Gulf Oil Spill Hurting Tackle Shops

I have been following the news about the Gulf oil spill pretty closely since I live right on the Gulf.  I also fish in the saltwater from time to time so I'm anxious to see what it is going to do to my area.  But the thing that really worries me is affect the spill is going to have on business here in Florida.  We have already been hit really hard by the real estate collapse and unemployment rates, and now this.  Some of my work includes being a Manufacturer's Rep in the fishing industry and this is already starting to hurt business in the state.  I was talking to a dealer the other day and he was depressed as his sales were dropping quickly.  Even though they also sell freshwater tackle, most of the stores carry a full selection of saltwater.  If you live in the Gulf Region, support your local tackle shop and buy some gear! 

I read an article yesterday from Thefishingwire.com and thought this was interesting: "A post-Memorial Day survey of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida recreational fishing-dependent business owners, conducted by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), found that over 85 percent of the owners surveyed won't survive the oil leak's fallout without immediate financial assistance. Compared to Memorial Day 2009, overall sales were down an average of 47 percent. In Louisiana, which has borne the brunt of the oil leak's impact, sales were down an average of 55 percent with some businesses reporting sales as much as 90 percent off from last year's Memorial Day weekend. In Florida, sales were down an average of 35 percent, even though the oil leak is still making its way to shore. The majority of the survey respondents are located within five to 25 miles of the coast." Read the entire article: Memorial Day Weekend a "Bust" for Gulf Coast Recreational Fishing Businesses