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Posts: 19
Location: St. Louis, MO | Leaving for a week to North/South Twin on Saturday and I was wondering if you have seen a decrease in tourism/traffic up in God’s country. I know the resort where were staying is pretty empty… |
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Posts: 32922
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The resorts up north have been struggling for several years. I think the initial impact will be negative, but once folks resign themselves to a minimum $3.50 a gallon, many of those who were traveling farther north and either east or west may just try out N WI for a trip or two. I can get to Chicago on less than a tank, so it's about $150.00 round trip to my house from Slamr's....not too awful. Green Bay will get LOTS of traffic, too.
The winter snowmobilers will HAVE to get up by us if they want to run, most winters, so they will be here. Hunters...not so much, I don't think. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | who wants to go somewhere with 60 degrees and rain? |
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Posts: 32922
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | True.
45 here tomorrow morning... |
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Location: Lake Tomahawk, WI | Fuel costs are hurting the tourism up here in a big way. There's no one up here right now. Yeah, some city schools aren't out yet but still there's usually a lot more people up here by this point. Was on Big Tom on a recent weekend and saw 2 fishing boats in 5 hours? Wow. The papers up here won't admit it, but many resorts and campgrounds are not even close to full, and the people coming up aren't going out to eat, packing their food from a Sam's Club, etc, so less money going around. Guys in MN telling me the same thing, empty boat ramps. And yes, a trip up from Chicago is only costing them $200 extra, but when they've got thousands less in their pocket from fuel/food/everything going up over the last 6 months the disposable spending stuff takes a hit. Certainly nice to be on the water now and having it to youself, but would rather see a good economy and a semi-crowded lake.
For the residents up here this may be a pretty bad winter, with incomes based mainly on the summer for many. Yes, people will adjust, the horrible economy will right itself, and the tourists will return. Just not this year.
JS |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | I'm seeing less traffic on Friday evenings, less vehicles at the boat ramps, and in talking to several campground/resort folks they are seeing less people and getting some cancelations; Ihave had to reconsider when/where I go myself. Jason hit it on the head, it's not "just" fuel, the fuel costs have created inflation across the board and disposable income is down considerably. Good news is that I've only seen two jet skis on the water all season so far, but my own time on the water is down about 15+% so far.
I need to make a choice on my Canada trip within the next week and I am really on the fence if I want to spend the extra $$ or not. Sometimes it's worth it to have an extra $1,200 burried in the back yard vs. fishing for a week.
Thankful for my job and the blessings in my life...many are really hurting these days with the floods, economy, etc.
Keep the faith... |
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Posts: 82
Location: deep in the slop | I WAS ON TWIN LAST WEEKEND. TYPICAL TRENDS NOT THERE, RAISING FISH IN 15 FEET OF WATER WHILE THEY ARE STILL SPAWNING NEAR SHORE. IF YOUR UP IN THE TWIN AREA, LOOK UP SOME SHALLOWER WATER LAKES THAT WARMED QUICKER |
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Posts: 117
Location: champaign, illinois | I was up at Big Sand the week before Memorial Day and one of the residents up there that keeps up on to real estate said that there were at least 5 if not more restaurants for sale. I just received my gas bill from that trip and my jaw dropped.
Jay |
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Posts: 2037
Location: lansing, il | i have cancelled one trip north already and i am sure it wont be the only one this year. so my measly few dollars in toursim money didnt make it. |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | It's interesting to hear some of the theories above. I actually fit a few of them to the tee.
While not cutting down on the amount of trips, I will be cutting down on distance and dining. This week last year I went up to Northern Minnesota ( from the chicago area)bouncing around. This year a straight shot to Vilas County, and I will be bringing my own food and drink. |
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| It'll be hard to accurately evaluate the impact on Mille Lac until it gets to the busy part of the year, beginning in July. But, so far it seems down. It's hard to day exactly how much is due to gas and how much is because of the persistent cold and wet weather.
I've got a number of calls from guys who used to go to Canada but are going to Mille Lacs instead. Personally, I love Vermilion but I question why I would leave the Mille Lacs fish and burn all that gas for a Vermilion trip
I'd say high gas prices is painless compared to the agony all the flood victims must be feeling. I'm thankful |
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Posts: 119
Location: Sioux Narrows | I have noticed a lot less boats on the lake and overall road traffic up here (Canada).My self have been feeling the sting of gas prices, throttling back is a must when doing the long runs here on LOTW.Talk to some of local lodges and numbers are down, alot say gas prices and the upcoming election in the states as factors.Wondering when a hybrid boat motor will come out? |
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Posts: 130
Location: Chicago | Had to cancel my trip to northern Mn. (been there or somewhere north just about every year for the last 20) prices are getting crazy and the politicians keep raising the taxes, can't seem to catch up. I will be saving this year for next year, and maybe make a couple more local 1 day trips. |
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Posts: 157
Location: Wausau/Phillips WI | My wife and I have noticed a big big drop in customers at the place we have our Friday fish frys. Used to have to wait 45 minutes for a table but this year we just walk in and sit down. Friday from 5:00 to 6:30 we saw only 7 meals sold and the cooks were sitting at the bar when we left. Weekend boat traffic is comparable to an average Mon - Thursday night. It seems like people are at their cottages but not doing much. The campground is half full but maybe that is more weather related. Saturday was sunny but with the 68 degrees and whitecap wind I put my jacket on in the afternoon. |
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Posts: 159
Location: NYC (and many weeks in MN during summer) | You'd be surprised at how many MN fishermen live in either Mpls or st Paul areas. I think between the overall economy AND the cost of fuel, people will be travelling less distances to find quality fish this summer. IMHO, this means that lakes like Minnetonka, independence and definetly Mille lacs, will be the alternate destinations for people who intended on going north.
I live in NYC, and yesterdays front page of one of our newspapers showed a picture of a local gas station, showing the price of regular at $5.09 a gallon. Unless we start drilling for oil in our north American deposits, I suspect we won't see gas below the $4.50/$5.00 per gallon again in our lifetime.
Randy |
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Posts: 148
Location: Northwest Wi. | I drove south last Fri. on US 35 to fish the Twin Citys Metro Turny. Speed limit was 70 MPH, I was driving 68 MPH and was getting passed like I was standing still! On Sat. I drove from Forrest Lake to the awards cer. and it was the same thing. Once at the mall parking lot you could not fit one more Car/SUV in it. Lots of shoppers.. Looked like things are doing allright in Metro.Mn.. |
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| Sounds like most of you guys are commenting on what your are "seeing" I work in the tourism industy and we are way up over last year, mostly due to "new" business. Some of our existing customers are indeed down, but most are holding their own or are up.
Here's what I see.
Resorts, any resort that has modernized and remodeled are doing fine. If they have a website and on-line reservation capability they are fine.
Restaurants, this is where in my line of work we are seeing the biggest drop. People are still coming, but not going out to dinner.
Bars, I don't think there is a bar in Vilas and Oneida Co. that isn't for sale right now!
Casinos, every casino that we do business with is cutting expenses like I've never seen in the 15 years that I've been in this industry! Gambling money is getting spent on gas.
Guides, While guiding the University of Esox school in June with the guys from Musky Hunter all of the guides were WAY down.
Boating, MAJOR decline in boats on the water. People are here, less boats on the water.
Grocery stores, try getting a parking spot at Trig's between 3pm and 7pm on Friday night, good luck, grocery stores are busy!!!!
Construction guys, you know the re-modeling companies, concrete companies, there again way down.
Boat dealers, new sales are soft, but repairs and parts are busy.
One thing I've learned is that there is money always coming into Vilas and Oneida Co., getting your hands on some of it during these economic times one has to be a little more creative!
Edited by Oneida Esox 6/16/2008 1:56 PM
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Posts: 235
| I'm not much of a muskie fisherman but I sure do enjoy making muskie,northern pike, walleye and bass baits for a hobby. I was up to Phelps over the weekend and did OK. I was on the main drag where all the tournament fisherman were going by on they way to the touranament. Quite abit of traffic. I had a few guides stop and buy my newest square lipped cranks that are shallow divers and said they looked awesome. Three people came back later and bought a second bait. Now if it weren't for the high fuel prices I could say I did really good. I was just thankful we sold enough to cover all my expences and we made alittle. According to the guides I talked too so far they are doing OK with more locals not going as far as they used to. The water is low compared to where I live. I live on the east shore of Lake Winnebago and we had about 10 inches of rain last weekend. Oshkosh across the lake from me really had flooding and so did Fond Du Lac just 17 miles south from me. We are going to see some tough times ahead with this poor economy. I'm going up to Hayward for their annual MuskieFestival and hoping to cover all my costs just to set up and the gas cost to get up there. Not sure yet but I think my 2-300 mile shows will be done afte this year. I did get a order from one guide and he wants custom colors so this will help if it works out. I hope everyone can get through this but its going to be tough. Good luck fishing and the best to everyone. Ken Schmitz (Creator of the Magnum MuskieBurger)
Edited by Kenslures 6/16/2008 2:50 PM
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Posts: 20248
Location: oswego, il | I just got back from the turtle flambeau flowage and one thing i can say is that i have never seen so many boats fishing there ever! I got cut off three times juston one day. I had to search for spots to fish as i used to just be able to pull up and fish pretty much wherever I wanted. The boat lauch by the resort typically had several rigs parked every day when you were lucky to see one in years past. I can probably assume that many people are not making the big trips to minnesota and canada, saving the 300-400 dollars of extra gas. Even the motel where i sometimes stay for a weekend was full of boats. People are trying to cut costs. |
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Posts: 235
| I was up to Hayward for their 59th annual Muskie Festival. There were people telling us they couldn't get a room as everything was full. I don't think the restaurants were very busy. I talked with a few guys from Minnesota and they said they just came for the festival. They used to fish in Wisconsin but now they don't buy the license anymore because of the high gas prices. Also I taked with a few people from Chicago and kinda the same story. Lots and lots of people but they can't spend like they are used to doing. We were fortunate and I got a few of my new baits out there, got all the expences covered and made alittle. Some people didn't even get their costs covered and I think thats the way its going to be all over now. We got rained out early friday afternoon and on Saturday it rained twice. One lady that has a summer home up there told me their furnace is still running and this was the first weekend they could even think of opening any windows. Good luck fishing to all and have a great day. Ken |
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | A 2 day weekend trip for me to Minocqua is out of the question now. I will make less trips up, but longer ones when I do.
I was up for 4 days a few weekends ago and it was $200 in just gas in the truck from Appleton.
Not too long ago I drove an old 74 pickup and went up every other weekend. |
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Posts: 1317
Location: Lebanon,Mo | You think its bad now,wait till next year when the general public can no longer use those past due credit cards,savings,401k,etc..Im seeing in the paper that electric companies are shutting off customers who are not able to pay there electric bills.Your local county fairs,events will be more busier than ever considering its cheaper than traveling.We have had two county fairs down here already and they have broke the record for attendance.I heard Bass Pro was cutting hours on some employee's, this coming from a working source.Resorts at Lake of the Ozarks are at there lowest volume ever.I had a neighbor who both the husband and wife work full time and after paying the bills they could,could not afford to buy groceries.They had been eating bologna sandwiches all week so me and the wife went and bought them some food,but i cant afford to do that every week as I have a family of my own.
And by the way,oil products go up in July 18-20%.
Edited by missourimuskyhunter 6/24/2008 3:49 PM
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Posts: 431
| I was on lake of the ozarks over father's day weekend and I couldn't believe how few boats were out. The lake was dead. At $4.50/gallon on the lake it's expensive to fill up those 300 gallon gas tanks. |
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Posts: 2068
Location: Appleton,WI | usually ive been up north alot but only been up once,why? Because fishing close to home has been awesome.why travel 3 hours to the lake when 20mins Im fishing! |
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| I say burn it while we got it. You'll have something to tell your grandkids about. I remember my Dad telling me about the good times he had in his youth and how he'd give anything to do it again. All I know is I hope I'm burning the last gallon going 65mph in my ranger tryin to get to that last 50 incher at prime time. I know I'll be smilin!!! Good luck boys. |
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Posts: 929
Location: Rhinelander. | Lets just say the last 3 weeks on the water has said it is hurting. Seen fwer anglers.fewer jetskies and water skiers. I also can't believe how many people have not been up yet as the piers are still on shore. This is unusal for this time of year. We also have seen fewer new faces in the shop. So yes it is hurting. Also look athe musky tournaments up here,they all had openings so far.
Pfeiff |
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| Here in CO, it sees pretty normal. For me, I want to make the trip out to fish with Sorno and planned on making a trip out there at least once a month with my own boat as well. It is not really the gas prices, although it does make it more expensive...I have just found things here in CO that are as much fun or more. I could trout fish or mountain bike or both and it is free for the part. It could also be muskie fishing has peaked for awhile and the numbers will go down for while. Also fishing numbers have been going down for the last few years...we are bound to start to notice it...Ben |
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Posts: 8824
| It's the end of June and I haven't been up North yet. I've been muskie fishing once all year. When you start adding it up, it's pretty hard to justify the cost. |
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| Its not hard to justify the cost.???? Last year it was about .60 or .70 cents a gallon less. If you drive 1000 miles and get 10 miles a gallon pullin then fuel cost you an extra $70 dollars for your trip. Usually you have two guys to split it so we are talking $35 each. If you burn 50 gallons in your boat for the week thats an extra $35 divided by two is $17.50. Total extra cost from last year is $52.50. each. People will stay home for this??? Even if you go back two years when gas was $2.40 a gallon you are talking an extra $105 extra for a week each. Pleeease!!! Lets go fishing guys. Maybe pick up a third guy in the boat buy please dont stop fishin. |
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Posts: 42
Location: Becker MN | Well on the trips I have been going on I see less and less boats. To say that it has all the sudden been an impact is wrong, it has been progressively happening over the last few years. It would be nice to say the hell with it and zero out the bank account every week, but family comes first. From what I see more peeps are taking less but longer trips. |
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| Over the long run you are right but there are ways. Its either you put up with the price and adapt or you give up and sell. I aint ready for that so if it means a few less stops at Mcd's or whatever I'm gonna do it. Whats catching a 50 inch muskie worth or spending a week chasin on LOTW?? Its priceless and if we let this stop us its over. Do it while you can and enjoy the most. You cant put a price on it and if you do it wasnt worth it in the first place!!! |
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Posts: 2361
| 4amuskie - 6/26/2008 6:47 PM
Its not hard to justify the cost.???? Last year it was about .60 or .70 cents a gallon less. If you drive 1000 miles and get 10 miles a gallon pullin then fuel cost you an extra $70 dollars for your trip. Usually you have two guys to split it so we are talking $35 each. If you burn 50 gallons in your boat for the week thats an extra $35 divided by two is $17.50. Total extra cost from last year is $52.50. each. People will stay home for this??? Even if you go back two years when gas was $2.40 a gallon you are talking an extra $105 extra for a week each. Pleeease!!! Lets go fishing guys. Maybe pick up a third guy in the boat buy please dont stop fishin.
Your math is wrong here for most of us, don't know where you are getting gas that is only .60 to .70 more. I figure $140-$170 added straight on to my gas price for the trip up north. Now that in itself is livable, but I also have two kids in college, one at UK(double digit inflation every year since 2000), and another at a private school, and both those kids drive vehicles I have to gas up, and it's that much more for every gallon there. I also drive to work and it is that much more per gallon there. The big problem is not "gas for the trip", if it was, it's easy to save enough to have "gas for the trip", the big problem is all the other stuff going on at the same time.
In recent history, I had a really good fall fishing in KY, and one day when the afternoon looked nice, I drove 4 hours to fish 4 hours, and saw 4 caught 2. Nice trip which I really enjoyed, but looking at the cost and logistics of such a trip now, I will probably never do it again, and it isn't really that you can't, but most of us have limited resources, and family or single, you have to allocate those resources after food, shelter and security, and sometimes fishing or recreation in general can get to be a pretty low priority on that list. I also think it is just now sinking in on people how much extra they are putting out for energy. The heating season is coming up right behind the fishing season and I don't believe heating fuel is getting any cheaper either.
I am sure part of it is mental, and that people haven't done all the math on the extra cost, but the cost is pervasive throughout any of us working stiff's budget right now, and it is being felt. If fuel is a neccessary expense it is going to take the first bite and leave less at the end of the month for other stuff. I think a lot of guys look at their fishing expense as adjustable, and are cutting back and that will be the future of the sport. More fishing close to home and probably less fishing overall looks like what is going to happen.
Of course as this happens, I am getting ready to put in for fall vacation time and hope that Todd M cannot afford enough gas to get up there and molest my fish before I get there, and that the other sorry nabobs who have infested my waters in recent years, have decided they cannot afford the trip and stay the h*** home.
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Posts: 1270
| In Wisconsin I think it has more to do with the terrible weather we have been having. I think it's been stormy just about every weekend so far this summer and forecasted for more storms this weekend. I think a lot of the people who are not going fishing because of the price of gas have not sat down and realized that in the big realm of thing the extra price of gas is not that big of deal.
Onieda, I get a kick out of you saying that every bar in Lincoln and Onieda County are for sale. Aren't they always for sale? Isn't the joke that every business north of HWY 8 always for sale? |
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| Feeling the sqeeze here in England too guys. Our current fuel prices are eye-watering. Regular gas is at $10 per gallon & diesel at a cool $12 
We've had a 30% increase in the last 9 months. |
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Posts: 5
| I just read that boat sales in 2007 were the worst they have been in 40 years. I would think boat sales thus far in 2008 are lower than 2007. That means Tom, Dick and Harry have not made it northward with their new rig this year. That's three less people up north spending money. The economy, etc. stinks and then add on all the natural disasters we are all dealing with here in the Midwest. I won't get up north until probably late summer. Please leave the lights on and have a cold one ready ! |
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Posts: 72
| I'm currently dealing on another boat. Details to follow...... But you would not believe how much they are coming down (dealers that is). It doesn't seem to matter if it's a year end 2008 or 2009 that need to be ordered. It's funny a moth ago I was told they were going up 3-10% depending on the maker. |
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | Suddenly the Esox with a 30hp is a very very popular item of conversation at the gas station..thanks Mr Worrall! |
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Posts: 20248
Location: oswego, il | FSF, trust me, the fish have not been molested by me. Not much going on up there right now.
Things will never get better, I do not think. I don't see gas going back down and I don't see wages rising to meet the higher cost. The economy will seek the level that this all bears which will take some time but it has not hit everything yet. |
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Posts: 2024
| It's a phenomenon known as "shifting baselines." Over the years, gas prices have given us a rough reference point. Note the term, "rough." Rough entails "broad" implying gas prices have varied greatly over the years, even just the last year! So now much of the public has had to "readjust" to the current gas prices. This could be a good thing, spurring such activities as bicycling, increased carpooling, more walking, etc. that can decrease our carbon footprint and increase health. However, as time progresses and gas prices remain high, as does our need for fossil fuels, we become "complacent" and accept the high gas prices. In our cases (as fishermen), the collective whole - fishermen, tourists, restaurant owners, resort owners, tackle shop owners, etc. - must develop an "awareness of change" and demand a new course of action, because what is currently going on is simply not cutting it. It is hurting everyone in some way, shape, or form. It is becoming increasingly difficult (monetarily) for some that live in rural towns to simply drive to the grocery store and buy food for their families! Food prices have increased as a result of increased fuel prices, then tack on the gas needed to get there! I understand the last example is certainly the exception and not the rule, but it is happening and without a doubt it is saddening.
We are considering not making the run down to Nestor Falls when we are on Sab Bay (Morson) in one week. That drive alone is spectacular, but a 30 minute run even at 3500-4000 RPMs is pricey. Will we do it? Probably! But the point is we are considering NOT doing it simply because it may cost us a bit more. I can't remember a trip where there was even a HINT of hesitation as to whether or not we should make the run...
If nothing else, wages must increase to meet the "new" price of fuel. Oh, there I go... my baseline has just shifted.
[For an explanation of "shifting baselines" and how it pertains to many things in our lives, fuel aside, check out these links]
http://www.shiftingbaselines.org
http://www.sbflixcontest.org/indexWhatis.php
http://www.shiftingbaselines.org/mpas/psa.php
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Posts: 223
Location: Victoria,MN | I was on Sab from 6/27-7/5, and prior t our trip I was thinking that there would be less fishing preasure because of the fuel costs, well I was wrong. I believe we saw more boats than the previous years. Fuel cost at Morson were 1.44/L and also member of our party paid 8.00/gal. at a resort. |
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| Hey T-Bone,
I'm heading up to Sabaskong for the first time on Saturday, noticed in the fishing reports area that a couple others are gonna be there shortly as well. Any tips?(posting in the Fishing Reports section might be preferable so as not to bog down this thread).
Thanks in advance.
Paul |
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Posts: 223
Location: Victoria,MN | Paul- you have mail. |
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Fuel cost and impact on tourism.