Cabelas

[ReelMaster]

I have been sending off for fishing catalogs?  How does Cabelas compare to Bass Pro in regards to what they sell and the quality. Are there other good catalogs I should order?

Thanks

[BassinBoy]

Bass Pro Shops:

Much more of a variety of lures and baits

Make good rod and reels

Focus of fishing for there main selling

Cabela's:

Less of a variety

Make good quality rods

Focus more on hunting than fishing in their sales

Bottom line Bass Pro has more of a variety of everything especially bait and lures

[Marty]

I've dealt with Cabela's from day one of my fishing. They're a great company to do business with and have outstanding customer service (which is not to imply that Bass Pro Shops doesn't). Unfortunately, they don't have the selection that BPS has, although they do have items I want that BPS doesn't.

If they have something you want, I'd have no qualms whatsoever about placing an order.

[senko_77]

The ONLY good thing I have to say about BPS is there return policy is golden.  Other than that, Cabelas dominates in every aspect.

[SnowBass23]

There are no Cabelas stores near me, so I've only ordered via catalog or internet.  I have been into many BPSs.  Senko, I'm curious why you don't have anything else good to say about BPS.  I've never had any kind of issues with them, and that has been with years of ordering and going to the stores.  Like everyone else has already said, there are items that BPS has that Cabelas might not, and vice versa.  Both are my two favorite stores.

[Muddy]

Among the best! I love them even more now that there is a store close to me, they have more for fishing at the store then the catalog

[RWHusker.]

We have both and Cabelas get 10 to 1 of my fishing dollars.  Mostly based on instore expertise.

GO BIG RED

[senko_77]

There are no Cabelas stores near me, so I've only ordered via catalog or internet. I have been into many BPSs. Senko, I'm curious why you don't have anything else good to say about BPS. I've never had any kind of issues with them, and that has been with years of ordering and going to the stores. Like everyone else has already said, there are items that BPS has that Cabelas might not, and vice versa. Both are my two favorite stores.

Well #1, I worked for them for over a year and I saw things that happened back in the shipping and receiving area that would make you sick.  G-Loomis rods lashed together with rope and tossed around.  Reels falling out of the boxes and getting all scratched up then brushed off and tossed back into the box.  Rainwear and other clothing getting a dirty in the back then brushed off quickly before getting put on the floor.

#2 - They don't carry jack.  I prefer shopping at a mom and pop store like Hammonds Tackle that carries every product that Tacklewearhouse carries, and if they don't have it, they will order it for me with lightnin fast shipping.  

#3 - Hope this doesn't offend anyone, but the employees at the BPS store near me are unbelievably dumb.  They don't know the difference between a crankbait and a spinnerbait and they don't know when to shut their mouths.  

I've had nothing but excellent experiences with Cabelas.  Their employees never push a product, and are always there if you need help.

[Glenn]

I'd say Cabela's is better for clothing and camping gear than BPS. But BPS dominates fishing gear.

But that's just me. I think it's more a matter of personal preference and style. If BPS offers 50 rods you don't like, and Cabela's carries only 10 rods, but one of those 10 is the one you want, then it doesn't matter how big a selection either has.

Bottom line: shop both. Collectively, you'll find what you want - unless you like really high-end gear or specialty tackle.

[bilgerat]

[unfortunately, they don't have the selection that BPS has, although they do have items I want that BPS doesn't/quote]

Exactly. Although I never had a bad experience with BPS, Cabela's gets the nod. Better shipping prices, and the Bargain Cave blows away BPS's clearance section consistently.

Cabela's needs to work on their website a little. Several times I've had trouble finding items that I knew for sure they carried, only to find them as a "related item" link.

[Tokyo Tony]

I love Cabela's, but the in-store selection is crap. Their rod selection is terrible, but that's because people buy the cheapo rods 20 to 1, so you can't blame them. Half the time you see a higher-end rod, it's been on the rack and horsed around so much that there's almost always a slight defect (bent guide, chipped epoxy, even broken tips).

Even so, Cabela's is by far the best fishing store in my area, and their customer service is unparalleled.

Kinda off-topic, but twice I've watched the bass in the tank at closing time, and they turn off the lights in the tank. It's incredible - while in the light, the bass just kinda watched the baitfish, then the lights go out, and it's their cue. They go into an absolute feeding frenzy, and literally within minutes, the entire school of baitfish has been demolished. It's awesome watching largemouth, smallies, pike, crappies, bluegills, mudfish and catfish go all-out.

[Muddy]

Hey Tony I wish you could visit The Hamburg PA Store here in PA The Rod and Reel section would blow your mind, and ALL THE SALESPEOPLE are helpful and knowledgeable/

From Loomis and Sage all the way to thier version of the Ugly Stick

Every reel you can imagine, on hendels for you to feel the action. It is truely incredible and much better stocked than the Harrisburg BPS!

[ejtaylor822]

I like them both.  Pricing is pretty close, once in a while one will be having a sale and beat the other on cost, but then, next month its the other way around.

From a fishing perspective I think BPS has better "store brand" fresh water options with the Johnny Morris, XPS, etc. lines.  

I believe Cabela's has better selection overall (store & name brand) for saltwater and fly fishing.  The Cabela's Salt Striker spinning reels are top notch.  Have abused several and they just keep on going.

[burleytog]

To put it simply, Cabelas > BPS.

[Tom Bass]

I'll jump in here with my opinion. BPS ROCKS! 8-)

Nuff Said.

[U.W BronzeBack Hunter]

OK, i'm going to end this conversation.

If you're going to get the best deal, you must shop smart at both stores, and then decide upon what to get.  

Also consider visiting ***.com .  Many members of this forum frequently visit this online tackle store, and for good reasons.  There is always free shipping on orders over 50$, and their selection on top-notch equipment is impressive.  They frequently have unbeatable sales, and their prices are guaranteed lowest pricest (if they aren't, you can call them to complain and haggle the price.... it's true).  

If you visit these three sites/stores (and other stores that hold a good reputation), and purchase items during the spring time when most stores have awesomely huge sales, you're bound to get a heck of a deal on everything you need.

END

[U.W BronzeBack Hunter]

.... and want

[Muddy]

The I guess I would be wasting my time with

G-mans Jigs

Big M's Crank Baits

***

Mattlures

Anaconda Baits

all of them sponsors here, all members here, all better than average baits and customer service

and I would especially be wasting my time, by the lake I fish Going to the FOUR SEASONS SPORTING GOODS, mom and pop tackle store who carry a full line of rods and reels, do excellent reel service and have a knack for storing up on discontinued but effective lures at fair prices. I am sure many members have such a store they deal with

Thanks for your expert input, it was more than I needed or wanted.

[LAO162]

On the phone, the representatives at both Cabela's & BPS are always prompt & courteous. I'm amazed at how quickly I get through at Cabela's, regardless of the time. However, the product knowledge of the representatives and their product specialists is weak. If I'm serious about a product at Cabela's, I'll usually call several times and ask the same question since their answers are not consistent per specialist. If I get the same answer twice, I'll consider it to be closer to a fact. However, I was very impressed by the staff in my one visit to the East Hartford Cabela's store. I don't bother calling BPS for additional information. On the other hand, when I spoke to the folks at *** the seemed to speak from experience, or at least shared the passion for fishing.

[Fishing Rhino]

BPS does have more of a selection.

But if Cabelas has what you need or want, their standard shipping is much faster, and, if you live near a Cabelas, they will ship it to that store at no cost to you.  You can pick it up there.

[SudoomFisher]

Recently just bought a new XML TI rod from Cabelas and since they didnt have the rod in stock they shipped it to my house at no charge which I thought was pretty cool.

In the CT store, browsing the floor for new lures can be tricky and I dont think they have nearly the in-store of what they have online, but I like the fact I can avoid shipping by picking stuff up in store if I order ahead of time.

No experience with BPS and local shops in my area specialize in river striper fishing. However i think DICKS is great a t keeping lures in stock and somewhat underrated

[Triton20x3pro]

Both are good, but I prefer Cabelas as I receive my products much faster and I'm also a big fan of their bargain cave certain times of the year.

I have been ordering more and more from Tackle Warehouse over the last year.

[stormrider]

Hey Tony I wish you could visit The Hamburg PA Store here in PA The Rod and Reel section would blow your mind, and ALL THE SALESPEOPLE are helpful and knowledgeable/

From Loomis and Sage all the way to thier version of the Ugly Stick

Every reel you can imagine, on hendels for you to feel the action. It is truely incredible and much better stocked than the Harrisburg BPS!

have to totally agree. BPS is 20 min from me and Cabelas an hour. I much prefer Cabelas. I ordered a St. Croix to be shipped to the store

(BPS) on Dec. 30th nad still no sign of it. Went to Cabelas on Jan 2nd and they shipped areel to my house, no shipping charge, because it was not in stock and I received it on the 8th. BPS would not ship directly to my house Makes me  >

[grimlin]

I've gotten to the point where Cabela's and BPS are last resort to finding something.

I like to find a deal.  

Cabela's does have the faster shipping compare to BPS at times.

Only problem i have with Cabela here is having the item in stock @ the store.They are horrible about their rod selections.I have to go online to get it.

[BARON49_Northern NY]

For those who don't know about it Cabelas on their web page have a Bargin Cave that is like BPS clearance section.  Never know when you might get a get buy.  Check it often.