, gas prices are rising, but if it gets too bad, buy a row troller and move to Vilas Co.! |
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | Gas prices have forced me to change my fishing. I take less day trips and more 4+ day trips. I also make it a point to share the boat with a friend and split the costs. More planning is necessary but it works.
My next step is a diesel...I figure if I can reduce the truck fuel cost about 40%. Will be a couple of years for this big step though. |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | absolutely not, As far as I know I am only on this earth one time so my time to fish is limited, I will not be scared off by gas prices.... |
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| I think it will be inevitable for me. I have seen the last gains on the cost of living where I work and I don't see musky fishing getting any cheaper. My company isn't hiring experienceu nless they can get it at the entry level wage) or promoting in in favor of cheaper salary. Sad to see one of the biggest corporations in the world operating like that but I guess our COE's are not at the 485 times the lowest salary yet. Eventually I believe musky fishing will be but a memory for me. |
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Posts: 706
Location: Richland Center, WI. | I would like to think that I will fish more this year than ever before. The trick is to keep reminding myself about all the money I threw away when I was younger! Seems to work for me plus I know I am going to catch the "BIG ONE" any time now LOL!!! |
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Posts: 34
| I'm planning on fishing more this year. My 200 Suzuki burns a lot less gas than my older 150 Mariner did, so boat gas isn't a problem. If I quit smoking that would be a big help in covering truck gas.
I've been chasing muskies for a long time as a 2nd priority behind raising 3 daughters, so I fished when I could squeeze in some time and could afford it. They are grown up and moved out, so it is my time and I'm not going to back off. I bought my Tuffy 1890 last August and I'm not going to leave it in the garage. I'll be on the water somewhere every weekend during the season and a week at LOTW. I'm 51 now and I hope to get another 20 years of fishing in. With the fisheries improving the way they are, the next 20 years should be way better than the last 20. I don't want to miss any of it. |
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Posts: 568
| Yes it affects me some , less day trips to cave run. It costs about 80-100 bucks for me to drive over there for days fishing , and the majority of the time I get skunked. So I stay closer to home and fish the creeks. No other fisherman around , no big gas bill. see more fish , smaller but definetly see more. MD |
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Posts: 880
Location: New Berlin,Wisconsin,53151 | Last year I had talked about the same topic. It looks like the Big Gas Companies are getting us set-up for the $4.00 mark this summer. Gas just took a big increase and with profits to be made the BIG OIL Co. will force shortages to strengthen there position. With a OIL man in office your going to pay big bucks for gas.
I'll be keeping my boat hopefully on the lake this season and will only have to trailer it with the truck if I decide to fish one of the others lakes. This should keep the gas useage down. No big trips planned theres to many fish that need to be caught right here at home.
Bruce |
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Posts: 134
| Just a thought; we talk about fighting terrorism on a daily basis in this country but every time I see a post like this I believe the terroist have won. The gas prices are rising because the world is afraid of the terrorist, when we react to the terrorist like this they are winning.
GO FISHING, if you have to walk to a lake, GO FISHING. Never let them win.
Joe W
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Posts: 108
Location: Toronto, ON | ToddM....that sounds familiar! The cost reductions at my company--the world's largest IT company--have cut to the bone as well. I'm tired of the E-Mail's that start off, "After careful market analysis..." and I'm really tired of having to deliver these messages to my Team. Sad. |
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Posts: 910
Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | "My next step is a diesel...I figure if I can reduce the truck fuel cost about 40%. Will be a couple of years for this big step though." Unfortunately diesel is even higher priced than gas now and I highly doubt you'll see an improvement of anywhere near 40% in mileage.
I wonder at what point those in leadership positions are going to start looking out for the LONG TERM growth and SUSTAINABILITY of this nation instead of the immediate bottom line.
Does anyone believe if there would be another war along the lines of WWII that we still have the manufacturing capability to revert to war production as happened back then? Or will we be contracting with the Chinese to produce war materials that may be used to fight the Chinese?
As far as fishing and gas, I'm looking into buying one of those belly boat type deals, and will propell it by "natural" gas. Bush's baked beans have to be cheaper than 92 octane! |
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Posts: 2089
| Joe W and Justin Gaiche said it perfectly. We may have to adjust our budgets and habits, but we MUST fish. Steve |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Hello, Hello,!!
How many of you guys have stock in any of the oil companys or energy companys ??
Anyone?? If you can't beat them, you might as well join them .....
They are paying for my fuel costs, extra luxuries, food, clothes, lures,rods,reels, ect. ect.
Instead of cutting back, or complaining and living from pay check to pay check why not live smarter and invest in the future.....there are plenty of opertunites to make EXTRA money out there.
Just Do It !
Jerome
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Posts: 670
Location: Minnetonka , MN. | When gas is 5.50 you will wish you fished more when it was only 4.00.  |
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Posts: 1504
Location: Oregon | For short trips at local waters I will fish just as much as ever but longer trips will definitely have to be carefully chosen.
RM |
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| I'm not going to ever let the gas prices stop me. I'll cut corners just about anywhere (if I have to) to keep fishing. Thankfully, I'm not to that point yet. I find the older I get, the more things are getting simplified. No longer married. Kids are almost grown up. Doesn't take much to keep me happy  Heck, I went on some marathons last year, stayed on the lake for a couple of days, and even slept in my boat. Thought I was in heaven.
Partner up, share expenses, but no matter what, keep on fishin! |
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Posts: 1764
Location: Ogden, Ut | I live 8 miles from the water that I fish on most of the time; boat ramp costs have always been way more than gas, but now it's getting close. I doubt I'll fish less due to gas prices. I can certainly understand how it will affect other people though. I'll be the first to admit that I'm in a fortunate situation. Pointerpride will still fish for free...there might be some others that will get the hat passed in front of them though! LOL
S.
Edited by sorenson 1/5/2008 2:21 PM
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| over the course of a year you'd be surprised how much gas (and therefore money) you'll save by driving 65mph instead of 75mph on the interstate, especially towing your boat.
slow your boat down to 30mph instead of 50mph and you'll be shocked how efficiently your outboard can actually run.
figure out the gas mileage differences and do the math over the course of the year sometime...the savings will pay for a couple of extra fishing weekends.
i ride in a 10-person vanpool to work that saves me at least $450 per month over driving the 45 mile commute in my own truck. that's not chump change!
ride your bike, ride the bus/train, or get in a carpool to your work.
instead of bemoaning the end of fishing, just adapt, find ways to save gas money and be more conservation-oriented. i'd drive a Yugo and fish out of a canoe before i ever let the price of gas lead me to say something like "eventually i believe musky fishing will be but a memory for me..." !!!
things change, we need to change with them.
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Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | It takes a lot of gas to run around on the LOTWs. What I (We) have started to do
when I'm not guiding is to fish three out of the boat instead of two. Then we split gas three ways instead of two. Still expensive at resort prices, but we still go almost every day.
It sounds like it will probably get worse, and never get better, at least in my time.
Doug Johnson |
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Posts: 910
Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | Its not just gas thats affecting my ability to hit the water. Its the increase in health care costs, increases in grocery costs(Heck I'm spending almost $30 a week just on milk!) etc etc etc.
Couple that with the fact I have taken about 15% cut in pay since 2001 and as much as its sucks I am fishing less, especially musky fishing. I can hit the river here in town and get some walleye angling in but for the most part I'm looking at at least a $100 bill to get out for the day musky fishing. As my daughter gets older(just spent over $5000 on braces) I just dont have a whole lot of $100 days in my wallet these days.
Man you gotta love "trickle down" economics!!
Edited by castmaster 1/5/2008 5:00 PM
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | I figure 40% fuel cost saving with a diesel is accurate. I only get 9 mpg pulling my big heavy boat with my 94' GMC gaser....my buddy gets 19 mpg pulling it with his diesel. Changing boats is not an option, changing trucks is, and my truck is just about spent. |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | I can only hope high gas prices keep people from getting on the lakes. Ask yourself who uses more gas? Fishermen or those boats/other water craft that zoom around you again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and ....you know the kind you throw a 10 inch Weagle in front of about he 100th time they zoom by you and about 20 feet away  Hgih gas prices could be a good thing for fishing. |
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Posts: 561
Location: Monee, Illinois | Fish the same if not more, bought a place on a musky lake so taking the boat with is done its all ready there....If I dont fish more and use the place my wife will want to sell it....... |
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Posts: 1430
Location: Eastern Ontario | Actually this year I eased off on the 225 Opti and probably will do the same for next year.
But for those planning on investing in oil companies be careful as the prices have almost toped out and will start to fall. So by next summer prices will be cheaper.
And we Canadians have been paying $4 a gallon for a while now. |
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Posts: 1106
Location: Muskegon Michigan | I saw this coming for several years now and took precautions . I have three boats and all of them are paid for. My 18 foot Starcraft will get limited use as the 115 merc 4 stroke can be costly when used for long days of trolling. I have 1448 Sea Ark Jon with an old 9.9 2stroke that goes all day on 2 gallons and puts me on most local Musky lakes and I can pull it with my little Chevy Aveo. The little car gets 30 mpg at 55 mph pulling the Jon boat. My wife and I decked it out with casting decks and bow mount Minkota. Also have lowrance global 4800 and X-71 locator on board.
If that fails I have the KWAC ( Kingfishers Wilderness Assault Craft) It is a modified 16 foot Meyers sport pal Canoe. I have clamp on platforms and twin outriggers to stabilize it. Two can cast from the elevated platforms all day for zero in gas. 36 pound tiller Minkots for power or paddles. I have a handheld Lowrance h20 and a bottom line AA battery powered locater. I dont worry about gas prices any more I am fishing. Kingfisher |
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Posts: 76
| Trophymuskie - 1/6/2008 10:37 AM
But for those planning on investing in oil companies be careful as the prices have almost toped out and will start to fall. So by next summer prices will be cheaper.
PRAISE JESUS!! |
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Posts: 20255
Location: oswego, il | I will do everything in my power to keep fishing but I know the economy will be catching me now and me nut pulling away. I have a small boat and motor but for me the closest lake I even care to fish is 3 hours away. In april we lose our company cars and the company plan on average will only pay for 60-75% of the vehicle we have to furnish. I figure I will be losing on average 250 a month. This will have to be a second vehicle. Some of our locations don't have comany phones and I figure that is an eventuality too. Some of our competitors do the spineless independant contractor thing. That may be on my horizon eventaually as well. |
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Posts: 1316
Location: Lebanon,Mo | Considering i work for a large oil company,how do you guys predict fuel to be 4-5 dollars/gal?? We certainly cannot,and if someone can answer this question,we could figure everything out.
In June of '07,barrels averaged 64.00, and street price average of nl was 3.1995/gal.In Dec. '07 barrels averaged 97.00 with a average street price of 2.9995.??????? i can tell you that barrel price and street price do not reflect one another. once again,just my thoughts......Fred. |
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| Considering i work for a large oil company,how do you guys predict fuel to be 4-5 dollars/gal?? We certainly cannot,and if someone can answer this question,we could figure everything out.
In June of '07,barrels averaged 64.00, and street price average of nl was 3.1995/gal.In Dec. '07 barrels averaged 97.00 with a average street price of 2.9995.??????? i can tell you that barrel price and street price do not reflect one another.
if you work for a major oil company then you know full well that there's a little step in between barrels of crude and pumping unleaded called the "refinery". the mix of demand and a supply that's controlled by the refinery efficiency/capacity is having a larger impact on day-to-day prices at the pump than do the global supply markets.
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Posts: 1316
Location: Lebanon,Mo | That is very true,but i just wanted to reflect to the general public that when they hear barrels jump to over 100.00 they think fuel on street will sky rocket.And now that most of the mid-west states have the new ethanol law effective the first of the year,you can expect prices to drop just a bit,but dont count on it.The first drought that hampers corn/soybean production will cost us more. |
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Posts: 170
| To answer the original question...heck NOOOOOO!
Actually, I'm looking forward to pulling up to a gas station with my rig and filling it up and head out to the water. |
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| Missouri Musky Hunter makes a great point. Gas isn't $4/gal yet, and there's no way in heck to predict that it will be! If you're 100% confident, go make some money off what you think you know. |
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Posts: 8835
| Guest... Oil is a finite resource. Demand is only going to go up. We're not finding more oil, we're not building more refineries, and we are constantly adding more and more demand both here and overseas.
There may be short term fluctuations in price here and there, but over the long term, gas isn't going anywhere but UP. |
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| we were talking about this over the weekend and the days of me running to the cabin on a friday night solo to fish for less than 2 days and return are going to be about over...It won't keep me off the water but it will change where and how long my trips are..instead of quick weekends to the cabin solo, take a 3 or 4 dayer there with a buddy or to MN...gas prices in minocqua this weekend were 3.29 per gallon, that makes a trip up and back all that much more expensive...it won't keep me off the water as I live 15 minutes from some good musky lakes but it will change my trip planning and so forth..
I wouldn't be too surprised to see 3.50 or up this summer...I hope they go down though!
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Posts: 378
Location: Michigan | No doubt the oil reserves are being consumed at an all time high rate, and will only increase exponentially as developing countires industialize. This generation will likely see a world that is forced to develop new sources of fuel, energy, and power.
But... I believe the 100 barrel price we see today is more the result of FEAR & SPECULATION than actual petrolium shortages. The stock market is driving the price just like it is with many other commodities that have been off the radar for 20-30 years. Looks at gold, copper, lead, aluminum, steel... Prices have increased 2, 3, 4 times in just recent years. Yes demand is up because China is buying at record pace, but the finanical and investment community are more responsible for driving those prices.
I don't know... I pay more for products because market prices have gone up, but my 401K keeps growing because my investements continue to yield good returns. Spend it one place make it in another...
Will this change my fishing? Yes it will. I fish big water 90% of the time. It requires 2 hours with the boat behind the truck for a day on the lake, and once on the lake usually requires running around a bit... And then there is trolling. Even with a kicker, $30-40 would be the norm. When all is said and done, a day on the lake is a $70-100 excursion.
I will be fishing maybe 25% less and will try to fish with 3 people when possible. I will try to run my current rig for another year or two, but I see a smaller tow rig and a smaller boat in my future. May have to reduce the number of speciaes and type of fishing as well. Less trolling, and casting smaller areas.
I won't quit fishing, but I will make changes... |
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Posts: 1316
Location: Lebanon,Mo | Back to the org. question...Im fortunate to have the best two musky lakes here in Missouri only an hour away from me.And to have a 40hp four-stroke to help on my wallet.It cost me more to pull the boat back and fourth one time that it does for me to fish three days in the boat.But i do plan to fish east and north i hope this year.
Cut out part of the eating out thing,make all your stops in town in one trip and that will make a diff. in the long run.I would hate to see what we spend on fast food junk in a year.
Edited by missourimuskyhunter 1/7/2008 2:49 PM
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Posts: 785
| Not a chance, I'll eat nothing but two cans of pork and beans a day if thats what it takes to keep fishing. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | i'll add to what you've put out there Mike ... i work in the plastics industry and spent most of my career with Mobil now of-course known as Exxon-Mobil. in the petrochemicals market the predominate market price indicator is supply and demand with a big influence on producing capacities at the refinery level along with the tie in to major political trade strategy and currency issues which will build another competitor for the demand side (exports) ... the "cost" of the barrel is just another ploy for them to push for increases, but they will fall short without the support of a strong demand. you'll see reactors shut down between competitors (and i believe amongst them as well) to put the market "in-position" during lower demand times for an increase regardless of how much the barrel costs in the first place. none of this is absolute as it's obvious that 40 bucks a barrel vs. 100 bucks is a player as well ... but, right now our currency sits at an all-time historic low against foreign currencies making imports more expensive than ever ... that factor is huge ... so, you've got an expensive raw material (based on currency) and a strong export market demand (for the same reason) coupled by a domestic situation that leaves it's customers as just another revenue stream ... there are no priorities to "take care of our own" in playing the global market game for companies especially big oil companies and at this moment the sun is shining and they are making hay ...
in our market "plastics" the feedstocks are natural gas and should be most influenced by the demand for natural gas for heating ... (basically cold and long heating seasons = high plastics prices), but the clowns will try everything to tie plastics to a barrel of oil if they think they can get away with it ... yet they couldn't be further from each other ... essentially without any relationship at all ...
the export demand is a big thing ... i buy all of my plastic raw materials from the u.s. ... convert them in asia, get a credit for buying from the u.s. over there and then get a discount for my product tariff here because of the percentage of u.s. materials contained ...
the market changed 10 years ago and toledo is now singapore and los angelis is now taipei ... new york is dubai and atlanta is delhi ...
love it or hate it ... it's the world we live in and the world our children will have to embrace and be capable of competing in ... |
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Posts: 8835
| jonnysled - 1/7/2008 3:07 PM
... it's the world we live in and the world our children will have to embrace and be capable of competing in ...
after they spend a few years being pissed off at it, blaming us for screwing it up so badly, thinking they are going to change it, and insisting they can do a better job with it than anyone has in the past...
Just sayin' |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Sooo,
With all of the gloom and doom speculators out there does this mean that I will be able to buy a new 21 ft. Ranger or Tuffy at a extremely discounted price because no one except me will be able to afford one.! Lol, Ha,Ha,Ha.
SWEET!!
I love this Country!...... Isn't capitalism a hoot!!!
More time on the water for me in 2008.
Jerome |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | like i told my kids when their mom and dad divorced ... "you don't like it, i don't like it ... it's not fair to you, but tough schitdt ... it is now your life and you've got the choice ... cry in it and let it destroy you or figure it out and move on" ... everyone is happier and better off now because we live in what we live in rather than pretending it's something different and that there's nothing we can do about it ...
the world isn't "changing" or "going to change" ... IT ALREADY DID and to be honest it did so a long time ago ... our country's population is just the last one's to figure it out ...
while we're getting pissed about the rest of the world not "speaking our language" the rest of the world is training it's youth to speak even more foreign languages so that they can communicate and do business with them and welcome them to do more ...
while we're crying about losing 2 buildings ... the rest of the world built 5 taller than the ones we haven't rebuilt ...
while we're out in the world protecting people ... at home we're building a record consumer debt (whose interest is paid to the saudi's who own the banks issuing the cards) without sacrificing much of anything and complaining about the price of oil ...
and i've got another soapbox that lambeau and slamr don't let me stand on ... |
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Posts: 1996
Location: Pelican Lake/Three Lakes Chain | Top H2O - 1/7/2008 3:20 PM
Sooo,
With all of the gloom and doom speculators out there does this mean that I will be able to buy a new 21 ft. Ranger or Tuffy at a extremely discounted price because no one except me will be able to afford one.
Jerome
I don't know about 21'ers, but I have a 19' Tuffy you can have a whack at! |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion |
Sled,
Good stuff man! Keep it coming.. We (Americans) are way to spoiled and have such a "cushy" life compared to the rest of the world.
Jerome
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Posts: 514
| Going back to the original question:
YES, the prices will keep me off the water. At $2.50 / gal, I would still haul my boat 1+-to-2 hrs. to fish. At $4+ / gal, NOT nearly as much. Will pick my days and stay longer and try spots closer to home.
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | I'll make adjustments elsewhere. I'm transferring back to Detroit (and not back to my beloved Kodiak) purely for the fishing. I plan on getting a house nearer the lake just so I don't have to drive as far to get to the lake.
Jeff |
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Location: Apple Valley | Gas prices won't stop me from fishing. I drive 75 miles a day to work (round trip) . My problem is I can't stop buying baits!!!!!
Brian |
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Posts: 431
| Gas prices have kept me from taking daily trout fishing trips this spring. I am planning on slowing down with the boat in tow. When I'm at Kinkaid next week I plan on sleeping in my Jeep. I've just finished law school, so I have a bunch of debt and no income. But, I'm only young and free for so long. |
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Location: Green Bay, WI | Very interesting thread...
I agree that the world has probably changed for good, and it doesn't seem too likely that we'll ever see gas prices much below $3/gal again. It's amazing what you can get used to. But the underlying theme that seems to run through this thread is that, at least for most, higher gas prices mean less time running around--and more frugal use of monetary resources (and of gas!). So maybe the higher gas prices are a blessing in disguise, in some ways?
As for fishing, I am extremely fortunate to have a great job in Green Bay--and live 10 miles from the landing. While the bay is a huge place, a person can fish it pretty economically. With a Pro-Kicker on my Tyee, I can troll 8-10 hours for only about 3-4 gallons, it seems. And my Verado trolls at 0.6 gph at 2.75-3 mph. So that's about $10-20 per day if you use the kicker more than the big engine, considering that you can start trolling near the landings. Of course there's always casting as well, but areas of the bay itself are do big that it takes an awful long time to cover much water...but it certainly can be done.
I keep telling people that a $350 fuel flow gauge is worth it's weight in gold...
TB
Edited by tcbetka 5/17/2008 10:52 AM
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Posts: 4266
| Interesting post indeed.
This started in January with some calling it 'speculation'. Well now it's May, and speculation has turned into reality with gas hitting the $4 mark here in Milwaukee and elsewhere, and now the speculation is looking to the $5 mark and GWB asking Saudi Arabia to boost production. One of the remarks made by the Saudi's was..We are producing more than enough for consumption. Your country just consumes too much and must change it's practices.
I may not see Vilas County this year, much less MN.
I'll be spending more time on Pewaukee and might venture out to Madison as well.
My only other viable option is to sell the house and move to MN, where I'll be closer to more waters. |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | ChunkN-Wind
MN is happy to have you spend your money here! We need to fix some bridges and need all the gas tax $$$ we can get |
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Posts: 2024
| I hope not, but in all likelihood... yes. I have started a "muskie fishing expenditures" Excel spreadsheet to keep track of my spending. I shudder to think of the cost per fish, but at the end of the season I will calculate that. If for nothing else than @#$%s and giggles. I suspect, though, that it will help me budget this upcoming year. As others have said, cut out the fast food stops, unnecessary trips into town, unnecessary bait purchases (wait, is there such a thing?), etc.
If anyone is interested in the Excel sheet shoot me an email. It has a sheet for annual expenditures (which includes maintenance of both boat and truck, electronics purchases, sport show purchases, etc.) and trip expenditures (launch fees, gas to lake, lodging, guide fees, etc.) as well.
It's gonna be an interesting season... |
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Posts: 1504
Location: Oregon | Won't stop me but it definitely makes me do a better job of planning the best possible trip I can. The days of grabbing the boat and running to the river 50 miles each way for a half day of fishing are not going to be as common.
RM |
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Posts: 1296
Location: WI | I'll be fishing close to home this season. The bonus is that it's better water anyway, but a little less scenic. |
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Posts: 7090
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | For me it's a big yes. There isnt a place within 150 miles of my town that is boat accessable that is worth driving to for muskies at $4/gallon. So it's big pond for the summer except for a trip to St. Clair in June for three days and Canada in August. |
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Posts: 284
Location: Fishing the weeds | Fishing is my release from my business. I don't care if it's $100 per gallon. I'm going fishing. Pat |
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Posts: 395
Location: NW WI | castmaster - 1/5/2008 4:58 PM
Its not just gas thats affecting my ability to hit the water. Its the increase in health care costs, increases in grocery costs(Heck I'm spending almost $30 a week just on milk!) etc etc etc.
Couple that with the fact I have taken about 15% cut in pay since 2001 and as much as its sucks I am fishing less, especially musky fishing. I can hit the river here in town and get some walleye angling in but for the most part I'm looking at at least a $100 bill to get out for the day musky fishing. As my daughter gets older(just spent over $5000 on braces) I just dont have a whole lot of $100 days in my wallet these days.
Man you gotta love "trickle down" economics!!
castmaster said it pretty well for our stiuation...lots more to the story but in the end it doesn't really matter. LOTS less fishing this year.... |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Higher gas prices should mean bigger fish some day... |
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Posts: 128
| Let's see here..... I was thinking about hitting Mlle Lacs Carp tomorrow. And then filled the tank in my gas hog that tows the boat. $80.00 for a fill. That gets me up to the lake and about halfway back towing the boat........Another $20.00 to get home. My dumbass boat holds over 50 gallons of gas, although I obviously am not going to burn through that unless I'm running all over. Over $120 bucks for a quick trip to the lake. Yes I'll be doing it less. |
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Posts: 929
Location: Rhinelander. | I know that the 14 footer I bought with the 4 horse will get a much bigger workout rowtrolling this year. I am surprised that there is not much of a conservation consideration anong us. Seems like we are just going to continue on and fish at any cost.
Pfeiff |
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Posts: 271
Location: davis,IL | Gas Prices SUCK!!!! as I'm sure anyone would agree, as to predicting prices I look at it this way. I remember when I started driving gas was under $1 a gallon ( I know I'm dating myself here). Anyways, prices crept up and hit $2 a gallon, everybody panicked, eventually prices did go down for a while, but crept back up. Not so long ago prices went to $3 a gallon and more. I predict that prices will ease some after the summer vacation season is over. Just remember everybody will be used to these high prices by then, so if it drops 25 cents a gallon we"ll all do the "look gas is cheap" routine again ( in truth, if prices remain stable for 2-3 years everyone will forget the current gas pains). As far as my fishing trips, same as last year 2 trips (1500+ miles each @12mpg) to Ontario in search of that slimy lady with the toothy grin.
Edited by muskydope 5/17/2008 11:08 PM
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Posts: 1460
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | Prices kept me from fishinig boundry waters this weekend...SUCKS |
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Posts: 42
Location: Becker MN | I travel I-94 north out of the twin cities for work. Friday and today, I didn't see 5 boats on the road. I see some people here say that it won't affect their fishing activities but just from a general observation it has.
Personally I will hope and try to make my 2-3 trips this year, but probally will not make it fishing for a half day, or day outings that I have in the past. Gas prices are not the only thing going up, food, healthcare etc is all going up and as a result my paychecks don't go near as far as they used to. Hopefully things stabilize soon, but don't think it will happen for a couple years.
Politically I hope that we decide to do something to help ourselves out other than importing more oil. |
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Posts: 367
Location: Chicago | Well, to give an idea, I took 7 trips to Vilas/Iron county from Chicago last year. I am thinking this year of one for sure ( res made for July) but am not sure if I am going to make it any other time. Very sad days. I have not had the boat out at all yet this year. I have yet to even wet a line from shore this year.... |
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Posts: 3157
| Im betting you see more fish kept 'all species" people will feel they need to offset/justify it for the cost of going fishing |
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Posts: 72
| The price of unleaded here is $3.65 per gallon it won't keep us from fishing. |
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Posts: 51
Location: MI | nope.
i plan on going more and driving even further to other lakes.
it also helps i have 3 musky lakes with a 30-45min. drive and about another 20 lakes all with an hours drive of where i live.
worse come to worse,i`ll just fish the river that runs next to my house.though i`de have to wade down alil bit for deeper spots.no musky though |
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Posts: 720
| I cancelled a trip to Canada the end of May for Lakers because I can't afford it. Food, clothes, and a wife and two kids all cost more. Way more and while I sit here reading some of these posts about going farther and more often. I have to ask if any of you folks have families or are you single?
Dave |
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| I'll bet most who say it wont affect them are either young, single and running up debt on credit cards. Or they are older, kids are out of the house, steady career(most likely 2 incomes) and most of life's necessities already taken care of i.e. house paid for, cars paid for etcEdwards. |
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Posts: 8835
| Well...
I'm going fishing. I'm in the same boat as Slamr, there's nothing worth fishing within 150 miles of here. It's probably going to cost me $700 in gas to get to Canada and back this year. I'm still going, and I'm still going to have fun. When you look at what you lose in depreciation selling one vehicle to buy one that's more fuel efficient, plus having a car loan? It's cheaper to keep whatever you are driving. Even at $4/gal, it would take me 10 years to make up the difference in fuel savings. Weekend trips to Vilas? Well, at $250/crack for gas, there certainly won't be as many of those...
And buying property in Vilas? Man, that's looking like it was a pretty stupid thing to do.
I was going to buy a big boat. Now I'm leaning towards a nice Alumacraft with a 60, maybe a 90 on it. Long term?
I guess there's only one thing to do. If I'm going to fish, I gotta move where the fish are. And get my fatt butt in shape, because I'm going to be doing a lot of rowing! |
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Posts: 305
Location: Illinois | Definitely going to limit my trips. I can really relateto what Hunter is saying. I have a wife, two kids, and can't afford the same lifestyle that I had at this point. I have one family trip to Wisconsin planned and other than that it is all local for me. I gave up my week long with friends trip to same some money. Still, better off than some and still feel fortunate.
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Those $30+ lures and other big ticket items will take a big hit on sales with gas going to $4 too. I think you will see some muskie companies dropping out in the next year or two. I for one already feel the crunch but am setup to take a big hit if I have too to stay in business.
How many of you will be buying less gear or at least better priced lures/gear in 2008/2009?
I for one got a TE400 for $50 with all the coupons I saved up. No other way I would ever buy a $400 reel. Most of my other stuff comes out of the bargain cave or other places to buy expensive gear for 50% or less than new.
James |
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Posts: 697
Location: Minnetonka | Nothing keeps the true muskie hunters down... I love it!!!
My solution for 2008 gas prices: Buy a home that is 30 seconds from the landing. |
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Posts: 1769
Location: Algonquin, ILL | I'm still heading to LOTW this fall, Who knows maybe a lot of resorts will be going belly up with folks cancelling vacation plans and there won't be a place to stay next year
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Posts: 8835
| I'd be willing to bet that every one of us here could save money in other ways that would more than offset the additional costs in gas.
I'd also be willing to bet that we could finance a whole season just by selling off some unneeded reels, rods, baits, etc.
Now that I think about it, that's not a bad idea!
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Posts: 572
| if you realize how much the price of gas will be next year, you will be willing to take a trip of your life time this year.
After major heart surgery last winter (if you have shortness of breath, please see you doctor...afterall it's your life), which I'm so thankful to have another chance to catch the fish of my dream, I'll be going again this falll....provided gas doesn't top 5.
I guess my grandchildren will have to enjoy stories about me fishing...
I remember when gas started to jump a lot in the spring of 1999, when Bush started to run for President. Hum...an oil man running for president....now, that's...a..
Just remember, anyone with shortness of breathe....please consult your doctor....now....hey, gas prices are cheap compared to your health....health is more important.
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Posts: 897
| Personally, I picked up a second job bartending 2-3 nights a week and am finding ways to cut costs/live without certain things (like going to the bars/dining out) to be able to afford to fish as much as I like. Where there is a will there is a way, just have to figure out what your priorities are. |
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Posts: 311
Location: Ontario | I'm the same as Justin. Going to fish a LOT more this summer. I work for a major automaker in ONT and we're slow. Not much wknd OT for production, so no temptation for double time wknds. Most of our vehicles get shipped stateside. The point re: fishing smarter and closer to home is well taken. I drive past a LOT of good water running to other regions/areas. The best spot's probably the one your bait is crossing right now. Had to laugh on our Pike Opener a couple week ago...we run out 15 miles by boat to fish the morning and run into three boat loads of guys in our area for the evening shift that we met way out the same morning. Grass is always greener lol. We drive way out to fish their areas and they drive way in to fish ours. I have a 90hp Yamaha 4 stroke, gas goes a pretty long way as it is, and we never, ever stay in cabins. Tent it 100% of the time until about end Oct. We're on the cheap beer too, 24 for $24. It must suck having to drive a long way to see a muskie over forty inches. From this computer I'm within a three hour radius of Georgian Bay, Lake Nipissing and the French River. I could be on the shoal O'Brien's fish came off well before dark if I left the driveway now. |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | Not much we can really do...I am driving about 3500 miles a month right now Gas is killing me....but like I said, not much I can do about it. Just keep working and keep right on paying for it. Then on top of that throw on the boat gas....yikes...that's a lot of money per month going out!!!!
Edited by MikeHulbert 5/19/2008 5:02 PM
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Posts: 793
Location: Ames, Iowa | There have been some intelligent, interesting and humorous posts here. We are in the middle of Iowa and have a place on Leech, 402 miles away. With a bit of forethought, we are finding ways to save so we can afford our trips. The boat will stay at the lake. We'll take our big 2 week trip in July-Aug like we always do. No weekend trips. We find that there is a lot of money to save by 5 of us not eating out on the road, slowing down, getting to the cabin and staying there without running to town, not charging things at the nearby resort, eliminating/reducing restaurant eating back home, actually thinking before buying something. The Blazer will stay in the garage much of the time this summer, and its a stick around home sorta summer vacation for the kids. |
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | Yes, I'll be staying home from up north maybe twice more than usual, I figure two less trips will save me the money easily. The one saving grace for me (and others) heading up to Vilas co is that once you get up to Stevens Point, gas is a bit cheaper than here in the Milwaukee area. I was suprised that fuell was cheaper in Boulder Junction and Land O Lakes than here. I tell you what though, I'd hate to be a hardcore snowmobiler this upcoming winter. |
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Posts: 468
Location: Not where I wanna be! | just about everyone has said it, i hate gas prices and wish i was paying $0.85 again, but thats a dream....
My time traveling to better musky waters will be more restricted this year, but most certianly will not end. we will just have to reorganize how we spend our money! I cant live with out it! so i will make it happen somehow |
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Posts: 2378
| Probably going to keep me closer to home more often for the fishing.
I'm driving 3200 miles a month right now just back and forth to work...nobody's fault but my own. And, that's before fishing...or anything else I want to do for "fun".
I'll keep fishing, but I will have to cut back on the road trips.
Edited by BALDY 5/20/2008 1:03 PM
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | I'm pretty happy to be saving gas with both of these.
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Posts: 1769
Location: Algonquin, ILL | Where's the hitch on the Bike
Sorry just could not resist 
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | That reminds me of a pic I made of Betty pulling his boat with a Schwinn. I need to find that. |
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Posts: 485
Location: On my favorite lake! | I will fish the same amount but have cut back on other things. I am taking the train to work now and has it ever got packed. Some people are starting to struggle because quite a few things are going up in price such as food. If it keeps going up maybe the Chinese will stop shipping their junk over here. Transport costs could be more expensive than making it here. |
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Posts: 235
| Seriously these gas prices are really doing a number on the working class people which includes the fishermen. I got an email this morning with abit of humor to it and thought I would share it. Do you know that the average american walks 900 miles in a year. The average american drinks 22 gallons of alcohol in a year. That comes out to 41 miles to gallon. Isn't it great to be an American!! Depending upon the type of alcohol it comes to well over $4.00 a gallon but when you use it, it makes you feel better. Have a great day. Ken |
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Posts: 56
Location: Appleton, WI | No, not at all. I agree with the posts that state: ride your bike, walk or sacrafice elsewhere to fish. I will be bringing my grand daughter to fish along the Fox River from the shore a lot this season. Sure, I would like to be in Vilas County. But given a choice, I would rather be here influencing a young one on the pleasures of fishing. No gas involved, we can walk to our spot!
Good luck!
Lori |
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| If you think about all the other areas that you spend money it is not too bad...now the cost of food that is another thing...I really did not drive much the last 7 years or so in New York,here in Colorado I drive quite a bit more so I don't recall super cheap gas...Ben |
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Posts: 1916
Location: Greenfield, WI | I have had some medical issues. I have friends that had very significant issues in their lives.
I can't imagine being at heavens gates (or should I say, marina!) happy that I saved a few dollars of gas, instead of fishing with family and friends!
I try to enjoy every day to its fullest! Don't take any day for granted!
It's a great day to be alive! |
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Posts: 880
Location: New Berlin,Wisconsin,53151 | Wow $4.19 a gallon here! I can't believe that everyone isn't in a uproar!!! Man when gas it $2.00 a gallon down here everyone went crazy. When is our legislators going to stand up and say something? Are they all getting a piece of the pie from these profits to keep there mouths shut? When this post started I was talking about the need to take your trips and get out there and fish because of the $4.00 mark was reality, but it looks like were getting set-up for the $5.00 mark.
I'm starting to believe those emails going around to BOYCOTT EXON -MOBILE by all fisherman, drivers, US wide, and force them to lower prices because of large stockpiles of oil. Can't believe that I just said that but sh*t this is starting to hurt plans for everyone.
Will that work....I don't think it's ever been done....it might be worth a try?
I'm doing it...
Bruce |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Ya, my "hobby" selling lures was supposed to help my family go to Disney once every two years.... Now it is gettign eaten up an dmore by gas for my truck and my wifes van. To add, my lure sales have really taken a hit in the last month. Talking to others in th ebiz I am hearing it all over that people are not spending money on anything sports releated (and I assume everything else too)...Time to get a third job or a bike so I can ride the 20 miles one way to work. |
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Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi | I'm still going fishing, as I have to, but will take many more trips to Lake Michigan during the hot summer months. I think I might be able to save some $$ if I could get my 2 little chickens potty trained. Hmm, imagine a 7 month old and an almost 2 year old not in diapers anymore. That should save me some $$. lol Time to get mom to start doing some work. heh heh heh (smack... the sound of my wife hitting me). |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Ya, I told my wife we don't have anymore bon-bon money for her and she needed to get off the couch anyway Didn't even get a smile from her...
Edited by tacklebooty 5/23/2008 7:42 AM
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Location: Lake Tomahawk, WI | $4.09 in Minocqua this morning, $.15 jump over night. Price gouging at it's finest...
JS |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | i'll be riding the red-neck road king (kawi cop bike) ... bought it for 800 bucks and did a bargain restoration over the winter. it gets 50 mpg and would love to find a boat i could pull with it. as jason mentioned the pricing of fuel in minocqua is out of control and i would venture to guess as high as it can get anywhere in the country ... ridiculous.
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Posts: 1504
Location: Oregon | Just filled up this morn, new record for my half ton GMC, $91.00!!!
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Posts: 72
| Tacklebooty,
I've purchased several of your lures last month on the auction site. And I've been out bid on many more.
One of the things we've done is rent a boat storage locker at the lake. It cost $25.00 per month. Now I don't have to haul it for 200 miles each way. One weekend trip saves 9 gallons of unleaded. Plus it's stored inside out of the weather and it's insured. Based on 3 weekend trips per month 27 gallon @ $3.75 Comes to $101.25 Savings of $76.25 I have several boats so leaving one at the lake doesn't effect my during the week fishing.
Edited by MOMuskieHunter 5/23/2008 11:15 AM
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Posts: 910
Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | "Just filled up this morn, new record for my half ton GMC, $91.00!!! "
Heck I've got that beat.....$109.78 in my half ton Ford this morning...and 25 or more gallons to put in the boat yet
It'll be over $200 to fill both! |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | And to think....I used to think having a 60 gallon fuel tank on my Polar Kraft was a good thing!!! LOL
Edited by MikeHulbert 5/23/2008 12:12 PM
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Posts: 385
| Gas this morning in Chicago S.W. Suburbs ranged from 4.09 to 4.39. Sidenote: Diesel was 4.99&9/10. WTF!!!!!
Edited by Matt Collins 5/23/2008 12:52 PM
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Posts: 2089
| Paid $4.79 for diesel here on Mille Lacs yesterday morning. $91 to fill? I wish. Beat ya by a hundy. $192 the last fill. 44 gallon tank. Drive slowly and leave the boat in the water all season. The "Fat Lady" is warming up as we speak. For Sale: 2003 Ford Excursion, 64K miles. 1 front U-joint , rear dif serviced and oil change just today. I'll knock that $458.12 off the sale price. Hahahhahaha. No, I'm NOT crazy, but well on my way. Steve
Oh yeah, guides charge too much.LOL.
Edited by Steve Jonesi 5/23/2008 2:05 PM
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Posts: 1769
Location: Algonquin, ILL | At least some of you guys live real close to some Quality Muskie's.
For me it's a minimum of a Hour's drive and that's only to the Toilet Bowl (Fox Chain)
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Posts: 89
| Not in the least:
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Posts: 2312
Location: SE, WI. | I'm with Steve V L; If doc tells you that you have 6 months to live. Now you reflect on the 08 season and wish you would have went fishing instead of staying home and worrying about gas prices. Believe it or not BUT, THESE ARE THE GOOD TIMES! Get out and fish. Work hard-play hard! Predictions on gas prices in the next 2-3 years are double the cost now and possibly gas rationing. NOW WE HAVE PROBLEMS!!!
Edited by jdsplasher 5/23/2008 6:36 PM
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Posts: 273
| I had to drive from Stevens Point up to Wausau tonight on I-39. I saw One boat headed north and 2 headed south, usually it is packed with boats o a Friday night. The other amazing thing is I saw zero vehicles with Illinois plates. If this is a sign of things to come the "northwoods" is going to be in trouble real fast. For the ones still heading north you might get lucky and have the lake all to yourself.
Jeff |
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Posts: 2037
Location: lansing, il | i am one who cancelled my early season run to the northwoods. i guess i found my breaking point. i am past mad, now i just cry! ouch this hurts! |
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Posts: 929
Location: Rhinelander. | 32 gallons to fill suburban today at $4.15......$132.80.... Tomorrow the boat gets a drink. Its is unreal. Just think without a shot going off the arab nations have taken our country down. You've not seen the end of yet as they say $6.00 a gallon by labor day. Someons ay boycott mobil exxon,I agree!
Pfeiff
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Posts: 4266
| I just thought....don't jet skis run on gasoline? |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | I hope everyone stays home and counts their pennies instead of going fishing! The waters have been getting too pressured around here and I'd like some peace on the water
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Posts: 910
Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | "I'm with Steve V L; If doc tells you that you have 6 months to live. Now you reflect on the 08 season and wish you would have went fishing instead of staying home and worrying about gas prices."
And if that doesnt happen I am stuck in debt trying to pay for the '08 season until 2010!!!! |
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Location: Grinnell, Iowa | I can remember life without cell phones ($50/month), satalite tv ($75/month), and internet ($35/month). I remember when it was ok to have dandilions in my yard ($350/year for lawn treatment). Point being, there are a lot of silly luxuries in life that I would give up before I would give up fishing. I don't need a cell phone (even though I bug the heck out of my buddy who still hasn't got one), I don't need to pay for 250 channels that I only watch 10 of, I don't need to have the internet where I can talk about fishing if I can't afford to actually go out and fish, and the $350/ year I spend keeping dandilions out of my lawn would cover gas expenses for 2-3 single day fishing trips. Several people in this post has mentioned making sacrifices in order to keep fishing. There has also been many good suggestions as to ways to save gas expenses. I am sure that most of us will make those decission as the gas prices keep going higher and higher. I agree with those who have speculated on the resort owners and bait makers seeing major drops in their businesses due to high gas prices. I've spent $60 in the past week on baits that I wanted, not needed. So I am sure there will come a time (real soon) where the baits I already have in my box will look just as good as the ones I don't have in my box and that $60 will be going into my gas tank instead (which sucks because I am really liking the soft tail Phantom's now and I WANT MORE OF THEM). Anyway, these gas prices suck and there only going to get worse. Do what ever you have to do; car pool, buddy fish out of one boat instead of fishing solo, whatever..., just DON'T STOP FISHING!!!!!!! |
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Posts: 69
| Musky Brian - 1/5/2008 7:55 AM
absolutely not, As far as I know I am only on this earth one time so my time to fish is limited, I will not be scared off by gas prices....
My sentiment. We use to do two one week trips to LOTW,now we do one two week trip,and save alomost $400. We all have fast boats,but do I really need to run 60 plus when I'm runnen and gunnen? 40/45 mph saves a lot on gas usage,and still plenty fast. I do have to save all year for my trips nowdays,but it's worth it. |
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Posts: 4266
| I'd love to be able to say, "The hell with it, I'm going fishing and cut back in other places." The problem with me is that I can't cut back and I can't afford the gas. Cut back on fast food? I haven't had fast food in months, but I bet that it might be a deal when I look at what I pay for groceries. I'm no longer living in a two-income household, and the checks that I get on the first of the month don't come with much wiggle room. I haven't had the cover off of my boat yet this year.
If I do manage to get some cash to afford going somewhere fishing, I will try to stay there longer so I don't have to put on lots of miles.
They forecast even more doom and gloom in the future. I am seriously thinking that I might be better off selling my house, and moving to Bemidji. My daughter can play hockey, go to college there and I'll be closer to some real good water.
If I can't afford to drive to the lake, I have to move closer to the lake. Too bad I'm 250 yards from Lake Michigan. This section of the lake is the home to trout and salmon....neither of which I care for...after spending 10 years as a deck hand on my brothers charter boat.
Yup, have to find good lakes near a city with a good hockey program. I'd say Madison, but somehow N.C.MN seems more like muskie country to me. Besides, I like to catch walleyes, bass, panfish and more.
Solar powered trolling motors, and no-wake lakes. The new Tuffy's will come with a conversion kit to sailboat.
Yup, this sucks.
Beaver
Edited by Beaver 6/1/2008 11:04 PM
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| i went to the Brewers game yesterday in Milwaukee.
while driving there from Portage (1 1/2 hours each way) i slowed down a bit; at 70mph i was constantly being passed by other cars going 75-80mph the majority of which were filled with other people wearing Brewers hats and shirts, heading to the game as well, no doubt.
there was over 44,000 people at the game, all of whom drove there from somewhere, many like me from a goodly distance. they each paid on average $20+ for a ticket, plus high prices for sodas and brats and beer.
lots and lots of people continuuing to pay to do the things they love, just paying a bit more for it than they used to do.
fishing is the same, people will keep doing it because they love it; people will keep living life.
it's not good, but it's not the end of the world either. i think you'll see lots of subtle changes in people's behavior: more local fishing, more extended trips vs multiple weekend trips, etc. ie., it'll change the way many of us enjoy the sport, but it's not going to stop most people from getting out there.
i know i've fished just as much this year as ever, but i've spent more time fishing locally. normally i'd have been to northern WI twice by now and i haven't gone at all yet. this might impact the economy up north, but it doesn't impact my time on the water since i've got some local options for muskie fishing. i'm also adjusting my summer vacation schedule to try and get 2-3 weeks straight in MN rather than making multiple drives back and forth. again, same amount of time on the water, just changing the driving habits a bit. ironically, this will probably help my fishing as i won't be fishing new/unknown lakes as often, and extended trips will help me figure out fish location and patterns better than on short weekend runs.
there's no reason to be foolish with your money during times of inflation, but there's no reason to give up fishing either!
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Posts: 2037
Location: lansing, il | its all easy to say unless your income is being dictated by what is happening with the economy right now. alot of factors go into this. it is not as easy to say just go fish. i guess it is if you have a comfortable income. my income is affected by what is going on so i have had to pass on a few trips and a few ball games myself. i have lost 1/3 of my income alot in part to what is going on right now. if you lost 1/3 of your income would you be saying screw it i am going fishing??? my money needs to go to other things right now and i have to think twice before burning 4 bucks a gallon to go somewhere and also be smarter with what i spend and where i spend it. to the people who can say screw it im going fish ing anyway. thats great my hats off to ya! but everyones situation is differnt.
Edited by muskihntr 6/2/2008 9:02 AM
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Posts: 7090
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Went 3 for 4 yesterday on the big pond, all coho. Was a BEAUTIFUL day to be out with almost flat calm seas, no wind, and sunny skies. No, I wasn't muskie fishing, but the Rabid Panda was on the water, and we had a ton of fun. I haven't muskie fished in a few weeks, I do miss it, but we only used a quarter tank of gas and had a blast. Muskies will be there when I can again afford to throw 2 tanks of gas through the 4Runner to chase a fish that I'm not going to keep anyways....
A note to all of you in the greater Chicagoland/Southeastern WI area: SALMON FISHING IS FUN! If you're looking for a way to save coin on gas, but still getting out to fish, you might want to give it a try! |
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I remember clearly spending 35 cents a gallon on premium gasoline. I remember when gas went over a buck and everyone screamed the end of our economy was near. This will be a major adjustment, but c.o.l.a.s will happen, wages will adjust, prices will adjust, and we will move on. Vehicles and boats may be smaller for many, but fishing will be just as good.... |
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Posts: 8835
| High gas prices? No. High everything prices caused by high gas prices? Maybe.
Steve, you say wages will adjust. Seems like that adjustment is now going to be in the right direction. |
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