MediumMouthBass

I think you might be on to something, my one Academy lures box has a warning that says this product is know to the state of California to cause health issues. How will you properly dispose of these lures?

I really like what you wrote here, compared to everyone else saying you must wear one or else the world will end, and giving no facts or information. Just a opinion. Instead you put together a very informative, extremely well said part about why you should. And what can happen that most wouldnt expect or even think of. I experienced exactly what you are talking about just in a different sport/hobby. I spent almost every hour at a skatepark throughout my younger years, i was very good and knew the place i was at like the back of my hand. Went up the one ramp just to go over it and woke up a few minutes later missing a few pieces of teeth. I wasnt even going to jump it, just go over it. I got to the top, passed out and fell forward down the landing. I hadnt eaten or drank for most of the morning and blacked out, more than likely from low blood sugar or something. 2 months after drinking soup from a straw the swelling went down and the dental work started.... If something like this happened on a kayak, even with a life jacket it can still go either way. I really got to start looking into those PFD's that are designed to float so your face is upright and out of water. Because something like this can happen so easily, now i drink water like a fish and make sure my blood sugar doesnt get low, and i dont get hungry. Especially when fishing. Anyone would be unable to move freely if they went in the water now with or without a life jacket, within a short amount of time the muscles wouldnt be able to move, then its hypothermia until the end. This time of year with no one on the lakes you could be waiting minutes (unlikely) or hours/days for rescue to come. By then its way too late. I would never imagine a scenario where im kayaking in the winter but i guess the story the OP shared just happened and ive heard about other people going out in these conditions with their boats and kayaks.... The excellent swimmers every one here hates would be the ones who survive in these conditions. Getting to shore and calling for help and getting warm is the only chance (assuming you cant get to the boat/kayak), but you have to move fast. I do agree that if the excellent swimmer had a PFD it would make the chances higher, since the muscles would fatigue less. Best thing to do is just avoid being on the water until spring (although the water in spring is still cold) but atleast there will be alot of people around to help if anything happens. I never said helmets wouldnt protect. Nor did i say not to wear them. I said they arent a guarantee. This was about a decade ago before technology improved like you stated, also wasnt a real track. It was a track made locally in the woods, about 20 acres. Right next to the river, trees everywhere. I also stated it was a very small chance. And im not talking about a crash into dirt, im talking about he was going full speed to clear a table and his head smashed right into the tree 30' off the ground. With or without a helmet even with todays tech the result wouldve been the same. And thanks for the compliment about being highly uneducated, care to pay for my college so i can get smarter? I would appreciate it.

Try some hybrid copoly line. Not as expensive as pure fluoro, nor as much a mess to deal with. Or just use braid to leader, whether mono/fluoro/hybrid. Just make sure to use a really strong knot.

I love OD green or anything similar to it. So of course i wanted this reel very bad a few years ago, until learning its quite over priced for what its made out of. Along with it not having many reviews. However it does support a great cause, looks cool, and on sale (which is more reasonably priced) would make a great reel. BUT DO NOT BUY before having TW price match, a google search has a few places selling Zatas as low as $130. TW almost always price matches most retailers as long as you can provide details. Then you can spend that extra money you saved and buy yourself some new Chatterbaits to try out, or donate some money to other disabled veteran groups. (also theres a Zata casting combo for sale for $180 too if you want the rod, even if just a spare)

#1. Spinning rod for SM/LM, 7' M fast. Great for just about all finesse techniques and paddle tails. (wacky rigs, ned rigs, neko rigs, tube jigs, etc) #2. Spinning rod 6'6"-6'10" M fast or moderate-fast. Jerkbaits (which is a proven bait for both species but smallmouth especially). #3. 7' MH fast casting rod, but a stiffer/thicker one. Football jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, more of a heavy duty MH rod but not quite near where you would be throwing baits that require a heavy rod. #4. 7'3" MH fast rod. Pretty much a do all kind of rod, that extra length will help cast farther. Lipless cranks, Chatterbaits, almost every topwater (just loosen the drag if theres treble hooks), Texas rigs, heavier paddle tail swimbaits, and dozens among dozens of other techniques. #5. Either a 7'4" M moderate rod for squarebills, shallow-mid diving crankbaits. Or a 7'4" MH moderate rod for deep diving crankbaits. Either way pay more attention to their lure weight ratings than the power. Theres alot of good rods that would fit these needs, theres no perfect ones however as thats different for every fisherman and how it is in their hands. Whats your budget per combo or as a whole? Level of experience with casting reels? Certain brands you prefer or dislike? Any certain features or technology you want out of a rod or reel?

This comment along with most of this thread are absurd for a number of reasons. #1 buying PFDs cost money, i can easily see a shady guy only selling several hundred dollar PFDs with kayak purchases to make money if that rule happened. #2 what if we already have a life jacket, or jackets? I bought 3 kayaks in a few month period, should i have been forced to spent a hundred if not more on a life jacket for each one? and #3 being the most important, the opposite of number 1. What if the store only has cheap life jackets that are pretty much worthless? There were just 2 SEALS that drowned doing VBSS in the past year, give or take. They were excellent swimmers, (these guys trained in freezing water temps for hours and hours each day and night during BUDS and after for the rest of their pipeline). Both were wearing a floatation device. Theres alot of speculation the devices were outdated and only still used to save money, they couldnt handle the weight of their gear. I can easily see a cheap life jacket, or an improper PFD causing a similar outcome. Theres several options for PFDs, knowing which one is best for your needs, weight, and type of water you are fishing is just as crucial as wearing one. Along with how to properly fit one. But back to your last sentence, as long as you are agreeing to be the one to pay for everyones life jacket for the rest of time, than that sounds good! Alot of people here would love North Korea by what ive read so far. Im very pro life jacket, but forcing people to do something against there will and making claims about how they deserve it or shouldnt get sympathy because they didnt listen to the masses is just wrong.

I bought alot of their crankbaits and jerkbaits a few years ago on one of their sales, along with a few bags of soft plastics. The quality matches the price i paid for them but they are nice for fishing in pickerel infested waters. Their pricing however is a bit high, but it seems they use the Kohls method. (Its always on sale and barely ever MSRP). I think the main reason people dont like them as you mentioned is because their sales went from many items to only their house made stuff. They are now offering free shipping after $25 if you sign up for an online account. Scheels is probably my favorite maker of affordable Ned rig TRD knockoffs, i got a big bag of 30 for about .15 cents or less per bait. Thats alot more pleasant to lose in the river than an Elaztech one at .50 or more. I am definitely leaning towards Academy as #1 for me. Their jerkbaits are really great, the hooks too. I think i got around 100-150 hooks for about $15 during one of their sales. Their soft plastics are really nice too. And then there is the house made clothing, their polo shirts and fishing shirts are phenomenal.

Sometimes i like spending money, sometimes i like saving it. Right now i want to save some and try out some cheaper alternatives to what i already have, so when it comes to house brand lures, baits, and terminal tackle what has impressed you, or been surprisingly decent/good/great?

Theres different laws/requirements for certain water crafts about how a life jacket must be within reach, well if a person gets in a crash and is knocked out that rule wont help them at all. My state requires every person on the water to wear them in the colder months, ive always worn one on the kayak and boat too. But i dont think theres many states that require them year round, atleast mine doesnt. I dont feel right without wearing my life jacket, same for seatbelts, helmets, etc.... Most people dont wear them (my opinion) because they dont know what they are doing or the dangers of being on the water. The guys that dont wear them locally usual dont know anything about boating, or even took the class/safety course etc.... The motorcycle part however is a double edged sword, sure a helmet with protect. But not really. I arrived at a track a few days after someone wearing a helmet hit a jump, knocked into a tree and died before paramedics arrived shortly after. They had to cut the helmet off from how much swelling there was.... And for street bikes often if you survive the crash your body will be destroyed or ruined to the point where the outcome is often a life worse than the alternative. Now that type of crash is a smaller percentage but still, helmets really only make a difference in certain scenarios. Still a life saving piece of protection that i will always recommend to be worn, but they dont offer a guarantee. People value personal freedom because of all the men and women who fought, came back severely injured, died, and sacrificed everything so we can have that freedom. And they fought like hell for it. That being said i agree on certain aspects of recommendations and rules for safety, BUT nothing should be forced. However instead it should come with a giant amount of information, facts, guidance towards the right thing, and explanation of why. Think of it like school, no one wants to learn because they are forced and given no reason for why they need it. Tell them why they need it and show them how it will actually help them, and most will want to learn and actually try. Someone much smarter and much richer than i am said that part about school a few years ago, havent used it till now.

7'3" MH casting rods are my go to for almost every lure i use. Most of them are the same make and model too. If i use something lighter ill switch to a 7' medium, or a 7' heavy rod for the opposite. Out of 21 casting rods only a select few are technique specific, 2 are for swimbaits (one is for up to 2oz, the other is for up to 6oz). Kind of hard to throw those on my regular rods, and the other rods are 2 cranking rods for obvious reasons. I really dont get too much into every technique needing a specific rod, because ive spent years bank fishing with only a few rods. I learned i can use 3 rods to cover every single bait, and lure other than big swimbaits or musky stuff. I dont even use my moderate cranking rods because i prefer throwing cranks (especially lipless cranks) on the same 7'3" MH fast action rod i mentioned above. Technique specific rods are a marketing teams dream, a businesses reality, and our tackle/gear addiction. Theres really only a few places where technique specific rods shine. #1 jerkbaits, having a shorter rod that can cast these usually lighter baits all while having a tip that can load up and keep a fish pinned. #2 Crankbaits, all about keeping the fish pinned, while being longer so you can get the most out of your cast. #3 Bottom baits like Texas rigs and Jigs, although these arent as needed as #1 and #2, but for most people getting a rod with that extra sensitivity is nice. #4 If you do alot of tournaments and need to change something quick, instead of spending a few minutes getting something different and retying just reach down and pick up a rod out of the often dozen if not more choices. #5 Swimbaits, musky/pike lures, try throwing a 6oz bait on a average bass rod.... Wont work too well. Get 4 different higher end setups first, fish them and find out what you like. Then add/build on from there. Most 7-7'3" MH rods, 6'6"-7" M, 7' H, rods will cover almost everything.75% of my rods would be these. The remaining setups would be one for shallow-mid/squarebill crankbaits, 7'4" or longer moderate action, then a bulkier heavy duty rod with same length and action for deep divers, a rod for swimbaits or A rigs if you fish them.

(ill say it again so i dont get attacked, i dont like Ben, and think hes a not so good person, but this needs to be said) Say what you want, but everybody knows who Ben is, theres 5 pages here. Only about 1 of them put together talk about the actual post, the other 4 are.... Hes also brought alot of attention to bass fishing, fishing in general for just about any species isnt as big as it once was, or should be. Covid brought people back to it but after that it dwindled down a bit. I dont know about you but i would rather my local tackle shops stay in business, they need customers for that to happen. The more the merrier. And his videos get a ton of views, not all of his supporters are the spawn of satan like they have been talked about here, some just want entertainment, and to see huge bass. Is he an immature idiot along with a few other words? Well id say about 100% of us agree on that. Personally i dont like him or his ethics, clickbait titles, or his personality. But hes one of the very few people on youtube to deliver big bass, over and over again. You have to agree he has talent or a special ability for catching bass most people can only dream about, and then adds 5lbs extra. I along with all of you would want him to treat these amazing fish with more care, and that part upsets me as it does you. He makes the fishing industry alot of money as well, again i dont know about you but i would like bass fishing and the companies i buy from to last a long time. I really like 6th Sense lures, the baits and rods not so much. He definitely helped grow the brand, just by being himself on youtube. And they wouldnt keep him on if that was the opposite. Look at rockstars from the 70's, and 80's. 8/10 of those guys were worse people than Ben ever could be, im sure alot of us idolized them. Rock wouldnt be the same without them either. This guy didnt buy a license and entered a bass fishing contest, is that unethical, and a jack fill in the blank move? Yes. But most of you are acting like he should be sent to Guantanamo Bay because you dont like him. Im sure all of you have went over the speed limit atleast once, if someone doesnt like you does that mean you should be given a felony?

I fly fish, tie flies too. In the summer months at the lake/pond a foam terrestrial fly is amazing for trout and panfish, its usually brown or black foam. And its not always easy to see on the water, ill add a small piece of red, orange, pink, or bright green foam to the top so i can see it easily. For frogs i could see this being a crucial part too. I think only black, brown, white, and a green or yellow bottom are all thats needed, for the top color whatever you think you will see best.

High end reels already are obsolete. The reels ranging from $100-150 MSRP (that have went on sale over and over again around as low as recently $25-50-75-100) have more than anyone can want or need. (anything over that within a small amount is either a special purpose reel, like big swimbaits for example. Or something like a Zillion from Japan for $200 if you want a really nice reel, but for most people who fish at your local lake thats not worth the money for what they get). After that its just a buy in to a club that doesnt exist. Or a flex, that will impress 0 of the people who fish at your lake. Personally i just want a reel i can depend on, that casts far, fits my hands, and will not break down if a big bass is on the hook. Any reel made today fits that, well if it passed quality control post covid that is. I have reels from $30-400. Honestly the reels from $100-150 (that i got most on sale for half that) blow the more expensive reels out of the water. And i just enjoy fishing them more. And then theres this^. Simple is better, easier to work on, find parts for, and less to break. But you never know, the year 2035 might bring the new Daiwa Shimano SLX XT DC SV TW SUPER ZILLION MGL SLX made out of a new material from recycled bicycles that let you cast 4x farther while pedaling! And that reel might be a big hit!

Im a huge Crescent fan, 2 out of my 3 kayaks are made by them. The UltraLite is a fantastic option for a light weight, easy to carry, load/unload kayak, but not the best option for standing, as its only 30" wide, compared to 34". And that small amount makes a huge difference. Even a 32 to 34 is a big difference. Whereas Old Town kayaks (made right in Maine), specifically the Sportsman/Topwater 106 or something from Nucanoe will be the absolute best kayaks within any budget for stability. The downside for them is their weight, 77lbs at the low end, Nucanoes will be even more. Nucanoe is practically a hybrid between kayaks and canoes with ultimate stability, storage, and comfort. But these would be almost double in weight, which is probably a deal breaker. Now the UltraLight will still be stable, and more than enough to stand on. However it will have limitations the bigger kayaks wont. But it only weighs 49lbs, which for a quality sit on top kayak is insane. My local kayak dealer/tackle shop owner sells a bunch of them to people who are older, or arent as strong as they once were. After an injury years ago i thought about getting one just because of its weight, or lack there of. But i decided to splurge on a Shoalie which is perfect for me, its a bit heavy but paired with proper lifting form and a cart its been great so far. But down the road i hope they will still be making them. Since theres nothing else on the market (to my knowledge) that light. And for kayaks trying them before buying is key, my first Crescent was a LiteTackle, loved it from when we loaded in the truck. 2 months later it wasnt enough for me. And one last thing in this already long write up, they have seats they sell that have extra padding, or extra height. This makes getting in/out or standing up so much easier.

Canoes are a thing of the past for most people. Kayaks (majority) or float tubes and plastic jon boats (minority) have taken over for the modern day fisherman, regardless of what species is being targeted. (For those who dont want to deal with the hassle of gas powered metal boats). Dont get me wrong a canoe is more than capable of being a great fishing machine, but most people think of canoes as something their family took them on the river for that camping trip 20 years ago. And they arent cool, trendy, or all over social media and youtube like fishing kayaks are. People today value the things above more than they should.... Plus with the advancements in kayaks today, especially fishing kayaks for $500-2500 new or used you can get a kayak capable of doing more than most canoes can dream of, and go where no boat has gone before. All while being fast, stable, comfortable, and able to hold several to a dozen rods, and as many tackle trays as our hearts desire. The seats on some of these newer ones are so nice, and much higher up too, some even swivel 360 degrees. I will also add that a canoe is mostly an open area, lots of storage? Yes. But not much for organization, or spots that hold your gear (im sure you can add it though). Most kayaks today come molded (or however the other brands are built) with lots of thought out/well designed spots/areas/tankwells that hold our gear securely, neatly, and organized if we choose to be. For instance my #1 fishing kayak can hold 2 3700 sized trays locked in place on both sides of the seat. And has pieces that rise up to hold securely in place about 4 more under it. It takes me about 5 seconds to grab one and change a tray out. Cup holders that are also anchor wizzard mounts from the factory, a seat thats as comfortable as a recliner, and a seat thats high enough to get in and out of without feeling like im sitting on the floor. And most kayaks today have really great front tank wells, i can safely store up to 10 rods in kayak #2 (in the hull) and about 4-8 more on the kayak itself. But for camping i can also store tons of gear in that tankwell, thats safe as well as water proof. Not out in the open like it would be with a canoe. And add a YakAttack Black Pack and thats about 5-6 more rods, 4-10 trays, a coat, some water and food too. All secured down, neat/organized, efficient and easily used. Now for me personally, i wouldnt think about getting a canoe, a kayak, or a boat for that matter. Because theres nothing on this planet that will ever fit me or my needs better than my main fishing kayak i have now. And same can be said for anyone that fishes out of a canoe, maybe that fits them better than anything else. I would also like to add it would be nice if companies started offering modern fishing kayak alternatives for canoes. Even though they arent as popular, theres still a good amount of people that use them. Everything on this earth has a purpose, canoes, kayaks, and boats included.

Shhhhhh🤫 The US government and big food companies are getting angry!!!! Cmon man, the FDA and other US government officials say they are completely safe and healthy, and they cant be wrong. Remember how they said cigarettes and tobacco were safe and healthy just a few decades ago? Or when the FDA came out a few months ago and said cereals with tons of sugar were the healthiest food to eat for breakfast? The band Cinderella sung it decades ago, "the stuff you eat for breakfast will only give you cancer" pops in my mind. For the last few hundred years to just a few decades ago everyones mom and grandma cooked with lard, fat, or tallow. People lived healthier lives. In almost every picture taken people were skinny, in masses. Now we are shoving so much seed oils into everything and have more obesity, cancers, diabetes, among even more health problems than ever before. Its in everything, fast food, processed foods, restaurants, and almost everything in a grocery store. Getting that horrible junk out of our system and diets helps with so many different health issues its amazing. Plus the food cooked in or processed with seed oils tastes disgusting.

Protein powder, protein drinks, protein bars, and almost every workout supplement often hurts more than helps. Many brands have tons of added junk, aka fillers. Some of these can potentially be harmful or cause issues. There isnt much oversight on protein powder, or its ingredients. And theres a few (especially on Amazon) that were proven to have harmful, very harmful chemicals in them. You have to do some research on brands, theres a few that are very clean and have several independent studies into their product and offer full transparency into it as well. Then theres the personal issues, like one may be fine for me but cause stomach issues for you. Bloating, cramps, other unpleasant stomach issues are very common for alot more people than you would think. Most people keep taking it because all they care about are building muscles, if you have an issue switch to a different brand until one works for you and your needs. The best source of protein on this earth is food. It cant be replaced. Meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, and certain nuts are the king as they always will be. A shake, bar, or premade drink can definitely be beneficial, but they wont really add much protein to your daily intake. Maybe 20-30 grams (not including milk or anything else added) the average person needs 60-100 or 100-200 depending on goals of course. You still need to fill that gap whether big or small with real foods, like meat and eggs. I aim for 100-150, a shake helps but it barely puts a dent in. Everybody's needs for protein are different. Look at guys who hit the gym alot, they take a shake, and then proceed to eat 3-5 more meals of food. A shake is a good alternative for saving time, and thats really it. Still beneficial like i said but not the best or only option for everyone or there needs/goals. I used protein powder for years, saved alot of time, and i built some muscle. I stopped taking it for several reasons, i didnt like the taste, and it upset my stomach, i also had an injury that set me back far, my strength is still greatly reduced but with eating real foods now for all my meals i actually have more muscle than i did before. Even with reduced strength? How about that. Plus all the benefits that come from these food sources, like vitamins and nutrients. If i need a shake for a quick meal i will just take peanut butter, high protein greek yougurt, and milk. It tastes great, no stomach issues, i actually know whats in it, theres not a list of 30 chemicals, and it gives me the same if not more protein. These 2 along with @A-Jay are very correct about this. Im younger than most people here, so the new BMI charts are very horrible. Ive always been considered very obese because of my BMI. Im 6'2" and run from 200-215lbs. I look skinny..... I dont have a six pack but im not fat either.... Doctors told me i should weigh 145-165, im not even sure if i could survive being that weight.

This is the main reason i dont, and havent used jerkbaits much. There are plenty of other baits and lures that dont gut hook as many bass, so ill use them instead. I do know im losing bass by not using them, but the bass arent losing their lives either. This however is what will make me try using jerkbaits.

I have about 2 dozen casting reels, another dozen spinning. Ive used all but about 5 of them still in their box, most were dunked in water, fished in the rain, covered in dust/sand/dirt at one point or another, tossed on the ground, slammed into the back of the truck bed, thrown in the kayak, etc.... I have not cleaned any of them. Guess what? They still feel like new (aside from the cheaper Black Max's). I did do a 1 minute q tip clean on the spool spindle for just a select few reels this year just to see if there was any dirt and dropped some oil, but didnt go any further into taking them apart/cleaning them. Its odd, im the type of person that will religiously take apart and clean stuff in my other hobbies, and i have some grease and oils made for reels, but ive never felt they needed it. And they have never given me a reason too. If they dont last another 20 years because i didnt clean them, i guess ill just spend the $100 and get a new one. To me thats worth it more than spending $50 if not more including shipping to clean an old one professionally, but thats just me. My 2 worst reels are a Black Max and a Sienna, both are from around 2019-2020, fished heavily, treated poorly. Sienna looks like it was bit by a shark or was pulled by a truck down a highway, feels rough (same with Black Max), these reels were both $30 each. Never cleaned and still going. If a $100-200 reel cant last like these can without being cleaned then they arent worth the money. What kind of reels are you guys buying that break down like a Ford/Chevy made after 2020? But if i did want them cleaned, i would do it myself. Theres ton of help on forums and youtube, might be difficult the first few times like anything in life, but practice makes perfect right? And again, sending reels out to be cleaned for the average fisherman isnt quite worth it, you are paying half if not full cost of your reel to get it cleaned. No matter where you go. For guys with more money however its usually worth having it done.

The Zillion felt like a small toy compared to my SLX MGL 70. Still a nice reel but not for me, i honestly didnt get the hype this reel has. (Be prepared for backlash by not conforming and talking out against the Zillion) I would say get different reels. Why? Well the SLX MGL and Zillion you already have (depending on gear ratio of course) would be very good for weightless soft plastics, jerkbaits, and crankbaits that most other reels struggle either alot or a little throwing (talking about lighter jerkbaits and cranks without a weight transfer system) But with the Zillion you will need to spend extra money on aftermarket spools. Or both reels can also be used for stuff like pitching heavy jigs/t rigs into brush, or skipping stuff under docks. A heavier duty reel like a Zillion HD, Tatula 150, Lews Superduty would be better off for stuff like smaller although still big swimbaits (up to 3oz) but also some heavy duty frogging. Not sure where the Metanium you mentioned would fit anywhere since i stopped at the SLX MGL 70 in Shimanos lineup, really dont think any more expensive Shimano reel can do anything better than this one can for me. So my knowledge on that reel and anything higher up in their lineup is 0. But any reel can fish a jig/chatterbait, its more the rod that plays into that. Back to crankbaits, this is where it gets odd. For deep divers youll want a reel thats meant to cast far think Lews BB1 Pro (one of the only reels that was made 100% for cranking) or something like a Tatula Elite Long Cast. Deep diving cranks take awhile to get to depth. For squarebills, shallow-mid divers you want the opposite type reel, something like your SLX MGL or Zillion with upgraded spool. Since these lures arent very heavy. But again you need the right ratio, unless you like burning them over shallow areas and grass.

Ive had a few Shimanos that did the auto close, usually beginning of the cast (where the most force is applied). But these are just the $30 Siennas, nothing fancy or high quality. If i cast too hard it closes, and makes me look like an idiot who never fished before to those around. If i cast with less force its not an issue. Which in the video you posted looks like way too much speed and snap. I also never closed the bail by hand, i would just turn the handle. Then i started noticing how awful it sounded when i did it. So i started closing it by hand, feels better, sounds better, and my accuracy with a spinning combo improved significantly. Plus when closing the bail with the handle (if the lures still in the air) not only does it cause a really awful snapping sound, but it pulls the bait back a bit and may snap the line. Atleast on lighter line.

That might be tough to find one for that reel since its a house brand reel. But since its a Doyo made reel (company that makes BPS/Lews reels), then maybe one of the Lews aftermarket shallow spool reels will fit, but its not a guarantee. If its only happening in wind adjust the braking system to be a bit higher when wind starts. Casting distance will be reduced (so will a reel with a shallow spool), but birds nest will be reduced too.

My 2nd Local DSG had a Field and Stream in it. Big animal display, huge store. Huge fishing area. It was definitely a competitor to my local Cabelas, minus the aquarium. Had about 50 Kayaks always for sale too, and not the cheap plastic ones either. The firearms/hunting area had about 5-10 employees, and had about 8-25 customers buying constantly. It was their biggest department in the entire store (aside from clothes, but lets be honest no ones buying a bunch of Nike shirts for $60). The firearms/hunting department had all kinds of stuff, it was beyond overwhelming, add on the atleast hundred thousand dollar animal display that was fantastic. Corporate came in and decided that the several hundred thousand dollar display should be thrown away, the firearm and hunting should go away too, along with fly fishing/tying materials too. They had about 6 aisles of it. And i got bags and bags and bags of their tying materials on sale for 75%. They removed about 500k-1mil worth of gear. And thats just a guess of what was on display, who knows how much more they had in the storage room. Closed down for 6 months to do renovations, completely gutted the store, removed Field and Stream in the process (since DSG bought them and Moose Jaw, well they just closed both down). Lost a ton of money while being closed, spent another 500k-1mil (or more) to redo the store, just to reduce the fishing section by 75% to a now pathetic sad excuse of one. (these guys had so much fishing gear, about 40% of the stuff they carried no other DSG did.) And after losing/spending several million and upsetting most of their customers they reopened with a free walking trail and rock climbing. Yes, they did all of this just because someone at corporate thought a free walking trail and a rock climbing wall would bring in a ton of cash.... They are ran by a bunch of idiots. And went all in on overpriced poorly made clothes and shoes. I give it 10 years and they will start removing the sports gear too and just be again shoes and clothing. Most people wont. I only still shop there because they are ran by idiots who love throwing money away. I got my recent Lews reel for $22, a $1300 Old Town for $600 because the manager noticed it had a scratch, along with tons of other fishing gear for 50-75% off in tons of sales. Its hard to understand how they can stay in business selling clothes no one wants or can afford, while giving away everything else practically for free. And to add, before they did this to the store they had about 20-100 people walking around the store every time i went. Last time i went there after the reopening there were about 10 people in the store the whole hour i was there. Not many people had carts or bought anything either.

(Personally i still love going to Cabelas, especially with the family). Cabelas isnt what it used to be. Neither is BPS for that matter. Still a nice store, where you can see some really great stuff (local Cabelas has a huge animal display, and a bunch of fish tanks, loaded with all kinds of species). Tons of boat and kayak accessories, you can see rods and reels, and feel if they fit you and your style of fishing. Get your reels respooled as well. Most have food courts too. Camping/hunting stuff, tons of clothing lines as well. But today everyone (even the richest) are shopping for deals. Most online stores can and will beat the price of anything Cabelas or BPS are offering. And lets be honest, Cabelas/BPS sales the past few years barely cover sales tax.... And like i said, they arent the same. One way or another you are supporting a giant private equity/corporation based business. So you might as well save some money. Its not like Cabelas is your local mom and pop shop. Which will sadly also be a thing of the past.... And ill add 2 things too, #1 it seems like alot of the guys who have been fishing longer than me are upset their favorite house brand baits got discontinued by their merger. And the new baits are poorly made for the most part, while up charging the customer through the roof. (Some of their baits are nice, but not much). And not as affordable as they once were. #2 the employees although nice, dont know much about what they are selling. Most of the online places are beyond helpful and know what they are talking about.

No. It was them saving as much money as possible.