Academy Sports

[Stump bumper]

Seems to be a lot of wasted space in the fishing dept to me. There is a whole isle of zoom but non of the colors in the types I use, no redfins, some lucky craft but nothing that is really popular around here. Line takes up entire isle and less of selection than a Walmart.

I do like all the different spoons, but they seem to be spread around the entire department, I also like H2O lures but that is such a small selection almost not worth a trip.

I was really looking forward to having a big sporting goods store in Rogers, but two trips and I have everything I need from them for a year.

Anybody really excited still?

[skeeterp]

I'm dign it. I'm sure it will get better as they get feedback from shoppers, but I like it overall.

[Quillback]

I haven't been there yet, but I haven't heard any reasons to make the trip, Hook, Line and Sinker is a lot closer. And I usually will buy stuff online. I do hear that Academy has a good selection of athletic shoes, so when it comes time to get a new pair I'll probably make the trip.

[Ham]

I really like the one close to my Dad's house ESPECIALLY when I used to live relatively close to my Dad. Good sale prices. Excellant mark down/clearance prices.

They had Lunker City jigheads and hooks.

SOME of the H2O baits are GREAT and cheap.

The Zoom stuff was cheap compared to a lot of places and the color selection was very nice. The colors were right for that area.

Good selection of other hard baits and semi-regular sales on outboard motor oil at VERY cheap prices.

HOWEVER: I would be much better off not buying ANYTHING fishng related for several years.

[jeb]

I'm not impressed. I'd have to drive right by the Rogers Hook, Line and Sinker to get there, and it is just not worth it unless it's for something HLS doesn't carry, which is only one item I've found so far. Prices do not seem any better and, as stated, they don't seem to really have any better selection of most things. Higher end reels are almost non-existent there, and higher end rods are non-existent. I'd rather help out the local folks anyway, so there will be pretty much no change in my buying habits.

[gotmuddy]

Next to Bass Pro, Academy is my favorite place to buy tackle. Gander mountain has squat compared to Academy. I have been a big fan of the H20 lures especially because of the price.

[J-Doc]

Call me strange but I really like Sportsman's Warehouse and miss it very much. I didn't buy that much tackle there......well Ok I did buy a lot of stuff there but it's now stored away in my closet becuase I've learned more about color selection but I still really like the store. I liked the overall atmosphere and size of the store. There was a lot of stuff in it.

Academy has a little of everything in it from golf to camping to fishing and a little hunting stuff too. It's not going to be as good as the mom & pop shops or the local bait stores. GOSH I hope it never does because they could hurt the local business.

I'd rather keep supporting folks locally like Mobile Marine, Hook Line & Sinker, and when I can get down there, the store next to Lake Fayetteville. They have more selection thats catered to local lakes, better color selections, and more of the stuff you really need.

As for the H20 baits, I hear the action is slightly differen than LC but for the price, I'll buy a few of them and won't think twice about it. They have a decent selection overall for the "not so serious angler" such as ourselves. We keep the locals in business, not the big chains.

The Dad that wants to buy his girl or boy a fishing rod and take it out on their ski boat.........Academy is a good option for him vs. Walmart.

[gotmuddy]

Unfortunetly I have no good local options. Harps has about the same amount of stuff as wal-mart and Cranfield junction is NEVER open.

[denjac]

The Acadamy in Joplin started out kinda lean on fishing stuff, but now is fully stocked. They are lacking on spoon selection and upper end tackle,( they do carry luck craft) but for the most part its thumbs up. When I asked about getting certain things in, they said that coperate office dictates what they get and dont get. When they clearance stuff they dont mess around bought some spooks in there last year for $2.99. $80. insulated coveralls for $18. Falkon and all star rods seem to be the top of the line for them , but the do carry the higher dollar Shimono reels. For a large dept store its pretty good. Walmart fishing dept has nothing since they have come to town . I still prefer Mom and Pops, but not that many anymore.

[Stump bumper]

I guess we are spoiled here in Rogers with our local stores like Hook, Line and sinker. I can stop in there and if I don't find what I am looking for, I tell them and they will say stop by Thursday, then it is there and when those are gone they replace it. I also have picked up on serveral lures just because the people who have worked there have made money fishing those colors or baits in the local lakes.It's nice to get advice on boat repair, fishing conditions,hunting stories and a bag of worms with a free cup of coffee in one place, not to mention a good deal on a used rod or reel once in a while. I doubt if Academy will ever let us sell our old boats in front of thier store.

They did look to have a good selection of BBQ grills and other stuff, so I guess it's more like Wal-mart than a fishing store and I should just acccept that.

I would have to agree that I sort of miss Sportsmans, they did have good sales on higher end rods a lot, and a good selection of soft plastics and expected the same from academy.