There are two mom and pop tackle stores within 20 minutes ans two tackle shops that have a showroom and also sell online; Northern Bass Supply & Tournament Force Tackle which i usually take a trip to at least once a year even thou they are 1 1/2 hours to 2 1/2 hours away because their selection is really big.
I will always try to give my business to the mom & pop tackle stores first as they ''are fishermen'' and can give you local knoweledge and also know the products they sell.They also will special order for their customers (most small shops will if you ask them)these owners aren't there to get rich as markups on lures are minimal at best,Electronics have almost no markups,and the high markup items are terminal tackle.
The problem with box stores is that their employees more often than not aren't knoweledgeable about the products being sold and may not even fish.Their selection is either not very good,on pegs in the wrong places,not priced,don't carry the right colors,the product doesn't get restocked,they move the product all around to make you search for it so you will buy other items while you are looking for it,you either can't find anyone to help you or when you do they don't have a clue what you are talking about.So box /chain stores get my business last!
