Actually, business reports confirm that the "big box store" mentality has run its course just like the mega-malls.

Walmart sales at the megastores are down and they are looking at downsizing their stores. It turns out that once a store gets to a certain size, it loses its appeal and a good chunk of business.

There are obviously a lot of people just like me. I don't want to park a mile from the store, hike in, walk another mile through a hundred aisles just to find the one little item I want. I'd much rather go to a tiny store and pay a bit more.

These huge box stores have created opportunity for the little guy again. The big stores can't afford to stock the high quality, low volume items that a little specialty store can.

As for Cabelas... sure I'll go. Some day when the crowds don't look to bad and I have some time to kill.....

One example from me is a bird supply store that I frequent. The bird feeders, houses, food etc.. that are available at the big box stores are crap. If I want quality stuff, I have to go to the specialty store.

If you have the knowledge and the guts.... there is room for a high quality specialty fishing store. I'd go there....provided it was in a good location.