Your local tackle store 2024
RobbyZ5001 reply :
What is it that keeps you going back to your favorite tackle store? Does the shop offer anything unique in comparison to other places you could buy from?
Choke Canyon Boy reply :
I order almost exclusively fromTackle Warehouse because they have free shipping on all orders over 50 dollars. They also do not charge extra to ship a rod which is a big deal to me. Add this to great specials from time to time and great customer service and I feel no need to shop anywhere else. Oh yeah they offer a price match gurentee as well...
D4u2s0t reply :
a new shop opened up in town, and so far their prices are great. Same as you would get online. I would go there just for the convenience, and also to support a local shop.
Paul Roberts reply :
No such thing anymore, where I live. Except for fly-fishing shops, it's all chain stores. I have no loyalty.
Closest thing to Mom&Pop niche stores with expertise as well as products are various online entities. ***, ***, and others are examples of such outfits that have taken on this role. I also like some manufacturers sites too.
Sfritr reply :
Hicks Outdoors
The friendly staff and free coffee. Its like Cheers in there. Not to mention a local business. Plus, you can get a haircut from the instore barber shop.
christopherjake reply :
QuoteI order almost exclusively fromTackle Warehouse because they have free shipping on all orders over 50 dollars. They also do not charge extra to ship a rod which is a big deal to me. Add this to great specials from time to time and great customer service and I feel no need to shop anywhere else. Oh yeah they offer a price match gurentee as well...
+ 1
zero limit reply :
Well i feel the need to support my local shop.
1) their prices are good, if they dont have it they will order it
2) I fish crappie fish alot and need minnows
3) If i/we dont shop there, they wont be there long
4) their are closer than any big box fishing stores easy in easy out
fishfordollars reply :
You can walk in, go behind the counter without asking, sit down in the boss's chair, and tell him to take a hike when he returns and wants his chair back. As soon as you are done with that you can return your attention to his little hottie wife.
Jack
shimanogloomis man reply :
QuoteQuoteI order almost exclusively fromTackle Warehouse because they have free shipping on all orders over 50 dollars. They also do not charge extra to ship a rod which is a big deal to me. Add this to great specials from time to time and great customer service and I feel no need to shop anywhere else. Oh yeah they offer a price match gurentee as well...+ 1
+2
fourbizz reply :
My local shop has poor inventory, and is owned by a pair of old saltwater fisherman that like to tell me my own business and are very condescending. I dont go there much.
But my favorite little ma and pop shop is/was Limit Out at Clear Lake. I loved it because it is tiny, but high end stuff literally from floor to ceiling, with tons of stuff hanging from the ceiling too. Aisles are only a couple feet wide. It smells just like a good baitshop should, old plastic, dust, and minnow tanks. Old man Bob, was a real gem, always helpful, always funny. I heard he just sold it, and havent been in since. I hope it doesnt change too much.
knap reply :
man all i have is dicks sporting goods and there selection is not even that good, so about 3 times a year i talk my dad to go up to bass pro( which is almost an hour drive) and i usually get my fishing stuff there
K_Mac reply :
Little Mom and Pop local store carries a nice selection of jigs, hooks, assorted spinnerbaits and plastics, a few cranks, and a variety of other useful stuff... A very generous tube of crickets and more meal worms than advertised if you want to catch a few bluegill. Prices a a little higher than the major chains but I don't mind spending an extra dollar or two to help keep them around.
I found out recently that they do rod repair as well. It is nice to have a place like this . There are not many left.
KYntucky Warmouth reply :
There are 3 small shops around here, only one in town, another is about 45min away, and the other a little farther at the backwaters of Lake Cumberland, about 1:25. They all have their +s, one being 2 mins away, the one 45min sells a lot of BPS gear , and the other has a larger selection of lures including Megabass, Jackall, LC, Revenge, Omega and a butt load of local companies, plus they are a Powell and Shimano dealer.
tnbassfisher reply :
We don't have much around here. I'm stuck with BPS.
Gatorbassman reply :
I've got two favorite tackle stores that I visit as much as possible. One is 120 miles West of me and the other is 230 miles NE of me. They are both family owned Ma and Pa stores that cater to tournament bass fishermen. If you can't find it at these two places they don't make it.
R&L tackle in Covington Georgia is my favorite. It's a small shop with everything you need including a few chairs to sit and shoot the bull for hours. Ron is also the best Reel Repair guy I know.
Aberdeen Bait and Tackle in Aberdeen North Carolina is a place that people go to find the old stuff, the discontinued stuff, the special runs, and newest stuff. It's wall to wall, ceiling to floor tackle.
Long Mike reply :
Quoteman all i have is dicks sporting goods and there selection is not even that good, so about 3 times a year i talk my dad to go up to bass pro( which is almost an hour drive) and i usually get my fishing stuff there
Knapp, it takes very little effort on your part to capitalize and punctuate your messages. By doing so, it makes it much easier on the folks who are trying to read what you are trying to say.
Turtle. reply :
Fisherman's Quarters
Been there for ever. Remember Dad and Papa used to take me in there as a kid.
I know every one there and they know me. I can call in orders and have them shipped to my door or stop and pick them up on my way to the lake.
Rod and reel service.
Live bait
Round table discussion
Hand made custom lures
Components for building rods, tying flys, tying jigs, casting lead jig heads, pouring plastics
website,bragging board, local help,events calender
They will order anything I need,reasonable prices and there just 10 min. away no need to go anywhere else.
SWMIBASSER reply :
D&R Sports in Kalamazoo MI.
Not the biggest place at all. But the stuff they carry is the stuff I want. John VanDam works regularly, as does Randy, they and most others on staff can answer any question and find anything.
Plus since it's KVD's brothers shop, there is always the feedback on what is popular on tour.
Great place!
RAINCLOUD36 reply :
K and J Bait and Tackle, Jamestown,NC
1. BPS affiliate
2. Owner is also owner of Daves Tournament Tackle which means you can get jigs,spinnerbaits and buzzbaits custom made on the spot
3. Owner fishes the weekend series so you can get up to date info on the local lakes
Using the local shops helps the economy and you never know when you will need them in a emergency situation for last minute supplies
simplejoe reply :
I wish I could support our local shop, but the only time their open is the opening of trout and hunting season. So I either support the shops that support Bass Resource or I drive to either Gander Mtn. which is about 45 mins from here or 2 hours to Cabela's.
I keep saying to my family one day I'll have my own tackle company.
lazeebum reply :
We have 2 really good shops in the Shoals area. Grays tackle in Sheffield, and Perkins outdoors right beside Mcfarland park. Both are family owned and normally have someone behind the counter that knows what is going on with the fish.
Catt reply :
Ann's Tackle Shop
Owned and operated by Ann Thomasson-Wilson
Located between Lake Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend Reservoir in Jasper, Texas.
What impressed me is Ann's wall to wall trophies, plaques, and awards which represent over 20 years of bass fishing excellence with trophies from Alabama, New York State, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, with two World Class Bass Championship trophies.
ww2farmer reply :
The only thing "local" here is Dicks, Wal-Mart, Gander Mtn., and Bass Pro Shops, most of the mom & pop stores are gone, with the exception of the live bait joints, which I don't go to.
People like to blame the big box stores for driving out the locals, but that is BS, if the locals wouldn't have charged $10 for a box of 10 year old Trilene XL, or $50 for a $20 Zebco reel, and actually carried items that people wanted they would have made it.
My father-in -law owns and operates a 1 store family owned grocery and survives just fine, even with all the big boys moving in around him. He keeps his prices in line with Wal-Mart, yeah his profit margins are slim, but as he says, he would rather make a little less and be his own boss, than try to rape his customers, have to sell the store when no one comes, and end up working for Wal-Mart.
jdw174 reply :
One of my local stores is affiliated with BPS. I can walk in, order anything I want from the catalog, and get it for catalog price plus sales tax...no shipping.
Fishbone reply :
My closest store is Cabelas. The bait monkey never lets up. LOL
Oh yeah, the guys in the fish, fly fish, boat and wader depts are very nice and helpful. I don't miss any high priced, limited stock, Mom and Pop stores.
bilgerat reply :
QuoteOne of my local stores is affiliated with BPS. I can walk in, order anything I want from the catalog, and get it for catalog price plus sales tax...no shipping.
We have the same thing here, STC Sports in Gibbstown, New Jersey. They get most of their inventory from the company that owns BPS. Unlike the chains, they carry what actually works around here. They are smart and can compete as the majority of their inventory is based on what the customers ask for.
I had to laugh when I read Fourbizz's comments on the store owned by condescending saltwater guys. That describes just about every saltwater tackle store on the coast here.
SWMIBASSER reply :
QuoteThe only thing "local" here is Dicks, Wal-Mart, Gander Mtn., and Bass Pro Shops, most of the mom & pop stores are gone, with the exception of the live bait joints, which I don't go to.People like to blame the big box stores for driving out the locals, but that is BS, if the locals wouldn't have charged $10 for a box of 10 year old Trilene XL, or $50 for a $20 Zebco reel, and actually carried items that people wanted they would have made it.
My father-in -law owns and operates a 1 store family owned grocery and survives just fine, even with all the big boys moving in around him. He keeps his prices in line with Wal-Mart, yeah his profit margins are slim, but as he says, he would rather make a little less and be his own boss, than try to rape his customers, have to sell the store when no one comes, and end up working for Wal-Mart.
Selection is key here. That's what makes VanDam's shop so great.
They don't waste shelf space on NFL team crankbaits, or hot pink jelly worms.
The stuff they sell is the stuff people want, or that is hot on the Elite trail
Ima Bass Ninja reply :
The best one here is Lake Murray hardware. Its has good quality tackle. Its hard to compare prices cause they carry stuff no one else does, but from what I've seen online its only a few cents more. Well worth the extra cents for convenience.
angler1 reply :
Unfortunitly Dicks is my local tackle shop. On the bright side, since i've joined BR, it is now Tackle Warehouse. They have everything i want and need along with thing i did not know i wanted or needed.
salmicropterus reply :
QuoteWell i feel the need to support my local shop.1) their prices are good, if they dont have it they will order it
2) I fish crappie fish alot and need minnows
3) If i/we dont shop there, they wont be there long
4) their are closer than any big box fishing stores easy in easy out
I have a Bass Pro Shop only about 8 miles from where I live and I go there a lot but I do try and throw some business to a local shop. They carry some tackle lines from smaller companies that BPS doesn't carry and I can get shiners in the AM when I take my grandkids out fishing. I might pay a little more there but I'd like to see them stay in business
NewKidInTown reply :
QuoteNo such thing anymore, where I live. Except for fly-fishing shops, it's all chain stores. I have no loyalty.Closest thing to Mom&Pop niche stores with expertise as well as products are various online entities. ***, ***, and others are examples of such outfits that have taken on this role. I also like some manufacturers sites too.
Sad but true.
RoLo reply :
Sadly, the Ma & Pa stores have pretty much gone away.
On the bright side though, we have three benefits today we didn't have years ago.
1) Internet Shopping (everything purchased without leaving your happy home)
2) One-Stop Shopping (the big-box stores carry a mind-boggling array of inventory).
3) Discount Prices (thanks to high volume sales)
I always give Tackle Warehouse first dibs, and what they don't carry (like zulus and J-spoons)
I order from Bass Pro. The only exception is "Performance Tackle", which I use exclusively
for ordering Owner sled heads and Owner type-Z heads.
Roger
FishinDaddy reply :
There are about a dozen mom and pop shops around. Depending on which lake I'm headed to determines which one I will stop at. I always buy something whether I need it or not. They are a valuable source of local info and I always look to see which baits are in low supply.
fishfordollars reply :
QuoteAnn's Tackle ShopOwned and operated by Ann Thomasson-Wilson
Located between Lake Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend Reservoir in Jasper, Texas.
What impressed me is Ann's wall to wall trophies, plaques, and awards which represent over 20 years of bass fishing excellence with trophies from Alabama, New York State, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, with two World Class Bass Championship trophies.
Yep, and she stocks those two special traps we like.
krisjack69 reply :
Down here we have this http://www.backwoodsoutdoors.com/
We also have a store called wf surplus store which sells baits,reels and rods.They also sell lumber.
microman reply :
because greentop is the best
zero limit reply :
QuoteQuoteWell i feel the need to support my local shop.1) their prices are good, if they dont have it they will order it
2) I fish crappie fish alot and need minnows
3) If i/we dont shop there, they wont be there long
4) their are closer than any big box fishing stores easy in easy out
I have a Bass Pro Shop only about 8 miles from where I live and I go there a lot but I do try and throw some business to a local shop. They carry some tackle lines from smaller companies that BPS doesn't carry and I can get shiners in the AM when I take my grandkids out fishing. I might pay a little more there but I'd like to see them stay in business
I've got a cabelas and bps both about 20 min. away but still go to my local bait store 10.min.away
one reason the little bait shops will last around here is Lake Michigan,
SWMIBASSER reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteWell i feel the need to support my local shop.1) their prices are good, if they dont have it they will order it
2) I fish crappie fish alot and need minnows
3) If i/we dont shop there, they wont be there long
4) their are closer than any big box fishing stores easy in easy out
I have a Bass Pro Shop only about 8 miles from where I live and I go there a lot but I do try and throw some business to a local shop. They carry some tackle lines from smaller companies that BPS doesn't carry and I can get shiners in the AM when I take my grandkids out fishing. I might pay a little more there but I'd like to see them stay in business
I've got a cabelas and bps both about 20 min. away but still go to my local bait store 10.min.away
one reason the little bait shops will last around here is Lake Michigan,
I'm not sure which BPS Outdoor World you go to but I found the Gurney Mills store, while nice, to be to shopping mall esque for my liking.
The Portage IN store is OK, but they don't carry alot of inventory that you can get in the catalog. And some of the staff.....I wonder if they have ever fished with anything except a zebco 33 and a can of worms.
But it's still nice to get away to such a big place. Maybe stop at the Quaker steak and grill for some wings. ;D
Under the Radar reply :
Life lesson's have taught me to support local business. (Survivor Hurricanes Andrew, Charlie and a few others since 1971). Granted, if the service isn't there. then maybe they should close the doors.
Economics - Why spend $7.50 in extra fuel to save $2.50 on a single lure? Duh...
Not to say that if I can save $50 by driving to the big box stores I won't do it.
Supply side. Sometimes the Big Box Stores will have something the local shop doesn't.
But for me, if it can wait til I have a list big enough to make it worthwhile then I'll shop BPS.
Gander isn't so much a problem.
1.) Local Tackle Shop 6.1 mi < $2.5 fuel
2.) Gander Mtn 13.6 mi $5 Fuel
3.) Bass Pro Shops 27.6 mi $10 fuel
Last year 3/4 of my tackle money went to the local tackle shop.
not to mention that the local shop has a vested interest in my success these people actually care and know what they are talking about. if they don't know they have the integrity to say they don't know.
Guess I'm just lucky to live close to Bitter's. (Shameless plug)
I'm not old,
I'm vintage
SWMIBASSER reply :
QuoteLife lesson's have taught me to support local business. (Survivor Hurricanes Andrew, Charlie and a few others since 1971). Granted, if the service isn't there. then maybe they should close the doors.Economics - Why spend $7.50 in extra fuel to save $2.50 on a single lure? Duh...
Not to say that if I can save $50 by driving to the big box stores I won't do it.
Supply side. Sometimes the Big Box Stores will have something the local shop doesn't.
But for me, if it can wait til I have a list big enough to make it worthwhile then I'll shop BPS.
Gander isn't so much a problem.
1.) Local Tackle Shop 6.1 mi < $2.5 fuel
2.) Gander Mtn 13.6 mi $5 Fuel
3.) Bass Pro Shops 27.6 mi $10 fuel
Last year 3/4 of my tackle money went to the local tackle shop.
not to mention that the local shop has a vested interest in my success these people actually care and know what they are talking about. if they don't know they have the integrity to say they don't know.
Guess I'm just lucky to live close to Bitter's. (Shameless plug)
I'm not old,
I'm vintage
You need to invest in a more fuel efficient daily driver. 
Dock Master reply :
Thomas Bait & Tackle
Probably his personality that keeps me coming back. He is always willing to talk about fishing with you or talk about anything else. His prices are not bad either.
hyerollerfisherman reply :
Bass Pro is mine. We dont have a local good tackle shop around the kansas city area or lenexa or bonner springs. Bass pro is like a home to me i walk in their and cant stop exploring threw the isles. Its GReat
b.Lee reply :
I mainly do it to keep in good relations with the owner and workers and also to support local business
Fishes in trees reply :
In the KC area, we've got Bass Pro, Cabelas and Dick's. Roger's Lures in Liberty, Mo is one of the better family owned tackle stores I've ever been in.
I go there pretty often. They are nice to you when you walk in. They understand that most people who come in are addicted to fishing and fishing tackle at some level. They are knowledgeable about their products.
bass or bass ? reply :
About a mile from my house is Fisherman's Choice Pro Shop. It is exactly that. We have Cabela's, Bass Pro, and Sportsmen's Warehouse all in this area. I go to Fisherman's Choice Pro Shop 80% of the time. Superb expert advice under any conditions. Far better than the box stores. I'd rank Sportsmen's Warehouse second best around here
Sam reply :
Green Top.
Great Zoom selection.
Excellent bait selection.
Rods and Reels selection.
They know electronics and marine radios.
Good selection of terminal tackle and other items we use and destroy on a regular basis.
But the main reason are the clerks.
They bass fish and give suggestions. They are very knowledgeable and helpful.
You can ask them a question and get a valid answer.
jc450r reply :
QuoteQuoteman all i have is dicks sporting goods and there selection is not even that good, so about 3 times a year i talk my dad to go up to bass pro( which is almost an hour drive) and i usually get my fishing stuff thereKnapp, it takes very little effort on your part to capitalize and punctuate your messages. By doing so, it makes it much easier on the folks who are trying to read what you are trying to say.
Since your the spell check police his name is knap not Knapp. Now I know why it's the same 10 people posting all the time.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
most all of the tackle stores around my area closed up 
the only other tackle store (independently owned) around here is run by a crook , but there is one that is a chain operated one that i frequent alot , mostly to buy trout bait and occasional hooks and stuff , and a guy who works there that is into swimbaits alot like me , plus they stock line that i use for most all of my setups and the line is fresh , not stuff like wal-marts that has sat on a shelf for years !! but most of my bigger purchases like reels and such are done thru good ol' ebay , no tackle store can touch e-tailors prices !!!
SirSnookalot reply :
I prefer my local store because :
Location
Some items are returnable even slightly used
Carry the items that I fish with most of the time
Price on rods and reels are good
On the spot minor repairs and spooling, quick turn around time for major repairs
Small staff of experts or professionals that put you on the fish and what they are hitting on
http://www.oleflorida.com/
Boynton Fisherman Supply
flyboy reply :
While in the Orlando area, take time to visit Bitter's Bait and Tackle in Longwood. It is like the Valhalla of bass tackle shops and when they get to know you (takes a couple of minutes) it is like you are family.
Skunked in DR reply :
I have 4 mom & pop type stores within a 30 minute drive, each has its advantages. 2 are run by tournament bass anglers and cater to that market, mostly high end stuff and lots of good conversation and tips. The other sells a mind blowing selection of musky gear and the final one is the only place that carries rage tail anacondas and also happens to have really good shore fishing about 2 minutes away.
We also have a small chain store in town, which I will visit to pick up some items but the customer service is terrible so I limit my purchases.
I would say 80% of my tackle dollars goes to these local shops, 15% to on-line used gear sales and 5% or less to on line retailers.
tholmes reply :
My local "tackle shop" is non-existent.
The only place in town that sells any tackle at all is Wal-Mart. There's a Gander Mountain 125 miles away, and Cabela's and BPS in the Kansas City area, about 3 hrs. away.
Tom
farmpond1 reply :
Sad to say, just Dicks. Nearly every place else (Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas and Gander Mountain) are equally spaced around 2 to 2.5 hours away. Ironically, sometimes I go to Meijers for some things. They have a decent selection and while they are more expensive, I don't have to pay shipping and handling.
zero limit reply :
farmpond and tholmes
you guys should think about opening your own shops
farmpond1 reply :
Quotefarmpond and tholmesyou guys should think about opening your own shops
Sadly, the only thing we have less of than sporting goods stores, is sporting opportunities. Hence, why there are so few. I exaggerate a bit but not a lot.
Triton21 reply :
QuoteMy local "tackle shop" is non-existent.Tom
Same here Tom.
brownbass reply :
There are two mom and pop tackle stores within 20 minutes ans two tackle shops that have a showroom and also sell online; Northern Bass Supply & Tournament Force Tackle which i usually take a trip to at least once a year even thou they are 1 1/2 hours to 2 1/2 hours away because their selection is really big.
I will always try to give my business to the mom & pop tackle stores first as they ''are fishermen'' and can give you local knoweledge and also know the products they sell.They also will special order for their customers (most small shops will if you ask them)these owners aren't there to get rich as markups on lures are minimal at best,Electronics have almost no markups,and the high markup items are terminal tackle.
The problem with box stores is that their employees more often than not aren't knoweledgeable about the products being sold and may not even fish.Their selection is either not very good,on pegs in the wrong places,not priced,don't carry the right colors,the product doesn't get restocked,they move the product all around to make you search for it so you will buy other items while you are looking for it,you either can't find anyone to help you or when you do they don't have a clue what you are talking about.So box /chain stores get my business last!
JigMe reply :
I like going to my local tackle shop because it is ran by a retired pro sportsman. He had shared many interesting story with me and few fishing locations. So I am giving my business to him. His price for tackles are bit higher than bass pro shops, but friendship is priceless.
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
I wish we had a real bait & tackle shop in my area that dealt primarily with bass fishing. Down here in South Florida most bait shops specialize in saltwater fishing understandably so. Usually they have a VERY limited freshwater selection in them. I can get mostly everything I need at Bass Pro, but theres the relationships you develop in the smaller stores. I've got a great relationship with my bait guy when I go out on the boat to do some offshore fishing. Asking a question in Bass Pro down here will generally get you some kind of BS answer from most of the employees.
That being said, if any of you know of a good smaller shop in Broward county (southwest broward preferably) feel free to let me in on the secret.
eastkybass reply :
Mine is Borders Sporting Goods. The guy who runs the fishing dept. is in my local club. They also have a good selection keep everything pretty even with ordering online plus can get me most of the stuff I want if they don't have it in the store.
MaineBassMan reply :
We don't have any tackle stores in my area that sells anything good when it comes to bass tackle. The stores around here only supply the worm dunking/fly fishing trout and salmon fishermen and they don't have a clue on good bass tackle. So I do all of my shopping online.
There are people around here that still consider bass a trash fish and they think that it doesn't take any skill to catch them. Then I've also been told that a 2lbs brook trout fights better than a 2lbs bass. ;D
Triton_Mike reply :
Gene introduced me to Ron. Good guy.. Very nice shop. One of my other favorites is Hammonds in Cumming, GA and Natures Tackle Box in Hiram, GA. Christie at Natures has awsome service!
Hammonds is probably the biggest and best tackle shop in the South (atleast that I know of). They are fixing to open up a new super store next week.
Mike
QuoteI've got two favorite tackle stores that I visit as much as possible. One is 120 miles West of me and the other is 230 miles NE of me. They are both family owned Ma and Pa stores that cater to tournament bass fishermen. If you can't find it at these two places they don't make it.R&L tackle in Covington Georgia is my favorite. It's a small shop with everything you need including a few chairs to sit and shoot the bull for hours. Ron is also the best Reel Repair guy I know.
Aberdeen Bait and Tackle in Aberdeen North Carolina is a place that people go to find the old stuff, the discontinued stuff, the special runs, and newest stuff. It's wall to wall, ceiling to floor tackle.
OH-bass614 reply :
buckeye outdoors...its about a 45 min drive but the only place around me that has a good selection of higher end stuff, rods and reels and its like a mini bass pro but the people who work there act more like the people at a local bait shop.
WoolleyBass reply :
I love having a shop only 3 minutes away from my house. They have great inventory and they are allways nice. The only bad thing is their prices. The prices are a couple bucks more than the same item at my nearest sportsmans warehouse. That's the only problem i have with mine. Roby
opie reply :
The local shops end up being cheaper since my wife sometimes sees the boxes from T.W. before I can hide them, which results in a trip to the mall for her.
Goose52 reply :
WalMart primarily - pretty good prices on some of their plastics and hard baits. There is one mom & pop shop in town - called "Mom's Tackle" - nice folks with local fishing experience but limited selection. Otherwise - I get most of my stuff on-line.
Quote.....I had to laugh when I read Fourbizz's comments on the store owned by condescending saltwater guys. That describes just about every saltwater tackle store on the coast here.
When I lived in SoCal, I was in a shop getting some line put on a freshwater reel - a guy gave me the curled lip and said something about the little freshwater fish and that he was a "big game" fisherman... so I said, "oh, so you must use a harpoon then....." Curled lip went down and he walked away. Guess you had to have been there.... The saltwater guys DO catch big fish though....
bassman36 reply :
i live in jersey and there are not many shops around me. I have to drive two Hours to the closest BPS just to get to a Nice store. i wish there was a closer one
trevor reply :
AKE MARINE!!!
HARBOR TACKLE!!!
SUNSET MARINA!!!
Dont you DARE shop at all-Tackle! >
lk ozark reply :
Bullseye Bait & tackle in O'Fallon MO. West of St. Charles where there is a B.P.S. Just off of I-70. Great selection, great reel repair.
A-Rob reply :
I like the advice from the local pro about the hot spots/techniques/lures thats going on OUR lake.
I would even spend an extra dollar or 2 on line or whatever to help support his local business.
Backwater Tackle
grimlin reply :
I love my local mom and pop's store.An old guy owns the place and smokes his cigar in the shop.I love the old smell every time i walk in. It's in Belleville MI. right by 5 point street.
They have the rare selection of river2sea lures,every imaginable beaver baits,and some rare selection of tubes and colors you can't get anywhere else.They even carry most lucky craft selections from topwater to spinnerbaits.
They are a very,very popular spot when tournaments are going on during the early spring through early fall.
Only thing that keeps me from going there all the time is the prices.They are a dollar more than anywhere else.I guess if i need something bad enough before i hit the lake that's the spot I'll stop at.
midnighthrasher reply :
There are a couple decent stores around me and they have ok stuff. But ... their prices SUCK!!! The majority of canadian stores sell for alot more than in the USA. Even when our dollars in even or close to it the prices are generally 30%-50% more expensive. I have talked to the manager of the biggest store and he says its the suppliers that roast them so they have no choice. That has left me no choice but to buy everything from ***.com. I buy everything local and try to support my community but i refuse to pay 11.99 for a pack of senkos when i can get them off *** shipped to my house in 2 days for 5.97. Some thing are worse than that too!!!
RobbyZ5001 reply :
QuoteI love my local mom and pop's store.An old guy owns the place and smokes his cigar in the shop.I love the old smell every time i walk in.
I find that very interesting that he smokes cigars in the store. That smell to many people is very unpleasant. I also like the smell, but I find it very odd that an owner does it in their shop.
grimlin reply :
QuoteQuoteI love my local mom and pop's store.An old guy owns the place and smokes his cigar in the shop.I love the old smell every time i walk in.I find that very interesting that he smokes cigars in the store. That smell to many people is very unpleasant. I also like the smell, but I find it very odd that an owner does it in their shop.
Indeed,Haven't found another place anywhere close to what that place is.It's just a very laid back,cool little tackle shop.
NHfroggin reply :
My local tackle shop is great, Northern Bass Supply, they have all the new lures, rods, reels, good prices, and friendly staff. There also the biggest Lucky Craft Dealer in the USA so its always buy 3 get the fourth free in the store.
-matt-
cmatthews6485 reply :
QuoteGreen Top.Great Zoom selection.
Excellent bait selection.
Rods and Reels selection.
They know electronics and marine radios.
Good selection of terminal tackle and other items we use and destroy on a regular basis.
But the main reason are the clerks.
They bass fish and give suggestions. They are very knowledgeable and helpful.
You can ask them a question and get a valid answer.
x2
little_stephen reply :
having a frequent customer discount. sadly, i became broke, and now, i havent bought anything i quite a while, and im no longer a frequent customer.....
Chris at Tech reply :
QuoteVery nice shop. One of my other favorites is Hammonds in Cumming, GA..Hammonds is probably the biggest and best tackle shop in the South (atleast that I know of). They are fixing to open up a new super store next week.
Mike
The new Hammond's store is freakin' incredible. When they built their new store, the city made them build a retention pond. What does Hammond's do? They stock it with fish and put a dock around it so they do lure seminars. BRILLIANT
They also added meeting rooms so that local clubs can hold club meetings there. This place just knows how to please their client base.
Luke at Gouldsboro reply :
I have a shop a half mile from my place, the guy who owns it is a nice guy, when he's not too busy, he'll shoot the bull with you, and he's also a hardcore fisherman. prices are good, and a decent selection.
Jon in VA reply :
Quoteman all i have is dicks sporting goods and there selection is not even that good, so about 3 times a year i talk my dad to go up to bass pro( which is almost an hour drive) and i usually get my fishing stuff there
An HOUR drive? Shoot, I drive down to Charlotte, NC (3 and a half hour drive) from home to go to Bass Pro Shops/Outdoor World at LEAST once a month. Can't help myself. 
MALTESE FALCON reply :
I have a mom & pop shop less than a mile from my house, but I have more tackle than they do. They cater more to the live bait crowd.(the walleye geeks)
For a decent store I have to travel 22 miles to the other end of the lake, and they don't always have a good selection. I usually go to BPS.
Falcon
J Francho reply :
B&E Fishing Tackle is probably the best local store around.
No, it isn't perfect, and it doesn't primarily cater to bass anglers, but pretty much has everything anyone would need to catch fish in my region.
Plus, Paul Roberts knows the place, LOL. ;D
bilgerat reply :
QuoteI have a shop a half mile from my place, the guy who owns it is a nice guy, when he's not too busy, he'll shoot the bull with you, and he's also a hardcore fisherman. prices are good, and a decent selection.
Would that be JC's, the one who's shop is in the basement of his house ? Down the street from the hardware store ? If so, I've been there and he is a good guy.
Captain Obvious reply :
First- I rather support the local business
Second- Its a father-mother-son run store and they all are die hard fishermen and woman and are just great people
Third- They sell stuff that isn't even available any more
Finally- I just love the atmosphere of the place
SBM-RL reply :
Where I am i have a BPS 40 min one way and Cabela's 40 min the other direction so I'm pretty lucky. I like family owned businesses though and there aren't really and small fishing shops around here. The only ones I go to on occasion are Franks Outdoors in Linwood by my cottage (about 2.5 hours away) and this place in Mackinaw City which i don't remember the name but was very impressed i think it was affiliated with BPS. Back when i lived in Mass there weren't any BPS or Cabela's so the small shops thrived but prices were inconsistent but sometimes id hit a home run! but my favorite shop possibly anywhere regardless of size is Northern Bass Supply its in south New hampshire.
Eternal Angler reply :
Because it's so close to me, easiest and quickest way to get my favorite lure.
lk ozark reply :
Bullseye Bait and Tackle. Great selection. Always helpful. Located in O'Fallon Mo. Just west of St. Charles. Also reel repair.
bobbyK reply :
Here in the Twin Cities and the land of 10,000 lakes, wallys are king so most of the local shops cater to the meat fishermen. However we are blessed with some great local tackle stores. Noteable are Thorne Brothers - not very close to me but has a spectacular staff, good selection, and a couple of yearly sales that keep them competitive with mail order. Much closer to home is Cabin Fever which has great live bait and is my typical license and information source - they always seem to know where the hot bite is.
We have Gander and Cabelas but for the random bag of rubber worms, Dicks usually beats them at price and there is one Dicks in particular that even has a few staff that are quite knowledgeable - sorta like finding the guy in an orange apron that has actually swung a hammer and knows which edge of the saw is dangerous.
Bob K
BucketmouthSC reply :
Well, I just read all 6 pages of replies to this! Reason being?? I have actually been thinking of opening a tackle shop. I live in SC near the ACE Basin (Ashepoo, Combahee, Edisto rivers), the Santee Lakes are about 40 minutes away, and not to mention the NUMEROUS ponds/lakes scattered about. We have a super Walmart here and a boating store that sells Zoom trick worms for $6 a bag. Thats about it! Have a Dick's about 50 miles away, BPS 70 miles away in Savannah, Ga. I hope that bigger selection gets people's loyalty if I do take the plunge!!
Purpleworm82 reply :
Bobcat's Bait & Tackle in Clarksville, VA is my favorite. We always stop by Bobcat's on our trips down to Buggs Island, even if we don't need anything. Greentop Sporting Goods in Richmond is good too.
Bankbeater reply :
QuoteBullseye Bait and Tackle. Great selection. Always helpful. Located in O'Fallon Mo. Just west of St. Charles. Also reel repair.
Also there is Paul's Bait and Tackle down in St. Louis and there was a Gateway Outfitter right off of Hwy 70 at Cave Springs on the right. Sadly I think Gateway was looking for a buyer. I guess it was just too close to the BPS and Cabela's.
CAdeltaLipRipper reply :
Uh we drive 30 or 40 min to go to escalon bait and tackle or bass pro cause our local place SUCKS.They never restock and theyre expensive than most
Scorcher214 reply :
My local tackle store? Walmart, gander mountain, point is there ain't any by me, i just order from BPS. If there was a mom n pop kinda store though, even if it was a few dollars more expensive i would definitely buy from there.
It is my dream to open up a tackle store run by myself and fellow fisherman.
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