| Massachusetts Striped Bass Association Since 1950 |
| SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BAIT & TACKLE SHOPS By Jim Dow If you've looked around over the last couple of years, you've probably noticed two things that should be of interest to fishermen of all ages and abilities, there are more and more big chain stores that offer everything from DVD movies to car batteries and less and less small bait and tackle shops. The problem with the big chain stores is that they are looking to sell volume and do not necessarily supply the buyer with the proper information about what gear to buy to create the right feel and fit to make the big catch. You don't get that one-on-one attention that as a consumer, you would like and are entitled to. More than once in a big chain store, I’ve seen a clerk helping someone find some fishing equipment and was called to help another customer in the dog food or bicycle aisle, this doesn't happen in the bait and tackle shops. These people are here for you, if you catch fish that day, they did their job. Don't get me wrong, I frequent these big chain stores at least once or twice most months, but it is extremely important that we, as anglers, support these local bait and tackle shops. Many of these local shops are big supporters of the Massachusetts Striped Bass Association and offer a discount to its members when they identify themselves as such when making a purchase. I live on the South Shore and have relatively easy access to a couple of these local shops and try to get all my fishing needs there. Not along ago, I spent some time at the Fore River Bait & Tackle shop and was just amazed at the knowledge that the owner Rick offered to each and every customer that came through the door. Not only did he answer every question asked of him from the proper times to fish to the proper fishing tide myths to what line to use, but he did so with a big smile and didn't finish until each customer was out of questions. This is similar to what you get when you go to Hull Bait & Tackle and speak with Laurel. She can tell you what to fish, when to fish and how long to fish there! The information and personal time that she is willing to spend with you to make sure you get the gear and information you need is what separates these shops from the big chain stores. Pete at Belsan's Bait Shop in Scituate has a tremendous inventory on-hand and if he doesn't have it, he can and will get for you. He can give you as much information of the fishing habits and activity on the South Shore as you'll need. His knowledge of the fishing in the area will make any fishing trip a more productive and enjoyable one. I could go on, but the bottom line is that you get better information and personal attention through these local shops that you will ever get from the big chain stores. Many times, these local stores carry the same or better equipment than the big stores. A lot of times, you'll get a better price from the local shops as well. Next time you go to one of the big chain stores, ask them if you get a discount because you are a member of the Massachusetts Striped Bass Association. I'll bet not. On a side note, I think that it's kind of a slap to the face of these local shops when you buy equipment from a big chain store and bring it to the local tackle shops for advice on how to use it or have new line put on them because the chain store couldn't provide you with what you needed. I'm sure they will do it, because it is all about the customers to them, but I don't think it's right. It's kind of like bringing your own hamburgers to McDonald's and asking them to cook it for you. These are my personal feelings on this matter, sorry if anyone disagrees with them, but thought it was important enough to mention. MSBA HOMEPAGE |