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Bass pro cableas experience post pandemic

Bowkills

Well-Known Member
2,577
85
Nw oh
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.
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my favorite mount, -THE PERFECT EATER!!!
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waiting on dad in the reloading section...we did manage to drop 45 dollars at culvers next door....
 

Stressless

Active Member
2,128
85
Keene, OH
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.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
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. 👍🏾
 

Clay Showalter

Southern member northern landowner
6,401
145
Guilford County
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.
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.
 
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Ohiosam

*Supporting Member*
11,708
191
Mahoning Co.
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.
 

Bowkills

Well-Known Member
2,577
85
Nw oh
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
 
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giles

Cull buck specialist
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.
The Dundee store is worth the stop. Totally different than the other 2 you mentioned. I'm guessing you've been before though.
 

mike hunt

Junior Member
380
61
Just like most things today, a total down grade. I haven't been to the Dundee store for awhile, the one in Avon sucks.
 
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Bigcountry40

Member
4,555
127
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
 

"J"

Git Off My Lawn
Supporting Member
56,743
274
North Carolina
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….
 
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Bigcountry40

Member
4,555
127
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….
I’ve told all family member to stop buying cabelas cards
 

Clay Showalter

Southern member northern landowner
6,401
145
Guilford County
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.
All the more reason to not give gifts
 

GoetsTalon

Senior Member
Supporting Member
4,294
128
Walbridge oh
My final time was when I was searching for a kayak. They are a Old Town dealer so I ask the guy in that department if they could get the model I was looking for. He tells me to call 1-800 basspro to find out lol. I walked and said never again.
 
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Gern186

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
10,171
201
NW Ohio Tundra
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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