Fuel-Saving Tips From One Pro Angler Who Spends Over 200 Days a Year on the Road

KENNESAW, Ga., Sept. 1 -- Have you ever noticed that your tow vehicle seems to get better gas mileage on your way to a bass tournament or your favorite lake than it does on the trip home?

Yamaha pro Greg Hackney did. In earning the 2005 FLW Angler of the Year title and the No. 1 pro angler in the world spot in the State Farm/Bassfan.com rankings, he clocked a lot of windshield time this year.

"Hack," from Gonzales, La., said, "Some anglers experience that without ever figuring out how much water weight can affect their tow rig's performance.

"It sounds like a no-brainer, but you should always make sure to drain your live wells and run your boat's bilge system once the rig is on the trailer to make sure that you have gotten as much water out of the hull as possible.

"Also, do what I do and wait to fuel up your boat until you are close to where you'll be fishing. The lighter the rig you're towing, the more efficient your tow vehicle will be. And with today's rising gasoline prices, anything you can do to improve mileage will keep money in your pocket.

Hackney says a fuel additive called Ring Free, from Yamaha Marine Parts and Accessories, improves fuel efficiency by cleansing the carbon and varnish from inside the engine.

"Many of the pros found that adding Ring Free in their tow vehicles improved its performance, saving on fuel as well. Ring Free is available only from Yamaha dealers."

For more fuel-stretching tips, visit www.yamaha-motor.com and click through the marine section to the news page.