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...