Do You Support Your Local Bait and Tackle Shop? 2024
The Young Gun reply :
Hey everyone,
I've been working at a local bait and tackle shop and wildlife studio here in Wisconsin for over two and a half years. Before being hired, I was the local kid who spent hours every day looking at every lure, every bobber, every fish REPLICA, and every single package of hooks hung in the store. And I really love it, I love helping people get set up for local fishing waters and helping them chase fish of their dreams. But here is my problem...
I'm very dissapointed by the number of anglers who come in and complain that our prices are just way to astronomical, and then they go on and compare a local shop to their home town BPS or tackle warehouse. This happened just the other day because a bright angler who was driving a brand new aluminum f150 with a new ranger reata decided to throw a fit and yell at me because he can get senkos for $7.19 a bag when I have them at $7.49. This happens all the way from plastics and hooks, up to fish finders. And for most people who don't understand, its very very hard to compete with box stores who can order a specific lure by the thousands and get better prices than your local shop.
So my questions for you guys are, when you go to your local bait shop, if you were looking to buy a bag of senkos, would you make a big stink about that 30 cents? And my other question is when you go into your mom and pop shop, do you negotiate about the prices? I mean by walking up to the counter and saying "Can you match the price on this new shimano curado I, with the price I can get it on ebay?".
How do you guys feel about your local shops?
Kidflex reply :
If the local shop has what I need I pay the asking price. Common sense will tell you that the small stores will be more expensive. Those are jackasses that complain. If I want a discount I'll order them but if I need them now I'll buy with no hesitation. Just like when on the water and there's a certain bait that's biting and your partner doesn't have any.....the price goes up on the water! Lol.
Scott F reply :
I had a local shop I was was trying to support. I could have ordered the high end reel I wanted online, but I decided to get it from my local guy who had to order it as well. He told me 3 or 4 days to get it which was fine. After a week when it wasn't in he said 2 more days. Another week went by and it still wasn't in. He acted like I was too much trouble to deal with. It took a month to get. If a small shop wants my business, he should provide a bit of customer service to make up for his lack of selection and higher prices.
atcoha reply :
I do, can't buy live shrimp online by the dozen...I don't think. Most of the tackle shops around here are geared for saltwater angling.
There is a small freshwater tackle shop right up the road from me, I have been in there twice in 20 years. Nobody seemed to want to help me out the first time, and they don't even sell licenses. Went back in last year, they opened up to selling guns too, stopped by to look at guns and tackle...they still don't sell licenses, and the guy blew me off...won't go back. His guns were overpriced junk anyway.
whitwolf reply :
I buy from many places but the majority of my gear comes from the local tackle shop. Those guys are great! They are more than willing to help anyone who comes In. If they don't have It they will get It. As for the prices they might be a little high but there's really not enough difference to think about it.
I will keep as much money as possible local and one of the great things about this shop Is you can go In there, buy a few things, shoot the bull for however long you want and there's never a time when you want to leave. They are so durn good to their customers that I wouldn't ever think of not going there.
kickerfish1 reply :
We don't have the independent local shops around here much any more. We have the chain retailers like BPS, Cabelas, Scheels, Dicks, etc. We used to have an Omaha Sports store and an Anglers Supply. Neither are around any more. These shops have probably fallen by the wayside for one main reason - the presence of online retailers presence.
I would never complain about paying a touch more for something I needed from a local shop. It only would bother me if I was dropping significant money. Say I bought $300 worth of gear from the shop. Lets also say I bough 50 bags of plastics and each was $.30 more per bag. In this example I would have paid more than $15 vs an online retailer like say TW. Also take into consideration sales tax which would probably be around $20. The total of $35 is a good amount of money in this example. I really believe that for this reason many people have choosen to take their purchases online. The selection is also usually better online. Really the only downside would be the wait time associated with shipping.
If we had local shops here that were independent specialty shops I would probably help support them but since we don't I would rather buy online than give the $ to BPS and Cabelas.
MIbassyaker reply :
I get a lot of my stuff online, but I make a point to stop by my local tackle shop before any of the big chain stores (I have a gander, cabelas & 2 DSGs in town) when I want to get something in person, or want to browse. The guys at the local shop have way, way more knowledge about local waters, conditions, and gear (especially lures, reels and rods above the "budget" level) than the folks at the chain stores. They also sell some things by small local tackle-makers that I can't get anywhere else. I have zero problem paying a little more, as long as I'm getting that kind of service.
flffemt86 reply :
I'd rather shop at a local shop, but, alas, there are no local freshwater shops near me. I've often thought about opening up a shop, but I don't even know where to begin...
Burtonxj reply :
Not too many local tackle shops in the Northern VA area (few fly fishing shops) but nothing else that I'm aware of. Usually have to drive ~90 minutes to a Bass Pro. If I'm in a pinch I'll go to a DSG or Gander Mountain and they both are usually lacking in product.
slonezp reply :
I buy live bait at my local bait shop.
topwaterbob reply :
I support the one close to me for rod and reel repair. I used to buy Case plastics from them but don't use that brand anymore. Most of their items are at a plus suggested retail. Hard to pay full retail plus a couple bucks more for a bait. Although I always add something to the list when I get a repair.
burrows reply :
I order online usually when I buy a bunch of stuff but if its just a couple of bags of soft plastics and hooks I spend a few more dollars at my local tackle shop.
ward131 reply :
Live bait only. My local place is over priced. ( I know why) but when I drop 50 bucks and get twice as much on sale at Dicks or Bass Pro I can't justify it. As far as local knowledge, they told me my pond was bad fishing..because they are trout fishermen.
lo n slo reply :
used to be all we had was the local shops, now it's the big boys and internet sites. i remember buying rods and reels at Rob and Don's over in Denver, NC and getting my Diamond Back lizards at Ron's in Concord. local gas stations would dip you out way too many minnows, way too cheap, but would make up for it with their prices on hot sausages, cheese crackers and beer. one local guy would let you dip your own minnows and leave the money under a brick if he was gone or closed. the good old days.
flyfisher reply :
i do for pretty much everything unless they don't carry it and can't get it. Prices are a little more expensive but it is one mile from my house, the staff is great and i like supporting a local business.
Darren. reply :
I go to one local shop for live bait, the other local
shop for rod tip fixes mostly.
Both places have good folks and good support.
BPS, DSG, and TW, etc., have more variety on the
tackle front, so I go there for other necessities.
tbone1993 reply :
Those guys are the same ones to complain about being overcharged at BPS for a rod/reel that I have $10 cheaper.
CumminsAngler reply :
I try to when I can. I do get tackle from mystery tackle box and tackle warehouse but I do always stop into my local tackle shop and walk around with my daughter buying stuff when I can.
Alonerankin2 reply :
Do I support my local bait & tackleshops?
Nope.. BPS, cabelas ran them outta business.
The two strongest held on for 2 years after BPS opened & ultimately closed doors.. I hate it too.
Miss those places.
IowaHusker28 reply :
There really isn't many local places around me... There is one that I will buy stuff from because I know the guy who owns it and I like helping him out, but not a lot of big purchases from their. The scheels in town is awesome, the staff is super friendly, their selection the past 2 years has been incredible and they have amazing deals at the end of the year. I stop in at least two times a week and talk shop with the fishing managers. They will continue to get my business, not because of their prices, but because they go out of their way to help and have the resources to do so.
kcdinkerz reply :
I still go to a local bait store for live minnows but the gear and lures selection is poor.
Master Bait'r reply :
I would if I had one 
BaitMonkey1984 reply :
On 2/29/2016 at 12:29 PM, Master Bait'r said:I would if I had one
x2.
Fishinthefish reply :
I have one small local bait shop that I personally shop at. I know the guy who owns it and hes poured his heart and soul into the place over the years. If several people mention a specific lure and that it has been working for them in our area he starts stocking it nearly immediately. I've heard stories of him buying them for retail price and reselling them for the same price just to keep people coming in while he was short stocked or couldn't get his hands on a bait quickly enough that people wanted.
Shaggie reply :
I do my best to buy from my local shops. I live within a mile of a fantastic shop that up until last year stock a ton of bass stuff. They are now focusing more on their fly fishing gear. They've moved out most of their bass stuff and now host fly tying classes in that area. I don't blame them a bit since the best fly river in the state runs right past their back door. The other option I have is the same distance away as a Dicks. I still prefer the local shop. Dicks has a better selection but I've also found myself leaning toward things made in the U.S. rather than imported stuff.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/29/2016 at 11:30 AM, kcdinkerz said:I still go to a local bait store for live minnows but the gear and lures selection is poor.
Mondo Tackle in Lenexa or Roger's in Liberty, both have great selection and lots of stuff you won't find at BPS or Cabela's.
I shop at Mondo Tackle about 15 minutes from my house because he carries lots of stuff that I can't get at the BPS I have to drive by to get there. One of the few times a small shop has by far the better prices too. He carries one of my favorite jerkbaits, the Luck-E-Strike STX for $7, it's $10 at BPS. The other nice thing is, anything I want that he doesn't carry, he'll order in for me. It takes awhile sometimes, but it still gets there. He also carries lots of homegrown baits from local builders, which is always nice to get stuff that's not mass produced.
Fishes in trees reply :
I live on the fringe of the KC Metro area and I think that we are blessed in that we have a very good independent tackle store, i.e. Rogers in Liberty. I have to drive by there 5 days a week on my way to work. I've been to Mondo tackle in Lenexa once, and I dropped a couple of c-notes when I was there, but I generally don't get over into Kansas that often.
There is some stuff that I have to get through the internet because nobody chooses to carry them. Brewer Slider heads would be one thing. Chompers offers a good selection of terminal tackle, jigs & stuff that aren't readily available, so I have to order from them from time to time.
While I prefer to shop local, I am, in addition to being a fisherman, a tackle junkie and lure collector. I surf the internet often, just looking at stuff and when I see something unique, something that I think might work for me, I will call them up and buy some. I think I've got a few years before I need to expand my tackle storage barn.
kcdinkerz reply :
On 2/29/2016 at 2:45 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Mondo Tackle in Lenexa or Roger's in Liberty, both have great selection and lots of stuff you won't find at BPS or Cabela's.
I shop at Mondo Tackle about 15 minutes from my house because he carries lots of stuff that I can't get at the BPS I have to drive by to get there. One of the few times a small shop has by far the better prices too. He carries one of my favorite jerkbaits, the Luck-E-Strike STX for $7, it's $10 at BPS. The other nice thing is, anything I want that he doesn't carry, he'll order in for me. It takes awhile sometimes, but it still gets there. He also carries lots of homegrown baits from local builders, which is always nice to get stuff that's not mass produced.
I'll have to check out mondos, do you know their hours of operation? Rodgers is kinda far but I do visit once or twice a year.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/29/2016 at 5:56 PM, kcdinkerz said:I'll have to check out mondos, do you know their hours of operation? Rodgers is kinda far but I do visit once or twice a year.
M-F 8-5 I believe. They have a website but there's lots of stuff in the store not listed on there.
http://mondotackle.com/
BrianinMD reply :
I would if there was one in my area.
GetJigginWithIt reply :
On 2/29/2016 at 8:15 AM, Kidflex said:If the local shop has what I need I pay the asking price. Common sense will tell you that the small stores will be more expensive. Those are jackasses that complain. If I want a discount I'll order them but if I need them now I'll buy with no hesitation. Just like when on the water and there's a certain bait that's biting and your partner doesn't have any.....the price goes up on the water! Lol.
Kind of strong words to be calling someone a jackass because they are trying to save money by shopping for cheaper. Some folks do not have extra to spend.
Bankbeater reply :
If I have a reel problem that I can't fix myself I take it to the local bait and tackle store. I also buy my replacement skirts there. They have a huge selection.
Oregon Native reply :
I'm lucky to have a local shop close and it has a great selection. Yes some things are a bit more but don't mind to much as time and travel to other places make it up. Yes I can mail order and do at times but enjoy the hands on and the "BS" at times. He and she also hired a young buck so it's also good to see that growth too.
Tight Lines
speed craw reply :
YES ! I shop almost exclusively at a local store . However the store has a very close selection to tackle wear house . I routinely find brands such as , ima , megabass , imakatsu , duo , lucky craft to name a few . She will order anything I can find or like and then hold it for me or order it on someone else's order to get it sooner . I have been to several local tackle stores and mostly others carry about the same as academy and dicks sporting goods etc . The store owner calls the regulars for when stuff comes in or something new is coming up and even sponsors local tournaments . Not to mention the know your name when you come in is always pretty cool . The more and more I bounce around just for curiosity the more aggravation I find with having to go find someone to find what your are looking for or the big box stores carrying what your looking for in their own brand . I didn't come in here for a xps or cabelas branded product of what I am looking for . I am surprised they just done sell their own branded stuff and toss out other competitor brands anymore .
MDBowHunter reply :
I did at one time, but when the old owner sold a local POS bought the store. The owner and his cronies poach the local woods for deer and over harvest blue crabs that he sells out of his store. He's been called on more then once but our lovely DNR here in MD just can't seem to get proof. Which is crazy because I see him dropping his boys off quite often during hunting season, the only thing is they're hunting county property that's posted. I know the skinny because my next door neighbor is really good friends with him and he has loose lips.
roadwarrior reply :
Two stores which I really like are Big Red's Bait & Tackle in Lakeview, AR http://redstackle.com/
Gray's Tackle Shop in Sheffield, AL https://www.facebook.com/graystackleshop
cgolf reply :
I do shop my local shops some, but I did watch a few years back when they upped the price on everything a couple of bucks when new management took over which really bothered me that they did it all at once. They have gotten a bit better lately, and I do like the people that work there. The bulk of my tackle comes from TW, and with the deals they have and normal prices, you really can't beat them.
I will say that the local shop is now going to carry Zman stuff, so I don't have to order as heavy from TW, because I now have a place to buy it. When we vacation in the Northwoods, I do try to purchase from the same store every year that has really nice guys that run the shop.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/29/2016 at 9:03 PM, roadwarrior said:Two stores which I really like are Big Red's Bait & Tackle in Lakeview, AR http://redstackle.com/
Gray's Tackle Shop in Sheffield, AL https://www.facebook.com/graystackleshop
Red's is a great shop. We were having a rough trip at Bull Shoals a few years ago and decided to stop in there and regroup a little. The gentlemen working at the counter pointed me to a bait I'd heard about but never tried, the Keitech Swing Impact. He said to put it on an A rig or plain jighead and just reel it slow. I bought a few bags, and the trip turned around dramatically for us. I think we both bought 10 more bags that night after we got off the water. I think that's one of the biggest things you can get from the small shops, actual local knowledge.
Lendiesel22 reply :
The big thing for me with a local shop is the experience. Its should be like Cheers when you walk in. If you are any sort of regular they should know your name and the 1st minute or two you walk in should leave you smiling as you get what you need. Hanging with a customer going over new products and bull shittin is case by case. Some guys just want to get in and get out. I worked a local shop in my 20s and it was the most fun you can have at work. I made sure to know my customers, and get a few laughs after they come through the door. If the staff sucks, and the prices are crazy there are just too many other options. If its like Cheers when you walk in, and you spend 45 min longer than you had going in bc you are BSin and carrying on with the guys then I am paying what they are asking.
scaleface reply :
The only independently run tackle shop around here caters to the crappie and catfish anglers . I buy nightcrawlers from them , that is all.
Scarborough817 reply :
I'm not always concerned with price I think customer service is worth a lot more than the dollar I will save getting it somewhere else. obviously there is a line that has to be drawn but I think we all have our own idea of where that line is. a larger store that is somewhat close has abraz-x for $17, bps has it for $30 and the local shop has it for $18.50 obviously I'm going to support the shop that is local to where I fish. there are certain things that i cannot find locally that i unfortunately have to pay a little more for but for any of my usual stuff i always stop in at my local shop on the way up to the lake.
there is also another local shop that carries a few more things that are difficult to acquire in Canada such as bull shads, jackall gantarel, lucky craft real gill. even though the prices are a little higher it is better than importing from the US and paying the exchange rate
stkbassn reply :
I won't support a local business for the sake of supporting a local business if that makes sense. They have to earn my business. If you had what I needed at the time and I had to pay more I would gladly do so. If you carried a lot of the items that I like and use and your prices weren't over the moon I'm sure I would frequent your store but make no mistake, I don't shop anywhere with a dual purpose meaning I don't do it for me and to help them, I shop for me. So if that means I can save bucks and get what I want I will go to the place that has it the cheapest. Sadly you're right about the smaller brick and mortar stores being able to compete with the online retailers and Ebay but that's the way of it these days. I do wish you the best and I'm glad you're working in a place that you genuinely care about. You alone could be the difference between someone buying from you and not. The best thing about local shops is the interaction with patrons which we don't get when we're just pointing and clicking on the internet. So I'd say it's customer service and going the extra mile that will win you business. 30 cents more for Senko's doesn't sound all that crazy to me though 
I think Senko's are expensive either way. As for rods and reels I would guess those prices are similar to retail prices across the board. Ebay is hard to compete with there. I don't buy rods and reels locally unless it's pure impulse or I need it next day.
Good luck bro, keep up the good work!
hawgenvy reply :
I'll go to a local shop occasionally, and I never complain about the prices there. But they won't have most the items or colors I want. And it's just way too easy to shop on-line at TW and have your goodies on your doorstep in a couple of days. Especially when you know exactly what you want, and you see photos and reviews. Or it's something costly and you can verify the price on-line. I'm glad to support my local shop and pay an extra couple of bucks. But to fight the traffic, spend the extra time, risk not having precisely what I want -- forget it! Sorry!
Munkin reply :
The closest one to me is like 45 minutes away in VA?
Allen
blckshirt98 reply :
I support my local tackle shop(Coyote Bait and Tackle) and try to spend about hundred bucks there each month, even if it's stuff I may never use. Sure you can find cheaper online but they have a frequent buyer program where for every $50 bucks you spend you get a card stamp, and once you get 10 stamps the card will get you $50 in free stuff. That more than makes up for any 30-50 cent discount I might save from a big box store. Yes I still buy my share of stuff from sales when i see 20-50% off, but the local BPS that just opened up last year has only seen me for some of the Strike King KVD silent cranks and rattling squarebills because both of those are exclusive to BPS.
One thing my local tackle shop has really emphasized is customer service. Everyone from the owner down to every employee they hire is focused on customer service and some of the friendliest and most helpful people I've seen in any retail environment. It's like the fishing tackle shop version of Cheers when regulars(and non-regulars) walk in. Local shop owners that don't recognize this as a way to differentiate themselves from the big box stores, and are cranky and don't hire friendly staff, will find themselves out of business very quickly.
As for the dude complaining about 30 cents, some people are just like that. My mother worked in food service her whole life and would mention those one or two people asking for a 10 cent discount on a $4 sandwich. The monetary value is insignificant, some people just like to ***** about little things. I understand times are tough and people need to save money where they can but the OP mentioned the guy rolled up in $100k+ worth of truck and boat, so complaining about 30 cents on a pack of plastics has less to do with his financial situation and more about the type of person he is.
Jaderose reply :
My locals only cater to Cat fishermen. I do go to Roger's in Liberty. I prefer it to BPS or Cabela's. When I'm up in northern Minnesota, I think I SINGLEHANDEDLY keep these folks going...lol.
http://www.frontiersports.net/
Avalonjohn44 reply :
I didn't know my town had a local shop until just recently. Since then I've gone through them for just about everything I need. Winchester VA - Jake's Bait & Tackle:
http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/
WI_Angler1989 reply :
I do. I try to take my business to Buroker's Taxidermy and Bait as much as I can. That being said, I don't have a lot of extra money. All of my big purchases: rods, reels, etc, are made with "special" money like taxes and xmas or bday money. When it comes to tackle I like going there for some my mainstays like Mepps and powerworms.
I don't shop local exclusively, but I do what I can because I like local, the people are very nice and to support them.
GoCougs14 reply :
the idea of shopping at a local shop even though they have higher prices, is nice but I think its doomed for failure.
I agree experience is a big part of it, also with carrying some tackle that alot of big box stores dont. I think Bluebasser86's local shop sounded really cool. I like the idea of homemade baits. If you just got a few locals to pour jigheads and maybe some soft plastics. That could really offer something that big box stores cant that would probably be better priced.
blckshirt98 reply :
One way the local shop here differentiates themselves is by carrying a lot of the smaller brands that the big box stores don't carry. They have lots of 6th Sense stuff (they won 6th Sense's 2015 Store Of the Year), local/regional jigs, and a lot of swimbaits (stuff hard to find online too - Roman Made, Trap Bass, JSJ, Black Dog, etc).
Kidflex reply :
On 2/29/2016 at 7:37 PM, GetJigginWithIt said:Kind of strong words to be calling someone a jackass because they are trying to save money by shopping for cheaper. Some folks do not have extra to spend.
I was referring to the people who come into the store and complain. Complaining to a worker about prices is ridiculous. I don't have a problem with someone trying to save money. But don't run your mouth about someone's prices. Either buy or don't.
fishwizzard reply :
On 2/29/2016 at 9:40 AM, Burtonxj said:Not too many local tackle shops in the Northern VA area (few fly fishing shops) but nothing else that I'm aware of. Usually have to drive ~90 minutes to a Bass Pro. If I'm in a pinch I'll go to a DSG o Gander Mountain and they both are usually lacking in product.
Hah, I will sometimes drive the 90m to that Gander Mountain as I feel the Bass Pro is lacking.
I try to support local shops, there are two of them near me, but they are both very saltwater focused and only have tiny little bass sections. The on closest to my house usually has a bass guy behind the counter, so I can always find something to buy to justify picking his brain.
I do end up buying from a lot of very small online places, one in particular doesn't have a shopping cart, you have to write up a list and email it. Guy makes great jig heads though.
BaitMonkey1984 reply :
There used to be a small shop, run by an old friend a mile away from my office. I was by far his best customer, I used to stop by on coffee runs, or slip away for a 15 minute break to just talk fishing. Never left without $20 of merchandise. Sadly, the military moved him to the western part of the state and he had to close the business. Really enjoyed walking in and getting that personal touch of a local shop. Plus, he always knew what they were biting on in my neck of the woods and would offer tips, etc. And if you caught fish on lures bought at his shop, he posted it to their website. Lots of my fish adore his website. d**n I miss that shop.
greentrout reply :
Live in a coastal area where salt water fishing is king and we do have a local who serves those needs with various niches. He DOES take care of the fresh water guys like me with a section of plastics, spinner baits and other hard baits and has a reasonable price to repair and clean reels and repair rods with a hired on site man who does a good job. The other locals who were here have long been wiped out by Wal-Mart, Academy and Dicks. They will see their ending in time, too. It's the way of things.
dignan2121 reply :
Blaming the customer for a poor business model is dumb. I bet maybe 1-5% of your customers may complain about finding a better price online. Why not offer to price match to those who complain? Add enough value to a customer and you won't have to worry about them coming in the door. Value is not just cheaper stuff. You can hold informational classes,offer cheap/free reel cleaning services,get samples from reps to give out. So many ways!
Felix77 reply :
I do when I can. If I think something is too expensive I just don't buy it. Friendly people and customer service go a long way. On more than one occasion I bought something merely because my experience there was worth the support regardless of price.
Felix
roadwarrior reply :
Sometimes you just get lucky. 00 Mod and I happened to stop at Red's when he was liquidating his Megabass inventory.
dave reply :
On 2/29/2016 at 9:40 AM, Burtonxj said:Not too many local tackle shops in the Northern VA area (few fly fishing shops) but nothing else that I'm aware of. Usually have to drive ~90 minutes to a Bass Pro. If I'm in a pinch I'll go to a DSG or Gander Mountain and they both are usually lacking in product.
If you have the time during the week (weekend parking is tough), do yourself a favor. Drive into Baltimore City and visit Tochterman's. They just celebrated their 100 anniversary. They are the oldest operation tackle shop in the US. Man, what a fantastic place. There isn't a type of fishing they don't cover and are the nicest people you could ask for which to deal. Their blood worms are so good, people have to call and make reservations.
On 2/29/2016 at 6:38 PM, BrianinMD said:I would if there was one in my area.
Have you ever been to Tochterman's in Baltimore? They just celebrated their 100 anniversary. They are the oldest operation tackle shop in the US. Man, what a fantastic place. There isn't a type of fishing they don't cover and are the nicest people you could ask for which to deal. Their blood worms are so good, people have to call and make reservations. Not exactly in your area but, not a terrible drive either.
ww2farmer reply :
Very little in the way of local stores out here in the sticks. We got one guy, a couple towns over, that caters to the local bass guys. But he doesn't carry much of what I like/use.............nice guy though, and his prices are decent. I stop once or twice a year, and grab a few things just to be friendly. But other than that, nothing around here.
dave reply :
On 2/29/2016 at 10:33 AM, Darren. said:I go to one local shop for live bait, the other local
shop for rod tip fixes mostly.Both places have good folks and good support.
BPS, DSG, and TW, etc., have more variety on the
tackle front, so I go there for other necessities.
When I make it down south, I always try to stop at Ocean's East. I know that's a little south of you.
faygo1979 reply :
I have two local bait shops that I use. One I support buy renting flat bottom boats when I want to head out on the water for a couple hour. They are primary a live bait shop they sell tackle but it is sparse. But I do try to buy drinks, propane and anything else they do that line up with what I need. They are a mom and pop shop that does a little bit of everything. They fix reels and motors as well as deer processing in the fall.
The other bait shop is right off of St Clair and they have a good selection or items,. I normally pick up stuff that I can buy at dicks, Walmart or BPS. Their prices seem to be competitive but they also don’t have the competition of a BPS or a cabalas on that side of the area.
Small bait shops have to do things that you can’t get from the big boys for them to succeed. The ones that just want to sell tackle are already dead.
roadwarrior reply :
Both of the stores I mentioned earlier cater to local tournament fishermen and they have built great relationships over time. Another thing that I appreciate is the information they share which is always current. What I am particularly interested in is depth, but sometimes a color or specific presentation is hot,
fishwizzard reply :
On 3/1/2016 at 11:20 PM, dave said:If you have the time during the week (weekend parking is tough), do yourself a favor. Drive into Baltimore City and visit Tochterman's.
I have only been there once, after an afternoon barhopping with my girlfriend. She was driving, so I was maybe 4-6 drinks in when I got there.
It was ....expensive.
But really, it is a great shop with a ton of stuff jammed in there. And now that Ostrowski's Famous Polish Sausage is back with owners that give a dam, there is even more reason to visit the neighborhood.
WIGuide reply :
I try to, but there really isn't much around me. There's one place in a small town that's an outfitter, but he caters more to musky and hunting than bass fishing. I also fish on a limited budget so I've got to stretch my dollars and get everything I can with them.
dave reply :
On 3/2/2016 at 1:27 AM, Bunnielab said:I have only been there once, after an afternoon barhopping with my girlfriend. She was driving, so I was maybe 4-6 drinks in when I got there.
It was ....expensive.
But really, it is a great shop with a ton of stuff jammed in there. And now that Ostrowski's Famous Polish Sausage is back with owners that give a dam, there is even more reason to visit the neighborhood.
They've expanded and it is not nearly so crowded. They opened an upstairs area.
Steveo-1969 reply :
On 3/1/2016 at 3:59 AM, Avalonjohn44 said:I didn't know my town had a local shop until just recently. Since then I've gone through them for just about everything I need. Winchester VA - Jake's Bait & Tackle:
http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/
Thanks Avalon, I forgot all about this place! This is about 35 minutes from me and I don't get to Winchester often but I definitely need to stop in and visit them.
ColdSVT reply :
I bring beer to mine lol. I order all of my rods and reels through him for the most part, as well as most of my baits.
Helps he is one of my buddies lol
MichiganBass80 reply :
Nope. Not even sure the last time I stepped foot in the closest "local" tackle shop. To far away and the few times I have been in there they were overpriced.
1201vilbig reply :
We are lucky to have an exceptional one in between Dallas & Ft. Worth. I've seen baits there before TW had availability. Everything from Ned stuff to giant swimbaits. They have the best price on tungsten around. They got big enough to have online sales but still run it as a family business. http://anglersprotackle.com/
I try to give the local businesses as much as i can, even if it means I pay a little more. APT really supports the bass clubs in the DFW area. If you are ever in the DFW area, it is worth a visit.
S. Sass reply :
On 3/2/2016 at 10:47 AM, 1201vilbig said:We are lucky to have an exceptional one in between Dallas & Ft. Worth. I've seen baits there before TW had availability. Everything from Ned stuff to giant swimbaits. They have the best price on tungsten around. They got big enough to have online sales but still run it as a family business. http://anglersprotackle.com/
I try to give the local businesses as much as i can, even if it means I pay a little more. APT really supports the bass clubs in the DFW area. If you are ever in the DFW area, it is worth a visit.
That is great. I live in N.E Texas but have family in that area. As a matter a fact I am going to see them this coming Sunday. And I see they are open Sunday also! I will be making a pass through there. 
I do use our local tackle shops mainly for live bait, something i am out of, and anything I see I cant live without. Very friendly help more than the average shop for tackle I think but the prices are probably a tad higher. I personally don't mind a small % higher price unless it is a big amount where the % becomes a # I cant stand. But anything under $50 it is probably a wash since most online don't do free shipping till $50 anyway.
ethan-333 reply :
i try and shop there often but some of his prices are outrageous
small spool of seagusr red label he wants 17 dollars.. if hes the only that has it i buy it otherwise i cam go anywhere else and get it for 13
i usually buy mostly crappie jigs and soft plastics from him. small stuff thats priced decent.
livin2fish reply :
Absolutely will try the local tackle shop first. If he does not have the "needed" item and can't order it, then will shop around. Will pay more to the local as long as it isn't too overpriced.
Ridi620 reply :
Almost 95% of the time. We got a great local flea market here in Oldsmar,FL with one of the most abundant tackle selections I've ever seen. Prices are great, the owner Bob, your old school fisherman is one of a kind. You don't get the thank yous from the Big companies that you do from your local Mom and Pop shops. Unfortunately that 5% other time is when they just don't have what im looking for or there's those amazing sales that you cant miss out on at the "bigger companies"
JGBassinAL reply :
On 2/29/2016 at 9:03 PM, roadwarrior said:Two stores which I really like are Big Red's Bait & Tackle in Lakeview, AR http://redstackle.com/
Gray's Tackle Shop in Sheffield, AL https://www.facebook.com/graystackleshop
Do you ever go to Perkin's Tackle in Florence? That's my top place. I love to support local tackle shops. Perkin's has literally anything you could want for the most part, and if they don't have it they will order it for you and get it to you in just a few days. The Perkin's brothers are some of the nicest, most helpful people I know. If any of you guys are in this area make sure to stop by. Gray's is top notch too and Danny and the crew are great guys. I've only been to a couple of local tackle shops in other cities but I don't see how any could be better than the ones where I live. I'm just lucky I guess...or my wallet is unlucky.
robster80 reply :
definitely. ive scored alot of deals at one in particular. always puts apt of good lures on clearance. a rack of rods 50% off. last year i scored a 6'8 medium/fast gen1 cumara for 109 still in plastic with tags.. will probably go back by there friday and give them some more $
blckshirt98 reply :
On 3/3/2016 at 3:59 AM, robster80 said:definitely. ive scored alot of deals at one in particular. always puts apt of good lures on clearance. a rack of rods 50% off. last year i scored a 6'8 medium/fast gen1 cumara for 109 still in plastic with tags.. will probably go back by there friday and give them some more $
That Cumara is such a nice rod, great find!
Buckeye Ron reply :
On 2/29/2016 at 12:29 PM, Master Bait'r said:I would if I had one
Same here. There's a Gander and a Field and Stream both about 40 miles from me but no local shops that I know of. No way that mom and pop can compete with the biggies,which is really sad when you think about it. But that's the way everything is going now.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 3/3/2016 at 6:24 AM, Buckeye Ron said:Same here. There's a Gander and a Field and Stream both about 40 miles from me but no local shops that I know of. No way that mom and pop can compete with the biggies,which is really sad when you think about it. But that's the way everything is going now.
Only specialty shops can hang on, and even then only in markets with enough demographic to sustain profits. Even then you will likely have to market online in a big way to be successful.
tbone1993 reply :
On 3/3/2016 at 7:33 AM, Master Bait'r said:
Only specialty shops can hang on, and even then only in markets with enough demographic to sustain profits. Even then you will likely have to market online in a big way to be successful.
My shops been going on 64 years. The biggest advantage to small shops is live bait. We sell more live bait in the summer than we do lures. I would love to see a surge in that side of the business. Been going to my shop since I was a kid and despite my discount I still shop at other small shops in the area.
Dye99 reply :
I do religiously. They are a little more expensive than tackle warehouse, but they are great people, who will post pictures sent to them of fish on their webpage. If you do have a local shop, that isn't a bass pro, gander or another box store, then SUPPORT THEM. They are what made this lifestyle so great.
Gundog reply :
My favorite local shop Wacky Worm is holding their spring sale right now. 10% off lures, so if you are in the NY, NJ, PA border area stop in and check out the 70 foot long wall of plastic lures for some great deals. They also make their own version of popular lures like senkos and soft plastic jerkbaits. Sale ends March 6th.
Hookem Hank reply :
I like the idea of supporting my local brick and mortar store and love to shoot the breeze with them. I ordered a Revo Sx spinning reel from them and they beat TW's price by about $20 so I cannot complain there. They had a sale last month that was suppose to be 30% off certain items through the end of the month. I stopped by a total of three times and realized that the percentage changed each time I went in from 30 to 20 to 10% off. I thought it was kind of strange that each time I went in the prices changed. The only other thing that keeps me going back to the online retailers is the fact that the prices are clearly marked on the sites. When I go into my local shop I find it frustrating that nothing has a price on it and I constantly have to ask what the prices are. I understand that it is a business and I like supporting them but I find it to be kind of shady to not have prices clearly marked. I have made several purchases from them and like the customer service aspect of things but shopping online has its perks.
Mike2841 reply :
I shop for saltwater gear exclusively at one shop near me. Nice little shop, has everything you could ever need, and nothing you don't. The guy that owns it is awesome. Always friendly and professional, knows what the fish are biting and where. The prices are fair, about what you would find something online for, but I'm there so often he's given me discounts on some of my bigger purchases.
Drew03cmc reply :
The bait shop here in town is a BAIT shop, worms, minners amd goldfish.The lures are old as dirt and the tackle is Zebcos and catfish rods. I guess I have to run by Mondo on the way to work for some Sasuteki Craws and to see what they have.
Josh Smith reply :
If there were one, I'd definitely support it.
Josh
blckshirt98 reply :
On 3/5/2016 at 12:06 AM, Drew03cmc said:The bait shop here in town is a BAIT shop, worms, minners amd goldfish.The lures are old as dirt and the tackle is Zebcos and catfish rods. I guess I have to run by Mondo on the way to work for some Sasuteki Craws and to see what they have.
Say what, live goldfish for bait? Out here that's a huge nono and they'll drain an entire lake to get all the goldfish out.
Drew03cmc reply :
On 3/5/2016 at 2:38 AM, blckshirt98 said:Say what, live goldfish for bait? Out here that's a huge nono and they'll drain an entire lake to get all the goldfish out.
Man, the folks here, for the most part, are catfishermen and goldfish catch big [butt] flatties. I can't stand cattin' as I feel it's boring as hell.
tstraub reply :
I try to support local tackle shops when I can, but around here they just don't carry a whole lot of tackle. I have one I go to for minows, bee moths, and night crawlers. I did buy an ugly stick spinning combo there because it was black and pink in color and the wife wanted a pink rod to keep the boys from taking her fishing rod.
Tyler
jignfule reply :
I would buy a lot more from the local shop, if the owner wasn't such an A-hole.
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