Had a family Christmas yesterday 30mins east of toledo and decided to surprise the kids and hit bass pro when it opened. My kids have never been to one of these stores so their 1st time was pretty enjoyable like most kids. I had a gift card from awhile ago to possiby use. My list of items i had in mind were not in stock that i wanted to use the money toward. We spent an hour and a half looking throughout the store but nothing hit me as a want or need. I would have easily bought alot of fishing items if i had to spend the card but will save it for in stock items on the internet. My wife didnt have anything in her arms when we joined up at the end which i was shocked to see. I almost purchased the butt out tool but held off. I didnt really see a good price or sales on anything. I wasnt expecting much being post holiday and deer season....i hope to see the glory days of when these stores opened someday. At that time everything was available creating a kid in a candy store feeling for sportsmen even without sales. I am glad we stopped.
my favorite mount, -THE PERFECT EATER!!!
waiting on dad in the reloading section...we did manage to drop 45 dollars at culvers next door....
Bass pro cableas experience post pandemic
- Thread starter Bowkills
- Start date
Stressless
Active Member
Bass pro ruined Cabelas. I used to drive the MWR van from Colorado Springs (Perterson AFB) to the Sidney Nebraska Cabelas, cost $5 to ride in the van, 6 hours one way, back ... ohh 92-94 to experience the awe those stores held. Simply a wonderful experience. Glad they still bring families in but you're right the "Bargain Cave" and other great things of old have gone away. Bass pro is the walmart of sporting goods and brought Cabelas down to their level.
Love it man! My kids still have that same look in the place and they've been hundreds of times. It has become a destination when we go places. I should've grabbed pics at the alaska one but I guess not cherishing the moments anymore got away from me. Thanks for bringing me back. 
Exactly how I feel, I always thought Caleb's stuff was a little nicer and better made than Bass pro, but not anymore. I really miss the bargain cave.
Ohiosam
*Supporting Member*
I was at the Wheeling Cabelas in spring of 2021 and the one just north of Cincinnati in August of 2021, very underwhelming experiences. We were crossing the turnpike this summer and I considered going the Dundee but really had not pull based on my experiences since Bass Pro bought them.
One funny moment was had. My boy did go to a store i with my inlaws prior to this trip. My father in law said to my son if you can find the bat that is mounted in the bass pro stores you when a price....so i didnt know this search was happening as i was off by myself. My wife asked an employee about finding the bat mount for a prize after searching the store with my kids. She had a wtf look on her face instantly. She hadnt heard of such a thing in ten years of employment....haha
The Dundee store is worth the stop. Totally different than the other 2 you mentioned. I'm guessing you've been before though.
I liked the cabela’s brand chamois shirts. I’ve always wore them prior too bass pro buying them out. Last time I looked at them, they were half the thickness and a lot more expensive.
Bigcountry40
Member
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Bigcountry40
Member
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Prior to the buy out, I visited several Bass pros- NC , Toronto and Atlanta and obviously Toledo,- Toledo always sucked and been smaller, but I feel like bass pros got shitty in the mid 2010s. Early 2000s bass pro had a lot of quality stuff and various brands. Like many have stated cabelas was awesome prior to the buy out
Right before the holidays they jacked up the price on a reel I’m switching over too. Raised it $10. Now most other retailers had it at the price $10 cheaper. Got some gift cards for bass pro and now if I want the price of other retailers I have too call a 1-800 # too tell them it’s cheaper at other places. Like they don’t already know this, and they just hope too make an extra profit off of those who don’t know about it….
Bigcountry40
Member
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- 137
Start gifting them back. I did that a few years back and I'm finally to the point of receiving nothing. I love it. I buy what I want for myself. I don't need a bunch of unwanted shit laying around. Want to gift me something, come share a 30 rack with me or just some time. Fuck your gift card or coffee mug.
The greatest gift of all can't be given away or back, that's time. Maybe that little tidbit should be in the thread about life lessons.
I haven't stepped foot in Ass Pro in years and I can see it from my bedroom window.
Screw bass pro. With that store being within 30 minutes of the best freshwater fishing lake in the world you would think they would stock more walleye fishing gear than they do. The happy hooker carries more walleye gear that guys actually use on lake erie than bass pro. Price wise the hooker or fin feather fur is usually better. Bass pro is a neat place to take kids to look around at the cool scenery. I will give them that.
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