Editor's Letter
2008 is turning out to be one bear of a year
by Matt Winter
Seems like we’re all holding on tight amid a whirlwind of bad news. Gas prices going through the roof, the mortgage market melting down, the world careening from one financial upheaval to another … it just keeps getting better and better.
Some of this stuff we just have to take in stride. I mean, what can you do? But when it all starts to get in the way of fishing? Now that’s getting personal.
Boaters, anglers, charter captains, tackle shop owners, boat dealers, commercial fishermen — basically anyone in the maritime community — all seem to be caught in an unfortunate and not-so-perfect storm this year.
As though $4-a-gallon gas and the economic downturn weren’t bad enough, we’re also contending with a seemingly steady stream of tighter fishing restrictions (see Page 18), and dire warnings on the status of a number of key sportfish species (anybody seen a yellowfin tuna this year?). It can all be a little overwhelming.
Maybe it’s a good time to take a breather, to look for the silver lining.
The fish need a break
Talk to the old-timers, get them to really level with you, and you’ll hear the same story: We used to catch a lot more fish. And they were bigger. Much bigger.
Maybe these are just fish stories, but I’ve heard enough to detect some degree of truth. Back in the day, they say, you could sit on the beach and pull giant redfish after giant redfish out of the surf. You could anchor at the tips of the jetties and load your coolers with mackerel. You could run out to the ledge
Fisheries scientists will back this up. The populations of many species — especially apex predators — are but shadows of their former selves. The proliferation of recreational and commercial boats, technological advances such as GPS and sonar, the exploding demand for seafood — it’s all proven too much for fish stocks to handle.
Maybe now, in 2008, with higher fuel costs and tighter restrictions whittling down the overall fishing effort, some of these key species might catch a little break. Maybe a few more will make it to spawning age. Maybe we’ll have a couple of good year classes to beef up the stocks.
Perhaps we’ll reap the rewards next year, and for years to come. I don’t know about you, but I’d trade a few fishing trips if it meant more action when I did get out on the water.
Sharpen your game
My boat holds 60 gallons of gasoline. That’s about $220 to fill her up, give or take. I burn half a tank running to a couple nearshore wrecks and back, a quarter tank to some of my inshore spots. Sneaking offshore on a flat-calm day will cost me just about the whole thing.
You’d better believe I’m going to try to make it count.
Higher fuel prices have made me a more patient, better- planned and perhaps safer fisherman. I won’t go out if the weather is at all “iffy.” It’s just too expensive to go halfway and turn back. I also tend to do more research now, checking various online fishing reports and weather sites before committing to a trip.
With a keen eye on the fuel gauge, I also find myself more willing to stick it out at any given fishing spot. I really try to work it over and make sure I’m doing everything right before running to another spot.
Fewer boats, more people
There do seem to be fewer boats out there these days, no matter where you go. (Perhaps Crab Bank on opening day of shrimp-baiting season is the one exception.) Compared to a few years ago, you’re less likely to run into competition at your favorite inshore, nearshore and offshore spots.
For those of us who like to get away from the crowds, that can be a very good thing.
And what boats you do see seem to have more people on them. It’s simple math, after all: You can soften the blow of a higher fuel bill by splitting the cost between more anglers. And, depending on who you’re fishing with, this can some- times even mean more fish in the boat.
Maybe one unexpected by-product of the tougher economic times will be a heightened level of cooperation and fellowship among Lowcountry anglers. Maybe it will be a little easier for those who don’t own a boat to hitch a ride, help pay for gas and make some new friends.
Inshore shines a little brighter
I don’t think I’m alone in admitting that the higher cost of fuel has rekindled my love affair with inshore fishing. It’s just so easy (and easy on the wallet). Just grab a few light-tackle setups, throw your soft plastics in the bag and drop the boat in. A few minutes later, you’re along the marshgrass, catching trout and redfish.
And that, after all, is the whole point. Nothing like being on the water to take your mind off the world.
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