Local Tackleshop Vs. Retail Giants 2024
Rhino68W reply :
Do you shop at your local bait/tackle shops or at one of the many retail giants? I am studying business and have started to see the importance of keeping money local. Any thoughts?
Alonerankin2 reply :
Use to... Since BPS came to the area in about 2005, all the great local shops, had to close their doors. Sucks too, they were great, smart, savy fisher people's ... Now there's a cabelas, 4 DSG , and 2 Academy's , academy's are opening in early dec... I see no chance for the great little shops to ever compete around here, not now.
HoosierHawgs reply :
I don't mind Academy. They are not too bad compared to DSG. I can't stand DSG, as has been seen in previous post. But I still prefer to shop at small local shops because I like to support them, but also, I usually am able to find a hidden gem/deal. A lot if the local guys can negotiate on certain things to. The guys at Westside Bait & Tackle, Tackle Service Center, and Wildcat Creek Outfitters are pretty good guys. They e treated me well, done me right, so I continue to go back to them when I need something.not of fan of Big Box, like Tackle Warehouse and the like.
BassThumbAddict reply :
I try to buy everything in my life locally. Food, Essentials, Hobbies.
J Francho reply :
They aren't really many local shops that even carry what I'd use.
gardnerjigman reply :
Any local shop near my neck of the woods (before I moved) carried old outdated crap. If they had anything decent it was 2x what you would pay at the big box stores. The only business the local shop even got was on catfish bait and live bait.
kadas reply :
I have to agree with j Franco--I find it harder and harder to find what I am looking for locally--if I can find it locally I will buy it but the biggest part of the time I have to order it online
J Francho reply :
There's a shop on Sodus, where I launch my boat from. I pay the $5 launch fee, and usually buy a couple of $8 bags of Senkos and some cold soda.
Alonerankin2 reply :
That's what I loved about local here, they had higher end everything, no junk. Even reel repair, custom rod builds/ display .. High end fly rods & reels, he spent 30 years doing it, I spent thousands in there... Miss it too...
Choporoz reply :
I'm thankful that those aren't the only options. My 'local' options are very limited, so I'm pretty happy to patronize 'others' like Siebert, MegaStrike and Northstar. Not because they're sponsors -- that doesn't sway me too much other than the fact that I'm more exposed to them. I just like their passion and their participation here.
HoosierHawgs reply :
On 11/27/2014 at 12:33 AM, Alonerankin2 said:That's what I loved about local here, they had higher end everything, no junk. Even reel repair, custom rod builds/ display .. High end fly rods & reels, he spent 30 years doing it, I spent thousands in there... Miss it too...
That is the same around my area.
starcraft1 reply :
I'm lucky enough to have Bass tackle depot just down the hill (25 mi. away) and they have everything you can think of for bass fishing. Just like some of the other guys are saying, the local shop has salmon and trout gear and lack as far as bass, but if you want to hear about "you better get your guns now before they out law them" B.S. You'd be in the right place.
I've been hearing that for the last 40 yrs.
aavery2 reply :
I use my local tackle shop for everything that I can, even if it means paying just a little more. Jim Zeiner and his family have been in the tackle business for around 60 years, they are the only privately owned tackle shop that I know of in the Wichita KS area. They carry things that you can not purchase at the Big Box stores. Jim carries every Do-It mold made and lots of component items to make your own tackle.
What I can't get through Jim, I use TW for.
ColdSVT reply :
I support my local shop as much as possible...that and he is a good friend and occasional tourny partner lol
He best part is if he doesnt have it he will order it for anyone!
bigbill reply :
I support my local mom and pop shop too. They have a clearance rack and I give the lures to the kids too. I get info on the local hot spots.
I look for deals or what's the hottest new thing. I try to spread the wealth after all everyone has to eat.
Remember to support our sponcers first. With out them we wouldn't have this awesome forum.
BenB54 reply :
I mainly do all of my shopping online but I try and support local shops when I can.
jwwoodjr reply :
I use both. I buy lures from the local shops because the ones around here stock what is working on the local lakes. It's a little more expensive that way but the information on what the fish are doing is worth the money. Also, helping out local businesses is worth something to me. My basic terminal tackle, hooks, weights, line, ect, comes from whoever has it cheapest.
VtGr0wn reply :
Mostly local however.... walmart has cheapest marine batteries around so it varies
fishballer06 reply :
I live close to the city of Pittsburgh, and there's no real Mom-N-Pop shops able to survive, so we have Dicks, Wal Mart, and Field & Stream. Dicks doesn't have the best selection, and their prices are only good if you find a good sale. WalMart has some great prices on some plastics like Senko's. Field & Stream is owned by Dicks, but they have a decent selection and average prices. When they have sales or I get my reward certificates, I can get some great deals. With all that being said, I usually have to shop online to get most of my gear.
EmersonFish reply :
I buy local as much as possible, and I understand that means they need to get a few more nickels out of everything to get by because they don't sell the quantity the big guys do. As someone who fishes a lot for a variety of species, I know the value of a good "bait and tackle" store, versus a "big box" store; and I want them to be around for a long time.
I'd also recommend, if a local tackle shop isn't carrying the most "in demand" product, that you let them know what kinds of things you'd like to see in the store (or make a point of asking for it every time you go in). Trust me, if they know that what they put on the shelves will sell, most folks will be happy to put it out there; they just might not be as aware of what is popular right now, and they have to be very careful about what they stock. Some of these folks are a little older and "out of the game," so to speak. The bottom line for them is, they can't afford to make too many mistakes with what they stock, so they play it pretty safe. If you try and help them out, and they are jerks about it, that's on them.
PAGreg reply :
I really try to use the local shop as I'd like to see them do well. However, being smaller accounts, they have a hard time keeping stock of the stuff that I want and getting it when I want/need it usually take too long. So, if I can plan ahead, I'll get it through the local guy, but if it's a rush deal, I'll go with the big guys that have what I need on the shelf and can get it to me in days versus weeks.
Darren. reply :
Most of my gear is bought online or via BPS and DSG.
I buy live bait via one local shop, and get any repairs
to rods at another local shop with a rod builder.
Most of the local shops do a ton of saltwater business,
moreso than fresh. No idea how the arrival of BPS
impacted them, but none have gone out of business.
Siebert Outdoors reply :
I support local when possible.
Raul reply :
Keep trying to keep money local and sadly pretty soon you are out of money.
John G reply :
I will buy some plastics from my local DSG and WalMart but as far as rods/reels, nobody around here sells JDM Shimanos and I can't afford to pay full price for rods from the local G-Loomis dealer.
Bruce424 reply :
Only local tackle shop around here sells live bait, which I really don't use. The rest closed up. Wish I did have one. That be cool.
adam32 reply :
I buy it where I can find it, and when I find what I want I buy a bunch. It's getting harder to find anything I want locally. The bass pro and cabales near me are a joke when it comes to tackle. When the DSG opened near me a few years ago the had a TON of tackle. Now they just have one isle of stuff that's not even worth looking at. Lately even when I go to order something online I have to go searching. It seems like everything I want is always out of stock.
15-20 years ago I could get pretty much anything I wanted locally, not anymore.
Catt reply :
In this day & age we are forced to shop both 
BasshunterJGH reply :
I buy from Tackle Warehouse and a couple other local "mom and pop " shops. TW is the only major retailer I buy from.
SirSnookalot reply :
Around here there are but a few small shops, little if any bass related items. I fish with a small arsenal of lures and baits for both fresh and salt, catching fish on what Walmart and DSG has to offer hasn't been a hardship. I like the fact I can go into Walmart in the middle of the night and some of the small tackle shops at 5-6am, big box sores opening at 9 is later than I'd like.
What is beginning to be of concern is rod and reel repair, doable but not quite as local as it used to be.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Our only close local shop has a really good selection and extremely competitive prices, so I shop there as much as possible. I buy from Academy pretty often, mainly when I'm after crankbaits because theirs are so cheap and good quality baits. I buy as little as possible from Bass Pro and Cabela's, mainly because they're so expensive compared to everywhere else, paying for a lot of overhead in those stores.
Sam reply :
Rhino, when you visit a tackle shop note the amount of linear space that is given to each brand and type of bait.
Same is true in grocery stores.
Each retail outlet can give each manufacturer only so much feet of space and they will stock those colors and types of baits with high turnover ratios.
Also, from a marketing perspective, a manufacturer may pay a few cents more to the retailer to have their products displayed at eye level. Throw in packaging feel, color, marketing baloney on the package you have an item that is designed to hook the fisherman, not the fish. As an example, check out the washing machine soap isle in a grocery store. Every color in the rainbow and promises galore. A lot of study went into the Tide colors to catch your eye. And Tide is usually on eye level.
In other words, you "sell the sizzle and not the steak!"
In fact, I buy the can of tomato sauce with the lady holding the basket on the label. Been doing it as my grandmother used that brand, Still have no idea of its name but that is the one my wife uses, too, so I pick it up and can't get into trouble.
Some local tackle shops offer advantages over the big box stores. In Chester, Virginia we have Castaways that has almost every color and size of Zoom baits you can imagine. This local tackle shop puts Bass Pro Shops to shame with their selection. And the guys at Castaways are bass fishermen and they will talk fishing with you.
Green Top has a better selection of fishing products than BPS and the guys at Green Top know bass fishing and the Virginia waters. And Green Top's prices are a little less than BPS.
You can also get some good feedback from local tackle shops on the local fishing. If you know someone at a big box store that bass fishes and wants to speak with you about their experiences then you have "hit gold." Otherwise, you are on your own at Academy, BPS, Dick's, Cabela's and Wal-Mart when it comes to selection and what baits do better in local waters.
As for the monetary difference between the big box stores and local shops, you can sometimes pay less at the big stores but you will gain a lot more information about local fishing from the local tackle shops. And the local tackle stores know of people who can service and repair your rods and reels which is a tremendous advantage over the impersonal box stores.
So to answer your query: I shop at both the big box stores and the local tackle shops. I want the local establishments to stay in business even though they have less linear feet of shelf space and sell the basic colors. plus the fact that they are closer by than driving the 20 miles to the BPS up I-95.
I also shop on-line for different or unusual baits and tackle that the local outlets do not have.
Marketing is a science that is fascinating to study. Just watch the car commercials for the subliminal messages and the backgrounds. In fact, don't look at the people or the cars. Look at the background, only. You will find it interesting to note how much thought goes into the backgrounds of car and other product commercials.
Just shop at both. The Bait Monkey will be there to help you.
Master Bait'r reply :
I REALLY wish there was a nice local shop around here. All we've got is WelfareMart and DSG so I get stuck spending online mostly.
I vastly prefer to spend locally so it does kind of bother me that I don't even have an option to. Chains are ok but I prefer to support small local businesses whenever possible.
Montanaro reply :
My local shop has ice cream knick nacks and a terrible rod selection. Old model zillions marked at 350 dollars. All lures and plastics are marked up at least 15% from msrp. I can't afford to shop there! It's unfortunate really. Maybe if they focused on hunting and fishing instead of painted rocks and junk they'd be doing better.
Sam reply :
Montanaro, if you ever cross the mountains and head to the Capitol of the Confederacy check out Tackle Express on Midlothian Turnpike near Moorefield office park in Chesterfield County.
Craig sells many rods and reels at a discount.
ww2farmer reply :
No local shops around here that are worth a hoot. Everything is marked up....and not just a small % either, Havoc plastics for $7, SK cranks for $10, Booyah jigs for $6..................gimmy a break, that's not a "slight mark up", that's greed and ignorance, and they deserve to be run out of town by the big stores.
slonezp reply :
I buy bait and last minute fishing emergency stuff at local shops. Last minute boat stuff and fishing rods at Cabelas which is 5 minutes from the house. All my reel, lure, and tackle purchases are done online
Felix77 reply :
Local to me means DSG. I tend to buy there only if there is a great deal. Otherwise it's TW.
S Hovanec reply :
If local stores had what I need,I wouldn't order online.
Montanaro reply :
On 11/27/2014 at 10:40 PM, Sam said:Montanaro, if you ever cross the mountains and head to the Capitol of the Confederacy check out Tackle Express on Midlothian Turnpike near Moorefield office park in Chesterfield County.
Craig sells many rods and reels at a discount.
I'll try to remember to check it out next time I head for the obx. Thanks
travis23 reply :
I would say i do both equally. I think its important for me to support my local tackleshops (there are 2). Like slone said i buy most last minute things there, but i have also made big purchases on rods and reels. The guys see me come in alot and will always cut prices on those items to satisfy me.
SirSnookalot reply :
The so called Mom & Pops shops of all types of businesses have had a difficult time of making it since the advent of discount stores of the 1950's. It isn't easy for any small operation to compete price wise and stock ALL the wanted merchandise, they have all they can do just to crack their nut.
I'm not so sure I can buy into the supporting the local economy argument, not that I don't like to see small businesses succeed as I was a small business owner myself. Big box stores employ more people, those employees pay taxes and spend much of their money locally. There are big box operations that are quite charitable as well. In all fairness they may not be charitable because they want to be, it's a tax savings and enhancement of their image. But the money does do a lot of good and that's a real good thing.
From a personal standpoint we may not be getting the personalized service as we once did. I do have to say that the times I go to BPS I have dealt with some pretty savvy people.
gulfcaptain reply :
Local dealers carry some nice things, but depending on the needs you may not get the selection of what you're looking for. If I was only saltwater fishing like I used to for years, then all my equipment came from local guys as big name companies didn't stalk the lures and baits or have the selection the local dealers did. Bass fishing is so varied, it would be tough to have it all under one roof. So the combo of the "Big Box" stores, local guys, and internet shopping allows us all the ability to locate and purchase the items we feel we "need".
Texas Pride reply :
We have three tackle shops that i know of still open. One is Annes tacke if i spelled it correctly she is a retired pro fisherman she has good deals. I like another one closer to sam rayburn called tackle monkey hes a guide and knows what the fish are bighting and only stocks thouse so you can quickly get what the fish want and get out and back on the water quicker and catch more fish. Local tackle shops are also nice and try to help you what you need. Thats what i like about local tackle shops.
carlm01 reply :
We have a local shop and i'll buy my worms and plastic baits because he's a tourney guy and knows the colors that produce here, But as with all of us a few minutes online and we can find whatever we want ,I try to order stuff from the small shops online ..
ColdSVT reply :
On 11/27/2014 at 11:26 PM, ww2farmer said:No local shops around here that are worth a hoot. Everything is marked up....and not just a small % either, Havoc plastics for $7, SK cranks for $10, Booyah jigs for $6..................gimmy a break, that's not a "slight mark up", that's greed and ignorance, and they deserve to be run out of town by the big stores.
Good lord...does he do any buisness? Lol
jitterbug127 reply :
I really try to shop locally, but it is hard. Very limited selection. Way expensive and lack of knowledge from staff all hurt. Went in looking for a rod and reel combo. They had prices like 30 percent higher than walmart or dsg. I am all for local business but a cheap old man even more so. Went in to buy livebaot all year asked what the catfish were biting on every single time got same answer...nightcrawlers, i caught a bunch of cats this year, not one on a worm lol
SRQbass reply :
On 11/26/2014 at 11:42 PM, Rhino68W said:Do you shop at your local bait/tackle shops or at one of the many retail giants? I am studying business and have started to see the importance of keeping money local. Any thoughts?
I frequent the same tackleshop for almost everything and have become good freinds with the guys there. They have even given me discounts before just because I'm in there constantly and they like seeing a younger person fish. But if they don't have anything, I'll head over to bassproshops. But I vastly prefer local tackleshops.
PersicoTrotaVA reply :
I support one local shop that I have been supporting since I was a kid. The owners have changed and the new guy is starting to carry more stuff and is priced a little more competitively with DSG and BPS. I'll buy a crankbait or some plastics there every once in while. They have great sales on Zoom sometimes. I also bought my sunglasses there. They carry Costas and for the money it's something I would rather hold in my hand and wear before purchasing. I don't shop at BPS anymore. I got sick of wandering around looking for someone to help me. TW pretty much takes care of everything I need and the free shipping and free t shirt pretty much takes any other online retailer out for my purchasing needs.
whitwolf reply :
I have one local place I get the majority of my plastics, a few crankbaits, terminal tackle, and rods and reels.
When I go there, which is often, I almost always buy something and the time we spend shooting the bull Is always great. If they don't have an Item they will order It for you.
That being said I buy all my jigs from Mike at Siebert Outdoors, a few custom made crankbaits, a selecet few Items from TW, JJ'S magic from their website, and If the bargin bin at Walmart has some of the old wee r's and deep wee r's(They don't make them anymore) I will buy those for $1.50 a piece.
It's rare that I go to DSG or BPS. If I do buy anything from either one It's usually because I have a gift card. On the rare occasion I'm in Charlotte I will go to BPS to browse. I might buy something I might not.
Fishes in trees reply :
I think that we are pretty lucky in the KC metro area in that we have Rogers Lures, which is a good independent fishing tackle/archery/hunting stuff (everything except guns) store.
That being said, if I am out and about and drive past BPS ( Independence) or Cabelas (KCK) I will stop and look around. Dicks, not so much. Allegedly there is an Academy Sports that opened up over in KS, but I haven't made a trip there yet.
I buy most of my stuff retail, rather than on-line. I use the on-line shops to look and get ideas on what I want next. I only order on-line if I can't find what I want over a counter.
Preytorien reply :
I'm in the same boat as some other posts.....
I have a local shop, but the prices are so expensive, not to mention they've got one of those "$5 credit card limits" on all purchases. It's not usually a problem though as I rarely see anything in there less than $5. I just can't justify a $7 Strike King jig when ever our local Wal-Mart has them for $3.50. I mean....c'mon.
I'm all about small business though don't get me wrong - I frequent a coffee shop here in town that's homegrown while we have a Starbucks right down the road. But when small business marks up that much, I can't justify the extra cost just so I feel better about myself.
My purchases usually come from TW. Bass Pro is good but I've never ordered anything from them that didn't take 10 days to get to me....in central Indiana. Now we have a Cabela's coming in within the next year or so....I foresee this being a bad thing for my paycheck.
Weld's Largemouth reply :
Local runs expensive though. This is the 21st century, major chains are ever-growing and we must deal with it, its just how our economy is running and is actually beneficial to the national economy. For example, in my town we have a local pharmacy that is insanely overpriced and lacks selection.. now a chain CVS pharmacy is opening soon and i hope they put the local pharmacy out of business. Yes it will hurt those who work at the local pharmacy in the short term but, they can get BETTER paying positions at CVS than the local pharmacy had given them. The national economy is boosted by these chains, as many American families own stock and many shoppers at these stores benefit in two ways, by paying low prices for products and by profiting as investors
Even though people think chains ruin small businesses this is false. They weed out they over expensive and unjust business and spur the growth of new ones that can compete with the chains on the same level. Plus it is obvious, big chains mean less expensive.. its a no brainer positive factor.
On a fishing note,
I feel TW is where its at. BPS and Cabelas are just corrupt, and often expensive (when buying online) compared to TW. The amount of shipping they charge is outrageous and TW does an amazing job of free shipping and $5 two day shipping its great. And Dick's is just a mess, its expensive and the selection isnt the best. They have good clearance sales sometimes though
aavery2 reply :
On 12/6/2014 at 2:02 AM, Fishes in trees said:I think that we are pretty lucky in the KC metro area in that we have Rogers Lures, which is a good independent fishing tackle/archery/hunting stuff (everything except guns) store.
That being said, if I am out and about and drive past BPS ( Independence) or Cabelas (KCK) I will stop and look around. Dicks, not so much. Allegedly there is an Academy Sports that opened up over in KS, but I haven't made a trip there yet.
I buy most of my stuff retail, rather than on-line. I use the on-line shops to look and get ideas on what I want next. I only order on-line if I can't find what I want over a counter.
We do have an Academy Sports in Wichita
speed craw reply :
I shop locally, however I have it made as where I live I have a bass pro , cabelas , academy , dicks retail stores all around. However i'm not so much into big chains based more over they just about carry the same stuff or there own brand to a point then fight over pennies for the same stuff . The local tackle store tends to carry a lot better variety that others dont but they do have medium to higher end stuff like tackle warehouse so I dont mind spending $$ for other fishing equipment or gear.
Ronald K Smith reply :
I try to support the local tackle store but they have all but closed due to the large mega stores. Looks like the local bait shop only restocks live bait and flea market finds on a regular basis due to the big stores.
greentrout reply :
Years ago in a smaller community there were some local tackle shops I would buy their products & services. There you could find lures and other items you would not find at Wally, Academy and the like. For example: that 1/8 oz. buzz bait that worked great on marsh LMB or spinner bait that worked, too. That's how I discovered It's a Humdinger.
Them were the days...
Old school basser...
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
I prefer local as long as they aint doubled the price.i picked up a old school lightning rod pistol grip for 20 bucks one day at a local place had 49.99 marked down to 20$ i woulda bought 5 at that price
*Hootie reply :
I can remember when you bought most of your fishing gear at the local hardware stores.
Hootie
wytstang reply :
I started shopping at TW about 2 months ago and it has been a God send for me. Most of the local shops here (Ladson,SC) carry Strike King, Booya, and lots of Zman (Zman is located here), with some Rapala and Rebel sprinkled here and there. The prices are high and the brands I like/discovered thanks to TW just aren't here (Dirty Jigs, Netbaits, D&M,MegaStrike), they also seem to open @10am all week. I work nights so staying up that "late" is very inconvenient for me, shopping at 3am and tax free works out perfect for me (all other chains I pay tax and shipping). Better selection, better prices, convenient shopping in my situation, and free shipping/tax free.
Chris at Tech reply :
I'm fortunate enough to have a phenomenal local place near my office - Hammonds. The place is an institution especially for those who fish Lanier. They recognize me, are happy to share info, cut some discounts, and if they don't have it they will get it for you. Great store with great people!
I still do quite a bit of shopping at TW as well.
plural_of_fant reply :
I give Susquehanna bait and tackle about 99% of my business. they are a good independent shop that's as up to date as any of the big guys.
Brnnoser6983 reply :
Here in Minnesota we have Cabelas and gander, plus your local mom and pops. And lately I have been going to mom and pops or online.
The big stores stock so much of x brand and hardly do you ever find some of the nice off brands. And by off brand I mean big name but not next to Rapala. Like I can only find z-man chatters in the big brand and my local will carry or order the others that I like (like weedless ***).
Also good luck finding Livingston lures, *** or River2Sea in a gander.
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