Friday, December 25, 2009

Bass Pro Shop and the Local Shops

Bass Pro in Foxboro, MA.....adjectives just can't describe this Walmart of the fishing world. It's awesome, overwhelming, unbelievable, etc. It's got everything a fisherman could want...freshwater gear, saltwater stuff, kayaks, boating stuff, camping gear, clothing, etc. in a facility that features fish tanks and even a waterfall. And, for the most part, their prices are the lowest around.
Our family patronizes Bass Pro in many ways. My father loves to shop for clothing here. The assortment of quality footwear, jackets, hats , and pants and shirts all seem to have a sportsman's look which appeals to him. The clothing is also high quality stuff.
I especially like to shop for fishing stuff here. Looking for specialty items like Zoom flukes for winter fishing? It has them in every color and size imaginable. I especially like to buy things here that I can't find in the local shops, things like Bass Pro triple ripple plastic tails, curved hooks for skinny plastics, specialty braided lines, assorted plastic worms and spinner baits for freshwater, and jigshead in numerous colors and styles. I also like to buy the Bass Pro brand as it usually carries a lifetime of the product warranty that is unbeatable.
My brother loves the boating stuff. The boating department is full service and offers some of the greatest prices you have ever seen on kayaks, boats, motors, accessories and installment of motors and other gear. You might want to check out his experience that he writes about on purchasing a new outboard motor from Bass Pro at http://www.narragansettbayfishing.blogspot.com/, his fishing blog.
While Bass Pro offers unbelievable deals, I'm also cognisant of the fact that they are in competition with many of the local tackle shops and boatyards. I still think the local tackle shops that I link on the left column of my blog offer some of the best information about local fishing that can be had. They have their fingers on the pulse of local fishing. They are tops when it comes to selling bait, and they also offer some of the best local products that score big. For instance, Bass Pro does not sell Cocahoe minnows (but you can find a big supply at Quaker Lane Tackle). These are about the best lures for spring and fall schoolies to use along the oceanfront. Many of the local guys will also set you up with replacement guides, tiptop guides and rod and reel repairs that the big place doesn't offer. Yes, I still frequent and buy stuff at some of my favorite RI places like Big Bear, Ocean State Tackle, Erikson's, Snug Harbor, Dick's on Smithfield Ave. and Quaker Lane.