The Best Fishing Investment I Ever Made
About twenty years ago, when I was fishing much more often, they raised the ramp fee at Leesylvania State Park on the Potomac River to $12. For those of you used to paying little or nothing, that’s likely an outrage, but it’s a sign of life in the big city. It’s the ramp where I still launch most often, and it’s a fantastic facility with numerous ramps and lots of parking. Unlike some of those free facilities, I’ve never heard of a break-in at Leesylvania, so I know my stuff is safe while I’m on the water.
At that time, I didn’t have as much disposable income as I have today, but I felt that it made sense to buy a lifetime pass to Virginia’s state parks, which cost a little over $400. It paid for itself within a couple of years, and now that the launch fee is up to $20 a pop, it has proven to be a complete no-brainer. I haven’t quite figured out the time value of four hundred bones invested two decades ago, but it’s not just the dollar savings, but rather the mindset that it has put me in.
If I hadn’t purchased the pass (which I’ve used at other state parks – both to launch a boat and just to visit), I would not have had such a rich local fishing life. There are many days when I have a Friday or Saturday morning free, enough time for a few hours on the water before I return home for some pressing task. In many of the cases, the hassle of towing the boat down there might have been a slight deterrent, but the additional cost of the ramp would’ve been the nail in the coffin – I would’ve decided it was simply not worth it. I understand that every trip to the water has costs, both financial and the opportunity cost of what I would have done otherwise, but without that mental $20 impediment, I’ve rarely had a compelling reason to stay home. As a result, some of those four- and five-hour sessions have been some of the most enjoyable times I’ve spent on the water. Knowing that I didn’t have much time to move around or run the tides, I’ve hunkered into smaller areas, learned them better, and ultimately caught more fish. It even saves me time on the way in, as I don’t have to stop and pay the gate agent or have correct change for the honor box.
So yes, the pass has saved me substantial money over the years, but its true value has come in freeing me mentally to go, even if it’s just for a short while or if the weather looks iffy. That’s a huge win – anytime you learn to say “yes” to opportunity.
A Few More Key Fishing Investments
Over forty years of semi-cost-conscious fishing, here are the things that I’ve learned are consistently worth spending on, even if it’s a burden or doesn’t seem justified at the time:
Good Shoes – As I’ve gotten older, these have become key. Your feet are the key to your fitness, your health, and the security of other parts of your body, like your lower back – especially for those of us who have one foot on the trolling motor pedal most of the day. Treat them well.
Gym Membership – Again, you can’t enjoy your fishing, or fish long days, if everything hurts, or if you’re constantly at the doctor. Take care of yourself. It took years for Hanna to convince me to join Orange Theory Fitness, and while I hate every minute of it, the effort (and cost) are well worth it.
Quality Hooks and Line – These are the most direct connections to your fish. If they fail, you fail. Buy the best that you can and replace them whenever you have doubt that they’re in perfect shape.
Boat US Membership – At some point, you’re going to break down, on the water or on the highway. A tow (or a flatbed) comes at a premium cost, if you can get one at all. My hundred and something bucks a year has more than paid for itself financially and – like the park pass – in peace of mind.
