The Bargain Cave is something that is really nice though. I got half off a brand new Lew's reel (last one of a model they were no longer carrying) last year.

Cabela's is OK.  I've found that they tend to gear their fishing section more towards the multi-species crowd (walleyes, muskies, and panfish) rather than gear it towards bass fishing, which has mostly been what I've seen at BPS.  I will occasionally get coupons in the mail for $15 off $100 purchase or something which can tempt me.  I often get my reels spooled there because they have a professional anti-twist line winder which only takes a few minutes.  Gander Mountain is a complete and utter rip off.  Ammo there is about 25% higher than it is anywhere else.

When I lived in Ohio I would make the 3 hour drive north to Dundee to visit the Cabela's there and always came away impressed. I figured it must have been their flagship store because they really did it right. Huge selection of tackle no matter what you fished for.

 

The BPS near Ft Myers is a mixture of fresh and salt water gear,but honestly it seems like there is more emphasis on clothing than fishing gear. Must be where the $$$ is.

Our closest Cabela's is almost 3 hours away but each time I've gone they seem to have a lot of organized fishing gear. We have some Gander Mountain stores closer and they have a decent supply. Everything you need, maybe not the brand you want but they are smaller stores in general. Don't get to Bass Pro very often as they are pretty far away. It does appear the Cabela's is carrying more of their brand clothing, at least in the catalogs. Gander Mountain does the same but I happen to like the Guide Series hunting clothing from GM.

The Dundee Cabela's here in Michigan has a pretty decent fishing section.  This "outpost" store they put up in Saginaw is horrible though. I think the checkout lane area there is bigger than the fishing section. I'm glad Cabelas has the "check in-store availability" feature on their site or else I would have a lot of wasted trips. They are building another Cabela's near Lake St. Clair that is supposed to open sometime this year, it will be interesting to see their what their fishing department will be like since its so close to that lake.

Academy is my go to most of the time for "brick and mortar". The associates don't always now much about fishing but they can find who or what you need most often and they are many around. Also, you can't beat that feeling when your $100 rod and $80 reel ring up for  $60 total at the register! "Are you sure?! You're sure!?! Ok!"

 

My close second is BPS in SA and Katy, TX. My local BPS here in Colo Springs has left a bad taste in my mouth. I can't even order something on line and pick it up at this BPS without some type of headache. Been ordering on-line more and been ordering from BPS less.

 

A far third would be Cabela's, DSG and Gander Mountian. Cabela's just doesn't have the tackle selection of the others. Or, to be more specific, they don't have the type of tackle I like or need. Sometimes they do have things I like (southern pro, Rapala, Cabela's house brand, etc..) and if I can't find it somewhere else or can't find it cheaper elsewhere, I will get it from Cabela's. Gander Mountain is about the same, but they are getting much better down South. DSG is a joke down here.

 

Other than the big boxes, I support the mom and pop places whenever I can. If you are in Houston, TX or want to support a "little guy", look at Fishing Tackle Unlimited.

I'd agree with many of the above who see a lot of the inventory levels dwindling, so for getting exactly what I want as far as colors / sizes etc especially in plastics I'll go online, where the bait monkey has his was with me at tackle warehouse.

 

I do think cabelas shines in multi species fishing - if I'm looking for anything for panfish/walleyes/musky I'll make a stop in at cabelas, many stores and online shops are geared towards bass fishing due to the popularity, but don't always have a lot to offer for the other targets

There are no Cabela's near me, but I've found of the best deals around in their Bargain Cave.  Important thing is to check often because a heavily discounted quality item will usually be sold out in a day or two.

Ours is in Fort Mill, SC, just over the state line from NC. It's been good the few times I've been. I've found what i wanted. It beats everyone around except BPS, but it's easily 45 minutes closer. Since we have Amazon Prime, I usually look there first for things before I drive somewhere.