quote:
Originally posted by fishin_magician
quote:
Originally posted by richmake
I don't personally know these guy's and I'm sure that they are probably decent guy's to fish with...
This sort of stuff reminds me of a few guy's in Hardy....Just trying to undercut the rest for the sake of a few added charters...
Where does it end....when do you stop the bleeding.
The fact is, I won't leave the dock for that rate because I know that in the end...it just simply isn't going to pay...
Now, I know alot of you will say that I should keep my mouth shut on this one but remember...it was posted above so it's up for scrutiny and debate....
Now if they fish 30 day's a month, maybe you can make a go of it.
regular maintenance costs ona decent boat are almost $20 an hour if it's not paid for and then you add gear, moorage, fuel, etc and I'm just not sure where the profit is...
Am I missing something?
www.coastwidesportsfishing.com
Well..I'm going to tell it like it is...which is pretty much how I see it and those knowledgeable about the local scene will agree with me too.
Warning: Some of my opinions are thought provoking.
Ok...I'm going to wade in here. I don't think criticizing one's business practices is fair...especially when they meet all the regulations and the only argument is "price". "Undercutting the rest" means eroding the foundation of another's business..and we're not talking about price to my mind. I don't think his trolling costs are $20 bucks hr/ either. If it were I don't think he'd be doing it. More likely $10/hour for gas only. All the rest of the costs are fixed and already accounted for I'm sure. I'm sure he's going to clear over $400 for the charter and out of that it pays some bills, pays himself and helps to cover some of the fixed capital costs which you pay regardless of whether you fish or not. It also gets your company out there and gets your name around.
I think KUDOS to these guys for making a go of it.
Let me relate the following story: I once worked with a guy by the name of Al. Al was an environmental consultant with the BC Government. His salary worked out for $49.77/hour 18 years ago--and he was full time employed. On the weekends, he pulled down 5 hour shifts working at the same gas station as me for just $7/hour. It was one of my first jobs. Everyone asked him WTF he was doing. He drove an old 84 Volvo Stationwagon. He explained it this way..it gave him pocket money and he was trying to pay off his house and raise his kids. It was also "better than nothing" as he put it. I ran into Al the other day. He has a new house and his kids are taller than I am. His house is assessed at $3 million and he's driving a high end Audi. I told him I remember that conversation from so many years ago. He said, yep, he remembers the same conversation. He's no longer pumping gas for kicks, he gave that up years ago.
Anyways, back on topic...
There are just 7 firms in the Vancouver area who do any kind of real business-- these are those who I would consider have any kind of real reputation or recognition in the area. 2 or 3 of the operators do sporadic business during the off season and they're regarded as the leaders of the industry in Vancouver. The other 4 or 5 are nowhere to be seen and don't get out on the water very often during the shoulder/off season. Of the 7 firms, during "high season", 4 or 5 are likely on the water on a daily basis. Of those 4 or 5, there are 3 of those who are there for what I call "show", not making any real money per se in a year, they're just paying the bills enough to offset the capital expenses of moorage, advertising, maintenance, bottom paint, and living off the fruits of write offs and depreciation---and they're kinda "hangin' on" taking up capacity when the leaders are booked.
Anyways, of the operators, I'd only recommend 3 or 4 of the operators...and the rest of them, if someone else asked me, I'd tell them it's not worth going unless you're going with the top 3---because I know people who have been with all of firms, and as guests they weren't happy.
At any rate, Bon Chovy is in the top 4 firms and if they're not willing to sit at the dock and make "no money" like the rest of the "I can't be bothered to change my anchovy twice during 5 hours of trolling", all the more power to them.
To my mind, Bon Chovy gets my vote, and SHAME on the rest of the lazy bustards sitting on the dock whining about not getting any charters. Usually they're not getting any charters anyways because of a host of other issues and I'm not necessarily talking about price either.
I know a few of those local operators who are going to complain about Bon Chovy's promotion...but what Bon Chovy is doing is giving people opportunity and incentive to engage in the sport something that none of the other operators are willing to do--especially in less than ideal economic times.
Anyways, of the local complainers, those charter operators can't fish their way out of a paper bag or run a business to save their lives anyways.
I hope Bon Chovy's promotion is successful and helps him achieve his objectives and I wish him well..and as the Americans would say "It's not illegal to make money and you can't blame a man for wanting to put bread on the table".
If they do nothing but break even during that month I am sure they are happier for doing some promotion and marketing of their business instead of having their boat sitting at the dock as they plan Easter Egg hunts. 
