April 2007
Kayak Fishing vs. Powerboat Fishing: Dollars and Sense
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Fishing is huge theses days, as you probably know. Just to give you an idea of the size of the fishing industry, the American Sport Fishing Association statistics* say there are 44.3 million people that fish in America, who purchase $41.5 billon in retail goods and services. More Americans fish than the number of people who play golf and tennis combined!
Kayak fishing is growing faster than any other segment of the fishing industry. We have already discussed some of the benefits of fishing from a kayak but I also see many economical benefits.
For the people that are keeping an eye on Wall Street and our economy, kayak fishing is becoming even more appealing. “With consumer confidence wavering, shoppers are balancing the desire to get out on the water with the $25,000 average price of a new boat. Boat sales are down, and the projection for 2007 is flat or down slightly from 2006, said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.” (Charlotte Observer, March 11, 2007). The cost of purchasing and maintaining power boats is making kayak fishing even more appealing, from both a financial and practical standpoint.
Consider the following cost for a power boat:
- Expensive initial investment for your boat, motor and trailer
- High cost of insurance
- Boat and trailer (separate) registration
- High cost of fuel, which appears to be going up again
- Launching fees at boat ramps … if you can get to the water: According to a November poll conducted by AnglerSurvey.com, nearly eleven percent of anglers have had to cancel a fishing trip due to overcrowded boat ramps.
- High maintenance cost
- Storage cost if you have to store your boat
Now, consider the following cost for a kayak:
- Low cost for a fishing kayak
- No boat registration
- No fuel cost
- Transport your kayak on top of your car or in your pickup
- Launch at any location where you have access to the water. You can avoid the frustration of waiting in line at boat ramps.
- Low maintenance cost
- Easy storage
Power boat territory? No, don't think so!
A kayak angler both avoids the financial burdens of the power boater and the stress and frustrations of dealing with the masses.
The easier something is the more often you are likely to do it, right? A kayak can be rigged and ready to go at a moment’s notice: the simplicity of being able to go fishing with the least amount of hassle and expense will encourage you to use it more frequently.
Even if you do have to use a crowded boat ramp, carry your kayak to the water and be on the water quickly, while everyone else is waiting around and developing a bad attitude. Then, literally leave the crowd behind by paddling into waters that are inaccessible to the power boat crowd. Enjoy the quiet and solitude of waters off the beaten path knowing that you are being environmental friendly in more ways than one. Birds and other wildlife accept you as part of their world, not to mention the fish. You will see that as you increase your appreciation for Mother Nature more, she will appreciate you more.
*(www.asafishing.org/asa/statistics/participation)
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Jimbo's Cast Archive
January 2007 - Kayak Flyfishing
December 2006 - Fly-fishing for False Albacore from a kayak
November 2006 - The Importance of a Kayak Fishing Guide
Sept/Oct 2006 - Jubilee
August 2006 - Outfitting Your Kayak for Fishing
July 2006 - Choosing a Fishing Kayak
June 2006 - Why I Started Fishing from a Kayak
May 2006 - Jimbo Meador, Angler Philosopher