State Of Fishing Affairs

[Gerry Zagorski]

Not sure about all of you but seems to me we have a lot fewer people fishing these days...Gas prices, cost of bait, cost of food, the market tanking, the stuff in the news. People who work having to work more hours since you can't find other people willing to work. This is like the perfect storm and it's depressing... I see it it myself and many others I talk to as well.

Well I'm turning over a new leaf.... I don't care what it costs or how depressed I feel, I'm going fishing.... Work and all the other stuff can wait and I'm much more productive and energized after a day out on the water fishing.

How about all of you and please, let's not get political here.

[hammer4reel]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

Not sure about all of you but seems to me we have a lot fewer people fishing these days...Gas prices, cost of bait, cost of food, the market tanking, the stuff in the news. People who work having to work more hours since you can't find other people willing to work. This is like the perfect storm and it's depressing... I see it it myself and many others I talk to as well.

Well I'm turning over a new leaf.... I don't care what it costs or how depressed I feel, I'm going fishing.... Work and all the other stuff can wait and I'm much more productive and energized after a day out on the water fishing.

How about all of you and please, let's not get political here.

Costs 11 grand before I even wet a line , so the extra money it takes to fish will get spent .

That being said I’m only fishing good weather window days now .
No more running out with one person and scouting a spot 20 miles from port etc .
Betting there is a lot less guys fluking Oceanside with the new bag limits .

Just a run to SR reef was 180 bucks in gas .
Only worthwhile with a few guys .
Just no reward for the $

[hammer4reel]

Also think how much guys who trailer are paying just to get to the water .
Then add ramp fees and days gas , it is ridiculous

[catsmeow]

Retired fish my 17' sea nymph ( 1985, member of John skinner fleet) launch out of rumson and sayreville, this will be the first year going to have to a ask crew member to chip for fuel, normally have them buy bait and pick up a pizza for home with a few brews. Yes if you have to give up fishing too you will be soon needing shock treatments at carrier clinic. Stay safe and get out on the water, tight lines ... Walt

[Duffman]

Fewer people fishing nowadays? Gerry, I gotta ask, what you base that on? I’ve been on Raritan Bay for the better part of 45 years. Never seen the crowds and amount fishermen……. boat, kayak, shore and pier than ever before. If nothing else I feel like there are more people out there than ever before.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by hammer4reel

Costs 11 grand before I even wet a line , so the extra money it takes to fish will get spent .

That being said I’m only fishing good weather window days now .
No more running out with one person and scouting a spot 20 miles from port etc .
Betting there is a lot less guys fluking Oceanside with the new bag limits .

Just a run to SR reef was 180 bucks in gas .
Only worthwhile with a few guys .
Just no reward for the $

You think this is partly an age/energy/wisdom thing Dan? 30 - 50s it seemed although I had less time and money, I fished every spare moment I got and a lot more often. Weather didn't stop us as much to a certain extent and we fished a lot after work and at night.. Gas was a lot cheaper then and it was also seemed a lot easier to find guys wanting to get out no matter the time or weather... You make a few calls and you had a crew.

[Keystonefisher]

I struggled to get out the past couple years and thought several times about selling the boat. Made the decision, with my wife’s help, that I was gonna use it this year regardless of the situation. I’ve only fished during the week and the crowds have been manageable to almost non-existent (definitely less than what I’ve seen in years past) if I found the right spots. Headed out for cbass the other day. With the few keepers we managed and the fuel spent I guarantee I won’t be doing that again soon. Like Dan said too, I’ll be fluking the bay a lot more often than running out. The cost of fuel just doesn’t make it worth it IMO.

[dales529]

Have 5 charters 2 seabass and 3 fluke plus the PP Elks and FSOS tourneys. All 7 trips filled and will do some PB and friend trips along with surf as well.

Not changing my plans and will kick in extra to the boat if required but do understand that not everyone can do that and I am not the one putting gas in the boat!

Being on the water is the right thing even at the wrong time and the "catching" while well accepted is secondary.


As with everything this too will soon pass!

Also if you leave the politics aside the economy and most indexes are strong. Not a time to panic but be cautious. Being in business I am not seeing a slow down and taking advantage when / where possible.
The major corps are NOT losing money!

[Dclark2]

Worked for some 30 plus years and I WILL QUIT FISHING WHEN THEY PRY MY FISHING ROD OUT OF MY DEAD HANDS....... and you can take that

OUT OF THE BANK

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by Duffman

Fewer people fishing nowadays? Gerry, I gotta ask, what you base that on? I’ve been on Raritan Bay for the better part of 45 years. Never seen the crowds and amount fishermen……. boat, kayak, shore and pier than ever before. If nothing else I feel like there are more people out there than ever before.

I don’t fish the weekends Duff so that might be why my experience is different than yours.