Got my new on in the mail today, I wasn't surprised what was inside as a got my BPS offshore angler a few weeks ago. Many of the rods and reels no longer list the specs, just a quotation to visit the BPS web site for more info. Looks I will be restocking my lavatory library with some new literature.

I've noticed this in some of the smaller seasonal catalogs from BPS as well - deleting the specs. Too bad; that's one reason why I leave catalogs in the head and on the tackle bench in the garage - so I can look up that kind of stuff...

ya, i noticed that too.

Got my 2013 catalog too.

I was surprised the new Cumaras were not in it.

I was disappointed in this years catalog. I want to know everything I possibly can about the gear I am looking at. I want to know rod weights (some man. don't even release that I don't think) line diameter, reel drag weights, etc. etc.

I think with the ease of access to the internet they figure most people find browsing the web easier anyway.

I got one too! I'm gonna be reading this on the porcelain throne!

Got mine Monday. I also noticed the lack of detail.

I understand why they are doing this. Being on their web site they are hoping items are bought on impulse like checking out at the cash register at a drug store or market.

I understand why they are doing this. Being on their web site they are hoping items are bought on impulse like checking out at the cash register at a drug store or market.

Agreed. And it works too. Seems like everytime I order something online whether its BPS or any other site I end up getting a couple of things that I didn't orignally intend to buy.

The BPS catalog is a new marketing concept to direct us to their web site.

Will be interesting to see if Cabela's does the same thing.

There could be too many products and product changes during the year to include them in the catalogs. Therefore the major sellers are listed with the goal of directing us to their web sites to view more items for sale, especially those with a higher price tag such as the Cumara's and NRX rods.

This could be the newest method of marketing and in the future the catalogs may be smaller with fewer items so we will have no option but to visit their web sites.

In addition, maybe Bass Pro Shops' marketing research has shown that more people use the catalog as a guide and then visit their retail outlets to make purchases where the items can be examined in detail.

This marketing ploy will be interesting to watch.

One thing that did pique my interest was the new deep V, deep water "Nitro". Looks like a hybrid between a bass boat and an open water boat. Should be great for those who fish places like the Great Lakes or Champlain.

Bigger and deeper than a standard bass boat. On the other hand, it's not as likely you will lose gear over the side. Will be interesting to see if, as Archie bunker once said, "it's too much of each, and not enough of neither".

For sure it opens up opportunities to fish and travel in rougher weather. But, are the trade offs worth it?

Agreed. And it works too. Seems like everytime I order something online whether its BPS or any other site I end up getting a couple of things that I didn't orignally intend to buy.

Well, no point in ordering $10 worth of stuff online, you pay more for shipping. Even when I drive to Bass Pro in Dania down here its a 20-30 min drive. Im not gonna go there unless Im gonna drop $50-100 to make the trip worth while. I have learned that WallyWorld has most of the soft plastics in the colors that I use around town in the canals. If I need a quick bag, then I will just go there, everything else, I will have to make the pilgrimage. Also, since I have soo much stuff, I have learned to use the AK Notepad App for my phone to keep track of all my tackle. This is great because when Im down at BPS, I can see what I am getting low on, and pick it up while there before I get too low, and then it save me plenty of time and gas.

Tackle warehouse has such a better selection that the only reason its not my exclusive place to order fishing stuff is because they dont offer a wish list to share with family. Everything I got for christmas came off a bass pro or cabelas wish list.

The only thing I order from BPS are HOT LIPS jigs, I like them for my saltwater species. They are packed in a 3 pack and I'll usually order 3 to 4 packs, I can't drive down there cheaper than the shipping, not to mention the time. If it's a rod or reel, then I'll make the drive, those items I want to see in person. It's about a 45 minute drive each way, I always take a rod with me and fish someplace, there are both freshwater and saltwater canals in the area.

bps is an hour drive so i look online and the catalog and make a list then go to bps pick up the stuff that i know i cant get at dsg or wally world

I have a BPS about 10 to 15 min away from the house, but I am starting to buy most of my stuff from Tackle Warehouse. About the only thing I get from BPS is fishing license, line, and weights.

BPS's shipping costs and prices have drove me to Tackle Warehouse.

BPS's shipping costs and prices have drove me to Tackle Warehouse.

X2

BPS's shipping costs and prices have drove me to Tackle Warehouse.

Ditto as well. BPS still has more selection but I'm sure Tackle Warehouse is well on its way. I get so excited when I see that brown box with the fish silhouette!

BPS's shipping costs and prices have drove me to Tackle Warehouse.

I got 75 bucks in Bps giftcards for Xmas. Just got done checking the shipping cost. For a $75 order its $13 for standard shipping. Thats nuts! Plus it says they add $6 on all rods 6ft and over. I was planning on going to the store anyway but still, nuts! After I use these cards, its gonna be TW for me from now on.

The only thing I really like about BPS is the 6 pay deal. If it's not a big ticket item worthy of it, it's ordered from TW.

Ditto as well. Tackle Warehouse has more selection but I'm sure BPS has boats so they dont care.

Fixed it for you. The color selections TW offers in baits alone far surpasses bass pro. Look at the reaction innovations bait on bass pro then go look on tackle warehouse.

TW's search feature lets something to be desired

hey guys..i get the bps & cabalela's catalogues too. i just wanted to take a second to suggest we support our local tackle shops. from my experience, they will get any item you want & price match. they just appreciate the opportunity. they're the guys with all of the local info & also sponsor the grassroots tourneys. the "big" stores are nice, but as a small business owner 2 years ago i made a resolution to do business with as many locally owned folks as possible. i'm not passing judgement, just offering something to consider next time that $20 is burning a hole in your pocket.

ps....buy american & no, that's not my picture in my avatar. he's just one badass hombre i know

that's not my picture in my avatar. he's just one badass hombre i know

That dude is just plain scary lookin'....lol,.....I think?