Went to Bass Pro Shops today - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Swimmer · 12-22-2007, 06:05 PM

I asked the wife if she would like to go somehwere and she asked me if I wanted to go to BPS. I said yes, and we did. It was pretty good. Liked the clothes. I don't fresh water fish but those doods must be in heaven every time they go through the door. Checked out the reel prices. They only had one Shimano sustain that I could compare prices on, the 8000 ???. It was $299.00 which is somewhat less than you can buy it elsewhere. The rods, well nothing I would use but thats just me. Three and half hours later the wife and I spent $29.00. Mucho guns, bow heaven, some good stuff for the dogs also. Absolutely fantastic decorations in the store, awesome.

luds · 12-22-2007, 06:42 PM

Did they have alot of saltwater rods?

BigFish · 12-23-2007, 08:35 AM

I can't believe they are not as well stocked on saltwater gear as fresh!!! They have many stores right on the coast do they not??? I think they need to spend more time researching the types of fishing that are done in the areas they plan to open their stores!

MAC · 12-23-2007, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigFish

I can't believe they are not as well stocked on saltwater gear as fresh!!! They have many stores right on the coast do they not??? I think they need to spend more time researching the types of fishing that are done in the areas they plan to open their stores!

even locally I bet the ratio is 10 to 1 fishers of freshwater to salt.

Nebe · 12-23-2007, 09:45 AM

Salt water fishing for striped bass is succh a niche thing that BassPro is not equiped to 'think' about it.. Basspro is national. For all we know, the dude who does the product ordering lives in new mexico or something..
I dont see any reason to go there other than the 'ohhhhhhhhhhh wooowwww' factor.

JohnR · 12-23-2007, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigFish

I can't believe they are not as well stocked on saltwater gear as fresh!!! They have many stores right on the coast do they not??? I think they need to spend more time researching the types of fishing that are done in the areas they plan to open their stores!

I went in with the bride a couple weeks ago. Lots of stuff for freshwater, hunting, and a marginal supply of saltwater stuff. Saltwater stuff we would typically use. I saw some stuff I expected to see and thee are a couple things I've been wanting to try but had not ordered online.

Some prices were good and some were no better than expected. Only one wooden vendor at the time - Gibbs.

All in all I may pop in from time to time but after the initial overwhelming of being in the place I'm sure 90%$ of my shopping remains where it is now. And should you want to drop $200 on the reel that is $210 at the local shop - ask the local guy to match or even split the difference for $205

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAC

even locally I bet the ratio is 10 to 1 fishers of freshwater to salt.

Probably right the more I think about it - especially as people will road trip from all over seeing that until now the closest were Harrisburg/Baltimore/western NY...

Quote:

Originally Posted by luds48

Did they have alot of saltwater rods?

They had a fair selection, slightly better than what a #^&#^&#^&#^&s or SA would have as they did have some St Croix stuff. As usual, not a SINGLE one of the Ugly Sticks I checked out was splined right - NOT ONE!!!! Some other decent "cheap" surfstucks were there.

BigFish · 12-23-2007, 09:53 AM

I do not believe striper fishing is anymore niche' than muskie fishing. Its regional and they chose to open a store on the New England coast or close enough to it.....and the state fish is a cod! I give them 3 years and they are gone! I do not believe they can sustain that gigantic store where it is located.....retail stores around them or not!

BigFish · 12-23-2007, 10:38 AM

My point is Karl....saltwater sportfishing is a huge part of this area and they should have taken that into consideration! Offshore fishing, boat fishing, surf fishing......what have you......you want the market you must cater to them! Pretty shortsighted in my opinion....thats all.

Slingah · 12-23-2007, 10:43 AM

its BassProShops....like in fresh water bass...not selling saltwater stuff isnt gonna put them under....
I hope they don't sell alot of saltwater stuff...keep the mom and pop tackle shops happy and thriving

HESH2 · 12-23-2007, 10:46 AM

bass pro and cabelas pretty much same,great fresh water stuff,hunting and firearms.some clothes,socks,tee's,sweats etc.no salt stuff really.talked on phone east hartford store fishing dept. was told full line of gibb's coming,1 ri plug maker and vs items along with salt water clothing line from a well known source.when you have rivers end in ct,surfcaster your prices and selection are helping the local guys as the many great tackle shops and service in ri.

Swimmer · 12-23-2007, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luds48

Did they have alot of saltwater rods?

Nothing that you or I would fish Luds.

Swimmer · 12-23-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigFish

I can't believe they are not as well stocked on saltwater gear as fresh!!! They have many stores right on the coast do they not??? I think they need to spend more time researching the types of fishing that are done in the areas they plan to open their stores!

Gibbs were the only lures on the shelf that were interesting. They had Yozuri, but most were gone andlooking at the shelf tags I didn't recognize the ones they did stock.

Freshwater fishing one can do year round. The fish are held captive in thier environments. Hence the catering to the freshies. BPS is heaven for the freshies, no doubt.

Liked the clothes selection, and the footwear selection doesn't hold a back seat to anyone. And where do you go now that someone actually fits footwear to you, and runs out back for the shoes.

Backbeach Jake · 12-23-2007, 01:18 PM

Even BP's catalogue does nothing for me. I have yet to go and I have a feeling that it may be a one time trip. #^&#^&#^&#^&'s is about the same. Freshy oriented. Fine, I have friends in tackle shops from one end of the Cape to the other, I have a real hard time feeling comfy about wishing BP better. I get way better service and knowledge for the local guys, and the local guys have saved my butt and wallet many times from making a very expensive mistake. All in all Bass Pro is a wonder of the world for sure, but I personally like to get wowed on the beach. This is not a knock on BP, just an opinion.

MAC · 12-23-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slingah

its BassProShops....like in fresh water bass...not selling saltwater stuff isnt gonna put them under....
I hope they don't sell alot of saltwater stuff...keep the mom and pop tackle shops happy and thriving

That's exactly as I see it. Saving 10 bux buying something there instead of where I buy now wouldn't even cross my mind. Leave em be with the freshwater stuff and support the local establishments. Most shops can get you anything you would want saltwater wise.

Slammer223 · 12-23-2007, 05:54 PM

MAC and Slingah are right.Let's continue to support our local B&T's.And $299.00 for a Sustain 8000 doesn't exactly bowl me over either.And I agree that they SHOULD have a bigger saltwater variety in a store in Massachusetts than a store in Kansas.Not very bright on their part.

Tagger · 12-23-2007, 08:58 PM

still haven't been .. How were the crowds ? do they look like they'er going to make it ? Do they have a resteraunt there too ..?

BigBo · 12-23-2007, 09:28 PM

Still haven't been and don't have any plans to any time soon. I've bought from their catalog in the past. Mostly clothing and hunting gear. That's about the extent of it though.

stripadan · 12-23-2007, 11:51 PM

Going next week, mainly for hunting clothing and boots. Buy my fishing and hunting equipment from small local shops whenever possible.

Backbeach Jake · 12-24-2007, 07:22 AM

I have to go to Providence to pick up my boy, Noah for the Holidays. BPS is at the halfway point and they're open until 6 tonight. I'll try to talk him into a recon mission this afternoon. I'll file a report if I make it in.

fishonnelsons · 12-24-2007, 08:26 AM

Wait until March or so, then you'll see the saltwater selection get expanded dramatically. They had to open up the store fast (before Christmas) and probably focused on what they would sell in the season so to say.

They will be there much longer than 3 years, the bell curve of shoppers, that 75% of the population, will head there for the selection and awe of the place. Add to it the expectation they are getting a "better" deal, which is probably only about 10%, sad to say they will probably shop there alot. The majority of the more serious folks, the other end of the bell curve and the folks that frequent these sites etc., will (thank God) still frequent the local shops for all the right reasons.

Hey, Bass Pro, Cabella's, and the list goes on, all offer something, the little guys just have to continually adjust to ensure we offer the goods and services (reel repair, rod building, seminars)which keep people coming back.

fishbones · 12-24-2007, 11:33 AM

I went right when they opened with my son and we both were more impressed with the taxidermy than the selection of saltwater gear. I don't fish fresh water or hunt, so I can't say whether the selection for that stuff was good. I got a BPS gift card for Christmas, so I'll go back in the spring. Maybe pick up some Storm shads and new line. I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be buying a rod or reel there because or the "service after the sale" factor. Happy holidays to everyone.

jkswimmer · 12-24-2007, 02:08 PM

I was there this week for another look around since it is close to work. Not many people there any of the times I have been, I stop in, in the affernoon. Yes they are weak on the saltwater stuff, but were else can you buy 1 lb Fireline. I am waiting for the 0lb to come out.

luds · 12-24-2007, 02:43 PM

I went today and have to say I really liked it. Not too crowded and the employees were friendly. I liked the clothing and general store stuff. I'll pass on the fishing section. Didn't see anything other than the new Shimano spinning reels. They look nice......good bling to them. I'll be back there soon as their clothing prices are reasonable and they have alot to choose from. They also had a few hot sauces that I'm going to try.

Goose · 12-24-2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigFish

I can't believe they are not as well stocked on saltwater gear as fresh!!! They have many stores right on the coast do they not??? I think they need to spend more time researching the types of fishing that are done in the areas they plan to open their stores!

I'm glad they are not stocked. I mean anything that hurts the little guy can't be good for us sber's. Basspro down in FL is more geared out for saltwater but here in NE fresh is still bigger. Between Saltwaters Edge M&Ds and everything in between I hope things stay the same. Anyone who luv's the outdoors has gotta be glad basspro is here.

tattoobob · 12-24-2007, 04:28 PM

I have no interest in BPS and probably will never step foot in the place,

RIJIMMY · 12-26-2007, 02:03 PM

They have a decent boating section, and I'd rather go there than West Marine. The word got out to my family and I got a pile of gift certificates for BPS. They'll definitly stay in business. They are banking on the "vacation" mentaility. Did you ever wonder why vacaction and resort areas have so many high end stores? Beacuse when people go on vacation, they splurge and spend money. BPS is banking on the same thing

Casper · 12-26-2007, 02:26 PM

Hi All,
I too have been to the BasePro at foxboro recently. It's the 3rd one I been too, the others being in Orlando, Florida, and Las Vegas. They are nice to wonder around in and definitly seem to cater to the fresh water fishing group. Saw lots and lots of rubber lures there. However, I also been to the Cabelas store out in the middle of Penn. That one has a bigger saltwater section than any BassPro store I visted, and it was not even close to the ocean. Go figure?

Slingah · 12-26-2007, 03:47 PM

I went today, the wife and I were close by so we stopped in.
It was cool to see the fish and animal mounts. I hate shopping and crowds so I'll probally never go back...I buy stuff when it wears out, breaks or rips and that is a bit too far of a ride for anything I'd need.
The shooting range for the little kids is worth the trip

Swimmer · 12-27-2007, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tagger

still haven't been .. How were the crowds ? do they look like they'er going to make it ? Do they have a resteraunt there too ..?

Small place to eat upstairs, which was cheap. Two italian subs with drinks for less than $9.00.

Lounge on the first floor where I believe they served liquor.

Pete_G · 12-28-2007, 05:36 PM

Bastards have flyers on the table at Anthony's Seafood in Middletown.

Putting flyers in a store across the street from Sam's B+T and a 1/4 mile from the SWE. Nice. They aren't stupid, that's for sure.

Maybe I'll hand out SWE pamphlets at the first play off game at Gilette and see what happens.