[Finaddict]

So went up to Cabelas a few weeks back to check out their waders and wading boots ... it was a nice experience, they gave me a great refund (like $50) on some wading boots that lasted barely two seasons ... i was remakably surprised ...

... so I picked up two pairs of waders, a pair of Simms wading boots, a few other minor things and a set of Ross Pliers ... they were on sale for $99.98 from $179.98 ... I wanted to ensure that the pliers would cut braid, while I normally carry those little kid scissors, I figured if I could buy someting that did both, why not? The guy behind the counter assured me they'd cut braid because he just cut a 6/0 hook with them as a test ... and a guy there tested them on a piece of braid off a spool on the wall. I did not look at the test. Total bill was more than $500 and with the refund amount, close to that amount.

Got home, picked up the pliers and tried to cut off some 20-pound braid on a reel to test the pliers and to get the line stripped off the reel at the tackle shop ... pliers did not cut the braid ... tried it a few times ... still no cut ... tried it with mono and cut the mono fine ... and then headed down to Surfland B&T - and anyone who knows Kay knows that she knows her stuff, and runs a top-notch tackle shop. Still didn't cut braid ... had two people there try it, cutting 20-pound braid.

... so I called Cabelas in Scarborough, ME, where I purchased the pliers, the customer service representative said to send them back ... two weeks later (today), I get an envelope ... inside is a gift card ... wanted $$ instead of a gift card to Cabelas ... but figured it was okay, eventually I may need something ... but the card is only for $50 ... they reduced the cost of the original gift card from the refund of the pliers ... not cool.

Called the store and got the run around ...

... so I made a few mistakes ... first was to listen to some hack trying to get rid of the pliers ... I am not sure he knew what he was talking about ...

I haven't used anything that I purchased from Cabelas on that trip, will forego fishing tomorrow to haul all the way back up to Scarborough to get a complete refund ... I will never shop there again ...

... am I over reacting? ... probably yes ... but forget it, if they are going to try and knickle and dime me ... I will have nothing to do with them. I will trash Cabelas at every turn from here on in ... may not have that much of an impact, but if I can get them to lose a few sales ... than my goal is achieved ...

... that is why I have always trusted the local tackle shops that I knew were reliable, and sorry that I did not follow my rule in this case ... especially to shop at Cabelas ... that's all this cry baby has to say ... but avoid Cabelas ... have I said it enough?