Local Tackle Shops

[dtrs5kprs]

Thanks for all the responses on this. We usually run into Branson West for our initial grocery run, so buzzing down to KC & Ozarks Bait & Tackle should be pretty convenient. Looks like they've got a pretty good selection based upon their website.

Enjoy. Sorry we helped you spend more $$$.

[Champ188]

Short story about BPS at Branson. Was in KC for a Central Pro-Am derby a few years back and had practiced a couple of days. So when I went to respool a couple of reels on Friday night, I discovered I'd gotten away without the bag of line that I normally keep in the boat. Was after hours for the local shops, so Donna and I headed up to Branson to BPS, only to learn they had no 15-pound Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon. That's OK, I tell the sales dood, I'll take a couple spools of your 14-pound BPS brand. Nope, out of that, too. OK, I'll take 12-pound in either brand. Nope again, out of that, too. Got any 17? Struck out again. By this time I was so PO'd that I was about to blow so I just stormed out and drove to freakin' Springfield.

I mean, maybe I can see running out of a particular brand like Trilene. But you can't even keep your OWN STORE BRAND in stock? What the heck?

I'd like to say I've maintained my vow to never again darken the door of the Branson store, but I've been back a time or two and as I recall, I again came away without everything I went for.

I do my best to keep my business with the local tackle shops. But in case of an after-hours need, it would sure be nice to be able to get your BASIC needs like 15-pound fluorocarbon line from a place that touts themselves as the world's leading source for all things fishing.

[dtrs5kprs]

Short story about BPS at Branson. Was in KC for a Central Pro-Am derby a few years back and had practiced a couple of days. So when I went to respool a couple of reels on Friday night, I discovered I'd gotten away without the bag of line that I normally keep in the boat. Was after hours for the local shops, so Donna and I headed up to Branson to BPS, only to learn they had no 15-pound Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon. That's OK, I tell the sales dood, I'll take a couple spools of your 14-pound BPS brand. Nope, out of that, too. OK, I'll take 12-pound in either brand. Nope again, out of that, too. Got any 17? Struck out again. By this time I was so PO'd that I was about to blow so I just stormed out and drove to freakin' Springfield.

I mean, maybe I can see running out of a particular brand like Trilene. But you can't even keep your OWN STORE BRAND in stock? What the heck?

I'd like to say I've maintained my vow to never again darken the door of the Branson store, but I've been back a time or two and as I recall, I again came away without everything I went for.

I do my best to keep my business with the local tackle shops. But in case of an after-hours need, it would sure be nice to be able to get your BASIC needs like 15-pound fluorocarbon line from a place that touts themselves as the world's leading source for all things fishing.

Sorry to read of your similar experiences. Had almost the exact problem with line, except it was Seaguar #6 for me. You'd think it would be packed full of BPS branded items, but have struck out on their line, lead heads, name it. About the only time I stop there anymore is when we are at the Landing with the kids on vacation. Walking around the Landing in summer is about what it takes to make BPS Branson look good. If it is not locally available or too late I would much rather drive from Schooner to Springfield. Only another 15-20 minutes or so, and I at least have a chance of finding what I need.

[Wayne SW/MO]

yes the Reed Spring shop closed quite awhile ago. It was a good shop for TR, they didn't carry much that wasn't relevant.

Weather, this year it's actually closer to normal than last year, or so it seems.

Skip the Landing and take the kids downtown.

[dtrs5kprs]

yes the Reed Spring shop closed quite awhile ago. It was a good shop for TR, they didn't carry much that wasn't relevant.

Weather, this year it's actually closer to normal than last year, or so it seems.

Skip the Landing and take the kids downtown.

Trust me Wayne, I would gladly skip both...

[powerdive]

Pfffft! Try finding walleye gear around here, or anywhere within 400 miles.

[Quillback]

Short story about BPS at Branson. Was in KC for a Central Pro-Am derby a few years back and had practiced a couple of days. So when I went to respool a couple of reels on Friday night, I discovered I'd gotten away without the bag of line that I normally keep in the boat. Was after hours for the local shops, so Donna and I headed up to Branson to BPS, only to learn they had no 15-pound Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon. That's OK, I tell the sales dood, I'll take a couple spools of your 14-pound BPS brand. Nope, out of that, too. OK, I'll take 12-pound in either brand. Nope again, out of that, too. Got any 17? Struck out again. By this time I was so PO'd that I was about to blow so I just stormed out and drove to freakin' Springfield.

I mean, maybe I can see running out of a particular brand like Trilene. But you can't even keep your OWN STORE BRAND in stock? What the heck?

I'd like to say I've maintained my vow to never again darken the door of the Branson store, but I've been back a time or two and as I recall, I again came away without everything I went for.

I do my best to keep my business with the local tackle shops. But in case of an after-hours need, it would sure be nice to be able to get your BASIC needs like 15-pound fluorocarbon line from a place that touts themselves as the world's leading source for all things fishing.

Probably a good thing they were out of BPS floro, I once bought a spool of that stuff, if you breathed on it, it broke. Worst floro I've ever fished. I will NEVER buy BPS floro again.

[Bill Babler]

Big Cedar, usually carries really a wonderful ammount of stuff that is revelent to Table Rock, in their marina. Trouble is you cannot buy it if your not a guide or staying there. I'm hoping that Long Creek, will stock a good supply of Table Rock baits.

You all know how I most of the time feel about Bass Pro and their stuff, but I harbor no hard feeling for the merchandise they carry at the landing.

" It is not for us." It is for tourist. They just cannot have much line and stuff there that gets old. Especially Bass stuff. Champ was probably the only customer in the past 8 yrs. that wanted some bass line. Which has been pointed out is pretty questionable to begin with.

Went in there yesterday after I called them to make sure they had an item. We have been usiing the 3-3/4 inch RCSTX on White bass. We are replacing the rings and hooks as the hooks immediatly break and the rings straighten out even with 6 poiund line, but they did have those baits.

Funny deal the sales person immediatly starts telling me how to fish the bait and what it will catch. I asked where the split rings were and he told me how good the ones on the bait were. I finaly got a dose of him and asked "Kid, have you ever fished this bait?" He said "Well no, but I know what it suspose to do and how good the bait is." The only split rigs they had were BP so I passed on them. Asked if he had any Owner or Dainelson and he said they were not as good as the BP. I just said thanks and went to the register to pay. He was more than clueless. The rings on the friggin bait that were gettng pulled straight were BP. My Gosh.

I'm off to the river.

Good Luck

[dtrs5kprs]

All of the big stores have trouble meeting the needs of the local markets. Cabelas has always been about the worst to me, unless you never fish and suddenly need to outfit an Alaska trip. The BPS stores in Kansas City do a decent job with the Truman / LOZ / KS walleye and crappie crowd, but good luck if you need some TR goodies. Guess that leaves the niche open for the little guy / pro shop. Wish we had a few more of them. Thank goodness for Tackle Warehouse.

[Topwater TRL]

Since the ownership change, Jug & Plug in Shell Knob has been carrying a better selection of soft plastics, terminal stuff and cranks. Actually, they have a nice selection of what the local guy wants with the exception of line, rods or reels. The liquor and beer selections are also premo fyi.