Yes, the equipment does get more expensive. When I bought the boat I have now, 24 years ago, it was the top of the line, or so, and cost 17 grand. The top of the line now cost 65 THOUSAND, and probably more as that price was 2 years ago.

I don't catch as many big fish as I used to, but then I haven't been to the best lake in over 10 years now. I've done ok this year as the local lake has changed over the past 10-15 years and I keep fishing the way I like, but have changed the techniques this summer, and so more big fish. The other local lake I've done great, considering I've only fished it 3 or 4 times this summer, and usually a big fish each trip, even 2 big fish the other time a few weeks ago, AND fishing with a crankbait-the way I like to fish.