9-10 -- A Colorful Can of Worms
8-10 -- Native Versa Board
7-10 -- Heroes on the Water
6-10 -- You Need One of These
5-10 -- Kayak Fly Fishing Tips
2-10 -- Deep Water Kayak Fishing
1-10 -- The Ultimate Fishing Kayak
10-09 -- Fishing in the Magic 14.5
9-09 -- Mini Mother Ship Kayak Fishing
8-09 -- Kayak Fishing is Bigger than Ever
7-09 -- Kayak Accessories: Storage
5-09 -- Testing the Mariner 12.5
4-09 -- The Ultimate Ultimate
3-09 -- Ultimate Multisport Fishing Kayaks
2-09 -- Redfish Road Trip
1-09 -- Fishing the Everglades
12-08 -- Sight Fishing Tips
11-08 -- Save our Kids from "Nature Deficit Disorder"
10-08 -- Fly Fishing from the Osceola
9-08 -- The Magic 14.5
8-08 -- Kayak Frog Gigging
6-08 -- Ultimate™ vs. Magic Model Comparision Part I
4-08 -- Anchoring Your Kayak
2-08 -- Poling Part II
1-08 -- Poling Part I
11-07 -- Poling Your Kayak
10-07 -- Testing the Ultimate 12 Tegris
8-07 -- Ultimate™ 12 & 14.5 Gulf Expedition
7-07 -- Exploring the Magic Part II
6-07 -- Exploring the Magic Part I
5-07 -- Exploring the Ultimate Part II
4-07 -- Exploring the Ultimate Part I
NATIVE WATERLOG
August 2009 -- Kayak Fishing is Bigger than Ever
Our present economic situation is depressing; times are tough, to say the least. Everyone one is affected from the top to the bottom of the economic spectrum. People are doing without or for sure they are being much more conscious of how they spent their money. More and more people are losing their jobs, being laid off, or having their hours reduced. People have more time on their hands than ever before and less money to spend. "In times of economic stress many people turn to simple, outdoor pursuits that are easy to do, are close to home, are not expensive and can be enjoyed by the whole family" said Jeff Pontius chairman of the board of the American Sportfishing Association. Fishing is one of those "simple, outdoor pursuits" that people are turning to.
 
Fishing is an inexpensive way for families to enjoy quality time together outdoors. People want a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively, so anglers are heading out doors and putting a line in the water. Mike Nussman - President and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association said "although anglers, just as the general public, seem to be deferring higher end purchases, its clear people are going fishing and purchasing tackle." Going hand in hand with strong tackle sales are increases in fishing license sales. A survey indicates that 2009 fishing license sales are up 11 percent. There were 2.77 million licenses sold in the state of Florida alone.
 
It is obvious that people are spending time and money on fishing and fishing tackle but they are also trying to spend their money wisely. Annually, nearly 40 million anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with $125 billion impact on the nations economy creating employment for more than one million people. One of the most economical ways to get on the water and go fishing is in a kayak. Kayak fishing was popular before the economical problems started but there is more reason now than ever before to choose kayak fishing and is demonstrated by the fact that it is growing faster than any other segment of the fishing industry.
 

 The cost of purchasing and maintaining power boats is making kayak fishing even more appealing, from both a financial and practical standpoint.

Consider the following cost for a power boat:

-- Expensive initial investment for your boat, motor and trailer
-- High cost of insurance
-- Boat and trailer (separate) registration
-- High cost of fuel, which appears to be going up again
-- Launching fees at boat ramps . if you can get to the water: According to a November poll conducted by AnglerSurvey.com, nearly eleven percent of anglers have had to cancel a fishing trip due to overcrowded boat ramps.
-- High maintenance cost
-- Storage cost if you have to store your boat
 
Now, consider the following cost for a kayak:
-- Low initial cost for a fishing kayak
-- No boat registration
-- No fuel cost
-- Transport your kayak on top of your car or in your pickup
-- Launch at any location where you have access to the water. You can avoid the frustration of waiting in line at boat ramps.
-- Low to no maintenance cost
-- Easy storage

Plus, fishing out of a kayak has many other advantages. I originally started fishing out of kayaks years ago because a kayak gave me access to areas that were inaccessible, like areas with bottoms too soft to wade into, areas too shallow for a boat and areas with no boat launches. I kept my kayak on top of my car and I found that I was able to fish a lot more because it was so quick and easy.

The easier it is to do something the more you tend to do it. Don't sit at home and get depressed over the economic situation when you can get out on the water and put yourself in a better frame of mind. Most of the best ideas that I ever had came to me while I was on the water. Catch some fish and put some food on the table. Everything is gonna be all right!