Join The Vespa Fishing Team
High fuel prices got you down?
Imagine how most of us feel in the recreational fishing world.
Let me explain.
Here we are rounding into September, the time of year that all true "sport fishermen" look forward to. The weather is changing, and most summer crowds have gone home, leaving the rivers and lakes uncrowded and filled with frisky hungry fish readying themselves for the fall spawn and feedfest that takes place in fall.
Most of us are not lucky enough to have a river or lake out our back door, so that means traveling to our favorite fishing spots is mandatory. Two hundred miles or better is nothing when it comes to our passion.
Most fishermen -and outdoor types in general--are usually heading for the great outdoors hauling their gear in SUVs , trucks or campers/trailers.
Not exactly what you would consider "economy" cars.
I can still remember the conversation I had with Ranger Kurt about three years ago, when I convinced him to purchase an old Ford Diesel f350 in place of his trusty Toyota fishing rig.
He would love the extra room, and heck- diesel was about a dime cheaper than regular to boot!!
He like I, always seemed to just fill the back of his pick-up with just about every piece of sporting good equipment that languished in his garage.On the off chance we might feel the urge to break into a spirited game of Badminton, shoot clay pigeons, ride mountain bikes, or take an impromptu twenty mile hike into the high desert, we were ready!!
So, as our state of readiness has increased with age, our truck beds have shrunk.
Much like our spines and uhhhh hummm... other things!!
But I digress...
Anyway, as I ran out of room and had to spend thirty minutes each time loading and unloading basketballs,hockey sticks and barbecues-- just to find my waders--I decided a bigger rig was in order.
Didn't seem like a big deal at the time, back when diesel fuel was at about $1.29.
....$3.19 this morning!!
Ranger Kurt is not talking to me anymore.
I have decided to make some drastic changes in my life--at least my fishing life-- and the next time you see me.... I will be driving a Vespa.
That's right, one of those tiny Italian jobs that sound like an underpowered weed wacker.
I realize this will make it impossible to carry all the "necessary" gear I need to be ready for "impulse recreation"-- but what's a guy to do?
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 boots and possibly a change of underwear. Everything else stays home!
I know this sounds drastic, but if I am to continue my passion for fishing --this may be the only way to make it affordable to do so.
I also know that the visual image of a rugged outdoorsman on the back of a Mo-ped is not exactly the vision Madison Avenue would like to sell to Orvis or Jeep Cherokee and is more akin to the image of Jim Carrey in "Dumb and Dumber"--but I don't care!!
Look out Deschutes River Steelhead... we're LEAN, MEAN, and riding WHINY MACHINES...
Whad'ya think?Kinda catchy, huh?
So, until the price of crude drops back down to a reasonable level, which may be never, you will recognize me as the guy out on Highway 97 wearing about fourteen layers of clothing and a pair of Hodgeman neoprene waders.
My poor Ford F250? Well, I suppose it will become an expensive dog house for my Yellow Lab-because unless I have AAA tow my vehicle around town--I can't afford to drive it anymore.
I sure hope they don't catch on to me!!
Oh-- and Ranger Kurt--give me a call, there's room on the back of the Vespa for you...
A.J. Klott
Author, writer of fishing humor,and "fly tack" peddler.A.J. writes about the people,characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005. If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his website at: http://www.twoguyswithflys.com
Latest News
GAO: Dolphins, whales lack protection from fishing The Associated Press - ... by law to more than a dozen marine mammals potentially at risk of death or injury due to commercial fishing, congressional investigators said Wednesday. ... |
Illegal fishing charged; tons of rockfish seized Baltimore Sun, United States - It was the second time in less than a week that officers had charged Jack C. Colbourne, owner of Colbourne Seafood Inc. in Secretary, with illegal fishing. ... Police board fishing vessel; three men cited Maryland Today |
DNR: Ice-fishing conditions continue to improve MLive.com, MI - Detroit River: Boat anglers are launching at Metro Park and heading up to Gibraltar and fishing for perch in the canals. Most of the fish are not big, ... Anglers enjoy a fine ice fishing weekend Wegman to host ice fishing seminar Anglers encouraged to stay safe on the ice |
Teenage girl, a rarity aboard fishing boats, lands giant yellowfin ... Los Angeles Times, CA - That's because women are a rarity and girls are essentially nonexistent aboard San Diego long-range fishing boats, which spend up to 18 days at sea. ... |
 MLive.com | Fishing away through the holidays MLive.com, MI - "We were fishing for steelhead earlier today in the Paw Paw River, but they weren't biting," said Smith, a 31-year-old angler from Parchment. ... |
Ice fishing traditions passed on Fort Mills Times, SC - "This is his first time ice fishing," Brian said between drilling holes through the lake's ice. The younger Teskey is starting ice fishing at about the same ... |
Ultimate Fishing Show Returns WXYZ, MI - (WXYZ) - The Ultimate Fishing Show returns to the Detroit area Thursday, January 8 at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi. ... Michigan's Ultimate Fishing Show starts Thursday |
 AlaskaReport | Search suspended for lost fishing boat crewman Fort Mills Times, SC - JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing crew member of a fishing boat. The search was suspended Wednesday for 43-year-old ... Coast Guard crew seeks missing fisherman Coast Guard searching for lost crab fisherman Crab fisherman missing in Bering Strait |
 KCBS | Hundreds remember BART shooting victim with joy and tears San Francisco Chronicle, USA - Eugene Carter, a church deacon, recalled a fishing trip in Tracy in which Grant carried a bucket. Carter wondered what was inside and came face to face with ... 1000 people mourn man who was shot and killed by BART officer |
 CBC.ca | Bush to Protect Three Areas in Pacific Washington Post, United States - The protected areas "will allow for research, free passage, and recreation -- including the possibility of recreational fishing one day," Bush said while ... Mr. Bush’s Monument Bush to create three marine monuments Bush to create oceanic national monuments |
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