S-B One way to save $$$ is to get your own bait. In the spring I will do a trip just for bait for the frezer. Also you don't have to go far fish close to home spots you know. Like John says Chart's charts charts know where you are all the time on the chart. I spend hours looking at my charts. looking for rocks and humps that may hold fish. If you know where the rocks are you won't hit them we hope. Go slow don't be in a rush getting there is part of the fun.
And yes I have talked to the sea gods one or two times
one time was on the way back from the bank one hour out 2 1/2 back in
Good Luck SB have fun think safe.
str1