Catalogs

[Floyd]

Have you noticed lately that Cabelas has been looking more like JC Pennys lately, Looks like Bass Pro has better deals.

[cisco]

I'm sure Cabelas is making certain they don't go under, as did the mail order business of Gander Mountain (before Cabelas bought them). Holiday has done a fine job with Gander retail stores. I think both Cabelas and Bass Pro are doing very well with mail order and retail. The Gurnee store (Bass Pro) is almost as good as the parent store in Springfield, MO. And, the Owatonna store is one I cannot visit without making some purchases -- usually too many. We're in pretty good shape so long as there's at least some competition in the marketplace.

[Gunga Din]

No local stores out my way, but I do notice that Cabela's ships products much faster than Bass Pro. I usually get Cabela's products in 2-3 days and BassPro in over a week (using cheaper ground shipping on both).

[Polski]

Just one note on Bass Proshops, I made a special trip to the store in Gurnee, Ill from Milwaukee (about 60 miles) only to find out alot of the items I went for can only be bought through the catalog. I guess next time I'll call, But it was not what I expected from the adds.

[Larry]

I have similar mileage to get to Gurnee but I've only found a few items that had to be ordered and that's offset by being able to "eyeball" something before I buy it. There's also another plus of getting in on many local sales. A year ago I was able to clean out the store on PK 8'-6" trolling rods for under $25.00.

[SUPERTROLLER]

I've got to agree with Polski. Went over to Gurnee store with a long list of T-sticks, Rattle-tots, and Hot-n-tots. Came away sadly disappointed due to lack of selection. Mostly the same old general colors I could find in all the chain stores. Ended up at local special Outdoors store and paid top dollar for "had-to-have" lures. One other comment on Bass pro. Ordered two reels at different times from them and both needed the drag washers to be fixed/replaced before use. Always buy local now so I don't have to worry about the hassle of defective merchandise being returned. I think they sent me someone else's damaged goods -- they were chewed up that badly.