Because a lot of guys out there don't want to work for their fish, Ed.
Even some of the yakkers I know, I met a guy in June in NJ who said he started yak fishing when the blitz fishing started a few years ago. He said he must be spoiled because that's the only yak fishing he did, during the blitzes.
He couldn't imagine going out there if it wasn't to paddle in the middle of the big bass on bunker.
I realize that statement is a little extreme, but those were his words....and there are plenty of other guys around like that,,,,,they'll fish 2 or 3 times, get no fish, and decide they want to wait till the reports say they're bangin them again....
like you said, lots of room out there now....usually the only company I have is shorebirds, and the stready hum of the big ships out there mid-Sound at night. Sometimes ya can't even see the ships, just the dark shapes as they roll by silently, except for the hum of the engines......sweet sounds....to me, anyway...