Gas prices affecting touring pros?

[tomhowellsfishing]

For you guys who are putting on a lot of miles touring the PWT or FLW, my heart goes out to you. A very difficult job to afford to begin with, these gas prices really have to hurt! Good luck.

[yep]

Yes. The gas prices really cut into the bottom line. This is impacting all small businesses, not just fisherman. This is the kind of thing that can really slow the progress of economic growth in general. My father is a small business owner, and he is felling the pinch.

However, in our business of tournament fishing, fuel is a much larger percentage of our total expenses than most businesses, thus a greater impact than most businesses.

We’ll see how things shake out over the next 12-18 months. My guess is that if prices continue to rise, and sponsorship dollars continue to fall, you’ll see lots of guys get out of this particular business…

[Gary Korsgaden]

As a MFG rep here is the 2005 Break out of expenses:

Lodging: $6,000
Food: $3742/79
Phone:$4555.23
Supplies: $9,455.96
Gas: $14,636.95

Total $38,388.96.

This before I take dime one out for myself. You bet gas is and will continue to impact our economy. For those of you not in your own business if you ever realized the percentage of tax burden you shoulder we would have a tax revolt like no tommorrow. As a small business owner I must pay my employer taxes and employee taxes. And before you say well you can deduct these expenses it is not a sound business practive to spend $1.00 to get .30 cents back.

[Marv Sandbek]

Hey, Gary . . .

My prediction . . . unless a remedy for this fuel price situation is forthcoming VERY SOON . . . we will have a citizen/consumer revolt of some type! Even the wealthy will feel the pinch . . but, the masses . . .the consumers, the farmers, the small business community, and the transportation folks are going to draw the line and state that "enough is enough!" Just yesterday, I read that Exxon/Mobil and Conoco have realized a 17% profit margin INCREASE since last year (same quarter)! AND, the BIG OIL execs are "thumbing their nose" at the administration . . . no apolgy for the gouging . . .no explanation to the consumer . . .and no action to increase refining capacity or amend the negative impact that their GREED is having on the world economy!!

Our leadership in Washington is more concerned about "relations" with China and appeasing the millions of illegal immigrants within our own borders than they are about fixing these incredibly difficult economic issues on the home front! This is a classic example of the "tail wagging the dog!" More than ever, folks . . .more than ever before, it is time to realize and exercise the POWER OF THE VOTE!!!! WE have the power to elect (or defeat) the people who represent US in Washington! And you can bet your fuel bill that I'm gonna do my part and place my vote to bring these "do nothing/promise everything" gas-bags back to Minnesota . . back to the private sector, so they can become consumers and regular citizens JUST LIKE THE REST OF US!!!

Best wishes to all who suffer with this financial burden . . and I hope that each and everyone of us will use the power of the VOTE to help turn things around in OUR AMERICA!!!!!!

"Minnesota Marv"

[Terroreyes]

:rock-on:



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[oahe walleyes]

Dont buy any gas from exon or mobile gas stations, they are the ones that are driving the fuel prices up, the other companys follow there prices, if we stop buying from them, they will have to lower there prices, the other companys will also lower them. everyone needs to drive at little as possible the next 30 days, let the big oil companys sit on there inventory, we the consumer have more control than we think, dont let corporate america run our lives, includeing the oil companys, lets all stick together and put the pressure on these greedy people.

[Reels]

Been reading too many e-mails. Boycotts wont do anything.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/gasoline/gasout.asp


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[golferdude1971]

Your working in a industry that directly relates to your hobby, and as such I don't feel any sympathy. We are all affected by the increased prices oil. If your not happy with your line of work, you have the oppurtunity to find something else. Nobody is forcing the pro's to be pro's.
My $.02

[gettinhi]

tom, this gas is going to impact the weekend warrior as well. guide trips will also go up in price i would imagine.