Patrick Pierce

Rising gas prices have anglers watching their budgets as tournament season begins. (PAA: Chris Dutton)

by Alan Clemons -PAA Communications

Tournament season has begun and anticipation is high with thoughts of a fresh start with a new year, but with that comes one nagging twinge of anxiety.

Gas prices are increasing due to unrest in the Middle East. Just last week, the price of a barrel of oil topped $103 for the first time since 2008. The Associated Press has reported that Libya’s output of production is down by at least 750,000 barrels per day from its usual 1.6 million barrels, according to the International Energy Agency.

The price per gallon for gas and diesel fuel in much of North America, Europe and Asia has jumped significantly in just the last few weeks. It’s not surprising to see an extra dime or nickel, or more, on the gas station sign prices from one day to the next. Some predictions put prices for gas at $4 or more by summer.

 

With the PAA Tournament Series, Bassmaster Elite Series and FLW Outdoors circuits all getting underway in full force this month, tournament anglers – and recreational anglers – will be watching the prices poke holes in their budget when it’s time to hit the lake. The first PAA Tournament Series event is slated for March 31-April 2 at Lake Lanier, based at Sunset Cove at Lake Lanier Islands Resort.

But there are a few simple things that can add a little boost to overall mileage. In this first of a periodic series, we’ll talk with pros and industry folks to get some ideas on how to save a few bucks on travel.

Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes pro Dave Lefebre of Pennsylvania and his wife, Anne, travel to events in two vehicles with their two children. He said one key for them was simply slowing down.

“We actually just started driving 65 (mph) and noticed a big difference from 70-plus,” Lefebre said, throwing in a little joke, as well. “I think the truckers should strike all over the country for three days and put a stop to $3.85 for diesel I just got at the last stop!”

Vicious pro Patrick Pierce of Florida plans to reduce his speed a bit this season, too. But he’s also taken time to do a few other things with his Toyota Tundra tow vehicle that can make a difference in mileage this year. He said the Tundra has a gas mileage computer in the dashboard display that helps show the effects of his changes.

“Proper tire pressure is critical to getting the best gas mileage,” he said. “One low tire on either the truck or trailer will bring down the whole rig. Keeping both truck and trailer tires at or near their maximum recommended PSI really improves mileage. Always check your tires before a long road trip.

“Keep a clean air filter, too,” he added. “I’ve never tried the high performance aftermarket filters, but I definitely noticed I gain about 0.5 mpg every time my mechanic replaces the air filter”

Tournament anglers may be doing less running around the lake and more fishing in a few spots this season if gas prices continue to increase. (PAA: Alan Clemons)

Many pros travel with a cover on their boat and, Pierce noted, those need to be strapped down tightly. Having any gaps that can trap air under the cover will potentially reduce mileage by creating unnecessary drag.

“Triton has really improved their covers over the past few years to include multiple straps around and under the hull, rachet tie-downs for the hem strap, vents to relieve internal pressure (to prevent billowing), and low profile designs that fit very snug with the fishing seats down,” he said. “I find that towing my current boat with the snug fitting, low-profile Triton cover, I gain about 1 mpg over towing without the cover, and my boat stays clean and protected.”

Getting from Point A to B isn’t a drag race, although there are times when the clock is ticking to avoid arriving late or missing part of a practice day. Leaving earlier is obviously the best thing to to but sometimes that’s not possible. When it is, though, using the cruise control to maintain a steady speed – remember, just 5 mph slower can help with savings – is beneficial.

Pierce said using cruise control in hilly areas might not be the best option.

“When I’m towing in the hills heading north or west, I can actually get .5 to 1 mpg better on average if I stay ‘foot on the pedal’ rather than using cruise,” he said. “Cruise control cannot sense the hills ahead of time and waits too long to throttle up, causing the transmission to drop to a lower gear and killing the miles-per-gallon average. Driving on the pedal, I can ease up on the speed a little coming into a hill and use the momentum to get over rather than having to let the transmission drop a gear.

“Same on the downhill side, too,” he added. “The cruise control always overshoots the top of the hill before throttling back. Just like a trained thumb on a baitcast reel, a trained foot on the pedal can always beat any mechanical system out there.”

On the water, Pierce lightens his load in his boat by packing tackle for the season and location out of his tow vehicle. When possible, he launches near the area of the lake he wants to scout to reduce time running around the lake.