how much longer can we afford to fish

[DJD]

Funny thing is, fishing has been around forever and will never die out, unless something weird happens and all the fish die....Boat cost and the price of fishing just increases each year like everything else does....Now if gas prices were to drop back down to say 1.00 a gallon, more people would probably invest in more boats and the like....

But I'd say gas will never see the day of being only $ 1.00 a gallon again as long as I live.......

It's like a similar question that was asked on the Community Board about hunting....

People just have that instinct to fish in them, like hunting... But some have a stringer desire to do it (fish) more than others do...

I really think that we will see gas down to $1.50 range this year, maybe next. The theory i agree with from some of the financial shows i watch have claimed that with all the major car manufactures going Hybrid (more and more)and searching for other resources or ways to power our vehicles the oil rich countries are starting to see into the future. They are understanding we have had it. They will drop the prices so we reduce our investments into new technology, at least thats what they want. So we keep our addiction to their resources. Hopefully we have learned from our past mistakes and continue investing into our future. Maybe one day we can say no thanks to these guys and get our own fuel!

[Cobra190]

This basically has to do with a "they will pay the price if they want it" attitude from the manufacturers and retail sales folk. And for the most part it is true. If it is something you want, you will pay the price to get it. And the price will keep going up.
What effect will this have on the fishing in the future. We all try to get our children and any other children for that matter interested in fishing. As the price of everything keeps rising, what will it do to those we are introducing to the sport. If the children we are turning on to the sport, show an interest as they become more independent and start paying even higher prices than we pay now, then it is untelling where this sport will lead as for the prices to be paid. But on the other hand, what will happen if the prices are the key that turn just as many away from the sport? Will it flourish as a high price hobby? Or does anyone think that there will be a decline in the future that may force alot of these prices,(other than gas) to go down?

[F16ENGMGR]

I really think that we will see gas down to $1.50 range this year, maybe next. The theory i agree with from some of the financial shows i watch have claimed that with all the major car manufactures going Hybrid (more and more)and searching for other resources or ways to power our vehicles the oil rich countries are starting to see into the future. They are understanding we have had it. They will drop the prices so we reduce our investments into new technology, at least thats what they want. So we keep our addiction to their resources. Hopefully we have learned from our past mistakes and continue investing into our future. Maybe one day we can say no thanks to these guys and get our own fuel!

$1.50 ????? You won't see gas at $1.50 again in your life time unless you move to Chavez's home town. Might not be a bad idea though. The peacocks are colossal.

[trentonc2000]

Its true, the newer outboards use a fraction of the older ones. My problem isn't gas in the boat, its the truck (well, my old one). just bought a new one and haven't really been out lately.

hahaha on the crankbaits. i have a lucky craft pointer that I rarely use. i say its because i have more confidence in my rogues, but i cant stand to lose it.

a big thing on the prices of fishing tackle is more and more sponsorship in the last few years. so while the pros (check out the BASS 07 Pro Guide) can fish more comfortably with the huge deals they're getting, we're paying 8bucks for a spinnerbait....

[DJD]

$1.50 ????? You won't see gas at $1.50 again in your life time unless you move to Chavez's home town. Might not be a bad idea though. The peacocks are colossal.

LOL! Never say never...Shoot i thought it would take a miracle to see prices dip below $2 per gallon but it's been there on and off for a few weeks now. Lets hope for the best.

[bucky]

I agree with everything already posted. Bass fishing has become a "big business" sport today and the media intices us to spend, spend,spend, and as long as we keep spending, they will keep selling. Boat prices have increased greatly, but they keep selling them. I can't afford the "high end" rods and reels and since I just fish for fun, think it would be foolish to purchase the real expensive stuff. I really think fishing is still a bargin considering all the enjoyment it gives me. I think there is nothing better than to be on the lake with all God's creation arround me. I can relax and enjoy the outdoors.

[biggw]

Funny thing is, fishing has been around forever and will never die out, unless something weird happens and all the fish die....Boat cost and the price of fishing just increases each year like everything else does....Now if gas prices were to drop back down to say 1.00 a gallon, more people would probably invest in more boats and the like....

But I'd say gas will never see the day of being only $ 1.00 a gallon again as long as I live.......

It's like a similar question that was asked on the Community Board about hunting....

People just have that instinct to fish in them, like hunting... But some have a stringer desire to do it (fish) more than others do...

Say what -if all the fish die--not me i will still go just to see if i can catch something -no fish will not keep me from not fishing---lol

[biggw]

LOL! Never say never...Shoot i thought it would take a miracle to see prices dip below $2 per gallon but it's been there on and off for a few weeks now. Lets hope for the best.

Thats right DJD --Yes we could see 1.50 gallon this year every one has got to remember big elections coming up soon lol---

[Chubminnow]

I can remember that back in the day (some 25 years ago or so) the most expensive part of any fishing trip for me was the cost of beer. I guess if I drank today like I did back then this same story would hold true. Now it's mainly:

1. Truck gas (I live in Louisville and went to Cumberland and spent 80.00 dollars last time round trip divided by two = 40.00 bucks, but we had boat problems so we made several trips up the hill and back)

2. Boat gas (We must not have done much running because we didn't go through a whole tank...oh yea, I forgot, boat problems limited our running on the lake)

3. Lodging (approximately 60 bucks per night divided by two = 30.00 bucks per night)

I don't count food cost when I go because I have to eat anyway. So my last trip cost me around 150.00 bucks total for a three night stay.

[artcarney_agr]

Hey, try that saltwater fishing and see what your totals end up being! I'd say bass fishing is a bargain!

[mattplapp]

Anyone that says fishing is getting more expensive needs to look at ANY recreational sport, hobby, milk, food, cars, etc. With time EVERYTHING increases in price, WHY, because everyones income increases. EVERY item that goes into a boat, car, house, etc goes up in price every year due to labor and materials, which the materials go up becuase of labor at the manufacturer.

You can buy fishing boats for the same price as you could 10 years ago relative to today's enviroment. Our average bass boat sells for under $20,000. So maybe in 1996 you could afford the top of the line 20ft Bass Boat, but today you don't want to make that same investment, then go buy a smaller boat or a used one.

It cracks me up when everyone talks about everything getting so expensive, yet we all (including me) waste money everyday on fast food, soft drinks, big trucks, candy, lottery tickets, tobacco, etc. As with anything, if you live to your means then you should shop to your means and your toys will fit into that.

Matt

[fisheater]

Nevermind.