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.

[billm_usa1]

IMHO the state parks and lakes will do ok to very well this summer as many people are opting for closer to home this year. The Florida and western trips are not even being considered this year. Last year the $4.00/gal gas didn't appear until after all vacation plans were made. I'll predict that the campgrounds will probably be overflowing this year as families struggle to cut costs and save.

[slowride]

I agree with everyody that has posted, as long as a fisherman has kept his job and is financially sound, and the main thing is gas stays at $2. Then i believe fishing business at ken/barkley will be ok. I base that on last year and alot of guys didn't travel all around to fish, no as long as gas stays low i'll drive down to ken lake 5-6 times this year and stay somewhere and give them my business..........

[elnutsmalljaws]

I know the 4 weeks I spent fishing Ky and Barkley last spring when gas was pushing 3.50 to 4, there were no spots in the parking lots, less spots on the lake and this was DURING THE MIDDLE OF THE WEEK. Saw plenty of $50,000 rides pulling $50,000 rides. I was really glad my little 90 was on the back of my old boat much less feeding a 225 or 250.

[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

[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