MrFrost

Nonsense! Learning some strong knots would probably help make it more likely that you tie on a different lure when the bite is slow on what you're throwing. Don't ever let yourself feel like just because it seems common practice to do one thing or the other, that it's a must.

That makes absolute sense...and would definitely explain why it seemed like a forgotten part of the business.

What burbs? I was intimidated at first but I figured what do I have to lose and went fishing at a pond that I had no clue if there were fish. There were fish. Lol. Once you know there is fish, try different lures and you can get an idea of what works, and doesn't.

My personal opinion, is that I would like the custom handles better, if the rod handle could be blacked out as well. I think that would look slick! Minor orange or green accents. But if the rod handles are staying original, I like the original reel handles.

Cabela's branded inventory likely won't be on any fire sale for the foreseeable future. I work for Cabela's and although we will begin receiving BPS branded inventory, we're still stocking Cabela's brand as well. Rather than lose Cabela's brand presence on the sales floor, we will be expanding our fishing department to accommodate. It makes sense for them to keep the two company's separate as long as possible, as you still win the business of a larger customer base, as there will always be the customers who prefer one over the other and refuse to go to the other. Once the two become one, you face losing the faithful customer base. But it'll eventually happen.

ACE has more to offer, lol. That being said though, in their defense, it seems that they are transitioning their business from a bait shop to a bar/cigar lounge completely, but haven't sold their left over bait shop inventory yet. I could be wrong, and if I am, then there inventory is just sad. It may be beneficial to go just to converse and see how their bait sales were. The only reason I could see a bait shop not doing well, is because when I fish right by the dam, I notice it's literally guys with a bunch of rods setup with chicken liver or night crawlers fishing for cats. Catching their limit and leaving. Could be why the only real bait shop in town is giving up, as the BP right on the corner provides that and ACE has hooks, bells, and line.

Truth right here.

If it's where I am thinking, by the Village Hall, then I would think it would be a good idea, as the ACE Hardware doesn't really carry much, although they have enough to get people catching fish on the river, and the nearest bait shop directly across the river is an absolute joke and really should remove the "Bait Shop" form their business sign, as the last time I stopped in, they had less tackle than me, and I am lucky to fill a few 3700's, so I'm no tackle hoarder, and they had maybe four or five used spinning rod/reel combos. They didn't have any live bait, so I went to the BP next door.

I only have one setup for each, but the last two times I went fishing I only brought my BC setup. I can catch fish with any method using my BC setup. I'm sure there's better tools for the job, but I am far too green to know any different right now. And frankly don't care. I enjoy my BC setup. Regardless of the method or bait I'm using.

I set mine incorrectly on purpose when I was just learning. I set it a little on the "tight" side so that when I pushed the button, the lure wouldn't even drop unless I kind of gave the rod a little nudge. Sure, I sacrificed casting distance, but casting ten yards less was well worth the lack of birds nesting and frustration that comes along with it. Then, once I felt I had a good grasp on muscle memory, and repetition, I eased up on the knob and set the reel correctly and now my casts are consistent, smooth, and actually decent distance wise. I still get the occasion backlash, but it's a reminder to slow down and be fluid and consistent.

I consider myself VERY lucky. My wife and I are polar opposites as far as hobbies go. She's not a "hobby" person, but completely supports me and all 157 hobbies that I have. Fishing is my newest, but so far most rewarding, because my stepson has always wanted to fish, and now it's become our thing. He and I have always had a great relationship, but now that we've begun fishing together, we've found ourselves that much closer. So now when I say we're running to Cabela's to try out a new lure, she doesn't even ask any questions.

I find topwater to be most exciting, but that is just my personal opinion.

My stepson and I enjoyed a nice breakfast that my wife and his fiance tag teamed for us, and then they sent us out fishing, and we did not complain. Well fed, and hit the lake. Literally, his first two casts and he hooked a largemouth each time. He was throwing a wacky rig, his favorite "go-to" and I couldn't be happier seeing that huge smile. He's an adult, 20 years old, with a child of his own now, and I still get that proud feeling looking over and seeing how excited he is to land a fish. That is almost better than catching my own...almost, lol. I managed to catch a couple myself, throwing a frog, a dink, and then a good size largemouth, who put up one hell of a fight! Then I was able to go spend a few hours with my Dad. I don't think days get any better. A pic of the fighter...

I learned a very valuable lesson on the damage a stupid small lie can do. I am guilty of "little white lies" and then I actually told a substantial lie, and got caught. Realized the reason I lied (about a non-fishing purchase) was because subconsciously I knew it was a very bad timed and selfish purchase, that the wife wouldn't have had a problem with me making, but I knew it was selfish, so I hid it and lied about it. Now, to avoid damaging the trust I have re-established, when asked a question I will immediately respond 100% truthful because it's easier to be honest even if the truth hurts than it is to rebuild trust.

Not sure when, or if it's all Cabela's stores, but I noticed at my local Cabela's in IL, that there were several Rapala's priced between $1.47-2.47. My Cabela's was pretty well picked through, but I managed to find a few left. They weren't marked as a sales item, the prices just appear to have been reduced.

Well you’re in luck, cause it’s only the fishing rods/reels as of now. Lures, and all other stuff is still stocked strong.

Likely just the make/model. Same with reels as well. I work for Cabela's as a PT 2nd job, and can confirm that Cabela's is weeding out the house brand, likely to carry Bass Pro's brand. This is absolutely NOT true for other stuff like camping or hunting products, but since BPS is centered around fishing, it makes sense to rid the Cabela's brand fishing gear in favor of BPS branded equipment.

Don't pee in your waders unless your feet are cold.

I get the spirit behind the idea of the license check for purchasing gear, but the requirement for a fishing license is only in relation to the act of fishing, not owning the gear. I know this may not be a popular idea, but if for some reason you don't want to report this poacher, buy him a license and explain to him why you're doing so. Personally, I'd not go that route, and I would report him or at the very least have a direct conversation with him and tell him his options. He's just one out of many, and one at a time poachers may seem insignificant but they all contribute to the entirety of the problem. And slowly, the fishermen that follow the rules always end up paying the price.

Thanks everyone. Actually went with a Black Max, on a Cabela’s 7’ medium heavy fast action rod, since i got it for $34 with my discount, lol. Working there for a couple nights a week as a second job has its perks, lol.

What I am doing is searching YouTube. There are several channels I follow that have plenty of videos explaining how to rig your different options and how, where, and when to fish them. I'm not knowledgeable enough to offer up any advice, other than to watch videos and learn what to use when fishing cover, rock walls, deep water, weeds, etc. What I have gathered from my research is there is usually a general consensus on the style lure for every situation, but the brand/make/size/weight will always vary greatly. I plan on knowing the lake/pond I plan to fish, have a good variety of options, and will work my way through until I find what works well for me.

I received a cheap spinning reel and rod for Father's Day five years ago, having no fishing knowledge tried to fish with it once, and had a terrible experience, so I never went back out. Then caught the bug again recently, and decided to go pick up a Zebco 33 spincast reel and rod (and then a cheaper 404 combo from a local hardware store where I was camping and fishing last weekend after the 33 got jammed up) and tried once again, clearly not knowing what I was doing. Then decided to actually watch some YouTube videos, which easily turned into hundreds of YouTube videos, lol. Actually having things explained and realizing it helps to know the water you're fishing and what to you want to target, is starting to take away the "intimidation." I am not ashamed of that Zebco 33, but I also like the challenge of attempting to learn to use a baitcaster. Looking at a Abu Garcia Silver Max combo at Cabela's and am perfectly aware that for a small bump in budget I can get something better, but I know myself, and I am VERY guilty of "hobby jumping," and I have a very strong tendency to go all in, and then lose interest. That being said, I am ok with buying something that will definitely require to be upgraded, if I stick with this. I may even grab a better spinning combo than my first Walmart special also, just have options. Having never caught a fish up to this point, I am hoping to soon change that.