What will economy due to our KY lake fishing companies??

[HiDefFisherman]

I suppose this could be put on the off topics board, but I am curious just what will happen with our economy problems and our tourist business at our big lakes?

I realize that the time of year that they all make their money is quickly approaching. I hope many do very well, and I hope all make plenty to keep them in business.

I did see the president's news conference, and the follow up analysis on the world news today. I am concerned about the financial bail out and the condition that future money to the banks must be loaned out. Isn't that how we, the country, got into trouble in the first place? Loaning out money to folks who are already at their maximum credit limit??

Personally, I say the old economic rules don't apply, as the problem with most consumers are credit card debt. I say take the trillion dollars, divide it up to all the folks in the country. Those with debt must pay it off, those without must spend it, prefably on new bass boats!!! LOL Don't give the big companies the money, give it to the people that need it and let's see if that doesn't get the economy going.

[ryan_ekubass]

i would say that as long as there is a lake people will continue to come adn last year when gas was 4 dollars a gallon people still came... i am sure it will slow it down a bit but the ohio navy will still be on the water in there huge boats burning tons of gas adn driving us all up the wall.... it affected it a little last year but if gas stays at its price now people will have more extra spending money to put in the tank and go to the lake..

[raincheck]

I agree if gas stays down then things will get better.I my self have retired and will still fish but plan on less team tournaments.Lost a good partner last year.So i will fish ABA and my club this year and thinking about BFL co-angler but have too see how deep my pockets are 1st.Terry Adolph

[DJD]

I don't think the latest bailout (more to come) will have any direct affect on fishing. Gas prices will, and if they stay low more people will trailer their boats for longer distances and take more fishing trips.
As far as loaning money I wonder how many people borrowed huge amounts of money and financed bassboats for 12-20 years? IMO bassboats are over priced. I mean come on 35k-45k grand for a top shelf bassboat?

[JoeB]

You're really fooling yourself if you don't think this economical mess will affect fishing. I've worked at two boat and travel shows so far this winter and people just don't have much money now. When household money is tight, travel dollars are the first thing cut from the family budget. It will be a tough year for everybody that makes their living from tourism dollars.

[uk_bassman]

You're really fooling yourself if you don't think this economical mess will affect fishing. I've worked at two boat and travel shows so far this winter and people just don't have much money now. When household money is tight, travel dollars are the first thing cut from the family budget. It will be a tough year for everybody that makes their living from tourism dollars.

I agree, but I dont think the local lakes will feel the crunch as bad as Coastal vacation areas. In FL there are rental properties for sell everywhere. I agree that travel and vacation is the first thing cut from the family budget, but some people will only cut back (i.e. taking local vactions instead of beach vacations) and that will keep the lakes and the areas around them going.

[HiDefFisherman]

I see most are focusing on the price of gas, and I find that interesting. I was actually thinking more of the sub-prime morgage mess, the whole thing of big companies laying off large number of employees, and the higher cost of living, and the fact that raises this year seem to be smaller, in the corporate world at least.

I've been contacted about the real estate market being down around the lakes, and have had the chance to buy into the market for much less than I would have expected. Right now, I'm just not doing it. I'm looking at several places to buy condos that can also be rented out while not in use. I figure that will help defray my cost by a huge margine, plus give me multiple places to vacation.

I also agree that those financing boats for up to 20 years put themselves in precarious positions. But hey, I might have done the same if I had to in order to get the boat I wanted. I am blessed that I did not have to do that.

I know there is at least one businessman on this board from down there, and I am sure he will let us know he is booked up, seems he stays that way. But what about the rest of you... any hotel owners on here? What's the reservations look like? I have a friend in the hotel business down there, and I've been advised it could be a very lean year this time around.

Thanks for the inputs... hope to see you all there and let's hope we all do our part to stimulate our economy. That's my excuse... I have to go and spend money to be a patriot. I don't want to be accused of trying to shut down our economy... LMAO

[apextrail]

I just booked a cabin at Goose Pond Colony at Guntersville Lake for our annual trip and had to rearrange my travel dates to find something. They were booked SOLID for March and April. Things must be doing just fine down there !

[Col Forbin]

I don't have that far to travel to get to the lake, but the cost of gas running the boat was always on my mind. I now have a smaller boat/engine and gas is cheaper, I will be all over this lake from the dam to Paris every chance I get. In terms of business, I hope everyone does well with it. Tournament fisherman really draw the money in, in terms of tackle stores, of course the recreational fisherman help a great deal too. Someone else mentioned the in state, or local vacationers bypassing that trip to the beach for a little closer vacation - I know several that do this. I know several people that have a house here, and will drive ten minutes to the campground to stay for a few days, a week or all summer.

I think this economic situation is going to cause a few to watch their money a little closer, and may effect some businesses, but around the Ky lake area, it seems that the reputable business that have built word of mouth reputaions as providing quality services or tackle seem to be doing well. Jetta Marine, Fisherman's Headquarters, and The Cabin bait and tackle are great places, and when the lake heats up, they will stay busy - strictly on reputation.

I also keep in it in my head that most fisherman are like me. They will skip a meal or two if it meant that was the only way they were going to get to hit the lake.

[wishniwasfishn]

I can tell you I just went back to work, after being layed off for about 3 weeks, and it just about killed me, so fishing will be on the backburner for me. I have a boat for sale, thats just been sitting in the garage since May, and I am trying to sale it for just payoff, and if I dont sell it soon, I dont know what I will do with it. So personally BPS, and other local tackle dealers will be getting a whole lot less of my money this year. I am planning on fishing a tournament trail, just because I am lucky enough to have gotten some sponsorship dollars, or I wouldnt even be doing that. I know there are alot of people in my shoes, so I think there will be alot of fishing suppliers hurting this year, because all of my extra fun money is going in the bank, not the lake.

[GeoFisher]

You're really fooling yourself if you don't think this economical mess will affect fishing. I've worked at two boat and travel shows so far this winter and people just don't have much money now. When household money is tight, travel dollars are the first thing cut from the family budget. It will be a tough year for everybody that makes their living from tourism dollars.

You're RIGHT.............but I will TELL you THIS........if you have a little extra cash laying around, this is a GOOD time to use it.

I purchased a G. Loomis IMX for 100 bucks at the Strader Show.......and A Symetre 1500 for 45 bucks........that is about 200 bucks in savings had I gone to BPS.

Also purchased some KICK BUTT leadheads from punisher lures. .19 cents EACH for a GREAT...........FREAKIN FANTASTIC jighead...bought 50 them.

Now I know they were selling these due to a CRAPPY economy.........Their loss is my gain......

Later,

Geo

[GeoFisher]

You're really fooling yourself if you don't think this economical mess will affect fishing. I've worked at two boat and travel shows so far this winter and people just don't have much money now. When household money is tight, travel dollars are the first thing cut from the family budget. It will be a tough year for everybody that makes their living from tourism dollars.

With regards to travel dollars......if gas stays low..........less than 1/2 what I paid last year, I will make MANY more trips to KY this year. I can stay for 35 bucks a night, eat out 3 nights, and fish a LOT more and spend less than last year. FUEL costs are the LIONS share of a KY trip for me.

Later,

Geo