less boats but the money is up from last year I believe.
There was a 6 or 8 year period where there were over 300 boats, but during that period many people were living beyond their means, purchsing houses and boats they could not afford, etc etc etc.
Lets face it, big game bluewater fishing is not now, nor has it ever really been a blue collar working man's type sport. Smaller canyon capable boats and good GPS service has given the middle class a little taste of it, but the sport still caters to the affluent. I get to experience it because of my career choice, not my bank account (and I feel very fortunate). If it were coming out of my pocket I would be able to fish a few times a year and never in a tourney, let alone a big money tourney.
My charter has 24,000 and change tied up in 3 days of fishing this week, not counting hotels, food and drink (or my tip or fish cleaning bills). Not really the common man's price tag I would think.
Franky Pettolina
Marine Surveyor and Consultant
SAMS~AMS--ABYC Standards Accredited--Chapman Grad
410-251-0575 surveyfp@yahoo.com
www.lastcallcharters.com