I agree totally with supporting your local tackle shops. if anything the internet is making them rethink there pricing. I know a few that used to gouge you pretty hard on the finer things in life. but i think most of us are smart shoppers and shop both locally and compare whats available on the net, we have some of the best shops here in our state for salmon and steelhead gear, and geared toward those species is there money makers, not many people buying catfish dough at walmart either. as far as ebay goes, i buy almost all my reels from a couple of power sellers that are hard to beat anywhere, and priced the same always. i have been buying abu garcia c4 for 50 bucks for two years from this guy and not had a problem (Gilberts PayLake) . check him out. so goes get your corkies at your local store, but shop for the big tickets where you can find the best deal. just my two pence. good god i have got to go fishing today, i am starting to sound like some others on this page.