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My question: Where are the places you guys and ladies shop when you
can't
find what you are looking for locally? Is there a solid website(s) I can
order from which has pretty near everything at reasonable pricing?

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

I frequent a bait/tackle shop in nearby Tomahawk. When I first started
going there, they had they typical small time tackle shop selection of
products. I started asking if they could get this lure, that style of
hooks, etc. Being nice people, they wanted to help me out and make a few
bucks in the process, so they ordered the stuff for me.

Two years ago, they asked me to help them make up their spring tackle
order!
Talk about being like a kid in a candy store! It was a lot of fun,
spending
other people's money... But wanting to help them and give them a balanced
selection, I was careful with my order selection. They soon figured out
what type of products serious anglers were looking for and now they have a
great selection of products and gear.

Try that with the shops in your area. Politely ask them to order what
you're looking for, and they'll probably get it for you. If they won't,
then go to the other shop and ask them for the same service. I'd be
willing
to bet that one of them will be more than happy to accomodate you. Just
don't wait until you're out to ask for a specific bag of worms.

Otherwise, BassPro and Cabela's have been decent companies to order from
over the web.

I second that. There is nothing wrong with asking your local fisherdude if
they can place a special order for you. The only potential problem is if
they have to order minimum quantities, as sometimes happens. You might be
able to work with them on this, especially if their supplier does not
require high count minimums on individual items.

Otherwise, I would have no problem referring you to BassPro or Cabelas on
the web. I have shopped with both of them in-store, and on-line. After
seeing how they are set up, I have not noticed any difference in products or
service from either company. While they are both "very-large-corporations"
:-), they both seem to adhere to a service policy similar to L.L. Beans,
i.e.. The customer is smart enough to know what s/he wants, so we will do
our best to provide it.

Hey Steve, is that Chuck's there in Tomahawk? Nice joint he has there.

Bob
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