High fuel prices got you down?
Imagine how most of us feel in the world of sport fishing.
Let me explain.
Here we are rounding into September, the time of the year that all true "sport fishermen" look forward to. The weather is changing, and most summer crowds have gone home, so that the rivers and lakes uncrowded and filled with hungry fish lost were preparing to spawn feedfest for fall and which take place in autumn.
Most of us are not lucky enough to havea river or lake our back door, so a trip to our favorite fishing spots is required. Two hundred miles or better, nothing, when it comes to our passion.
Most fishermen and outdoor types in general - are usually in the direction of the great outdoors hauling their gear in SUVs, trucks or campers / trailers.
Not exactly what you consider "economy" cars.
I can still remember, I had a conversation with Ranger Kurt about three years ago, when I convincedhim to purchase an old Ford F350 Diesel instead of his trusty Toyota fishing rig.
He would the additional space of love, and heck-diesel was about a dime cheaper than regular to start!
He is like me, always seemed to be only the back of his pickup truck with almost any piece of sporting good equipment that languished in his garage.On the vague hope that we might the urge to play badminton in an atmospheric, pause to fill clay pigeon shooting , biking, or take an impromptu eight p.m.Miles hike in the high desert, we were ready!
Thus, as our state of readiness, increases with age, our truck beds shrunk.
Much like our spines and uhhhh hummm ... other things!
But I digress ...
Anyway, as I ran from the room and had to spend up to thirty minutes to find each time loading and unloading basketballs, hockey sticks and barbecues - just to my waders - I decided to create a bigger rig was in order.
Apparently not, as a big thing back in the days when diesel fuel wasabout $ 1.29.
....$ 3.19 this morning!
Kurt Ranger no longer speaks to me.
I've decided to make some drastic changes in my life - at least my fishing life - and the next time you see me .... I ride a Vespa.
That's right, one of those little Italian jobs that sound like an underpowered weed Wacker.
I know that makes it impossible for all "necessary" gear I need to bear for impulse recovery to be ready - but what's a guy todo?
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, and possibly a change of underwear. Everything else stays home!
I know that sounds drastic, but if I is my passion for fishing remains - this is the only way to do it affordable.
I also know that the visual image of a rugged outdoors on the back of a Mo-ped is not exactly the vision MadisonAvenue wants to sell Orvis or Jeep Cherokee, and this is more the image of Jim Carrey in "Dumb and Dumber" - but I do not care!
Look out Deschutes River Steelhead ... We LEAN, MEAN, and riding tearful MACHINES ...
Whad'ya think? Kinda catchy, huh?
So, until the crude oil price falls back to a reasonable level where it can never, you can at me as the man from the Highway 97 about two layers of clothes and a pair of Hodgeman neoprene helps identifyWaders.
My poor Ford F250? Well, I think it is an expensive dog house for my Yellow Lab, because unless I have my car towed AAA travel through the city - I can not afford it any more.
I hope that they do not have to catch me!
Oh - and Kurt Ranger - give me a call, there is room on the back of the Vespa for you ...
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