Economy vs Bassfishing

[NCbassproAK]

How do you think the economy will affect the bass federations on tournament fundings for the anglers in todays economic downfall, the money definatly isn't gonna be the same as it was before our recession?

[SWMIBASSER]

It's hitting the big guys for sure.......And while I don't know the specifics it seems like when I reviewed the contingencies for NBAA they were much less than in the past.

With that said, for me, the economy is driving me to focus on my fishing more. I've sold off things from my other hobby as I just can't afford to do it now.

Bass fishing can be cheap. Gas money and that's it. And in MI you only have to drive 30 minutes or less in any direction to be on the water.

[eyedabassman]

Well, I think it could work both ways! I know for me I picked up some sponsors that I didn't have last year, they want me to promote there product. Last year I couldn't get them because the money flow was good for them. And I lost a few sponsors this year, they told me next year! I am doing a bunch of seminars this spring and the new sponsors want more exposure at my seminars.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I'm hoping it has affected the swimbait market.  I am introducing some  knock off baits this yr.  No more paying $50 for a MS Slammer type bait.  

[SENKOSAM]

It depends on the area of the country, it's unemployment and the price of gas in summer. To spend an average of a few hundred bucks a few times a month, may stretch some budgets too far. If boaters can afford to let a nonboater some slack (if the nonboater is unemployed), then maybe some schedules won't be disrupted. As it is, even TV subscriptions will nose dive, seen as a luxury as well as much discretionary spending. Tackle producers will also take a hit.

Ebay, on the other hand should be quite actiove.

[Sam]

If we want to fish, we will fish.

If we have to scale back, we will scale back, but we will fish.

We may not take our boat out every weekend but we will take our boats out.

The slow economy will have negative impacts on a lot of people.  However, fishing is our passion and escape from the real world so we will fish.

As for the pros, we may lose some of the weaker ones. But understand that just because the pros say they are sponsored by a specific company they may only receive discounts on those companies products and not financial assistance.

I do not believe the top pros will be impacted as much as the lower echelon pros.

Just my two cents.  

[Garnet]

BASS FED. is a dead Cat not the economy so much as the Corp. structure. The accountants are hired to count so when the BAS FED. falls short $ the bean counters  why and the board said cut cost and show profit.

I was a Club prez for the nasty split and when push came to shove was sure FLW would win for this reason.

I think the State Prez that pocket large $ from their FEDS.

knew accounting and ran for the exits.

Ont. now has a FLW presents and I will join.

Garnet

[FD.]

I'm fishing less this year than last.  The minor repairs/upgrades are being put off until later and driving distance to the lakes are factors in deciding where to fish.  These things don't affect the "bass fishing" economy put it does effect someone.  The two tourneys I have fished this year had more contestants than I expected.

[ZeNoob]

Getting laid off at the end of march, so the bait monkey has been locked in the closet, and the boat i really really wanted, isnt going to happen.

The good part is ill be fishing alot more this year, just gotto do with what ive already got.

[Catt]

I agree with Sam WE WILL FISH  

This is not the first economical hard times this nation has faced, neither is it the worst, nor will it be the last.

I think for the most part you will see a down sizing in boats which had started when gas prices were at their highest. The bass fishing world need to realize a 20-23' boat with a 200-300 hp motor aint necessary.

Most Pros are sponsored and the upper echelon Pros will not be affected but the lower echelon Pros will be, which is sad because there are some in the lower echelon who only need that one break.

[bighed]

If we want to fish, we will fish.

My new motto ;D ;D ;D

[SWMIBASSER]

It's obviosly going to affect boat sales.

I worked for a boat company for 10 years and then lost my job in October. At least in non-fishing related boat companies many are being lost alltogether.

This had been a huge issue for a couple years leading up to it. First the gas prices, then everyone's fear of losing their job.....Now people who think their job's will weather the storm can't buy because they can't get financing.

There aren't many places willing to loan 80,000 for a BOAT.

[Raul]

We will continue to fish, perhaps less oftenly or perhaps closer to home but we will fish.

Baitmonkey will continue to exist, not King Kong size, titi size but it will continue to exist, consumables like hooks, sinkers, line, jigs, soft plastic baits get lost or need to be changed, you gotta purchase them anyhow so BaitMonkey can survie on a diet ( that fat arse he 's grown over the years need to downsize a little    ).

You don 't need 300 HP and run up and down the lake at warp speed all day long to find the feesh.

[NCbassproAK]

I do believe it will imapct us all a little, but you guys are right this is our hobby and get away from the real world trust me I try to do that as much as possible being in the navy....im always out to sea and or other operations, so when I fish its like another world and atmosphere and will never get old. This is our past time and we all have a part in this economic standpoint, I also think that even though some of us are not getting a lot of new gear this year, well why not use the gear we have and be sucessful on using the gear some of us have had for years still in the packaging and be thankful for everyday we have to go out there and fish, not saying no one is this way just my 2 cents. And things will get better and we all need a goal to set this year in this sport, it will take the ease and some stress out of you guys...like throwing out a lure you never use, learning how to be more proficiant in drop-shotting...ect. Eitherway we will overcome. With that keep your line tight.

[Team9nine]

As stated, a lot of people will just keep on fishing as usual, but we're definitely losing some anglers along the way. I've documented and posted about our states tourney participation, and there is no doubt that it is declining, at least with the larger state circuits, both team and individual tourneys. We're now down to about half as many boats as what showed up on average just 5 years ago. That's a pretty hefty drop.

Our circuits have also increased entry fees, which starts a vicious little circle going. And I keep hearing that sponsor committments have pulled back for this year, although that still remains to be seen since we don't start up for another month. In actuality, a few less boats on the water would be a nice thing in a way.

-T9

[Captain Obvious]

IF WE WANT TO FISH, WE WILL FISH

I'm going to put that on a T-shirt, with a picture of Ray Scott posed as Uncle Sam,   ;D ;D ;D

Better copy right that Sam it's great

[Muddy]

I lived week to week before the crisis and will continue to do so. I also fish small water on a small tinny with Elec TM only, this will not effect me livin a low budget lifestyle 8-)

[ZeNoob]

Ok gettin laid off, but bait monkey is gonna come out one last time for a few things(trebbles hooks, regualer hooks, line, and live bait through my LONG state paid vacation) and just got with the tax lady, and i might have a chance at getting a jon boat with a trolling motor on it for $100 and it comes with the trailer   so i might be gettin my boat anyways, but if not..........

IF WE WANT TO FISH, WE WILL FISH