PBA-local club
OPens
Jr. Bass

I'm fishing BASS Central Opens and maybe some Champs South division. I don't think gas prices are going to get any better, only worse. Another thing about our sport that's bad, they are coming out with all these cars that get 30 and 40 MPG, but no trucks that do the same. Most of us drive gas guzzling trucks with gas guzzling motors (although they are getting better) on the back of our gas guzzling boats. Every other sport, except maybe NASCAR or any other auto racing, really doesn't feel the strain as much as we do. Its unfortunate.

I'll just keep on going, Stren, Bfl and what ever looks good. Maybe not the whole trail just the lakes i like to fish.Although with alot of sticks not fishing it will open up some spots for the championships making thing easier for some to make it.life is to short i'm going to take it for all it's worth.Fish,Fish,Fish..

local tournaments and and a couple of trails. With a smaller HP motor I might get beat to the first hole but there is more fish in the sea.

Local clubs
Media
Federation

Looks like a repeat of the past couple years; CABA weekly's and probably tri-lakes. Would hit any and all opens on Lavon or Hubbard as long as there was no conflict with the others. I feel very fortunate to be so near both of these lakes. Might take a run at Tawakoni a little harder next year with one of the other circuits as well...

Gonna have to take a real hard look at next years schedule. I just fished the JCO and March of Dimes on Fork and spent over $1000 for the weekend. I fished with my middle son and paid 1/2 the entry fees for my youngest son who fished both events with a friend. Expenses included entry fees, truck and boat gas, hotel room (2 nights) meals, ice and drinks.
I used to fish 5-6 trails that had me on the water every weekend but I think those days have passed.

I feel your pain bankbeater. The gas hurts but it is my kids that will be going to college around the corner that is going to really hurt me. So I am cutting back now trying to prepare for that. Will probably hit the Fork division again next year and prefishing may be limited.

Really wanted to go to Rayburn for the Championship and may still suck up the gas to do that. I really miss that lake..

Sid, It has cost me and the wife at least $300 to fish a 1 day tourney this year. $160 entry fee + min $100 gas + food/drink. We haven't drawn a single check this year either! I just wish we had a championship on the Red River so I could re-coop some money.
I may seriously have to think about fishing everything I can on the River next year. My worst finish to date there is 10th.

Well i bet all that stuff was about 100$ and the other 900 was miller lite

Most of the tournaments I fish are in Texas because the fishing in South Louisiana is not what it is in Texas, plus you have guys that cant follow the rules of the tournament, and do not get penalized. I am supposed to fish Bass N Bucks East, Champs East, but will have to see what the new year holds. I am with the one guy that said something about no off limits, because in my case the closest tournament lake I fish in Tx is 242 miles one way, and the furthest I fish is 630 miles one way. It would be better for me to be able to drive over there 2-3 days ahead of the tournament to scout instead of making several trips. Also my wife is a lobbyist with oil/fuel suppliers, and she sent me a story today from a firm and they predict $7.00 a gallon by 2010. It does not look good guys.....

Very well said, Jeff!

Some bass champs and maybe a elite co-angler or Stren Series Co-angler.

CAST North Region for sure.

bankbeater, I thought that was your plan for this year. I guess you changed your mind. That may be the plan for next year. We paychecked a couple a times good earlier in the year which helped.

For the folks that are saying that they will fish club tourneys or only fish locally, I will say this AGAIN! Why don't we start a club dedicated to only local lakes. Lakes like:

Lewisville
Grapevine
Joe Pool
Ray Hubbard
Eagle Mountain
Lake Worth

Maybe even Twok, Benbrook or Ray Roberts. Low entry fees and close to home. Maybe it can even be team T's to split the cost in half. I am willing to take the lead on this but I don't have scales. If someone with scales wants to get this going PM me and we will talk.

There are several of these clubs / circuits out there all ready. I think the rise with gas prices may be a good thing to consolidate the saturated tournament trails here in North Texas, it will most likely get all the local events to meet the minimum requirements for contingency programs to pay off.

http://www.dfwaba.com ** Scott runs some good quality events and covers local waters for the most part.

Champs, Tri-Lakes, Thursday nights a few opens and BBFT's. Try to stay close to the local lakes and share expenses with partners.

Why would you think they would be the first to go?

The RHBC is growing since the Gas has Risen.
I think Bass Clubs will grow, next year.

My honest opinion is Clubs and Large Pay out tournaments are all that will be around in a few years. We will be fine, and most clubs I talk to are doing great as well. High pack back tourney's will be a hit next year.

Casey

I've fished less tournaments this year than in the past 2-3 years. It was mostly due to some health issues and boat swapping more than gas prices. I have only fished two night tournaments this year and honestly those I do not really care to fish anymore as I am not a fan of night fishing.
I really want to concentrate on fishing something that will give me a better payback next year even if I pay a higher entry fee. I will still fish a team circuit with Chad cause we have so much fun but past that I am only gonna fish one other trail or series. It will be nice to see Champs add a new lake or two or change it up a bit. I'm really undecided but I am not gonna fish every little thing that pops up anymore. To me its make no sense to spend $300 to win $100. I'd rather fun fish and keep my cash for the bigger stuff. I also have no desire to fish a club and deal with those politics either. Maybe I can find the right one but for now I'll stick to a trail or two.

Trying to get into a 4-stroke and do some extras to my truck for better gas mileage. Fish Media and maybe Bass Champs.

I'm planning on fishing the Media trail on Texoma next year, as well as the BASS Central Open tournaments.

first step is to get into a commuter car to free up about $400 a month in gas expenses!!! diesel is eating my lunch! all i need is a little beater car that gets 25+ mpg. i dont even car what it looks like at this point! that will free up fishing money so I can enjoy it, and not be so pressured to win money (that can make your fishing unenjoyable- it becomes work).

I will fish a large circuit next year depending on what lakes they fish- (tired of seeing the same lakes for 10 years ina row in one circuit!) and a few smaller local tournies that dont involve lots of diesel to get there.

If Caba does an East-West type deal, I have a friend who I might talk into teaming up with me to save gas- since hes over there and I am over here. (i know some of yall know people over here that would do the same).

we have to think creatively in order to beat these oil companies and still do the things we enjoy. I see nothing in my expenses that has really changed EXCEPT the price of fuel. so thats my target for reduction to remain in the game.

Agree with #1, but no off limits at all (e.g. BassNBucks) is not fair for the folks who have to drive a distance to practice. No off limits gives the folks who live on or near the lake a major advantage. Off limits for 3 or 4 days and then 1 or 2 days practice prior to the tournaments will be the ones that I plan to fish.