Happy New Year?

Looking out the window at a gray and dreary sky, it's kind of hard to get too fired up about running offshore. It's 41 degrees and the wind is cranking. Winter is a tough time for the bluewater fisherman in Texas. Most of us are more concerned about going hunting or skiing and leave the big game fishing for warmer weather. It's also a good time to travel somewhere where it's warm and the fish are numerous. In another month or so, the wahoo will stack up on the deepwater rocks and we can make a quick run offshore for some hot action and excellent eating.

However, this new year will present us with many challenges. Hurricane season, with three land-falling storms this year, has devastated parts of our coastline and many of us are still trying to recover. Our nation is in the middle of a major financial crisis that is being compared to the Great Depression. On the bright side, fuel prices have been falling and are now better than they have been in a long time, but our economy is hurting. Depending on whom you believe, if anyone, this problem may be with us for a while. We can only wait and see what the new year brings and hope we get through this crisis as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, it's Boat Show Time!

The winter boat shows give us something to do when the weather is tough and get us thinking about warmer weather. You can take your friends or family to the show and it makes you want to start getting all of your stuff ready to go fishing. It's a great time to look at new boats, tackle and other products that you might just have to have. There are seminars on fishing and displays from many different manufacturers. It's also a great time to get a deal on a new boat, especially this year.

Times are tough and that has created a buyers market. Many dealers have seen slow sales due to this global economic situation and it's your chance to get a great deal on a boat. Inventories are high, so there is a large selection of models to choose from. Financing is still available, but a little more paperwork is involved to qualify for a loan. If you can, take advantage of this opportunity and get a deal on the boat you've been wanting.

Here are the upcoming boat shows:

Houston International Boat Show Jan 2-11 Reliant Center

Austin Boat Show Jan 15-18th Austin Convention Center

Corpus Christ Boat Show Jan 22 25 American Bank Convention Center

San Antonio Boat Show Jan 29 Feb 1 Alamodome

Dallas Boat Show Jan 30 Feb 9 Dallas Market Hall

Both of us will be at the Houston Boat Show at the Tops-N-Towers booth in Reliant Hall. Come by and talk about fishing, hunting or rigging your boat. We're always happy to visit or answer any questions.

The Tops-N-Towers display will have a myriad of aluminum products to see and we will have information on new CABO and Riviera Yachts. Our Fox Yacht Sales extensive inventory of brokerage boats will also be on display and we will be glad to help you find a boat or sell yours. Coastline Marine, the Shallow Sport Boats dealer will be there as well.

For more information call Tops-N-Towers at 281-474-4000 or our Fox Yacht Sales - Seabrook office at 281-291-0656.