and as for where i shop. it depends on where i'm going. if i'm going out to lewisville i stop at walmart. if i'm going to grapevine i try to go to BPS. but that also depends on what time i go also. i usaully go out pretty early so BPS is out of the question sometimes. then theres the factor that if i'm in walmart or academy i always make it over to the fishing dept, just can't stop myself from going over there. galyan's at stonebriar mall also has a fishing dept.

In Houston,

BPS: Good selection, high prices, employees range from good to awful

Academy: Decent selection, lower prices, employees mostly incompetent.

Wally-World: What selection? low prices, what employees?

Yea and you would also drive 30 miles out of your way to save One Cent on a gallon of Gas.

I am a tight-wad... that is for sure. I just hate giving money away for no good reason. You think I am cheap... you have never met my brother. He makes Jewish people look spendy

I'd have to agree with mmurph, customer service goes a long way as does convenience. I don't mind paying a little more if they are handy and close. Unfortunately, selections at Academy here in Abilene continue to decline. I was in there just before Christmas and noticed all their hard baits now are on one side of one isle. We're talking cranks, jerks, topwaters, traps, spinners and buzz baits. Bandit is down to about a 2' section of peg board and Bomber and Strike King are less than that. At least for now, I can still buy my hooks and bullet weights and some occasional soft and hard plastics there. Everything else is mail ordered.

I know this is an Academy vs BPS vs Walmart but have you ever been to Sportsman's warehouse in Lewisville?

Personally I believe they have better selection than Acadamy or Walmart and their prices were compariable to Acadamy on the few things that I did a price comparison on.

If you take the time to drive to BPS you should stop by and check out Sportsman's.

I have been to BPS and noticed that prices are higher but they have everything you need. On the other hand I have been in Wal-Mart and they have everything that I need and the prices are alot cheaper.

If you are needing some advice go to BPS. I was also in Academy in Mesquite andt the guy behind the counter seemed pretty knowledgeableabout what he had in the store. It really boils down to what you prefer

Over the years I have been fortunate to shop in some very good stores with knowledgeable sales staff. There were a couple of Gibson's Dad liked when I was growing up. I liked Urban Angler, Smitty's, Fishin' World and Barlow's when I was in Dallas. In Tyler I have enjoyed Moe & Joe's, Porter's, and the Wal-Mart on Broadway when one of my fishing buddies is on duty. Competition in that business has changed a lot, though, and Smitty's, Urban Angler and Moe & Joe's have closed their doors. It is very hard to keep everything in inventory that fishermen read about and ask for. So we go online, or drive to BPS, and the local shops lose our business. Times change.

I buy a lot of things on the web, fishing gear among them, and rarely have any problem finding what I need at a good price. The main reason I like hanging out in sporting goods stores is hearing the stories and picking up some tips. Many of the salespeople now are just retailers...they don't love to fish like we do. So when I find a sales person who gets that light in his eyes when he shows me a new running plug that's "killing 'em on Fork", I get his name and ask for him next time or find out what hours he works. One good clerk can make a mediocre inventory work if he knows what you're fishing for and where. There are several fly-fishing shops around the country where the clerks are also guides. You wouldn't believe how much information I have been given for fifty bucks worth of flies. That kind of input has made the difference between a so-so and a holy-cow day for me many times.

I hope that there will always be a few of the old-fashioned sporting goods stores around, but if they are going to survive, they're going to have to provide something people can't get online or at a big discount store.

I shop at both Walmart and Academy. BPS is too far from me, but I have been there a few times. I like Walmart and Academy for the prices, I usually know what I need and don't really need a salesperson. I rather pay less than have a salesperson that is knowledgeable. As I said, I know what I need for my fishing needs, as do most other fisherman.

I started reading this and was curious how every one felt.Now I am confused as ever.Some want good customer service with cheap prices and some just want good deals.Some want knowledgeable fisherman on duty but will go to wally world to save a dime.The deal is in the big box stores like BPS and Cabellas you will find some knowledge and some good deals.The customer service will on the most part be done right.But then you talk about the prices you get at wally s and Academy.If you want everything in one package then your dreaming in todays world.I my self almost refuse to shop at Wal-Mart.I still like the old Mom and Pop stores.I realize that I may pay more but I get to BS and talk fishing.Our little store here in Weatherford has a little of everything.Even has a chair so I can sit down and visit.I know I pay more but to me it is worth every penny.If he does'nt have what I need he will order it.I try to get in position so I dont ned it right now.I get to go in the back room and look at what he has.And one thing,this has not happened but I believe if I needed something that he did'nt have in stock.I believe he would give it to me from his personel stuff if he had it.Our little store is called Brazos bait and Tackle.You can call 817-594-2248.He has live bait and batteries and a little bit of everything.But remember,his buying power is not like BPS and Wallys.You may pay a little more but you also get the knowledge and the appreciation of the owner.When was the last time you talked the the owner of your fishing store.

I'm just thankful I don't have to where a gay blue vest with a !@#$%^ smiley face on it! And that whistling song....just shoot me. And I thought Burl Ives got old over the holidays....

^^^^^bitter^^^^^

You know it

Just saw your dynasty parity post.

rotflmao.

I was wondering about this since they are going to build a BPS on the north side of S.A. Just my thoughts on the matter are that if you need some hard to get items you will be able to find it at BPS forget how much it cost. More than likely I'll use Wal-Mart since it's on the way to every lake and open 24-7. Academy like stated earlier they have a decent selection and one plus is they have stores all over town so I'll probably not be going to BPS unless I can't find a certain bait. Now that I think about it I'll probabably only go there once in a great while and mostly just to look around.