Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

[John_S]

Just curious: for those of you that have been in both, which do you prefer and why? Also, because all stores are not created equal, list the locations.<br /><br />I recently was in both the Bass Pro in Harrisburg Pa, and Cabelas in Hamburg Pa. I'd give the nod to Cabelas, for more displays, and more and larger aquiriums. While they both have very large fishing departments, I think Cabelas still covers multi-species better. BP wins for Bass only guys. If you want to oggle boats, BP wins there too. <br /><br />I have not been to the Auburn NY Bass Pro yet, but am told it is smaller than Harrisburg. I have been to the Cabelas south of the twin cities, MN. I'd say the Hamburg store is a little larger, and don't remember it having a large African animal display. <br /><br />So which stores have you been to, and what were your impressions?

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

Been to Cabelas in Hamburg and BP in Maryland. As far as fishing I give the nod to BP. Thats not say Cabelas does not have a wide variety of gear, they do. One thing about Cabelas are the prices. They are high on almost everything especially their guns. I always look at the stuff they have on sale , there you can get some deals.<br /><br />I live way to close to the place

 

[JB]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

BPS in Grapevine and Cabelas in Ft. Worth (Alliance).<br /><br />Cabelas for the Bargain Cave, aquaria, trout pools and the gun gallery.<br /><br />BPS for regionally oriented and bass oriented inventory.

 

[skeeterboy]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

I have never been to BPS, BUT id take cabelas over it ANYTIME. The one here is a joke and the one in springfield isnt much better. Managment treats people like there idiots and the people that work there are. I should have to help costomers out when I go to a BPS, but when I go in there and a worker doesnt know where their product is thats a problem.

 

[koolerb]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

I've been to the BPS in Harrisburg, Dallas and Auburn. I've been to the Cabela's in Hamburg, PA. The Auburn, NY BPS store is a little smaller than the rest, over all I like the BPS stores a little better. <br /><br />I can’t really hold it against them, just luck of the draw for sales people I guess. But my first time in a Cabela’s, I went in to buy a new freshwater reel. The salesman at the reel counter was absolutely useless, no help what so ever. I ended up over at BPS and the salesman over there did a great job helping me pick out a reel. Also, a clerk at the BPS in Auburn was very helpful in helping me pick out some jerk bait colors for the local upstate NY waters.

 

[John_S]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

JB, how would you compare their Muskie isles? <br /><br />From a sales person knowledge standpoint, the only question I've asked, and usually after circling a few times, where can I find X? Didn't have a problem at either store.<br /><br />The Harrisburg BPS and I believe the Auburn BPS are in malls, which may limit their size??? I did hear that one is scheduled for Buffalo area. After completion, will have to go visit the Falls for a weekend again. <br /><br />The Hamburg and Twin-cities Cabela's are out away from town, and other eateries and hotels seem to crop up around them. The TC Cabelas, had a decent steak house near by.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

I've been to the BPS at Islamorada, Florida and the Cabela's at Lehi, Utah. Both very nice, but Cabela's does a great job with decor, stock, and service.

 

[JB]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

Muskie aisles?<br /><br />Cabelas, hands down.

 

[rosco_59]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

Never been to a BPS so I can not say, Cabela's in Washington, PA did it real nice. but I will say I love all sporting goods stores. I could spend hours in them.

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

i buy fishing stuff from both most prices are the same.i really dont have a favorite.but ive give the 2 my money.i was impressed with bp in springfeild.i thiught it was cool never been two cabelas.maybe this year.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

I've been to BPS in Auburn NY once and Harrisburg PA several times. I usually go to Cabelas in Hamburg a few times a year (about 1 1/2 hr drive.)<br /><br />Cabelas is more family friendly with taxidermy displays, shooting range, clothing, etc. which maintains the interest of my wife and kids while I take care of my tackle shopping business. Cabelas also seems to afford a little more value since they are often sending me a coupon for $20 or more off my next retail purchase. The bargain cave is also a good opportunity to pick something up for reduced price. The Hamburg Cabelas has an entire row of Muskie baits.<br /><br />I have a bitter taste toward the Harrisburg BPS since they sent me a sale flyer last year. When I went to purchase the items listed in their flyer, they didn't have half of it in stock. I usually stop if I am passing by but don't make it a point to be a special trip like I do for Cabelas.

 

[John_S]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

While both stores have schedules when pro staff come in, and when seminars are held, I have not seen either. Probably because I am usualy stopping during a week day. My son and a friend, saw a pro staffer demoing lures in the tank, at the Auburn BPS. After, the demo, he took about 45 minutes and showed them the lures, discussed presentations, and discussed other aspects of bass fishing. My son and friend apreciated the one on one time.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

I've never been to either one of them in person but have bought lots from both. I don't prefer one over the other because they each carry stuff that the other don't. Sometime I'll buy from BPS because they have what I want and sometime I'll buy from Cabelas because they have what I wants and BPS don't have it.

 

[one more cast]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

Neither store near me but a couple days ago I went into a sporting goods store and who was running the hunting/fishing dept. none other then my ex brother in-law. The same guy that brought his deer rifle to me because he couldn't get it sighted in. I spotted the problem from 50 feet away. He mounted his scope with muffler strap and wood screws.

 

[John_S]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

gonefishie, I highly recommend getting to one of the retail stores. Doesn't matter which. You will think you have died and gone to fishing heaven! For me, the first one was the MN Cabela's. For the 3-4 hours I was there, was beaming ear to ear. This was "my" Mall of America! <br /><br />The purpose of the post was just to get different opinions, not to say one was better than other. As far as I know, both are not available in one city, anyway. I certainly don't pass up the opportunity to go to either.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

I have been to three different Bass Pro's and they were all pretty much alike, each fishing department focusing more on local preferences.<br />One in Florida was saltwater oriented, Cincinatti more broader, inland and river appeal, Pontiac Michigan, emphasised Great Lakes fishing, salmon, walleye and inland lakes fishing.<br /><br />Cabellas here is without a doubt a larger retail venue, more selection than BASS, especially clothing. The store is always layed out with seasonal emphasis. The fishing department here also offers anything a local fisherman needs as well as the fishing requirements elsewhere.<br /><br />I prefer Cabellas.

 

[blackwaterstout]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

Originally posted by bob jr:<br /> Never been to a BPS so I can not say, Cabela's in Washington, PA did it real nice. but I will say I love all sporting goods stores. I could spend hours in them.

I assume you are talking about the Wheeling WV Cabelas? The only outdoor store in Washington is Gander Mountain. It has a lot of nice merchandise but it's not pretty <br /><br />I've been to the Cabelas in Wheeling and the Bass Pro in Springfield, MO. I like the BPS better, but Cabelas is cool too.

 

[cart7]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

I've never been in a cabela's but their fishing equipment selection seems pretty weak.<br /><br />If I was looking for hunting or outdoor clothes though, that'd be the first place I stopped.

 

[xxxxxx]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

BP in Sringfield Missouri...big store...intresting...I look for what I need only and if on sale...need more sales staff..they use to have outlet store great prices there<br />Cabela's near St. Paul Min. nice big store...items on sale fair prices...larger sales staff I think. Cave is good<br />Of the two BP more fun in Springfield than other stores that they have.There are 10 to 20 tour buses a day summer time.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Poll: Cabelas or Bass Pro Retail Store

I live near Clarksville,Indiana where BPS just opened a new store. I was there the morning they opened for the Grand Opening Sale. BPS did not have in stock 6 separate sale items that I wanted and this was on opening day at 6:00 AM.<br /><br />I e-mailed Corporate Offices and eventually received a $25.00 gift card for my complaint.