Whats Better? Cabelas/Bass Pro or local bait shop?

[TRSteve71]

As you guys know I am just starting out and was wondering where would I be better off shopping at Cabelas or Bass pro OR at the local bait shops? I am basing this question on price alone, becuase I already know the knowledge can't be bought.

Thanks

Steve
#2000

 

[ped579]

Basing everything on price isn't always always what it seems.  I have has dome very good deals at our local B&T's simply because I shop there rather than go to some of the Mega Sports stores.  Once the small mom and pop stores get to know you it is amazing how much you will save as they are not afraid to discount a lot of items you will pay full price for.  Plus don't for get the shipping.

Once Cabelas finishes its store in E. Rutherford and it opens you will not only be paying shipping but tax as well.  I know it has been put on hold but the grumblings it will start up soon.

So I am not a true fan of these huge stores, I guess it all boils down to is know your prices.  Shop around and go from there.  Steve if you want to get to know some of the shop owners in the area I will gladly take you over and introduce you to a couple of them in SSP.

Happy Catching

Paul

[TRSteve71]

Thanks Paul. I will take you up on that once I am ready to go.

I was in Kmart last night with my GF buying a new coffee maker and I was in the fishing section, and found some good clearance deals on some hooks, Eagle claw and Matsua(sp).

Got my cabelas in the mail today and they have some nice surf combos in there, might pick one up.

I do like to shop around and get the best deal on things, so I might hit a few sports depending on the distance. I know certain shops might charge more on a combo setup but if I can spend my money there and then get knowledge on top of the sale then I would be 100% into keeping the mom and pop shop in business.

Steve

[ped579]

I enjoy the locals.  I have made a lot of friends and some of the regulars once they get to know you will tell you about spots and techniques you never heard of.  I have been fishing these waters in Ocean County for over 50 years and I am still learning new stuff.  Plus I have met some very interesting people especially those that are lure builders, plug builders and fly tiers you usually read about.  Most are willing to open up once they see you in the local shops, especially if you buy their products.

Man is it raining out there.

[IrishAyes]

I have found both Cabela's and Bass Pro Shop to be over priced on MOST of their items. You can get much better prices at your local B&Ts and big box stores. (Not that I advocate the big box stores, Sorry Bucktail  )

Pick out ten items from the Cabela's catalog and go into your local store and compare the price and I think you will find the price comporable or below Cabela's.

Plus you get to do the touchie/feelie thing right there, no waiting involved. 

[Luna Sea 5]

neither.. SRMO.com

[ped579]

SRMO is an excellent source but still like Joe mentioned if you want to do the touchie feelie thing the locals have my vote all the way.

[IrishAyes]

SRMO is Mac's B&T in Neptune (Shark River), on Rt 35. 

Decent prices and he carries a lot of items in the store.

[bassnblues]

I spread the weath around...local B&T's, Mega stores, my local large sporting goods store, plus E-bay.

Don't forget that those large mega stores employ a lot of your friends and neibors.

[Bucktail]

I spread the weath around...local B&T's, Mega stores, my local large sporting goods store, plus E-bay.

Don't forget that those large mega stores employ a lot of your friends and neibors.

 

[Noworries2009]

My advice would be to get to know your local B&T guy and support his business. Cabellas & Bass Pro etc... are OK but local info is "priceless". You can spread it around but over the years it helps to have some sound local advice especially just starting .

[Pfishingruven]

I like to spread the wealth around too!  I have found many of the local B&T's competitively priced with the chain stores.  In fact, I can buy their "store brand" lures at much cheaper prices than the "store brand" in the chain stores.  I think the local B&T has better quality "store brands" as well.  Of course, the knowledge and comraderie that the local B&T brings is priceless.  I spent over an hour one day in a SSP B&T.  I was getting the run down on baitcasters.  Heck, I even got to practice cast some on a side street.  Certainly can't do that at too many other stores!  When I finally buy my baitcasting setup, that is where I will be purchasing it.

I tend to do my saltwater buying in the local B&T because they have a MUCH better selection than most of the big box stores.  Their tackle selection also caters to the local type of fishing here.  I hit Cabelas, BPS or my new favorite, Dick's for freshwater gear that I can't get around here.  When I got back into fishing and needed all new freshwater setups, I split between semi local and Cabelas.  I had the hardest time finding rods that I was looking for.  As for the discount stores, I use them for clearance or cheaper tackle that I end up losing anyway .

Now, that I know where to buy everything...I wish I could just buy more time and better weather and then I would be as happy as a pig in poo!!

 

[Dloat]

Like Pfishingruven said,I have found Dick's sporting goods to have a vast assortment and good prices as well.

[TRSteve71]

Well I took the advice and I went to Murphys Hook House the other day and walked out spending $160 on tackle and a new surf combo. 

I also got about an hours worth of do's and don'ts from the gentlement that worked there, told me where to go and how to read the surf. Really really truly enjoyed the hour I spent in there talking to this guy and what I walked with in knowledge.

[Noworries2009]

 

[ChrisL]

I spread the wealth around.
If the price is the same or close...i go with the local guys.  If it's a $40 savings on a $120 item...I gotta look out for my own pocket.
For rigs, small items and bait I spread it out over about 3 local guys.  Some days I'll hit both SSP shops on the way out to the park. 


I picked up a rod from a local shop over the winter...they were running a great sale.  When I checked out he said...." I don't expect you'll have a problem, but it you ever have a problem with the rod, come see and I'll take care of it."   Won't get that from any website.