The Death of the small tackle shop 2024
Mobasser reply :
I used to buy some of my tackle from a small, dusty tackle shop. A mom and pop owned business that had been there a very long time.The owner was an older guy, who had fished a long time. In the spring, they were always busy selling minnows to crappie fisherman, as well as lures and rods to bass anglers.Eventually they retired and closed up. The building is still there- sitting empty. It was a great place to hang out for a few minutes and talk fishing. The owners encouraged this, as it brought in business. There are still some small bait/ tackle shops in our Ozark region, off the beaten path, but most are fading fast. Are there still any left in your area? Do you shop there? The sad truth is that I think it's very hard to make it in that business. Much too hard to compete with big box stores and internet shopping. If you still have an old school tackle shop that you shop at,I'd like to hear about it.Sad that there's not many left
the reel ess reply :
There are still a few thriving around my home lake, though I don't fish there much anymore. The same ones that were there most of my life. I'm sure they don't make a killing at it. They're a gas station, restaurant, bait & tackle and hardware store with a decent selection of cheap beer. I used to love going there and buying minnows before the day started. They would also know if crappie were biting on minnows or jigs and what color to use, which, of course, they always had in stock. They would sell you an egg sandwich before you left and a cheeseburger at lunch. Good memories.
Derek1 reply :
There is still two left around here. One the older gentleman is not that friendly and closes in August for the season. The other I just found the other day for shiners about 25 mins away. Unfortunately with everyone searching the web for the cheapest price shipped to their door mop and pop stores are fast becoming a thing of the past. It’s a shame about all stores not just tackle shops hardware stores as well. You know the place that actually had the hard to find item you really needed.
frogflogger reply :
Went broke with one years ago - miss the camaraderie but it's a new age.
Krux5506 reply :
I love a family owned mom and pop tackle shop but there's one thing all the surviving ones around here have in common....they BARELY cater to bass fishermen, besides maybe carrying some basic Rapalas and Power Worms. The only stores keeping up with bass fishing around here are Dick's and Field & Stream. Obviously Cabelas and Bass Pro but we don't have those close by to Rochester.
I hate to say it, but whether it's tackle shops or hardware stores or whatever, there's a reason why I buy stuff online and it's not for the convenience of not having to leave home, but rather that 90% of the time stores do NOT have what I'm looking for in the first place. Can't tell you how many times I've had to chase around looking for specific items only to just go home and buy them on Amazon which would've saved both time and headache in the first place. Typically though with baits/lures I'm buying from big box stores to avoid shipping costs.
Mobasser reply :
On 10/16/2018 at 8:10 PM, Krux5506 said:I love a family owned mom and pop tackle shop but there's one thing all the surviving ones around here have in common....they BARELY cater to bass fishermen, besides maybe carrying some basic Rapalas and Power Worms. The only stores keeping up with bass fishing around here are Dick's and Field & Stream. Obviously Cabelas and Bass Pro but we don't have those close by to Rochester.
I hate to say it, but whether it's tackle shops or hardware stores or whatever, there's a reason why I buy stuff online and it's not for the convenience of not having to leave home, but rather that 90% of the time stores do NOT have what I'm looking for in the first place. Can't tell you how many times I've had to chase around looking for specific items only to just go home and buy them on Amazon which would've saved both time and headache in the first place. Typically though with baits/lures I'm buying from big box stores to avoid shipping costs.
Very true
TOXIC reply :
Had a good friend that owned a small tackle store in Michigan. KD Outdoors. He survived by his knowledge of the local lakes and what was working when. He was an avid fisherman. He sold live bait as well as servicing Bows and being an authorized Trolling Motor repair center. His niche was that he carried the baits that worked no matter who manufactured them. Ever go into BPS/Cabela's or any other box store and try to find Megabass Jerkbaits for example? You won't. He also carried a lot of locally owned bait manufacturers product. It was a very tough business to be in. Sadly he passed from an unexpected illness and the shop was closed.
Swbass15 reply :
We have a small one that is bass and catfish specific. But the owner also rents kayaks, sells them, and also sales guns and ammo. He flat out said guns keep the doors open ammo makes me my profit if it was just fishing I’d be out of business. People rather save a buck at Walmart here
Tennessee Boy reply :
I remember going into a tackle store in the 1980s and buying my first map of Guntersville Lake. There was on old guy behind the counter who ask me how much I fished Guntersville. I told him I just bought my first boat and was new to lake fishing. He pulled out a pen and said let me mark a few places for you. He spent about 30 minutes telling me how to fish the lake. He helped me out a lot. That kind of service is very good for the sport. That kind of service is very hard to find these days.
Boomstick reply :
There are a couple privately owned sporting goods stores in the area. I also found a nice one in Poultney VT... smaller store, but was able to grab some soft plastics and a crankbait there.
GReb reply :
Theres one by me that I shop at occasionally. They’re alive because they also sell more guns than anyone in the state. But they carry a good selection of plastics in colors that work and have the basics in everything else. Their prices are on the higher end but that’s to be expected.
TnRiver46 reply :
There are 3-4 good ones near me and they have all the good stuff you can’t find at big stores. Quit buying stuff online folks!
Log Catcher reply :
I have one close to me. I thought they might go out when Cabelas came to town. That was the best thing that could have happened to them. Their business increased once Cabelas came here. They have a much better selection of many baits. Now they are selling a lot of kayaks too.
J Francho reply :
There are several decent mom & pop bait/shops around here that are doing well. They are usually situated on or close to good fishing grounds, and cater to their clientele. I mean, that's really the secret of any good retail: location and offering goods customers want.
geo g reply :
A bunch of old tackle shops have closed in my area because of the big retail stores and the internet. I had a great one on Griffin road in Davie that was owned by Pat Fitzpatrick. He lived on Poga and was as knowledgeable as anyone in the sport of fishing. Every time you went in the store there would be ten guys sitting in the back room talking fishing. You were always welcome to come in a join in on the conversation. He died a slow death from cancer, and his wife took over the store for another 5 years. The years and health issues made her give up the business. I miss that store and the entire fishing community has lost a good friend when that place closed down. His store was Everglades Bass Pro Shop, and he had that name way before the national chain came to Florida. The store was there at least 40 years.
Miss you Pat and his lovely wife.
ItsHardwick reply :
There’s one in my city that an older gentleman runs out of his house. He has 5 20x20 sheds out back that are full of nothing but bass lures. They’re separated, one for jigs spinnerbaits buzzbaits and vibrating jigs, one for crankbaits and topwater, two are stocked wall to wall with plastics, and then the last one is swimbaits and terminal tackle. It’s great, the first time I found it I thought I’d died and gone to heaven haha.
He has lots of stuff you can’t find elsewhere and lots of colors you can’t usually find. Also, if he orders something for you he keeps it in stock until you either tell him to stop or the company discontinues the product. That way it’s always there if you need it.
Theres also a couple up around the lake, which is about a 45 minute ride from town. There’s a gas station about 5 minutes from my campground that has an aisle of hard baits and a small selection of plastics and line and such that can come in handy in a pinch. Then there’s also a dedicated fishing shop about 15 minutes away which is half decent but only stays open because of their gun sales.
fishwizzard reply :
On 10/16/2018 at 11:50 PM, J Francho said:location and offering goods customers want.
I live an a very inshore-centric area and all the local stores are empty of much bass tackle. There is one great bass-store "nearby", but it's an hour-ish north and going there involves timing things around Baltimore's rush hour, so I only make it up there maybe twice a year. I wish they were closer to me, I would love to be able to just buy a single lure rather than talking myself into spending $50 for "free" shipping every time I want to try something new.
TBAG reply :
We have a great one here in town that I try to utilize as much as possible. Family owned father and son who are very friendly. They cater to 95% bass fishing but I think sell some live bait as well. They are also the local Hobie kayak dealer and sell the hell out of them. It's great having someone local instead of relying on big box stores and online.
Derek1 reply :
I try to use any hardworking small family business that I can, even though it cost a few more dollars.
ItsHardwick reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 12:58 AM, Derek1 said:I try to use any hardworking small family business that I can, even though it cost a few more dollars.
Same. And sometimes with new baits and such, it’s much better in person. Looks can be deceiving online, especially when it comes to color. So seeing it in person is a huge plus. Not to mention you get to take your new toys and play with them immediately instead of waiting for them to get here.
SC53 reply :
We still have them although not like it used to be.
Bitters Tackle is our store here in town. It’s owned by John Bitters, Jim Bitters brother. They have an unbelievable selection of plastics that no one can hold a candle to, not even Bass Pro or Cabelas. They make their own line and have every color imaginable (and some you didn’t even know existed). In addition, they have every other type lure or tackle you could think of for bass. If they don’t have it, nobody does here in town.
12poundbass reply :
There are two in my town. One has been around for decades and the other opened about 7-8 years ago. Both also sell hunting equipment, and one has an indoor gun range. Both stay busy, to be honest I never though they would both survive but they have! I shop at the newer one because they have more bass gear and it's closer to me.
Within a ten mile radius of me there are four including the two I mentioned. If you increase the range to 15-20 miles there are close to ten that I can think of. Our closest "big city" is about 45 miles as the crow flies, so all we have close by is a Wal-Mart and a Meijer (which is a regional supermarket) so mom and pop is all we have which is good. Small town USA is a good thing in my book.
Mobasser reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 1:50 AM, SC53 said:We still have them although not like it used to be.
Bitters Tackle is our store here in town. It’s owned by John Bitters, Jim Bitters brother. They have an unbelievable selection of plastics that no one can hold a candle to, not even Bass Pro or Cabelas. They make their own line and have every color imaginable (and some you didn’t even know existed). In addition, they have every other type lure or tackle you could think of for bass. If they don’t have it, nobody does here in town.
Sounds like my kind of place
greentrout reply :
20 plus yrs. ago small guys thrived in my area...had lures big boxes didn't...buzzbaits e.g. ...miss 'em...Walmart moved in...then Academy...they are all gone now...found only on the reservoirs...some of the saltwater shops doing well...
good fishing...
soflabasser reply :
On 10/16/2018 at 8:10 PM, Krux5506 said:there's a reason why I buy stuff online and it's not for the convenience of not having to leave home, but rather that 90% of the time stores do NOT have what I'm looking for in the first place. Can't tell you how many times I've had to chase around looking for specific items only to just go home and buy them on Amazon which would've saved both time and headache in the first place.
^This^
The vast majority of the little bait and tackle stores I have visited do not have the exact lures I use so I often buy them online or in Bass Pro Shops,Walmart,etc. These bait and tackle stores tend to charge you more money for the same lure,pack of hooks,other fishing gear you can get for less in bigger stores or on online. I often get hard to find lures with free shipping online and it saves me time which is important for me.
OkobojiEagle reply :
I read often on this (and other) board(s) that local tackle shops aren't patronized because they don't carry the items we want. Maybe we're actually being a little picky and spoiled. Give any of the top pros $300 and let them buy and use tackle ONLY from any one of those shops and I'm confident it won't slow their catch rate on your local lake.
oe
Chance_Taker4 reply :
We are down to one in my area and it caters to walleye in the spring and catfish in rest of the time. If you walk in and ask about the smallmouth bite that look at you like your crazy. They do sell bass rods and reels and plastics. Occasionally they will have a few bass hardbaits to.
I think a lot of it is the dedicated hardcore angler has other means to get their tackle i.e. Tackle Warehouse and the small shops are now having to cater to the recreational angler who doesn't quite care what he catches or uses as long as he is having fun.
GReb reply :
It seems most mom and pop shops suffer from two things: location and hours. They close at 5 or 6 and aren’t located close enough for people to swing by at lunch. I don’t know many who can go buy tackle at 10 am on Tuesday or 3 pm on Wednesday. And most of their clientele is on the lake during the weekend hours.
Meanwhile Academy and Dicks are within 5 minutes of most office parks and open until 9 pm.
Edit. It never made sense to me why my local shop doesn’t open until 9 on Saturday. 100 boats pass right by it on the way to the lake at 6 am every weekend. You’d think someone would be smart enough to take advantage of that time
Primus reply :
We have a solid one where I live at and I also patronize D & R sports in Kalamazoo, MI owned by KVD's brother Randy. The local store has a solid selection of Senko's, Zoom , Strike King plastics etc. so I buy those items there when I can instead of buying on line. I also buy what I can at D & R . I generally buy tackle on line for the items that our local shops don't carry, that I said I prefer to keep the money I spend supporting local business whenever possible.
Gundog reply :
Lets see...in my region there is Wacky Worm (best spring sale and the owner makes his own plastic baits- knockoffs but just as good, BTW the owner has no internet sales but you can call him and he'll make what you want in bulk), Nimrod Haven (he sells guns and ammo as well) and the Tackle Box which mostly sells live bait and trout lures. There use to be about 5 more including one that had the biggest wall of crankbaits and jerkbaits you could imagine. The internet has taken its toll on the little shops but some still survive.
Bankbeater reply :
There is one bait and tackle store within 10 miles of me that sells strictly fishing items. I think this place is still in business because they do rod and reel repair. There are a couple of other places near me that sell bait and tackle, but they supplement their income by selling other things like adult beverages, and ammo.
stratoliner92 reply :
None left in our area anymore. Spent the Summer in a small rural MN town that still has one with great owners...sad to see them disappearing
Mobasser reply :
Of course our goal is to catch the biggest and most bass. But there's so much more to this sport. Talking with other fisherman, trying new teqniques, shopping for tackle, even at a small baitshop, constantly trying to improve your skills, and of course hooking your first good size bass. ALL OF IT! IT It all gets locked in your memory, and stays with you all your life. That's only part of what I love about this sport.
flyfisher reply :
On 10/16/2018 at 9:01 PM, TOXIC said:Had a good friend that owned a small tackle store in Michigan. KD Outdoors. He survived by his knowledge of the local lakes and what was working when. He was an avid fisherman. He sold live bait as well as servicing Bows and being an authorized Trolling Motor repair center. His niche was that he carried the baits that worked no matter who manufactured them. Ever go into BPS/Cabela's or any other box store and try to find Megabass Jerkbaits for example? You won't. He also carried a lot of locally owned bait manufacturers product. It was a very tough business to be in. Sadly he passed from an unexpected illness and the shop was closed.
They carry Megabass jerk baits at my local bass pro not sure about cabelas.
As far as shopping mom & pop shops i have a good one near me that i frequent when i need something. Their prices are close enough and they are about 3 miles from my house rather than 15 to bass pro. They have the vast majority of the things i want and offer to order anything else for me.
I do go to bass pro when i accumulate enough rewards or get a gift card.
whitwolf reply :
There's one here that I can get anything I want or need. If they don't have it,they will order it and you won't pay any different than if you bought it online.
They are great folks and are always talking fishing. They sell boats also and because of that the tackle shop thrives.
I buy everything but jigs from them and will continue to do so.
burrows reply :
It’s not just mom and pop shops anymore it’s big corporations like toys r us and Kmart ? Sad to see them go to.
flyfisher reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 7:27 AM, Burrows said:It’s not just mom and pop shops anymore it’s big corporations like toys r us and Kmart ? Sad to see them go to.
Nature of the beast. Those companies refused to embrace the online digital age and marketing and paid the price much like blockbuster. Gotta continue to grow and evolve or you will die.
The mom & pop tackle shops are a little different though as they can provide knowledge as well as merchandise and some of that merchandise has to be purchased in person.
1201vilbig reply :
We have a few left in the DFW area. They usually have a pretty good mix including the JDM stuff and a pretty good selection of big swimbaits. They are a few dollars more but I give them all of the business I can.
Brad Reid reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 7:39 AM, 1201vilbig said:We have a few left in the DFW area. They usually have a pretty good mix including the JDM stuff and a pretty good selection of big swimbaits. They are a few dollars more but I give them all of the business I can.
Anglers would be one I like to visit in D/FW. And, we also have a very nice tackle store in Eustace just north of where I live on Lake Athens. It is just west of Purtis Creek Lake and near Cedar Creek Lake on 175. I do the same: give these small shops all the business I can! Brad
LCG reply :
Up here in Canada we just don't have the selection our southern neighbours seem to have. Finding some products here can be a chore and when you do, they are so over priced you'd be a fool to buy them. Ie. a pack of zoom trick worms $11 at Canadian Tire vs $7 on Amazon.
Mom and pop stores are a great thing, I wish we had more of them. I agree that they have to grow with the times and have an internet presence, but it is nice to go and walk the aisles, get advice, and interact with other anglers.
We have big sport stores like bass pro and sails, but their selection is not the same as in the US. Ie. Can't get zoom baby brush hogs here, have to go for a day trip to the states to stock up on decent tackle. The small shops just don't carry much selection and its a shame. Rather give my support to the little guys.
WRB reply :
In my home town the only bass tackle shop closed 5 years ago. There are a few around about 25 mile drive that carry fishing tackle of all types and good selection of bass tackle including local hand pour soft plastics and swimbaits.
I have always catered to the mom & pop shops hoping they stay in business.
Tom
Mobasser reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 7:56 AM, WRB said:In my home town the only bass tackle shop closed 5 years ago. There are a few around about 25 mile drive that carry fishing tackle of all types and good selection of bass tackle including local hand pour soft plastics and swimbaits.
I have always catered to the mom & pop shops hoping they stay in business.
Tom
Me too Tom
the reel ess reply :
On 10/16/2018 at 8:10 PM, Krux5506 said:I love a family owned mom and pop tackle shop but there's one thing all the surviving ones around here have in common....they BARELY cater to bass fishermen, besides maybe carrying some basic Rapalas and Power Worms. The only stores keeping up with bass fishing around here are Dick's and Field & Stream. Obviously Cabelas and Bass Pro but we don't have those close by to Rochester.
I hate to say it, but whether it's tackle shops or hardware stores or whatever, there's a reason why I buy stuff online and it's not for the convenience of not having to leave home, but rather that 90% of the time stores do NOT have what I'm looking for in the first place. Can't tell you how many times I've had to chase around looking for specific items only to just go home and buy them on Amazon which would've saved both time and headache in the first place. Typically though with baits/lures I'm buying from big box stores to avoid shipping costs.
Walmart doesn't even have what I want. The closest Dick's has less than Walmart. There's an Academy near the Dick's that has most of my needs. So it's there or online ordering for me. I get what I can from Amazon. I don't feel I'm hurting Mom & Pop because I'm not going to the lake anymore. If I did I would go buy their bait and beer and cheeseburger.
the reel ess reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 7:27 AM, Burrows said:It’s not just mom and pop shops anymore it’s big corporations like toys r us and Kmart ? Sad to see them go to.
Our K Mart went under years ago. Apparently, the purchaser had no idea where we were. They had all kinds of trout and walleye baits and tackle. Subsequently, they always had stuff on clearance. I would always troll through there and see what they were giving away. I was so broke back then (first marriage) I had to shop the clearance at K and Walmart. I still have some of those FLW and Renegade soft plastics.
soflabasser reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 4:24 AM, OkobojiEagle said:I read often on this (and other) board(s) that local tackle shops aren't patronized because they don't carry the items we want. Maybe we're actually being a little picky and spoiled. Give any of the top pros $300 and let them buy and use tackle ONLY from any one of those shops and I'm confident it won't slow their catch rate on your local lake.
oe
I am sure any decent bass fisherman will do just fine with a yoyo reel and some live bait they catch themselves if they wanted to.That form of fishing is very cheap and more effective than you might think but it gets boring quickly if you like catching bass on a wide variety of lures .One of the best things about bass fishing is that bass hit a variety of lures, which means we get to choose many types of lures to catch bass. For me this means I will continue buying lures online if the small bait and tackle stores does not sell them or if they are selling them for more than what I can get them online (with free shipping on a lot of lures).
Gundog reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 7:52 AM, LCG said:Up here in Canada we just don't have the selection our southern neighbours seem to have. Finding some products here can be a chore and when you do, they are so over priced you'd be a fool to buy them. Ie. a pack of zoom trick worms $11 at Canadian Tire vs $7 on Amazon.
Makes me think about how many packs of Zoom Trick Worms I can fit in the trunk of my car. I can be a bootlegger just like my grandpa only without all the alcohol. 
MIbassyaker reply :
There are several good "Mom & Pop" tackle stores in my area (grand rapids, MI), that seem to be doing OK even with the presence of big box outlets like Cabela's and DSG.
The best is probably Al & Bobs, which has been in business for decades, carries both low- and high-end brands, sells things by local tackle-makers you can't get everywhere, and sponsors numerous local fishing and hunting related events: http://alandbobssports.com/
These sorts of places are not just retailers -- they are also goldmines of detailed localized information, current and historical, about bodies of water in the area. The long-time patrons and regulars, when they come in, report on what's biting on what, where, and when, who caught what, in which spot, at what time, on what bait, and so on. Are bigguns being hauled in consistently from a particular place? Are there places that are declining or heating up? The folks at these stores tend to be able to tell you more about these things than the big box places...they just tend to be more plugged-in to the local fishing community.
Mobasser reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 9:31 AM, MIbassyaker said:There are several good "Mom & Pop" tackle stores in my area (grand rapids, MI), that seem to be doing OK even with the presence of big box outlets like Cabela's and DSG.
The best is probably Al & Bobs, which has been in business for decades, carries both low- and high-end brands, sells things by local tackle-makers you can't get everywhere, and sponsors numerous local fishing and hunting related events: http://alandbobssports.com/
These sorts of places are not just retailers -- they are also goldmines of detailed localized information, current and historical, about bodies of water in the area. The long-time patrons and regulars, when they come in, report on what's biting on what, where, and when, who caught what, in which spot, at what time, on what bait, and so on. Are bigguns being hauled in consistently from a particular place? Are there places that are declining or heating up? The folks at these stores tend to be able to tell you more about these things than the big box places...they just tend to be more plugged-in to the local fishing community.
Very true. This kind of info is always helpful. These guys talk to so many fisherman they know what's happening on the local lakes.
LCG reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 9:13 AM, Gundog said:Makes me think about how many packs of Zoom Trick Worms I can fit in the trunk of my car. I can be a bootlegger just like my grandpa only without all the alcohol.
It's funny, as of tomorrow we as Canadians can buy marijuana and all kinds of alcohol, but damned if I can't buy a pack of baby brush hogs 
Mobasser reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 10:13 AM, LCG said:It's funny, as of tomorrow we as Canadians can buy marijuana and all kinds of alcohol, but damned if I can't buy a pack of baby brush hogs
I think you guys would be better with the baby brush hogs????
LCG reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 10:16 AM, Mobasser said:I think you guys would be better with the baby brush hogs????
ME too, I would get far more use out those. Maybe I can hit up my local politicians for a push to legalize fairly priced fishing tackle at a local store level.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 2:09 AM, 12poundbass said:Small town USA is a good thing in my book.
+1!!!!!! Glad to read that so many members like to patronize local stores. Cruising through a lot of other topics and discussions it seemed to be the opposite. I enjoy the internet for fishing knowledge but not for putting people out of business
Bluebasser86 reply :
There's one in town near me but they cater more towards the crappie/catfishing crowd. Plus the owners smoke like a chimney and leave all the windows and doors closed so I can't hardly walk in there without hacking up a lung. I've bought minnows a couple times, mainly just to dump in my pond to give the bass something to chase around.
NorthwestBasser reply :
Spokane/CDA area... Becker's Tackle Shop. Located in Coure d'Alene Idaho. Sits across a parking lot from a big box type outdoor store. We have Cabelas, Dicks, and Sportsmans Warehouse here. Along with a few other outdoors hunting/fishing stores. Becker's is hands down the best, not only does Blake, the owner, carry all the same and every day type items he also has all the unique, hard to find stuff too. His Customer service is EXCEPTIONAL. He closes on Sunday and Monday. Sunday is for church and family, Monday... He fishes. And he is more than happy to tell you exactly what he's throwing and where he's throwing it. He takes time and his own money to sponsor youth, highschool and local college level fishermen and women who are chasing dreams or just out having good fun. He donates to our local clubs and charity tournaments. This is a small shop, not even a fraction of the floor space the other guys have. But his inventory puts them to shame and he hangs in there punch for punch with those big money guys across the street and down the road. And that can only be credited to him and his family. Although, he'd be the first to tell you all glory goes to God. If you're every in the area it's worth your time to stop by and say hi. Even if you don't spend a dollar, he'll spend ten minutes talking about the local bass scene and if he meets you once, he will NEVER forget your name.
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 4:49 AM, Gundog said:Lets see...in my region there is Wacky Worm (best spring sale and the owner makes his own plastic baits- knockoffs but just as good, BTW the owner has no internet sales but you can call him and he'll make what you want in bulk), Nimrod Haven (he sells guns and ammo as well) and the Tackle Box which mostly sells live bait and trout lures. There use to be about 5 more including one that had the biggest wall of crankbaits and jerkbaits you could imagine. The internet has taken its toll on the little shops but some still survive.
Hey Gundog, should you ever wander into Five Mountain Outfitters in Shickshinny, tell the owner, Brian Swingle, I said hi.
smalljaw67 reply :
On 10/16/2018 at 9:01 PM, TOXIC said:Had a good friend that owned a small tackle store in Michigan. KD Outdoors. He survived by his knowledge of the local lakes and what was working when. He was an avid fisherman. He sold live bait as well as servicing Bows and being an authorized Trolling Motor repair center. His niche was that he carried the baits that worked no matter who manufactured them. Ever go into BPS/Cabela's or any other box store and try to find Megabass Jerkbaits for example? You won't. He also carried a lot of locally owned bait manufacturers product. It was a very tough business to be in. Sadly he passed from an unexpected illness and the shop was closed.
My local Cabela's has a full end cap of just Megabass 110s and half an isle of S-cranks, Ito Shiners, 110+1s etc. and I've never saw any empty pegs.
N Florida Mike reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 1:50 AM, SC53 said:We still have them although not like it used to be.
Bitters Tackle is our store here in town. It’s owned by John Bitters, Jim Bitters brother. They have an unbelievable selection of plastics that no one can hold a candle to, not even Bass Pro or Cabelas. They make their own line and have every color imaginable (and some you didn’t even know existed). In addition, they have every other type lure or tackle you could think of for bass. If they don’t have it, nobody does here in town.
I've heard of them, arent they in the Orlando area ?
N Florida Mike reply :
In my area they are nearly extinct. The surviving ones are saltwater bait and tackles nearer the beach. There used to be several local ownwd freshwater bait and tackle shops around but now we have Dicks, Academy, and wal marts all over, and fixing to get a bass pro shops.
None of these sell live bait, except worms , which makes it much harder for the casual fisherman. I learned to catch live bait as a kid here but we have so many people here now that arent skilled at that because theyre not from here. Freshwater fishing has gone backwards here and definetely the emphasis is salt water, and that from a boat because thats where the money is.
Our local b/t ( Thats long out of business ) had a bass tourney every spring. You could fish anywhere, and bring them the fish for weigh in. Top 10 for the month ( and big fish ) won some nice prizes from the store. I placed several times and LOVED it. Its really sad to see these stores go, because thats where most of the local knowledge and trading of info, and friendly fishing fellowship ( FFF) was.
Krux5506 reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 4:24 AM, OkobojiEagle said:I read often on this (and other) board(s) that local tackle shops aren't patronized because they don't carry the items we want. Maybe we're actually being a little picky and spoiled. Give any of the top pros $300 and let them buy and use tackle ONLY from any one of those shops and I'm confident it won't slow their catch rate on your local lake.
oe
You're not entirely wrong, especially considering some guys who are what I would call gear whores who have every latest and greatest bait/lure, but in my experience with shops around Rochester, unless you go in with the general mindset of "buying anything to catch a bass" vs "I'm looking for some spinnerbaits" then you're probably gonna be disappointed. A great example is the last time I went to a local shop that's been around forever (great owner by the way, the kinda guy you can meet once and feel like you've known for years) I was specifically looking for skirted spinnerbaits. He told me he hadn't gotten any in in almost a year because his rep never calls him back, but he's been trying to get them in.
Ok....so what does the customer do? wait until they are back in stock or go around the corner to Walmart and buy a bunch of Strike Kings? In other words, I'm not one to shop brand specific and I'll try anything that looks to be of decent quality, but if a shop just doesn't have anything of a specific category of lure then it gets frustrating.
I think the shops around here survive on live bait sales and the salmon/trout lake guys.
SC53 reply :
Yes Mike in Longwood
https://www.bittersbaitandtackle.com/
Logan S reply :
I buy most of my stuff online...TW and others, plus some tackle from Japan more often than I'd like to admit 
. I also shop at BPS quite a bit since gift cards are a popular gift item for me and they also have boating gear, clothes, etc. Our BPS has a decent selection including Megabass and other higher end stuff. We have a DSG in town but I choose not to shop there anymore for a variety of reasons, their selection in the fishing department is garbage anyway.
There's a relatively new tackle shop that's north of Baltimore (so about an hour+ from me) that's really the only 'local' tackle shop that caters to bass anglers....I've been a few times but to be honest, it's not worth the drive. They have a nice selections and prices on par with online retailers, but then add tax, gas, and time - It just doesn't make sense. It's also still not up to par with TW and others online in terms of selection.
Times change, even the great 'local' tackle shops have an online presence. Susquehanna Fishing Tackle in PA and Tackle Supply Depot in CT are good examples...I'd bet both do far more online business than local. I've been to both, TSD actually doesn't even keep their products on the shelves, just 1 example of each...You fill out a little order sheet and they run back to the warehouse to get everything for you.
bigbassin' reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 6:56 PM, N Florida Mike said:I've heard of them, arent they in the Orlando area ?
They are, and definitely worth checking out if you ever pass through the area. For the price they are the best soft plastic brand out there imo.
I will say their senko and brush hog knockoffs don't compare to the real thing, but their flukes, swimbaits, and craw-style baits have completely replaced all other brands for me. Plus like @SC53 said, they offer colors that I've never seen anywhere else.
crypt reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 1:50 AM, SC53 said:We still have them although not like it used to be.
Bitters Tackle is our store here in town. It’s owned by John Bitters, Jim Bitters brother. They have an unbelievable selection of plastics that no one can hold a candle to, not even Bass Pro or Cabelas. They make their own line and have every color imaginable (and some you didn’t even know existed). In addition, they have every other type lure or tackle you could think of for bass. If they don’t have it, nobody does here in town.
I live an hour away from Bitters and still go there for all of my bait needs. great store better people.
greentrout reply :
At age 21, Johnny fell in love with the emerging sport of bass fishing and spent five years on the professional circuit. After noticing growing interest in the sport, Johnny started Bass Pro Shops with eight square feet of space in the back of his father's liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, the company's sole location for the first 13 years of business. Johnny's passion for the outdoors and his feel for the products and shopping experiences desired by outdoor enthusiasts helped transform the industry.
BassPro
Catt reply :
To me as sad as it is to see mom-n-pop stores closing is the fact that not many youngsters are willing to take over or open a new one.
Log Catcher reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 12:02 AM, Catt said:To me as sad as it is to see mom-n-pop stores closing is the fact that not many youngsters are willing to take over or open a new one.
From what I have seen if it involves more than using a computer or cell phone the younger generation doesn't want to be bothered with it or know where to start.
Mobasser reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 12:02 AM, Catt said:To me as sad as it is to see mom-n-pop stores closing is the fact that not many youngsters are willing to take over or open a new one.
Very true Catt. It's a big gamble, especially now days.
On 10/17/2018 at 11:51 PM, greentrout said:
At age 21, Johnny fell in love with the emerging sport of bass fishing and spent five years on the professional circuit. After noticing growing interest in the sport, Johnny started Bass Pro Shops with eight square feet of space in the back of his father's liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, the company's sole location for the first 13 years of business. Johnny's passion for the outdoors and his feel for the products and shopping experiences desired by outdoor enthusiasts helped transform the industry.
BassPro
Johnny came along at a perfect time for all this
GReb reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 12:02 AM, Catt said:To me as sad as it is to see mom-n-pop stores closing is the fact that not many youngsters are willing to take over or open a new one.
Hard to start a profitable small business today. Insurance, taxes, legal fees, lack of 401k/benefits etc. Cost of living is high. The economy is still not what it once was and the level uncertainty is high. Most college grads are also $50k in debt at 24 years old.
I wish more children of store owners would be willing to keep it going. Most seem sick of working at the business their entire life and want to go their own direction.
Scott F reply :
The biggest reason mom & pop tackle stores have such a hard time is the small profit margins to the retailers on fishing tackle. Even the big box stores couldn’t survive if all they sold was fishing gear. Clothing takes up most of the floor space at Bass Pro, Cabelas’s, Dick’s and all the rest because that’s where all the store profits come from.
Catt reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 2:04 AM, GReb said:Hard to start a profitable small business today. Insurance, taxes, legal fees, lack of 401k/benefits etc. Cost of living is high. The economy is still not what it once was and the level uncertainty is high
Ya think it was easy 40-50 yrs ago?
fishwizzard reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 10:47 PM, Logan S said:There's a relatively new tackle shop that's north of Baltimore (so about an hour+ from me) that's really the only 'local' tackle shop that caters to bass anglers....I've been a few times but to be honest, it's not worth the drive. They have a nice selections and prices on par with online retailers, but then add tax, gas, and time - It just doesn't make sense. It's also still not up to par with TW and others online in terms of selection.
I assume we are both talking about Anglers' Express. I feel like the B-more reservoirs being closed to boating does not help them much with foot traffic. I would shop there far more often if I could toss my kayak into Loch Raven while I was up there.
BassNJake reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 12:18 AM, Log Catcher said:From what I have seen if it involves more than using a computer or cell phone the younger generation doesn't want to be bothered with it or know where to start.
To me it seems all the issues with the younger generations are products of the older generation.
I for one, do not want my children working 14 hour days pouring concrete like I once did.
I dont want my kid riding his bike 21 miles a day to work for 5 bucks an hour like I did.
I dont want my kids hitchhiking because their bicycle is broken down and they cant get to their job.
So I try to do things that make my childrens lives easier than the one I grew up knowing.
When I look back at what my dad did, I see the same approach was taken with me.
I heard when I was growing up how easy we had it as kids and we didn't suffer like the kids did years ago ...
(like suffering as a kid was a good thing?)
My dad didn't raise a spoiled brat and neither am I.
I'm just trying to provide a better start to their journey than what I had.
I hear all the time people slamming the kids getting participation trophies..... Most of the people I hear complaining about kids getting participation trophies are from the generation that handed them out.
Kids are smart if they are on the computer and their phones, thats what the future holds for them.
GReb reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 2:42 AM, Catt said:
Ya think it was easy 40-50 yrs ago?
Depends on what your business is. For a brick and mortar tackle shop? Yes. Less competition and fewer barriers. Higher profit margins. It’s basically impossible today without selling guns and flipping used equipment. Or processing meat. Fishing tackle cash flow isn’t going to sustain any business alone like it could have 40 years ago. Even then you weren’t turning huge profits with 10x as many people walking through the door
Mobasser reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 2:42 AM, Catt said:
Ya think it was easy 40-50 yrs ago?
No way Catt. I know it was always a hard business. The better tackle shops - these guys worked long hours, weekends, and some hard physical work too.Plus, you always had to be prepared for the slow season, in some areas this could be a few months. I always admired folks who could hang with it, and build that type of business.You would have to love fishing to stick it out
Logan S reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 2:51 AM, fishwizzard said:I assume we are both talking about Anglers' Express. I feel like the B-more reservoirs being closed to boating does not help them much with foot traffic. I would shop there far more often if I could toss my kayak into Loch Raven while I was up there.
100% True. If I could fish those lakes I would stop in for sure at least every once in a while. Such a shame to have 3 beautiful lakes so close that are closed off.
There's a nice tackle shop (Precision Tackle) in/near Anchor Marina on the Upper Bay (NE River) that seems to do OK because it's got bass boats in and out every day year-round. They also host and sponsor lots of local tournaments. There's several ramps closer to me so I don't go to Anchor often though.
On 10/18/2018 at 2:04 AM, GReb said:I wish more children of store owners would be willing to keep it going. Most seem sick of working at the business their entire life and want to go their own direction.
I think it's more that the tackle shops operate on a razor-thin line and they don't want to commit their life/career to something that risky.
Catt reply :
@GReb
Here's the answer????
On 10/18/2018 at 3:06 AM, Mobasser said:No way Catt. I know it was always a hard business. The better tackle shops - these guys worked long hours, weekends, and some hard physical work too.Plus, you always had to be prepared for the slow season, in some areas this could be a few months. I always admired folks who could hang with it, and build that type of business.You would have to love fishing to stick it out
These guys loved fishing not money, money was lagniappe!
fishwizzard reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 3:12 AM, Logan S said:100% True. If I could fish those lakes I would stop in for sure at least every once in a while. Such a shame to have 3 beautiful lakes so close that are closed off.
There's a nice tackle shop (Precision Tackle) in/near Anchor Marina on the Upper Bay (NE River) that seems to do OK because it's got bass boats in and out every day year-round. They also host and sponsor lots of local tournaments. There's several ramps closer to me so I don't go to Anchor often though.
If you want to depress yourself a little, add up the total acreage of the B-more reservoirs and then look at the total for the lakes we do have relatively easy access to.
I had never heard of Precision Tackle as again, the traffic has kept me any the yak from ever hitting the Upper Bay, but I need to try some new spots so I am going to try and make a day of it before winter!
GReb reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 3:16 AM, Catt said:@GReb
Here's the answer????
These guys loved fishing not money, money was lagniappe!
Not going to argue that. But if you are trying to support a family good luck to ya. Need more than lagniappe to send a couple kids to LSU! Lol
Gundog reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 6:31 PM, Harold Scoggins said:Hey Gundog, should you ever wander into Five Mountain Outfitters in Shickshinny, tell the owner, Brian Swingle, I said hi.
I know the Shickshinny area, great fishing along the river in that area but I don't know Five Mountain Outfitters. I'll do a google search and check it out during the long, cold winter we have coming up.
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 4:10 AM, Gundog said:I know the Shickshinny area, great fishing along the river in that area but I don't know Five Mountain Outfitters. I'll do a google search and check it out during the long, cold winter we have coming up.
They sell and rent kayaks and also have tackle. (Free coffee too.)
Big Rick reply :
Just today I went to my local tackle/hunting store (K&S Outdoors - Columbus Ms). I had bought a rod from them and knocked the eye out of the tip. I had spoken to Chad, a manager, about it and he told me to drop it off one day and he'd replace the tip for me. As I said, I stopped by today. Chad grabbed my rod and went to work. He had the tip replaced in 5 minutes and refused to accept any money. Customer service at it's finest. True, he got the replacement tip off a broken rod, but who cares! It works and I'm back in business.
Now, guess who will get my business, even more than they already did? You can't replace customer service by lowering prices. Cheaper prices only work ONCE. If the service is bad then there will be one time purchases and no return business.
On the flip side, I will gladly pay a little more to support a business that puts me, the consumer, first and foremost. Customer Service drives business. And the lack thereof also drives business.....AWAY.
My local store is across the road from a DSG and yet is thriving. That's all because of the awesome service. Want a special bait? gun? They'll order it and call you when it's in. While the internet has put the brick and mortar stores on the edge of extinction those stores that put customer service first and foremost will survive. That's because people will pay a little more to be treated like royalty.
burrows reply :
On 10/17/2018 at 7:35 AM, flyfisher said:Nature of the beast. Those companies refused to embrace the online digital age and marketing and paid the price much like blockbuster. Gotta continue to grow and evolve or you will die.
The mom & pop tackle shops are a little different though as they can provide knowledge as well as merchandise and some of that merchandise has to be purchased in person.
Same can be said for the mom and pop shops they also had the opportunity to invest in selling online. It’s sad though.
Toys r us went down I know their not tackle but I can remember walking in toys r us way back probably 6 and looking around and thinking this is the best place on earth! I remember my dad saying pick anything you want absolutely anything I picked a big tonka truck. One of my fondest memories. I read today that Walmart is also being affected by online marketing not that I give a darn about Walmart they started this whole ordeal but even they are becoming victims of Amazon and online retailers.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/walmart-aggressively-shifting-away-legendary-shopping-format-120049155.html
I guess in the near future everything will be delivered even food.
flyfisher reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 5:59 AM, Burrows said:Same can be said for the mom and pop shops they also had the opportunity to invest in selling online. It’s sad though.
Toys r us went down I know their not tackle but I can remember walking in toys r us way back probably 6 and looking around and thinking this is the best place on earth! I remember my dad saying pick anything you want absolutely anything I picked a big tonka truck. One of my fondest memories. I read today that Walmart is also being affected by online marketing not that I give a darn about Walmart they started this whole ordeal but even they are becoming victims of Amazon and online retailers.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/walmart-aggressively-shifting-away-legendary-shopping-format-120049155.html
I guess in the near future everything will be delivered even food.
Problem with going online as a small business is it is tough to do it effectively. I used to work at an outdoor store that did very well and their online presence was minimal. They catered to a specific group of people that buying online didn't work as well for nor did he want to compete with the big boys. We would lose some business to people using us to try on stuff and buy online but it is what it is. We treated them all well and they would come back for the smaller ticket items which surprisingly enough were big money makers. The biggest money makers both in profit margin and total dollars was socks and closely followed by nalgene water bottles. He did carry pretty much anything top of the line you would want though and we would order anything for anyone with no deposit or shipping fee. Customer service was where it's at and in the mom & pop tackle shop, the same rule applies.
Walmart won't go anywhere anytime soon but they are also starting to embrace the online game but my 2 experiences with them and their ship to store option were miserable at best.
burrows reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 10:04 AM, flyfisher said:
Walmart won't go anywhere anytime soon but they are also starting to embrace the online game but my 2 experiences with them and their ship to store option were miserable at best.
Yeah no doubt it’s better to order threw an amazon / eBay retailer than Walmart I ordered a couple of things from them before pool supplies, things like that it was a big headache if I had a problem with the product returning it or exchanging was the biggest hassle ever.
jeffo21 reply :
We have one in my area its a great place friendly staff and keep as many have said stuff you just cant get anywhere else. I would rather spend my money with them then at one of the big box stores.
BassWhole! reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 5:56 AM, Big Rick said:Just today I went to my local tackle/hunting store (K&S Outdoors - Columbus Ms). I had bought a rod from them and knocked the eye out of the tip. I had spoken to Chad, a manager, about it and he told me to drop it off one day and he'd replace the tip for me. As I said, I stopped by today. Chad grabbed my rod and went to work. He had the tip replaced in 5 minutes and refused to accept any money. Customer service at it's finest. True, he got the replacement tip off a broken rod, but who cares! It works and I'm back in business.
Now, guess who will get my business, even more than they already did? You can't replace customer service by lowering prices. Cheaper prices only work ONCE. If the service is bad then there will be one time purchases and no return business.
On the flip side, I will gladly pay a little more to support a business that puts me, the consumer, first and foremost. Customer Service drives business. And the lack thereof also drives business.....AWAY.
My local store is across the road from a DSG and yet is thriving. That's all because of the awesome service. Want a special bait? gun? They'll order it and call you when it's in. While the internet has put the brick and mortar stores on the edge of extinction those stores that put customer service first and foremost will survive. That's because people will pay a little more to be treated like royalty.
Sadly, customer service will not keep a sporting goods retailer in business. There are niche exceptions based on several factors, but for the most part, customers talk up customer service but actually shop price, selection and convenience. We have several customers like you who buy everything from us regardless of price being lower at other stores and online, and others who feel they should "support" a local shop and make token purchases, but statistically they make up a small percentage of customers. I will say there are clear demographic differences based on age and gender in addition to income that are quite apparent in these trends.
blckshirt98 reply :
We have a great mom n' pop tackle shop (Coyote Bait and Tackle) in the South Bay Area but in the past few years I've been watching them close down.
Ly's Fishing Goods in San Jose run by Ly and his wife was the first casualty when the owner got into machining work full time because it's what paid the bills.
Bass Tackle Depot up in Oroville was a place a friend of mine grew up near, and I bought from them online all the time, they closed shop as well.
Walton's Pond had an owner (John Walton) that knew the SF Bay and Delta areas like the back of his hand, but he closed shop for greener pastures and went to work for the mosquito fleet out of La Paz.
Angler's Choice in Capitola I never had the chance to visit, but they shuttered their doors a couple of years back.
In more recent news does anyone know why Precision Tackle on the northern tip of Chesapeake Bay closed down? They were another online shop I'd check out, but they recently sold everything off and shut their doors as well.
cgolf reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 10:33 PM, reason said:Sadly, customer service will not keep a sporting goods retailer in business. There are niche exceptions based on several factors, but for the most part, customers talk up customer service but actually shop price, selection and convenience. We have several customers like you who buy everything from us regardless of price being lower at other stores and online, and others who feel they should "support" a local shop and make token purchases, but statistically they make up a small percentage of customers. I will say there are clear demographic differences based on age and gender in addition to income that are quite apparent in these trends.
This sounds a bit like I was. I would spend 50 - 150 at a local tackle shop each year when their prices were not TW prices, but not crazy high. I was also able to get my hands on some of the newer Rapalas before others could. Then they sold the store to someone else and they decided it would be a good idea to raise prices by what seemed to be at least 2 bucks across the board. I no longer shop there. Not sure if the new owners got greedy, or if they needed to drive up the profit margin to pay for buying the store, but raising prices is a short term gain, because I am guessing I am not the only one that stopped shopping there.
KickingFish reply :
The one by me just closed because a Cabela’s was put up about 2 miles away. The shop was called Mik Lurch and always had great information and a extensive selection of any lure you were looking for.
mas3 reply :
On 10/16/2018 at 9:01 PM, TOXIC said:Had a good friend that owned a small tackle store in Michigan. KD Outdoors. He survived by his knowledge of the local lakes and what was working when. He was an avid fisherman. He sold live bait as well as servicing Bows and being an authorized Trolling Motor repair center. His niche was that he carried the baits that worked no matter who manufactured them. Ever go into BPS/Cabela's or any other box store and try to find Megabass Jerkbaits for example? You won't. He also carried a lot of locally owned bait manufacturers product. It was a very tough business to be in. Sadly he passed from an unexpected illness and the shop was closed.
Wow
I live near KD Outdoors.
Ken was a great guy, did not know he passed
Sorry to hear this.
CrankFate reply :
Running a BT shop is tough. Plus, most fishermen are cheap. And they hate buying stuff. I’m glad we have the big stores, especially BPS. There’s just no way a mom and pop could do what BPS does. So as much as I get the nostalgia of the local Bait and Tackle shop, they’re only viable in certain locations. I seriously believe BPS is the gold standard of what a major retailer should be. I am always happier going there than some little shop that has overpriced everything. There’s no way a little store can stock every size, color and shape lure, plastic, rod, reel and hook. And still charge fair prices. I love the idea of small businesses, especially restaurants, but fishing gear is all big businesses now Daiwa, Abu, Shimano, Berkeley, Yamamoto, St Croix, etc. The days of the little shop that makes custom rods and lures are mostly over. I lose the tip on a rod, it’s going in the garbage and I’m getting a new one. And the reels, I have nothing to do all winter but service them myself and make long winded posts on the internet.
JustALineWetter reply :
On 12/9/2018 at 10:20 AM, CrankFate said:So as much as I get the nostalgia of the local Bait and Tackle shop, they’re only viable in certain locations.
Even here around Lake Minnetonka, probably the most fished lake in Southern Minnesota, the 'mom and pop' shops are dying. When I moved in, there were four within 15 minutes of me, now there's one...and it's the furthest away of those original four.
Couple of the convenience stores have tried to fill the gap...some tackle and 'live' bait (refrigerated worms and grubs) but it's nothing like the old bait stores.
Far as 'big' stores - there is a.....DSG within 20 minutes of me, so I get to go in and peruse what's out - though I usually buy from TW, Cabela's or BPS...whoever has the best price.
Glaucus reply :
The internet has destroyed a lot of things. Toy stores, newspapers and magazines, tackle shops, book stores, etc etc. It's a digital age.
WRB reply :
I met nearly all my fishing buddies at local tackle shops. Friendships that lasted a life time, we would meet at the tackle shop and go to lunch as a group along with the shop owner. Take off work, drive to the shop, then to lunch and back to work. Every pro in the area would be part of this group from time to time. We curried the worlds problems and told war stories along with more than a few fishing stories. The shop owner passed away, the anglers dispersed and I miss those days.
Tom
CrankFate reply :
On 12/9/2018 at 11:15 AM, Glaucus said:The internet has destroyed a lot of things. Toy stores, newspapers and magazines, tackle shops, book stores, etc etc. It's a digital age.
As much as the internet ruined the brick and mortar stores, I think it actually increased the sales of most gear. Once they get a good YouTube buzz, we’ll all be talking about the products and buying them. Back in the day it was one or two rods and reels for a lifetime. Now you need 10 just to go on the internet.
Arlo Smithereen reply :
There is only one 'mom/pop' hunting/fishing shop near me. They do far more business with hunting than fishing, but they do have a good variety of fishing tackle. Most of it is geared toward walleye/panfish/catfish than bass. But still they have a good variety of hard baits and soft plastics. I bought alot of tackle there, because I'm happy to spend a little more to support a local vendor. The only fluorocarbon they stocked was Berkley Vanish, which I never liked due to my bad experiences with it. I mentioned to them that if they carried a better line of fluoro I'd happily buy it, I suggested Berkley Professional 100% fluoro, since it's also Berkley. The owner looked at me like I was an idiot, and didn't even acknowledge what I had said. At that moment, I decided I would never step foot in that store again. Maybe I was being petty, but even if he didn't agree with me about Berkley Vanish, I'm a paying customer and the only reason I'm in your store is to help you out. If you don't want to help me out with my tackle needs, I no longer have any use for you and will take my business elsewhere. I'm sure they didn't give it a second thought, but they lost me as a customer.
blckshirt98 reply :
Mom and pop tackle shops live and die by customer service and their ability to bring the local fishing community together. The ones with great customer service are the ones that survive where people will pay a couple of extra bucks. The ones with snobby elitist owners all eventually die a slow death.
Nai reply :
There was a hardcore bass store that closed recently in my old town. They had some pretty decent stuff but 50% was not my preferred brand (high priced hard baits). They sold quite a bit of shimanos and powells. I shopped there every once in a while. They had supported some local clubs and still do somehow, even though the business is stopped(?) Funny thing is, there is a mom and pop store down the street which is still open (they mainly cater to catfish, perch, and striper guys as I live on the bay). I used to shop there but haven't in years. Cabela's isn't to far away and neither is Dick's.
Sam reply :
We have Castaways and Dance's in Chester and Hopewell areas, respectfully.
Hopkins is in Mechanicsville as is Surfside.
Pope's is in Sandston.
Green Top is a large regional tackle shop that specializes in guns, which keeps them in business plus they have a very nice fishing department.
Dick's closed their Stony Point Fashion Park store due to lack of business. But this is not Dick's fault. The shopping center was doomed the day it was open. Richmond's mayor and city council wanted it so bad that they did not believe the economic forecasts that were negative about the location and the high end shops it was suppose to include. Sports Authority was there first and when they pulled out Dick's took their place.
We have a number of Dick's in Richmond area, but their fishing section is nothing to get excited about.
Walmart carries a limited amount of fresh water tackle, depending on the store's location and what the store's buyer believes will sell fast. It's all about product turnover. If it doesn't sell, it is gone at Walmart.
We also have a Cabela's in Short Pump and a Bass Pro Shop just south of Ashland off I-95.
Hookers is in Toano towards Williamsburg and is a great shop, like Surfside. Bass guys work there and are very helpful.
If you need anything that these retailers do not carry then it is off to the Internet to find and make the purchase.
Don't think the large box stores are the only outlet for our bass tackle. Ordering from the Internet suppliers has put a dent in the large box stores sales and when these box stores note what sells and what doesn't they will adjust their inventory meaning that they could have a great selection of KVD baits today and then a smaller selection tomorrow.
An example is the Walmart on Sheila Lane off Forest Hill Avenue in Richmond, Virginia. They have a lot of catfish gear and tackle since there are a lot of people who fish for catfish in the Historic James River. They still carry some nice, but limited, bass tackle and baits that go on sale from time to time.
Dick's did report that when they decided to no longer sell guns they really hurt their retail business. Dance's sells guns and hunting equipment which brings in a lot of people into their store. Cabela's has an average gun department.
Green Top is the best gun and hunting outlet followed by BPS. At Green Top you will speak with a specialist in the gun department and they are very helpful. Green Top also has bass guys in their fishing department who you can speak with about bass fishing. BPS has Conner, Mike and Michael who know bass fishing and they are bass tournament guys.
So when you walk into a tackle shop and expect some knowledgeable assistance you are throwing the dice. We want tackle shops with people who know bass fishing in your area and can be of great help when deciding on what to purchase and some of the larger box stores don't have bass guys and gals in their fishing departments so you are on your own.
The smaller tackle shops cannot economically keep up with the box stores and the financial investment to open or purchase an existing tackle shop is a challenge. So when we lose a small tackle shop the odds are that no one will continue the business.
Sometimes things do not change for the better.
TOXIC reply :
On 12/9/2018 at 8:34 AM, mas3 said:Wow
I live near KD Outdoors.
Ken was a great guy, did not know he passed
Sorry to hear this.
We fished with Ken for the first 10 years of our annual trip to St Clair, even stayed at his house for a few of those years. His son Johnathon fished with us as well. It was devastating to us when he passed. We had just gotten home from our annual trip and had to turn around and fly back for his funeral. Miss him dearly.
On 12/10/2018 at 4:38 PM, Sam said:Hopkins is in Mechanicsville
Just read that Hopkins is closing down. Shame. They had an excellent supply of all things Yamamoto and I did some work in the store for Lance.
burrows reply :
we are at fault we killed the mom and pop shops because we started buying everything at Walmart we started falling for the online retailers we fell in love with the convenience of the great and mighty amazon!!!! it was our fault we griped we complained we hated the big corporations that started and still are monopolizing and we cried... we wanted the capitalism and growth of our small businesses but we did nothing to help that cause instead we wanted more death of small business we began to beg for it and well here we are!!!!
NYWayfarer reply :
On 12/10/2018 at 8:40 PM, Burrows said:we are at fault we killed the mom and pop shops because we started buying everything at Walmart we started falling for the online retailers we fell in love with the convenience of the great and mighty amazon!!!! it was our fault we griped we complained we hated the big corporations that started and still are monopolizing and we cried... we wanted the capitalism and growth of our small businesses but we did nothing to help that cause instead we wanted more death of small business we began to beg for it and well here we are!!!!
Not entirely our fault even though I agree with much of what you wrote.
Small businesses must adapt or die. A tackle store might have to sell more than tackle to survive. I have a friend who owned a Pet store. She had to not only sell pets but board and groom them. A good part of her income came when she made a "doggy day care" in the backroom.
J Francho reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 11:03 PM, NYWayfarer said:Small businesses must adapt or die.
True statement. My good friend has owned a music store for two decades. Two things of note:
1. Hooking into local school districts with instrument rentals and private lessons generates a ton of revenue.
2. Online sales account for more than half sales these days. It's a bulky process, and the interwebz attracts some kooks, but he's been able to move items that he'd otherwise not have much of a market for, locally.
My local skateshop owner echoes point #2 as well. I'm amazed at the turnover in his limited run t-shirts and hoodies. If you see something you like, you better grab it, because it'll be gone in a couple weeks.
Gundog reply :
On my way to Philly to help a friend out I spotted a new (to me) B&T. Stopped in and they have the latest in kayaks and a good selection of tackle, some saltwater and some freshwater. If you are driving Rt. 309 near Hatfield, Pa. stop by Anglers Nation and check it out. This is what I got and they threw in a window sticker.
FishTank reply :
The two here in Indy have closed. It's is really disturbing. It seems that the business model of a tackle shop is slowly fading away, as it is for a lot of small businesses.
Big Rick reply :
On 12/18/2018 at 6:07 AM, Gundog said:On my way to Philly to help a friend out I spotted a new (to me) B&T. Stopped in and they have the latest in kayaks and a good selection of tackle, some saltwater and some freshwater. If you are driving Rt. 309 near Hatfield, Pa. stop by Anglers Nation and check it out. This is what I got and they threw in a window sticker.
This is exactly how you breathe life into a small tackle shop. Shop there and spread the word.
Columbia Craw reply :
I had an 18 year career in retail before I became a cop. When a new business came to my city I would make a point of contacting the owner/manager and ask them, " What do you think my major priority is regarding your business ? " The answers were pretty much the same, keep us safe and so on. Then came the surprise. " To see you are profitable and successful." The more profitable they were, the more taxes they paid and the more support they provided to the community.
I'm fortunate to have a family owned sporting goods business that started in 1947. The folks that work there know me on a first name basis. I share with the managers who buy inventory what I want and what my friends want. I want to patronize them. They are my friends. It's tough for them when they can't place a direct order and have to buy from a wholesaler and still maintain a reasonable profit margin. I buy everything and anything I can from them. They special order for me, even in ones and twos and give me a discount because it's a guaranteed sale with no shelf time. I try to teach the newer sales people to help them know product. Some things are more about relationship rather than dollars and cents. There are things I buy outside because they can't get it. They understand. Now i'm rambling. Sorry.
ChrisD46 reply :
The two "mom & Pop" small tackle stores near me have done a bang up business this Christmas season ... Why ?
Because they have EXPERT regional product selection offered at fair prices with outstanding service !
Gundog reply :
Susquehanna Fishing Tackle shop is having its annual Bass Fest Sale Jan.11 & 12. They got reps from a lot of different vendors, door prizes and seminars from some of the big names in bass fishing. This years line up of seminar guests includes Ish Monroe and David Fritts. Mike Iaconelli will be there for a meet and greet all day Saturday. Check it out if you have the time.
Dieselfitter reply :
I own my own business. My first rule of thumb, I shop locally as much as I can no matter what the price. Saving a couple dollars on something will not go as far as helping a fellow business owner. Number 2, I use the internet only when I can't find what I want. We have a few really nice Tackle shops around my home and I buy as much gear from them as I can. Come to find out, several of their employees utilize my services.
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