You don’t need to let high fuel prices stop you fishing. These are some ways to save fuel on the water.
Find the Sweet Spot. Every boat has an a “sweet spot,”The speed at which the engine performs best. If your engine is equipped with a fuel-management system, you can use it to determine your sweet spot. You can do this by running your boat at different speeds. Each level has a speed and fuel consumption of gallons per an hour. For comparison, use this equation: mph gph is mpg. The engine RPM that gives the best mpg is what you should use to propel your boat.
Adjust your fishing habits. Some fishing doesn’t require a constant engine and long runs to reach the fishing grounds. To catch bottom fish, you can try drift fishing or anchoring on areas with structure. Freshwater anglers will be able to fish longer and use less fuel by using an electrical trolling motor. Fishing longer can be made easier by changing the way you fish.
Find fuel-efficient engines. The most fuel-efficient outboard motors ever built are today’s four-stroke and two-stroke high-pressure direct-injection marine engines. Fuel savings can range from 25 to 40% over an older carbureted engine. You can offset the cost of an older outboard by buying a new one.
Talk to a local dealer about your engine and determine if you are a good candidate for a new outboard. Yamaha Marine (www.yamahaoutboards.comThe only outboard brand that has received the National Marine Manufacturers Association Customer Satisfaction Index award in every year since its inception is ). The company currently has over 2,200 dealers throughout the U.S.
Create a Plan. Knowing where you want fish can save you time and money. You can plan your trip in a logical order, which will reduce travel time. Also, backtracking will reduce fuel consumption.
