Most of the time I fish I am close to the shore. Could I fish without a boat? Yes, but being on the water, the ease of moving spot to spot, and the views.

I wouldn't ever not have a boat.

I've said this before. Bank fishermen spend their time casting as far away from shore as they can and boaters spend their time casting as close to shore as they can.   

I use my boat 52 weeks a year and will always have one.

A boat is a hole in the water you throw money in.  And I love it.  I will have a boat til I die.  My old Ranger is my baby.  I wipe it down every chance I get and can't wait til the next time I get in it.  Bank fishing is fun but nothing like going out in a bass boat.  I read alot of guys on this forum that have kayaks and small craft.  You can have those too, I will be in my bass boat.  Too bad the new boats have out priced the working man tho.  I would love a new one but just can't spend 50-60K.

If I could still fish all the spots I fish without a boat and still get from spot to spot just as quickly I would still own my boat. Have you ever blasted across the lake at full throttle, trimmed up as far as you can go, throwing a rooster tail 30 ft. high and 50 ft. long at 70 mph? It's not easy on the wallet, but if you have then you know why I would still own my boat.