Bass Pro Shop

[Vola Bass]

Exactly in one month I will be in U.S.A. ...!

On March Saturday 27th I want to go to Springfield's Bass Pro Shop... I am very excited because I think it is the biggest BPS in America, isn't it?

In Italy we don't have similar big fishing stores, so I wanna ask you some informations..

Anyone can suggest me a model of casting reel left hand with a good connection quality-price??

With price not over 100$ dollars I mean..

Can you help me for the choice ?

Thank you so much.. !

Alberto

[jeb]

I haven't been to all the Bass Pro's, but the one in Springfield is the first store, and is pretty good size, especially when you count their museum and outlet store. The store part is not WAY bigger than other Bass Pro's, but it's a nice store.

Not sure what reel to recommend. I've found casting reels under $100 are usually not great performers.

[Terry Beeson]

Alberto,

While BassPro is a nice place to visit, it is still what we call a "big box store" and you may find it hard to get good advice on tackle from someone there. If you know what you want in advance, then you will do OK. Be sure to take your time to look around the store as there is a lot to see besides just the tackle and other merchandise. Plan on a meal at the bar in Hemingways to see the salt water aquarium. The museum will probably not be open while you are here. They are still working on it. But just walking around BP can take several hours to take it all in.

While in town, go a few blocks south on Campbell and visit the guys at Fin and Feather. John and they guys there can give you good advice on the reel you are looking for. Not as big as BP, but a good atmosphere of anglers. Stop in next door to Backcountry Outfitters and say "hi" to us as well. We'll get you into REAL fishing - fly fishing that is...

[techo]

Gosh hate to argue with Terry as he is a well respected contributor to the forum, but I would never consider Bass Pro a "Big Box Store." I read a few definitions to see if I had the wrong idea of a box store. I think I understand the definition okay.

They are not near as knowledgeable as Fin and Feather, but the guys at Bass Pro helped teach me how to tie on a tippet or whatever you call it. The guys in the gun shop actually know what they are talking about, the guys in the knife shop have some knowledge of knives, the reel guys know a bit about reels and so on....The stores are well decorated and have themes. They do not have flat roofs and plain concrete floors. They have actual pedestrian flow arranged to work people through the store (no matter how slowly) that lead people to different parts of the store.

I agree with big and maybe a bit of a tourist trap....I also agree that you get better assistance from Terry at his shop and the guys at Fin and Feather.

As far as a reel.....it is still personal preference and hard to recommend a reel for someone else.

As far as what real fishing is.....nice McCord trout....would rather have a pic of me holding Jessary's 7 pounder! HAha!

[eric1978]

Hey Alberto, spend a little more and get a Curado 200. You can get them for about $150 on Ebay and they'll last you a very long time. Best reel for your money in my opinion and many others' as well.

Here's a link to the Shimano site:

http://fish.shimano....g/Curado_E.html

Bass Pro Shop is a great place to pick up some tackle and spend a bunch of time looking around at some neat stuff. But it's not good for much else. Don't get your hopes up too much unless you're wanting to spend a bunch of money, because that's about all there is to do there.

[Wayne SW/MO]

The store part is not WAY bigger than other Bass Pro's, but it's a nice store.

I've only been in 3 others, and its heads above them.

[Sore Thumbs]

I am a big fan of Bass Pro. I live in Bentonville, Ar and the closest one is an hour and a half away. I love taking my time and looking at everything that is fishing related. It gives you a chance to actually put your hands on something and really check it out. Electronics at BPS is one of my favorites because they have them hooked up and running so you can make a better buying decesion even if you don't buy it at BPS. The last few times I have been I was pleasently surprised at the knowledge of the employess that I talked to. As for knowledge on a reel. You could go to Basspro.com and click on each reel they usually have several reviews on every reel that the sell. After you narrow it down come back here and ask peoples opinion. I think there are some people in this Forum that have forgotten more about fishin than I will ever know. Go to BPS an make sure you allow plenty of time because you will find yourself wanting to stay all day and soak it in. It's nice just being around people that have the same intrests as you. Just don't spend too much money there. It's hard to have self control in that place. Have Fun and welcome back to the USA.

[smallmouthjoe]

Most of the guys at the reel counter seem to know their stuff, but one guy in particular is always really helpful and knows what he's doing. Alberto, when you go to BP walk up to the reel counter and ask for a man named Carl, he'll be able to get you a good reel that fits into your budget. And also I would suggest the same thing sore thumbs suggested, go on-line and read some of the customer reviews that are up. Good Luck

[Gary Lange]

I went Friday and planned to get the Carbonlite 7' Medium Action casting rod and matching Carbonlite reel but the had no reels. If you get the two as a combo you save $40.00 and I am all into saving $40.00.

[Dutch]

Carl, Mike or Sharon all know their stuff. In your price range the Shimano Citica is one heck of a reel.

I have been in several of the BPS stores. Just yesterday I was in the one in Council Bluffs Iowa. You could put it in the Spfd store and you wouldn't be able to find it for three days.