Getting Reel - Fishing News

Gas Up, Give Me a Break

by Don Zaegel on October 10th, 2007

      It’s definitely no secret that gas prices have dramatically increased over the past few years and there is no cap in sight. The demand for oil due to modernization in many parts of the world have played a key role in all of this. Unfortunately, when this happens, everybody suffers. What I mean is if you have the need, you will suffer along with everybody else. No way around it. We as anglers have an need for gas to enjoy our recreational past time or for some, make a living on the water. So how is the rise in gas prices affecting us?

    Just last weekend I went out for a day on the Potomac River. What used to cost me $50 a weekend for gas, oil, ad ramp fees 10 years ago now costs anywhere from $150 -$200. A gallon of oil alone costs me $28. Two years ago I was paying $20 tops. Cost of gas for a weekend? Don’t ask. I think we all get the point. With such rises you would think that people would be sitting their boats a little more often throughout the summer or maybe staying closer to the ramp in an effort to save gas consumption. Not the case. Not in my neck of the woods anyway. I don’t believe there has ever been a summer on my local waters where I have seen so many boats zig zagging around one another creating an aggravating wake for me and all of the other anglers trying to get to their fishing hole. 

     At what point do we as anglers say, “It’s too much”? For me, I’m honestly not sure that I will ever say that, but for some, that moment has come and gone. I see more and more all electric circuits popping up around in an attempt to void the rising cost of fuel and to gain access to smaller waters that are relieved of the heavier boat traffic. There are also many anglers that have parked or sold their boat all together and have started fishing on the amature or co-angler side.

     I can’t say that the rise hasn’t affected me. I think it has affected all of us in some way, shape, or form. With no end in sight, it will be interesting to see what the motor manufacturers and we as anglers can come up with to help strangle the situation for ourselves and our next generation of anglers.  

Below are national averages for todays gas prices:

National Unleaded Average

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