I agree with Spawnout.
I have been buying and selling over the Internet for more than 5 years with absolutely no problem --(hope by saying that, it's not a jinx )

1. Buy online only from co's that give you full contact info. Make sure their site is professional looking, uses secure credit card processing, and most importantly, their guarantee/return policy. Also remember that your credit card carrier protects you from any fraud. Realistically, there is no more risk than givng your card to a waiter at a restaurant.

2. Watch shipping/handling charges - BUT as mentioned above, consider your cost/time for going out to purchase in person AND the the convenience factor. How many times have you gone to a tackle store looking for a specific product only to find it sold out then traveled all over everywhere trying to find it somewhere else?

Dont mean to put down tackle stores at all. I still give lots of biz to my local guy, support the local economy etc, but sometimes buying online is safe, easy and convenient.

Finally, while he mentions Ebay as a good place to shop, (and I agree), there are many other places to find quality merchandise over the web also. Dont limit yourself to one source.

My experienced $0.02.