Do high gas prices affect your fishing destinations ?

[SUNDROP]

I have an older boat with a 70 hp evinrude 2 stroke 70's vintage. She likes fuel. I pull it with a 2004 Silverado, she likes fuel too. So I have started fishing the pamlico/Tar river here at home. Ramp is 3 mi away. Problem is, it isnt the most productive because the location is brackish and varies quickly so it sometimes is almost a "dead zone". I either so east 1 hour (salt) or west 2 hrs (fresh). I'm having to work harder to learn my home waters and adjust.
I usually get the boat on plane and then feather the throttle back as low as I can and stay on plane. I can see a big difference in my consumption. I also went to synthetic lower unit oil and when I needed a new prop I went to a pitch for power, not speed. Lost 2 mph but gained the power to keep it planed at lower speeds and plane quicker.
I used to do 10-12 gal a day, now I can do the same on 7-8 and I use the trolling motor alot more for short runs and I keep 2 rods with crankbaits to troll between spots and pick up a Striper here and there doing it. I want to learn more about Crappie fishing, but here it is spotty and limited to the creeks. I cant afford to haul to Jordan or Falls all the time so I guess I'll be content to fish at all!!

[TnRidge]

Sundrop , sounds like you and I are in a similar situation . I live about 2 miles from the Duck River . It's better for Bass and Catfish than Crappie . Allthough I can catch a few Crappie for the skillet , the better Crappie fishing lakes are 50-70 miles away .
My 16' Alumacraft boat has a 4 stroke 60/40 jet so it doesn't burn as much gas as a bigger rig . Most of my gas usage is for traveling to and from the lake in my 2006 full size GMC .