High fuel prices got you down?
Imagine how most of us feel in the recreational fishing world.
Let me explain.
Here we are rounding into September, the time of year that all true "sport fishermen" look forward to. The weather is changing, and most summer crowds have gone home, leaving the rivers and lakes uncrowded and filled with frisky hungry fish readying themselves for the fall spawn and feedfest that takes place in fall.
Most of us are not lucky enough to have a river or lake out our back door, so that means traveling to our favorite fishing spots is mandatory. Two hundred miles or better is nothing when it comes to our passion.
Most fishermen -and outdoor types in general--are usually heading for the great outdoors hauling their gear in SUVs , trucks or campers/trailers.
Not exactly what you would consider "economy" cars.
I can still remember the conversation I had with Ranger Kurt about three years ago, when I convinced him to purchase an old Ford Diesel f350 in place of his trusty Toyota fishing rig.
He would love the extra room, and heck- diesel was about a dime cheaper than regular to boot!!
He like I, always seemed to just fill the back of his pick-up with just about every piece of sporting good equipment that languished in his garage.On the off chance we might feel the urge to break into a spirited game of Badminton, shoot clay pigeons, ride mountain bikes, or take an impromptu twenty mile hike into the high desert, we were ready!!
So, as our state of readiness has increased with age, our truck beds have shrunk.
Much like our spines and uhhhh hummm... other things!!
But I digress...
Anyway, as I ran out of room and had to spend thirty minutes each time loading and unloading basketballs,hockey sticks and barbecues-- just to find my waders--I decided a bigger rig was in order.
Didn't seem like a big deal at the time, back when diesel fuel was at about $1.29.
....$3.19 this morning!!
Ranger Kurt is not talking to me anymore.
I have decided to make some drastic changes in my life--at least my fishing life-- and the next time you see me.... I will be driving a Vespa.
That's right, one of those tiny Italian jobs that sound like an underpowered weed wacker.
I realize this will make it impossible to carry all the "necessary" gear I need to be ready for "impulse recreation"-- but what's a guy to do?
From now on, I will only carry the essentials--fishing rod, fly box,perhaps a sleeping bag--and wear all my necessary clothing, including waders,vest,wading boots and possibly a change of underwear. Everything else stays home!
I know this sounds drastic, but if I am to continue my passion for fishing --this may be the only way to make it affordable to do so.
I also know that the visual image of a rugged outdoorsman on the back of a Mo-ped is not exactly the vision Madison Avenue would like to sell to Orvis or Jeep Cherokee and is more akin to the image of Jim Carrey in "Dumb and Dumber"--but I don't care!!
Look out Deschutes River Steelhead... we're LEAN, MEAN, and riding WHINY MACHINES...
Whad'ya think?Kinda catchy, huh?
So, until the price of crude drops back down to a reasonable level, which may be never, you will recognize me as the guy out on Highway 97 wearing about fourteen layers of clothing and a pair of Hodgeman neoprene waders.
My poor Ford F250? Well, I suppose it will become an expensive dog house for my Yellow Lab-because unless I have AAA tow my vehicle around town--I can't afford to drive it anymore.
I sure hope they don't catch on to me!!
Oh-- and Ranger Kurt--give me a call, there's room on the back of the Vespa for you...
A.J. Klott
Author, writer of fishing humor,and "fly tack" peddler.A.J. writes about the people,characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005. If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his website at: http://www.twoguyswithflys.com
limousine chicago serviceFor the most part, I am an advocate for catch... Read More
If You Have Never Used A Blacklight While Night Fishing,... Read More
3 Lures You Must HaveDo you know what the top... Read More
Generally an oceanic species, the swordfish is primarily a midwater... Read More
One of the most important things to consider when fly... Read More
Every River Tells a StoryThe next time you begin a... Read More
Thousands of years ago, the first inflatable boats, made from... Read More
Have you ever noticed some people have all the luck... Read More
The Newfoundland cod stocks. What has happened to cod fishing... Read More
Fish do indeed perceive color. Every fly fisher knows that... Read More
As the owner/operator of a full service boat detailing-yacht maintenance... Read More
Many people enjoy a nice, long fishing trip. Others enjoy... Read More
Great fishing supplies are an essential when it comes to... Read More
The next few days in Ohio are supposed to be... Read More
Did you know that there are five species of Pacific... Read More
The true Angler Fish lives in both shallow and deep... Read More
Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat Trout are generally found only in high... Read More
Like most fishermen my age I originally learned about spinnerbait... Read More
Brook Trout: Frequently gullible, yet extremely tasty, Brook Trout are... Read More
Last summer we had an unfortunate incident with a swordfish... Read More
Often lake fish will gather in schools and cruise around... Read More
Tide rips are one of the most common areas to... Read More
We all know that plastic worms are one of the... Read More
There are several elements that go into creating the ideal... Read More
When nymph fly fishing, the angler is imitating the juvenile... Read More
Sometimes bass fishing in a big lake can be overwhelming.... Read More
One of the most popular trout fishing techniques is called... Read More
Fish Cooking Basics I must admit that I... Read More
Last summer we had an unfortunate incident with a swordfish... Read More
Many anglers who are new to fly fishing consider dry... Read More
If you are looking to do battle with the toughest... Read More
I was watching a TV Show with Bill Dance and... Read More
One of the most important things to consider when fly... Read More
Want To Catch More Fish At Night, Watch the Moon!Sounds... Read More
The Garmin Fishfinder 250 is Garmin's latest addition to their... Read More
There is a fairly new technique when it comes to... Read More
The Best Type Of Line For Night FishingHere is a... Read More
Hi Lee Palm/Red Rooster crew(San Diego - California).. Keep my... Read More
Method 2The second method that works really well for me... Read More
The use of light, either chemical or battery powered plays... Read More
Every River Tells a StoryThe next time you begin a... Read More
One of the most important steps in getting sponsored to... Read More
The fish don't care what you wear.... Read More
I started fishing a little lake just south of Somerset,... Read More
The overhead cast is the most basic fly cast. Learn... Read More
Bluefin tuna are one of the greatest challenges to anglers... Read More
One of the greatest thrills in Pacific Northwest fly fishing... Read More
Making fishing lures may be easy for the seasoned do-it-yourself... Read More
Brown trout fishing can prove very challenging. This is due... Read More
When planning for your fly fishing trip in Wyoming, there... Read More
Fishing Fishing |