I took my kids to Bass Pro Shops again the other day and for the 2nd or 3rd trip in a row, I did not get a single thing for myself. My kids were the only ones that got anything.

 

What the heck is wrong with me?  lol

It is amazing how kids, or in my case grandkids, can have needs that so quickly burn through all available spending money. Welcome to the joys of parenting. I don't know how old your kids are, but can tell you with certainty, it will get worse as time goes on. Good luck!

 

You probably have enough gear to last for a trip or two anyway...

I didn't even think that was possible. I always come out spending wayyyyy more than I planned on.

if they put the candy store in front of the fish tank I would be broke. lol

I can't remember ever going and not buying myself anything. I don't have any kids. But heck, if I manage to just buy a couple of small items for 15-20 bucks, I walk out patting myself on the back for showing restraint.

I go there 5 times a week, and usually leave with nothing

Well it's BPS....

Cabelas on the other hand, we walked in for some power bait nymphs and walked out with $400 in PFD's!

I usually end up coming down with the " well I can get the same thing at another store for cheaper" syndrome.

I'm trying to figure out if you're bragging, or complaining. 

I went recently with a gift card in hand and was struggling to find something that I needed. Needed, not wanted. Big difference for me. Ended up using it to get panfish gear for the kids. Of course, when I got home, remembered what I needed.....

Their store just doesn't compete with local competition well (obviously online either) with the exception of the spring sale. That's the one time of year I spend a chunk of money at BPS. More often than not I'm just browsing due to the high prices.

I've come to the point where I'll only pick up what I need. The bait monkey is always scratching my back, but I think about that pile of lures in my basement, it'll change my mind in buying anything else.

I've had a couple trips that I walked out with nothing but more often then not I leave dizzy and confused trying to figure out what I just spent $100 on.  

I hardly ever go to BPS except when I'm taking my wife to the airport and sometimes I don't go then.  I do buy a few things on line from them.  A couple weeks ago after dropping my wife off I stop in, bought a waxwing and some bucktails.  I quite often buy hot lips jigs, they come in a 3 pack for about 6 bucks, they had them in a bargain bin, 3 pack for .99, I loaded up, sorry I didn't buy more.  

I go there 5 times a week, and usually leave with nothing

I'm guessing you work there.

Soft plastics are my nemesis ... Always seem to find a reason to find something different to try.

I took my kids to Bass Pro Shops again the other day and for the 2nd or 3rd trip in a row, I did not get a single thing for myself. My kids were the only ones that got anything.

 

What the heck is wrong with me?  lol

 

Sounds like you got your priorities all figured out man.LOL...I took the whole family to the bluegill pond across the street and my little girl was bugging the boys for turns on their rods....Looks like I am in for a trip to BPS where I come back with nothing for myself.

I'm guessing you work there.

I've been working there for 3 yrs. now, and I still can't walk out empty handed. I guess I'm just trading my work for fishing gear. There ain't nuthin wrong with that....lol.

Hootie

The BassPro store is about 18 miles from my home...I used to go there frequently, but much less now because I have so much tackle at home.  Furthermore, the Baltimore store doesn't stock as much bass gear as stores in Richmond or Harrisburg.   One of the salesmen told me that the Baltimore store is one of the top performing stores in the chain.   I can only guess that the reason is that they sell freshwater, Chesapeake Bay, and ocean fishing gear.   The store is actually smaller than Richmond or Harrisburg.

I drove by a Cabelas yesterday and decided to stop in to check it out. It was an impressive store, but I walked out with nothing. I felt like the security guys were watching me like a hawk because I was the only one walking out empty. I guess that's not normal.

The baitmonkey is playing with you. I would be very scared.

I took my kids to Bass Pro Shops again the other day and for the 2nd or 3rd trip in a row, I did not get a single thing for myself. My kids were the only ones that got anything.

 

What the heck is wrong with me?  lol

 

You are a wonderful father. I hope they each got one of those Artic Cats that are on display!!!!

I'm guessing you work there.

 

I do. When you know what you like to use and not much new stuff coming out, I don't buy something every day. But I did come home with some lures today lol

I do. When you know what you like to use and not much new stuff coming out, I don't buy something every day. But I did come home with some lures today lol

I don't work there, but I do understand where you're coming from though.

 

I can't get caught up in all of the marketing for tackle (I fish too much to.) When I go to BPS I always bring a list and pay with cash. Occasionally I grab something that's not on the list, but it's usually because I forgot to put it on the list in the first place. 

 

To each their own, but it's scary for me to even think of going into BPS (or any other store) and charging a bunch of stuff because it jumps out at me. I own all of my tackle outright

 

Man your lucky, when I go to BPS stuff just jumps in my basket.

See above... I take cash because I'm scared that a Nitro Z-9 might jump into my basket.

Here is my strategy. I volunteer to do the grocery shopping so my wife can stay home and relax

then pick up the minimum $15 Bps gift card

6 trips to the store and I've got a new fishin rod