[Gerry Zagorski]

Interesting topic here....... You'll find in any commoditized industry, business are constantly monitoring competition. The gas stations across the street from each other will change the same price to compete since they are in the same location and selling the same thing.... It's competition and the laws of supply and demand.

Further, if you look at the party boat example what would happen if one boat started charging $50 and another $100 for the same trip? I would submit that the one charging $50 would soon be out of business because if you're loosing money on every fare, you can't make it up on volume... The boat charging $100 would also meet the same fate since they won't be carrying as many passengers.... This is why you see them all charging the same and they compete on things like better service.

This is great for all of us since we have many quality fishing businesses to choose from. The competition results in more choices which results in fair prices and better service since these businesses are forced to compete for your business..

Now the wild card in all this.... What happens if fewer people are taking fewer fishing trips?? 3 main causes here are likely regulations, cost per trip and the fact that there are fewer people are getting into our sport... Nothing in the short term the party boat owners can do about any of this...This is the reality of the situation these business owners are faced with and at some point if these trends continue, you'll see fewer and fewer businesses around.

Any of you who think these businesses are taking advantage of you and price fixing or gouging, IMO you are mistaken... I think that the prices are about as low as they can go since these business owners have to make a living, they have fixed and variable costs they need to recoup and as mentioned above, if they charge too little or too much, they are out of business...

A lot of people get on the boat and start counting fares... Hmmmm Captain X made $3500 today $70 times 50 people.. What you don't see is the costs and the time associated with operating their business. Fuel , repairs, inspections, slip and insurance fees, the times they can't get out due to weather or not enough fares, not to mention the hours involved.

If you think these businesses are taking advantage of you and price fixing or gouging, IMO you are mistaken... I think that the prices are about as low as they can go since these business owners have to make a living, they have fixed and variable costs they need to recover and as mentioned above, if they charge too little or too much, they are our of business...

These guys are not getting rich.... If this business were so easy and profitable, everyone would be doing it. Fact is, there are a lot easier ways to make a buck then being charter or party boat owner.

Frankly, I'm thankful there are still some around that make the choice to stay in the business given what they're up against... They provide us all with the ability to get out on the water for a day at what I think is a fair price and a relative bargain.