Large Fishing Tackle Outlet

[Zeeter]

Over the previous week I've been researching all of the remaining tackle I need for this season. This is the first year in a while where I'll need a full setup for almost any presentation rather than only taking exactly what I need for the few lakes I fish. So I need a lot of gear.

 

After filling out my order on TW and Amazon (depending on who had the item and who had it cheaper), I thought: It's Saturday. Why not head on down to the Large Tackle Outlet store (we all know the one, but I don't want to call it out by name in case they're a sponsor). Figured - I can just get it all in one day. 

 

Tell you what. They did not have ONE item that was on my list. Not a single one - even down to the terminal tackle. Now, I replaced some obvious items, such as a rod sock, where I don't really care what model it is, and a couple of hooks. But for the crankbaits I was looking for? The swimbaits? Tubes? Nothing.

 

Yet all along the shelves I saw about 80% store brand merchandise vs. other manufacturers. I also saw in the reel department that they don't carry much in the way of higher end gear. This I can understand because they probably don't get as much interest in store. For example, they have the low end Shimanos but not the high end. For rods, they don't have any G. Loomis, though you can get it, and the higher end reels on their website.

 

Conclusion: The stores are not intended for serious anglers. They are intended for people who aren't sure exactly what they need and are presented with such a wide array of store brand merchandise that it can be overwhelming. If I don't have this, the the store has two rows dedicated to it, then I probably need it. Right? That's the thought process.

 

I still wound up paying over $250 on items where I wasn't so interested in the brand, such as the Senko wacky rig ring applicator, waterproof fishing gloves, and some extra stock on items that work for me. Plus I got a pretty nice early-spring weather jacket for the first tournament. This is another reason I went: I don't like buying clothes online.

 

Bottom line: If you know what you want just order it online rather than hoping the store has it. You'll get exactly what you want and save the hassle of driving there, only to find they don't have what you're looking for.

[Jar11591]

This happens to me all the time. I will go to a store like you're describing, a large tackle outlet.

 

I'll go there needing a specific thing, let's say it's 4/0 Gamakatsu EWGs. They'll have 2/0s, and 3/0s, 5/0s and then 4/0 Offsets, no 4/0 EWGs. If I need 50lb moss green Power Pro, they will have 30lb, 40lb, 65lb and then 50lb Hi-Vis Yellow, but none of my 50lb moss green. If I go there needing a 7' MH-F? Then they'll have 6'10" MH-Fs, 7' M-Fs but not my 7' MH-Fs. It's incredibly frusrating, and I do most of my tackle buying on Amazon or TW now. 

[Zeeter]

3 minutes ago, Jar11591 said:

This happens to me all the time. I will go to a store like you're describing, a large tackle outlet.

 

I'll go there needing a specific thing, let's say it's 4/0 Gamakatsu EWGs. They'll have 2/0s, and 3/0s, 5/0s and then 4/0 Offsets, no 4/0 EWGs. If I need 50lb moss green Power Pro, they will have 30lb, 40lb, 65lb and then 50lb Hi-Vis Yellow, but none of my 50lb moss green. If I go there needing a 7' MH-F? Then they'll have 6'10" MH-Fs, 7' M-Fs but not my 7' MH-Fs. It's incredibly frusrating, and I do most of my tackle buying on Amazon or TW now. 

 

I do the same. No question about getting what I want when I order it online. Just yesterday I felt like getting out of the house for a while. Another problem is that it's an hour away and I almost feel obligated to buy at least a few things while I'm there. 

 

Now I'm downsizing my TW order since I spent so much yesterday, and I did get a few useful items. Just not some of the things I specifically was hoping to pickup.

[Glenn]

If you don't shop your local tackle shops, they go out of business.  But Okay.  Just keep that in mind when you're fishing a tournament, run out of THE KEY bait that's put you in first place on day one, and you can't find a tackle store anywhere within 150 miles of you.

 

I get your frustration, but it's something that could've been avoided with a phone call.  If they don't in stock have what you need, and they can't order it for you, then online is an option.  Just a thought.

[Gundog]

I've got 2 large tackle outlet stores in my area and the OP is right. Overwhelming number of baits are the company brand. Seems like they intentionally understock other brands so they don't compete with the "house brand". 

[Zeeter]

Just now, Glenn said:

If you don't shop your local tackle shops, they go out of business.  But Okay.  Just keep that in mind when you're fishing a tournament, run out of THE KEY bait that's put you in first place on day one, and you can't find a tackle store anywhere within 150 miles of you.

 

I get your frustration, but it's something that could've been avoided with a phone call.  If they don't in stock have what you need, and they can't order it for you, then online is an option.  Just a thought.

 

I had a list of about 50 items. I'm not going to call and go down my list with them.

 

This wasn't a mom an pop store I was at. This was a Large Tackle Store that gets a lot of press and sends out 300 page catalogs every quarter. Mom and pop stores are great, but unfortunately they don't always have a good stock and generally it targets what sells for that particular area.

[Gundog]

2 minutes ago, Glenn said:

If you don't shop your local tackle shops, they go out of business.  But Okay.  Just keep that in mind when you're fishing a tournament, run out of THE KEY bait that's put you in first place on day one, and you can't find a tackle store anywhere within 150 miles of you.

 

I get your frustration, but it's something that could've been avoided with a phone call.  If they don't in stock have what you need, and they can't order it for you, then online is an option.  Just a thought.

What I'm referring to is the large stores. We all know the names. Small mom&pop stores tend to keep more varieties in stock. Just yesterday I traveled 2 hours to get to Wacky Worm (a mom&pop shop) to pick up some baits and terminal tackle because I know when I get there they are gonna have what I need for the most part. 

[WRB]

Big difference between a big box store like BPS and a local mom & pop tackle store. The big box store carries merchandise supplied by regional warehouse with national buying power with the goal to turn over inventory multiple times a year. Specialized bass fishing tackle doesn't appeal the a large enough segment of the population to satisfy the big box sales demand.

The local mom & pop store will carry what you want if you buy it from them! The problem today is the local tackle store must be competitive with online stores and that isn't possible due to thier cost. You can't have it both ways, support the local tackle store and pay 15% + more to have the convenience  of getting what you need over the counter along with touch, feel and good advice or buy at the lowest price point online.

Tom

[Fishin' Fool]

I feel your pain. I've switched over to ordering the majority of my rods online without touching in advance. It's a risky proposition but has worked out for the most part. These days 90% of my lure shopping is through TW or Ebay purchases. No 45 minute commute to find out they don't have what I was looking for. The challenge like Glenn said is you need a week or so to receive your order. Tight lines.

[CTBassin860]

1 hour ago, Jar11591 said:

This happens to me all the time. I will go to a store like you're describing, a large tackle outlet.

 

I'll go there needing a specific thing, let's say it's 4/0 Gamakatsu EWGs. They'll have 2/0s, and 3/0s, 5/0s and then 4/0 Offsets, no 4/0 EWGs. If I need 50lb moss green Power Pro, they will have 30lb, 40lb, 65lb and then 50lb Hi-Vis Yellow, but none of my 50lb moss green. If I go there needing a 7' MH-F? Then they'll have 6'10" MH-Fs, 7' M-Fs but not my 7' MH-Fs. It's incredibly frusrating, and I do most of my tackle buying on Amazon or TW now. 

Id get Prime if you shop on Amazon. 99 bucks for the year is worth free 2 day shipping.

And the unlimited music streaming and the movie streaming too.

[Jar11591]

1 minute ago, MassBassin508 said:

Id get Prime if you shop on Amazon. 99 bucks for the year is worth free 2 day shipping.

 

I have it, and I have packages coming to my house by the truckload because of it 

 

Amazon Prime is one of the best purchases I've ever made! 

[A-Jay]

2 minutes ago, Jar11591 said:

 

I have it, and I have packages coming to my house by the truckload because of it 

 

Amazon Prime is one of the best purchases I've ever made! 

 

Me too  ~ I've even given it out as Gifts to several family members & friends.

And "Ray the UPS Driver" and I are very well acquainted  ..  ..  .. 

Nice Guy.

A-Jay

 

[CTBassin860]

Mine just renewed last week! I wish they gave you a heads up though lol.Surprise,we took 100 bucks from you.

[MassYak85]

This is why I don't shop at BPS or Cabelas much anymore. I'll pop in if they have a good sale but the majority of the specific stuff I want they don't carry. You'd think a Bass Pro Shops in Massachusetts....where lead is banned....wouldn't have a jig selection that is 95% lead. Stuff like that. Plus when TW has 5 dollar two day which ends up being cheaper than the gas I burn going to Bass Pro...it takes a lot to get me in the store. The only exception really is if I need to buy something like a tackle box and I need to see and feel if something will fit in it. 

[mwh33]

TW has 5 dollar 2 day shipping and 10 dollar over night shipping. That's where I buy 90% of my tackle. I buy most of my rods now from Gary at Tackle Trap or from Dobyns. I mostly use JDM reels that I get from reputable Japanese websites. I rarely go to stores any more. Maybe to kill some time to look at fishing electronics or boats.

[CTBassin860]

3 minutes ago, MassYak85 said:

This is why I don't shop at BPS or Cabelas much anymore. I'll pop in if they have a good sale but the majority of the specific stuff I want they don't carry. You'd think a Bass Pro Shops in Massachusetts....where lead is banned....wouldn't have a jig selection that is 95% lead. Stuff like that. Plus when TW has 5 dollar two day which ends up being cheaper than the gas I burn going to Bass Pro...it takes a lot to get me in the store. The only exception really is if I need to buy something like a tackle box and I need to see and feel if something will fit in it. 

BPS is 10 minutes away and im going there less and less.

2 hours ago, Glenn said:

If you don't shop your local tackle shops, they go out of business.  But Okay.  Just keep that in mind when you're fishing a tournament, run out of THE KEY bait that's put you in first place on day one, and you can't find a tackle store anywhere within 150 miles of you.

 

I get your frustration, but it's something that could've been avoided with a phone call.  If they don't in stock have what you need, and they can't order it for you, then online is an option.  Just a thought.

I wish i had a small local shop to support.

[dwtaylor]

I buy a lot of stuff online from ebay, amazon, TW, another site, etc.  I like the selection and prices that e-tailers offer.  

 

With that said, I really try to support local businesses.  One of the best shops I have ever been in is called The Reel Shot in Appleton Wisconsin.  They have an awesome selection of stuff and the prices are about what I would pay online.

 

At the end of the day the all mighty dollar is the one who calls the shots.

[Spankey]

Zee don't know if this helps but Susquehanna has a big weekend coming up next week. Both in the shop and on-line. Just a thought. Hasalways been worth the drive to me.

 

TW & ST make life easy and to the point. It's a hastle running around and wasting time, I know my time is worth something. Don't want to waste it. BPS doesn't care if you go to the store or not. If they did they wouldn't put out 400 lbs. of mail to me every year.

 

I have a so called mom & pop, DICKS (literaly) and a couple of Wallys. They are no prize. 

[ethan-333]

went to tacklestore a and b. tacklestore a had like 1 item i wanted and tacklestore b had about 50 percent. i pretty much order online for specific items now due to the fact shipping is cheaper than driving and i dont have to spend an hour looking for the exact product i want and i can usually find it cheaper. and not sure if its been mentioned but for reels i buy on ebay now. usually 30 to 100 dollars cheaper and you can get a 1, 2, or 3 year replacemrnt plan from certain sellers

[Jeff H]

I wouldn't ignore those house brand items....

 

I just wanted to add that some of the "house brand" tackle is actually pretty good stuff for really good prices.  An example I can give is the Mean Eye series baits from Cabela's.  Great quality hard baits and they have VMC Spark Point trebles on them, which are really decent hooks!.  I've just recently bought some of the jerkbaits and they are very close to a Spro Mcstick but half the cost.   I have always stuck with my "brands" but now these "house" baits have caught my attention.  Some of the plastics are looking pretty good too but I don't know if the savings are there on these as I haven't done any price comparison's yet.  Just sayin'...

 

 

[Zeeter]

1 hour ago, Jeff H said:

I wouldn't ignore those house brand items....

 

I just wanted to add that some of the "house brand" tackle is actually pretty good stuff for really good prices.  An example I can give is the Mean Eye series baits from Cabela's.  Great quality hard baits and they have VMC Spark Point trebles on them, which are really decent hooks!.  I've just recently bought some of the jerkbaits and they are very close to a Spro Mcstick but half the cost.   I have always stuck with my "brands" but now these "house" baits have caught my attention.  Some of the plastics are looking pretty good too but I don't know if the savings are there on these as I haven't done any price comparison's yet.  Just sayin'...

 

 

 

I've been a big advocate of the BPS senko clones. Don't really see a difference, but you get more for your money buying the store brand. 

[Zeeter]

6 hours ago, WRB said:

The local mom & pop store will carry what you want if you buy it from them! The problem today is the local tackle store must be competitive with online stores and that isn't possible due to thier cost. You can't have it both ways, support the local tackle store and pay 15% + more to have the convenience  of getting what you need over the counter along with touch, feel and good advice or buy at the lowest price point online.

Tom

 

It's really what the world is coming to. Either drive from store to store filling out the shopping list, or order online. You can research online, look at reviews, and generally get exactly the style you want. Plus if you order enough they usually give you free shipping, so all that gas money driving from store to store is saved, too.

 

Brick and Mortar stores just can't do that. And it's not just fishing. The only reason to really go into a store nowadays is for food and clothes. Just about everything else is easier to buy online. And heck, if I know what style and size fits me in a pair of jeans I'll even order those online. 

[Airman4754]

10 hours ago, Glenn said:

If you don't shop your local tackle shops, they go out of business.  But Okay.  Just keep that in mind when you're fishing a tournament, run out of THE KEY bait that's put you in first place on day one, and you can't find a tackle store anywhere within 150 miles of you.

 

I get your frustration, but it's something that could've been avoided with a phone call.  If they don't in stock have what you need, and they can't order it for you, then online is an option.  Just a thought.

 

When was the last time someone won a tourney on something that isn't carried at Academy or Dick's? Homemade stuff excluded. 

 

Cabela's is two miles from my house. I went there four times to turn around and go home to order from TW like always. Academy always has the same inventory, it's actually in stock, and it's cheaper. Sure, I don't have a gazelle on the wall staring at me at Academy, but I somehow manage.

[MNGeorge]

BPS and Cabela's have both gone downhill as Bass fishing suppliers IMHO...I use them only as a last resort or when they have a sale on something I use regularly. My experience with TW has always been more than satisfactory...love their customer service.

[Spankey]

With the buying power Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops has their prices should be better. 

 

And for their size they are not full line dealers. Example Strike King. As big as both companies are they BPS should have every pattern available one way or another.