I live to close to Bass Pro Shops, Im in there at least once sometimes twice a week. Im from Bossier City La. so I spend money I dont have. Just yesterday I went and bought me a Johnny Morris Signature series Reel and I also thru in the JM carbon light signature rod. Dont get me wrong I already fell in love with it and I aint left the back yard yet but I'll try it out on some bass tuesday thru saturday if the rain would go on. The reason Im down on myself is because I already have a Johnny Morris carbon black the rod and reel and I fish with all the time it's just I could have got another one just like the one I already had it works great on sale but instead I let that feeling I get about buying dang gum fishing stuff. I really did need another baitcaster but It drove me crazy because here was a chance to buy a new rod and reel so I spent what I call alot forthis one instead of whats on sale. I know how silly I most sound but told evry body that they were sold out of the other one. I now I just have to live with this awsome Johnny Morris signature series combo. Do you have any advice on how to stay away BPS if you do tell me like it is I can take it.

Welcome strykr. You've got it bad like most of the rest of us here. I know I have more tackle than I could use in 3 lifetimes. That's, to me, is a great part of the fun. I think we start with just fishing in mind, then we turn into collectors. I say just enjoy yourself, enjoy life. Just don't spend the grocery money, the bill money, or the rent, and if you have a better half, make sure to keep her happy, and above all, be fair. Life is for living, and you just get 1 turn at it. Believe me, there are worse things you could spend your money on.

Hootie

I cant tell you how to stay away from BPS, because I have the disease too. My wife has accepted the fact, and understands (sometimes). I think they should have meetings for people like us, but they should be out on the water. Just like hootie, its a collection thing. I have different reels for different things. You will see that some people prefer to use the same kind of reel so that they have a very good understanding of how they perform. Me on the other hand, I have an assortment of different reels, each with their own personality, and each used for different fishing styles. Have a good time, and enjoy the relaxing days out on the water.

My wife seems to be of the opinion that a fishing tackle and gear collecting addiction beats all the other alternatives.

My wife seems to be of the opinion that a fishing tackle and gear collecting addiction beats all the other alternatives.

Sherlock, I keep telling my wife the same thing but she isn't buying it. Maybe I should hit the bars to change her mind!

Don't move close to a Cabela's... It will make the BPS obsession even worse.

i have the same issue. not the goin to bps addiction because the closest one is 2 hours away but the "why did i buy that when i could have bought that and saved some cash" issue. my advice is to just forget it and fish the hell outta that combo. i have a lot of gear and i still buy things whether i need them or not. i like to know that i have whatever it is just in case. bass fishing both for fun as well as competitivley is what i want to do for a living. its all i think about day and night, its all i wanna do. if your passionate about bass fishing then dont stress about the money you spend on gear as long as your taking care of your responsibilities, who cares lol

Just don't go ! Lucky if BPS sees me twice a year, I've been down the street and haven't gone in.

SirSnook the trouble with BPS is they will mail me just about anything my fevered mind decides I must have.

We make a pilgrimage or two each year to the nearest store (about 180 miles round-trip). My wife is worse than I am. Not only does she want all sorts of tackle, but clothes, hats, baubles, etc. I usually end up spending more on gas and lunch than I do at the store, so I can't really complain. It is the afore mentioned mail orders that get me in trouble.

I went there to return hooks and came out with, hooks, worms, a jig, swim baits and a rod....doh

I know what I like to use, I will use BPS mail order once in awhile, it's cheaper and easier than driving 40 miles each way, I don't buy a lot of tackle as compared to many other people, my wife doesn't see it that way, lol.

If I want a specific rod, I will drive down there as I won't buy a rod on line. Call first to make sure it's in stock and I try and plan a fishing trip down that way.

Went to buy 2 gun cases, left with zoom lizards..doh

I went there to return hooks and came out with, hooks, worms, a jig, swim baits and a rod....doh

I was at my local BPS this morning and ran into a guy on his way to the register with an arm-load of stuff. He said he had come on looking for a bag of plastics but wound up buying a rod, reel, lures, line, etc.

I live about 15-20 minutes from BPS, and used to go there quite a bit. The novelty has worn off though, so now I only go when I really need something. I've bought so much stuff over the past few years that I really don't even enjoy browsing the aisles like I used to. Now I just run in, get what I need, and get the heck out ASAP.