Went to Bass Pro Shops today

[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!

[MAC]

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.

[JohnR]

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

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...

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]

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!

[Swimmer]

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]

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.

[Goose]

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]

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