Cost of Fishing

[teamrose]

Everything related to fishing is increasing in cost. By the time you buy good gear, bait and clothing, the cost makes one want to forget about it. I was shopping for a new graphite pole and could not believe how high they range. You have to buy the rod and then the reel, leaders, bait, bobbers, sinkers...

These things all have feet and magically seem to disappear very quickly and have to be constantly replaced. Even shopping at super stores like Wal-Mart is little help. Their prices are creeping up just like every one else.

How does everyone cope with the increased cost of fishing?

 

[crossunitedfate]

Forget about the costs? Hell no I don't. My bills are a "great" reminder.

But on the flipside, you have to remember it's a hobby. I guess as long as you enjoy it, the increasing costs can be bearable...for a little while.

 

[Esperahol]

Cost has never really been a thing for me. I mean I raise my own bait or forage for it. I don't need special clothing. And I'm primarily using my grandfather's old gear - its an heirloom and works mighty well. I mean the only thing I really pay out for is line.

 

[r. zimm]

I still have gear from 25 years ago that works just fine. Not fancy but serviceable. The important thing with fishing gear, especially used in salt water, is to thoroughly rinse your gear off after with fresh water. If I'm fishing at a pier of jetty with running water for the cleaning tables I do this right away before putting my gear into the car. That way I'm done when I get home.

 

[tosaytheleast]

I actually agree with crossunited. I know that money is really an issue but if you spend money in the things that will give you happiness and relive your stress then I think it is worth every penny! It is better than wasting your money in casino. At least when you go fishing, you are assure that you have a dinner with you the time you come back on the shore.

 

[NickJ]

I still have gear from 25 years ago that works just fine. Not fancy but serviceable. The important thing with fishing gear, especially used in salt water, is to thoroughly rinse your gear off after with fresh water. If I'm fishing at a pier of jetty with running water for the cleaning tables I do this right away before putting my gear into the car. That way I'm done when I get home.

Whoa! My gear is old but not THAT old! But you must take really good care of your fishing materials huh?

 

[crossunitedfate]

I actually agree with crossunited. I know that money is really an issue but if you spend money in the things that will give you happiness and relive your stress then I think it is worth every penny! It is better than wasting your money in casino. At least when you go fishing, you are assure that you have a dinner with you the time you come back on the shore.

Unless, you're just that bad luck at fishing. But all jokes aside, that's true, there are much, MUCH worse ways a person can spend their money.

 

[Jatelo2]

What one needs during these trying economic times is to improvise. It isn't going to be business as usual as far as the fishing gears are concerned. Can I suggest that you take Esperahol's and avoid spending on things you can fish without?

 

[r. zimm]

That is true. Humans have fished for thousands of years with very simple gear, like only a line and a bone hook. However, modern technology does make it more efficient and enjoyable. People who fish with hand lines have lost a finger when the line loops around one and a big fish pulls away.

 

[sillylucy]

The biggest costs for me and my family are the permits. We have a lot of gear that was handed down to us from my stepdad so we are set with that. We just pay for permits and fresh bait. The gas money has been hurting us a bit too.

 

[bigal3]

I still have gear from 25 years ago that works just fine. Not fancy but serviceable. The important thing with fishing gear, especially used in salt water, is to thoroughly rinse your gear off after with fresh water. If I'm fishing at a pier of jetty with running water for the cleaning tables I do this right away before putting my gear into the car. That way I'm done when I get home.

My compliments to you! I am of advanced age now and I too kept my original gear in near mint condition. The reason was not because I was trying to save money but because the last thing I would want to happen while fighting a trophy fish is for my gear to fail due to neglect on my part. That means more to me than the cost of the gear!

 

[r. zimm]

Well, fishing tackle has metal parts and salt water can corrode those pieces fast if you do not wash them after fishing. The reel should be taken apart and lubricated internally once and a while depending on how often you fish. Most better reels have little "nipples" where you can inject grease into the gears. Has to be thick or it runs out in the heat.

 

[NickJ]

The biggest costs for me and my family are the permits. We have a lot of gear that was handed down to us from my stepdad so we are set with that. We just pay for permits and fresh bait. The gas money has been hurting us a bit too.

Gas money doesn't hurt me since I live in NYC. I usually take public transportation to go fishing in city. Outside the city, I rent a car.

 

[teamrose]

You mean you get on a bus or train with all your fishing gear? That has to be awkward! Then to you get back on public transportation with your catch in tow? How offensive that must smell to regular commuters. Just the thought of riding public transportation with someone loaded down with fishing gear and fish, makes me twinge.

 

[bigal3]

Well, fishing tackle has metal parts and salt water can corrode those pieces fast if you do not wash them after fishing. The reel should be taken apart and lubricated internally once and a while depending on how often you fish. Most better reels have little "nipples" where you can inject grease into the gears. Has to be thick or it runs out in the heat.

Yep, and after every outing I would do just that. I would rinse my gear thoroughly with fresh water and then dry it and oil it down with a good sewing machine oil for storage.